Ernest,
I'm looking for a decent car to purchase for Zack.
My options:
1. An early model 928, Auto., 81- 83'
2. A 96 - 99 full sized Caddy, they are in the $8 -12K range, V-8, auto, plush, airbags all around, zillions of em' out there.
3. 929 Mazda. Magnificent cars, fit, finish, comfort unparalled. Cheap! And we thought the sHARk values were depressed -they were $34-37K in the early 90's
4. Recent option -check it out- Ebay auto>Dodge>others (was looking at the old full sized Polara's with big block 383 ci, 4bbl)> Magnum the red critter with 16K on the clock.
Keep in mind he's 16 with Mitsu rice tastes -He just hit 6'1" and is uncomfortably tall in the Camaro, Stang, Firebird and Mitsu, though he does love the sHARK - whoda thunk?-. But for safety/dependability I'm leaning towards the newer, big or mid-sized lead sleds.
Don't know why but the Magnum really caught my eye, enlarge those flicks.
I'm not worried about insurance costs but am concerned about putting my one and only son behind the wheel of a 928 unattended Thought's, Ideas?
Later,
John S.

 

John.

I used to Have a 1969 Dodge Polara 500 Convertible. It was an awesome car. It did have the 383, but silly me bought and R&R'd a 426 Hemi, yes a HEMI. The weakest part of the car is the steering knuckle, they wear out easily, and not many around either.

 

I grew up in rural Idaho and learned how to drive in a big Polara, thing was like a tank. My brothers and I would be sideways through every corner (gravel roads), it's no wonder Pops only bought cheap bias ply tires.

 

John -

My 13 year old (who is CONVINCED that he will be driving an '85 EURO to school the day he is 16 {WRONG!!!}) wants to know if you'll adopt him!

I agree with your thinking, tho. The 'land yachts' provide an awful lot of protection. Have you considered an older Volvo?

BTW - My son WILL be driving a shark the day he gets his learners permit - at DE's and AX's. 1 - great training for when he needs it, and 2 - Tends to get your ya-ya's out at the track.

 

It doesn't really matter what kind of car he gets; he is at the age where hot rodding is the "cool" thing, even if it is in a Pinto. Let him have the 928 if that is what he wants. However, you need to teach him to respect it and take care of it. IMHO, it's just like have a firearm in the house. You teach them how to use it, clean it, and respect it and you can pretty much not worry about him abusing it.

 

John,

Another option would be a 924 NA. 95 to 125 HP but light weight. Right now they are very underpriced so a lot of them are being sold off for parts. There is one near here that is in good condition but needs a headgasket or valves with an asking price of $500. Another advantage to getting a 924 is that once he is proficient in repairing it, you could start him working on the 928. I would even offer to sell my 924 turbo (1 bar) but it wouldn't be proper that your son would have a faster car than his dad.

Dennis

 

Hey John,
Just got back from visiting Pam's family in Cleveland. The next time I want this much fun I'll have a hemorrhoid operation!!
1. How important is dependability?
If he needs something that will unload the old man from chauffeur duties the ricer route is the way to go.
2. How badly has he been infected with dad's DIY bug?
Does he want a plug and play car, or does he want something he can wrench himself?
3. Will this be a project for Zack, Zack and Dad, or Dad?
4. Safety rules out the Polara. Poor handling, poor safety ameneties, too much power for a 16 year old. See # 3.
5. An OB 928 would be nice, but dependability and cost of maintenence might be an issue.
6. A CADDY??

 

Shane & Doz,
I had one, too!
White with cream/gold interior, with the coveted 'Work Bench'/Drivein theater, front seat, 383ci. Never had a lick of trouble out of it.
Mark,
Zackazilla drives Pattycakes to school at least twice a week with me as the co-pilot. FWIW When Zack gets out of the sHARk I have noticed -ever observant Father Unit- that even some of the HOT senior girls look at Zack, then the car, then Zack with that not so demure "I'd do him" gaze. hmmmm ... Gotta have that talk soon ...
Cobey,
Yep! I'd be a fool not to recognize the first signs of lead footitis.
Fortunately, some of his bud's have already trashed a car to some degree and are now afoot... I hope he get's the connection. In any case there is no immediate danger of me selling his bicycles.
I think it's kind of pot luck when it comes to growing a ticket free kid, girls have caught up to the boys for suspensions out here...
Dennis,
The 924 is a good idea, how's it for size 6'1 and growing ... I know you have been having trouble with head room, I heard it was all swelled up after you Oakie's flogged Texas Tech, especially after what happened to A&M (Oh, the shame).
Ern,
Since I am lame. Go to Ebay Motors>Dodge>Others> MAGnum and look at that Red puppy with 16K. I'm tempted to fly up there.
As to the Caddy... Pimpin' ain't easy ... besides I like the airbags

 

Buy the Dodge ----for yourself. Get Zackzilla something safe.

 

John,

My ex son in law who was 280 lbs and 6'3" had no problem driving my 80 model 924.

Wasn't going to bring up the football thing but now that you mention it...... I will say that Texas sure has some talented football players. Too bad they have to go to Oklahoma to find good coaching.

Dennis

 

When I was 16 I talked my parents into replacing the '65 Ford Custom 500 with a 1970 Plymoth Fury III with the 383 (like the local Wyoming HPD.)

The first time two buddies and I were allowed out we went straight for the Interstate and buried (it stopped) the spedometer at 135 MPH. We didn't know anything about bias ply tires. When we got back my dad looked at the odometer and then his watch. The look on his face told me he knew there were more miles than minutes gone.

The big bench front seat precluded crawling into the back for sex.

One night we rounded a 45% bend in the rain at 80 MPH, did a 360 degree rotation without leaving the pavement, and were so impressed that we didn't slow down.

I survived this car without injuring anybody or the car, however the potential is there; handeling, traction, braking etc. is not.

The Polaris is cool and valuable to those that don't understand a Porsche, however it has less business on the raod now than does my first car; a '63 VW Bug.

The $500 924 looks like a great choice IMHO. The VWee taught me how to turn wrenches. If it took me two attempts to fix something it was still cheaper than having it done.