Overhaulin'

The best car for a 16 year old boy?

I get my license in about 30 days and i have no idea what car I want to get. I may be receiving my stepdad's old 2004 GMC sierra extended cab, but more recently his sister is getting rid of her 1997 acura. My mom has been telling me that I most likely will be getting that car, but I really dont want it. It is white and looks like the most girly car I have ever seen. Also, my stepdad's father just got a brand new truck and I may be getting his 2000 Ford truck. I can not stand the way Ford trucks look, especially the older models. Not to mention that I am terrible at driving larger cars, I've been practicing the entire 6 months on our BMW. Also, I have the option of persuading my dad into buying me a car. But I have no idea what car would be best for me. I'm not exactly sure what price range I have, but I know both sides of my family have a lot of money (my dad buys classic cars almost every week). I get straight A's and have never gotten a B on a report card to this day, so I feel as though I am deserving of a good car. All of the other "cool kids" and alot of my friends have nice cars to drive to school already. 2 have Hummer H3, one has a brand new 2008 red BMW, there's a brand new cadillac sedan, and many nice jeep wranglers. There are also alot of Nissan 350z's. But another thing I have to take into mind is that if I get into the university of my choosing and move out of my city, my stepdad and mom agreed to buy me whatever car I wanted. So I'm stuck on what I should do. I'm afraid that if I have my dad buy me a car, then the chances of me getting a nice nice car when I graduate will go down. But I'm also afraid that if I have to drive the old acura and ford that I wouldn't fit in and I would have troubles parking it in the tight compact spaces of the student parking lot and end up making a fool of myself. What should I do? I've been looking on the Internet day and night trying to find cars for sale somewhere near central California. I really like the Nissan 350z between 2003-2007, and also the madza3 hatchback. I just want a sporty looking car that I can get around town in easily and fast, and that is comfortable for me to drive and that I could call my own. What should I do, and do you have any suggestions on the car I should try to buy?

Public Comments

1. Try a BMW 1 or 3 series. Their relatively cheap, sporty, and comfortable. If you don't like them, try an older version of the 3 series, like a 2006 model. - hope you find what you're looking for!
2. Unless you have lots of it, think money. Think about maintenance costs. How much do tires cost? What about insurance? How easy is it to change the oil? From my point of view, think function rather than appearance. If it reasonably gets you from point A to point B, then go for the cheap car. Whatever you don't have to pay for can go for dates and fun.
3. You seem to like cars so I'm going to suggest a 1998 Nissan 240sx. Get this car, learn how to work on it, and upgrade it. Not only will this car go crazy fast but you can smoke every kids car if tuned right and you will earn respect for knowing how to work on a car and not just being spoiled and buying a fastish car. Oh shit you live in Central California never mind because California has stupid laws on modifying a car, you can't do it. (I live in Santa Monica). I personally would recommend buying a crappy car. This is what my parents did and it's making me a better driver. I say spend 5-10 grand on a used car wait till you go to college and get your self a new BMW.
4. A nice looking car would be that 350Z. Small and can fit into those tight parking spots. If you want compact, low-priced, and nice, I'd recommend that 350Z. Any kind of coup would be good.
5. You get straight A's??? Your teacher must be a douchebag because you write like a fifth grader! I would suggest a 3 series sedan like the new 328xi, it will be more practical than a 1 series especially if you plan on bringing it to college and has a great mix of everything.
6. Well it depends... Get a nice car and do not worry about it, then get a 2 year old BMW, Mercedes or Nissan that is coming back off lease. You can get these at the dealership and they will be willing to negotiate on them now. Especially with economy the way it is. Probably a good time to buy. Most are still backed by the factory warranty, low miles and clean. If you like to work on cars and make it your own I would look at any type of tuner car that you may prefer (not my specialty). My preference would be a 1975 to 1985 Porsche 911. You can get it cheap enough and many are clean so all you have to do is make it nicer. It is not a typical ride but it is sporty and performance oriented as well as cheap enough to experiment on. As far as what is good for a 16 year old well that depends on you. When I was 16 I could drive anything that would move and was good at it. Remember it is a privileged and this can be lost to your parents, insurance and the state. To drive well takes practice. I would get the car that is appropriate to your driving skills. A performance car can get you in trouble... Had to say that since I am an adult and need to set a good example.
7. 1. wouldnt fit in? its a car 2. if you get a nice car now, youll be sad in 2 years that you wont get a nice car?
8. If your dad buys you whatever car you want now at 16 why would it matter a few years later if you still using and driving the car you got this year. I’d suggest just taking the 1997 acura. Honestly since you’re young and new to driving if you get into an accident or something you will not bash up a new nicer car. If someone doesn’t like you because of the type of car you drive they are clearly snobbish and probably not worthy of your friendship. I know a guy when he turned 16 his dad gave him his old SUV Explorer. Then when he graduated they got him a BMW most have been a 2004 because that when he graduated high school, he still drives that car and he just graduated college this past May. Be happy that you’re even getting a car not everyone gets a car when the turn 16.