dcrasta

FWD makes good first cars, very forgiving.
He gets the need for speed, take him to some DE track day events.
Groom him carefully so he will be a safe driver and not one of these self-absorbed idiots cruising in the left lane on the cell phone..

bogdann

You and your wife know your son and should be able to judge what car is appropriate for him.

Whatever you do get him some advanced driving lessons. Not sure of the system in US but there is a big focus on speed in Australia but we don't teach people to drive at speed, usually only suburban driving, and we don't teach them what to do when they lose control of the car in cornering and braking situations.

Realistically you can kill yourself in anything.

snoz

True, but some vehicles will get you into a bad situation a lot quicker than others.

Bjbpe

When I was that age (I know, I know, every old dude says that) I spent one summer working in a millionair's garden for four hours, delivered newspapers for two hours, and worked in a gas station pumping fuel (remember those days? That died in the late sixties) for 3 - 4 hours. On weekends I set pins in a bowling alley. I ended up buying a 1936 Oldsmobile coupe; this was in 1951. With all of that work, it was still all I could afford. It couldn't get above 70 mph but it was all mine. Maybe if you put the arm on him to do the above, he may buy something sensible (not that all of us 928 owners aren't sensible). Hey, how about my using the term dude. Maybe I'm not that old after all.

Sharkbody

Dude, that "John Boy" anecdote was awesome. Second choice would be to work as life guard or caddy at the club, find a girlfriend on the wait staff and attend a Barrett Jackson auction with mom and dad together so you could all have input. That way, you initially avoid license points while riding with others, observing their mistakes and foster domestic harmony during the selection process. G

17prospective buyer

Lol, this thread is funny.

Tony320

Remind your wife that, in many states, mom and dad, as owners of reckless teen's car, are financially responsible for any damage he may cause.

Texbuckeye

I already did. We have decided to remove supercharger and install roll bar.

69gaugeman

<sidebar> I had a ford fiesta that wouldn't die! that huge cast iron block was such a heat sink I drove for six months WITH NO COOLANT! the water pump moved around enough air to cool the damn thing as long as you were moving 30km/h or more. Included running up the rocky mountains as well in summer! Man the little car was a blast. <\sidebar>

jeff spahn

1991 Honda CRX Si. Two seats so he can't tow the friends around. Reasonably quick, for the era that is. Stupid expensive to fix in a rear end crash. He can rice it out to his hearts content and it will still only have 150 hp or so. (discounting nitrous, turbos, etc).

Bought one new in 1990. Was a good, dependable car and I didn't have to cart my buddies around.

whiteNSXs

1991 CRV Si is one of my all time favorites. These little pocket rockets are very fun to drive. I had a 1985 CRX Si in school and enjoyed it tremendously. However, the car is quite flimsy and safety is a big concern.
Steve

whiteNSXs

Brad,
I tried to send you a PM but it is not possible. Do you have more pics of your gorgeous 1986.5 928? Is it a manual or automatic?
How long have you had it?
Thanks,
Steve

17prospective buyer

Better yet, get a 8-5 job... that teaches money responsibility, AND time management.

jej3

My 13 year old is getting hands on with a 1987 924S. The 924 won't be a popular passenger hauler nor will it set any speed records. After we improved it cosmetically (inexpensively), I suggested we flip it for an extra $500-1000. He said, "No Dad, that's my car. I've put work into it and have plans for it. I want to keep it." I think the most sound advice I see here is make the child work for whatever he/she drives. I am thankful I've gotten a head start and that we have a list of projects longer than my arm on the 924s. They'll provide memories and hopefully instill a greater sense of ownership.

Good Luck!

MattCarp

I read this thread a week ago amazed that you'd put a teenage driver behind the wheel of a powerful car.

I thought many chimed in who had the same thoughts I'd express, but last night, a family in a city near me learned the hard way: Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Alpharetta Teen Ferrari Driver

• A teenager simply isn't experienced enough as a driver to be able to handle any car in all the situations that can present themselves.
• A powerful car can get you into trouble a lot easier and faster than a four-banger
• Most, and I mean MOST teenagers/young adults just don't have the judgment and discipline to keep from screwing around. Besides, they feel invincible at that age.

I wouldn't take the chance that he'd destroy someone's life - his, or some unlucky, innocent person.

Let him drive the sportscar with you at the track. Not as his toy.