samsnead

You could also try a 96-99 Maxima, I've owned 2 over the past 7 years(although my ownership on the last one was cut short). I sold my first with over 220,000 miles and it still got great gas mileage and didnt burn a drop of oil. Maintenance was only fluids, plugs and pads, I had a sensor go once, thats about it.

kjr914

Take stock of their driving skill....perhaps you want to start with a "disposable" old beater car for the first 2 years, with the promise of a better car at 18, *IF* the car is not involved in any accidents or any tickets.

Honda Civic - cheap-ish, long lasting, reliable, not enough power to get the kid in trouble. I've got 177k & 15+ years on mine that I bought (brand new) back in college and its the best car investment I've ever made (& best I'll probably EVER make).

Subi's are in the same category as the civic for me....good reliable, tough cars. Just NOTHING with a turbo....bad idea for a 16 y.o.

Of course, my parents bought me a '76 Porsche 914 2.0L for $4K when I turned 16...not sure WHAT they were thinking! And look what THAT started!!!!!

95 C4 993

Here is a good link for the top 10 cars, for teens, under $10k. Granted its 3 years old but probably puts these cars closer to the price range your looking at.

http://www99.epinions.com/content_2083233924

Falcondrivr

He won't get killed in this: Just remember to remove all the seats but the driver's...

Adam5oh

Ford SVT Contour... I've got one as my DD and it's one of the best cars I've ever owned. BMW like handling and power at a fraction of the cost. Of course, it doesn't have the refinement of the 3 series, and it's wrong wheel drive, but it is a great bang for the buck. Whatever you do, make him learn to drive stick if he doesn't know already, and get him something fun.... no Civics or Corollas!

Porsche917K

If he's into working on cars then a Datsun 510 is a nice choice. They're fun little cars that are very simple and parts are cheap/available. They are also basically indestructable.

95 C4 993

Hard top in the winter, convertible in the summer--best of both worlds.

Dudley

1965 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible. Worked for me.

Mark in Baltimore

Have VW's gotten anymore reliable, especially regarding the electrics? I have heard from over half a dozen owners, hardly a statistically significant random sample, and they all expressed consternation at their VeeDub's reliability issues.

sdcabrio

I would lean toward a good, clean, Asian 4cyl. I'm thinking used Civic, Corolla, Camary, etc.. Dependable and good on gas.

My older son is only 6, but if he were 10 years older I'd be thinking a used, Asian, 4cyl pickup for him. It would be cheap, reliable, good on gas, he couldn't take many passengers (2 max) with him and I COULD BORROW IT whenever I need a truck .

99three

That was good.

David in LA

brings back memories of highschool...they were great cars to mod and AX...man I wish I had one back then (wouldn't mine having one now actually!)

theykallmekem

n/a late model 944 FTW. lol that is my first car (and still is ahahaha) but before that was my 94 jeep grand cherokee

but for seriousness, used early model subarus or a recent VW for safety. you cannot go wrong with the subaru, those run like rocks.

Steve 96C4S

What does HE want? If it were me, I wouldn't want a Civic of Corolla if I had a choice. I wouldn't get him a much older 3 series because I think they'll handle like crap in the winter snows and I do believe they would cost alot to maintain.

I second the idea of a used Maxima. The 2 I had were awesome and very cheap to maintain. In the snow, they'll at least go, a bit. And, they look kind of "hot" for a 4 door sedan, if it wasn't abused.

An AWD makes alot more sense if you're doing winter driving, so the Subaru might be good for that, though I never liked their styling much. Sorry guys, just not a Subie fan.

It's all good,
Steve R

polaris 993 sport

Hey everyone thanks for the help!
I had a old bronco , very tippy and the 3 series is a piece of crap. I have family members that still love them even though they fall apart from the inside out! I would go for mini or Subaru. Both look cool, not too fast, good mpg. Also unless you go up too mt Ashland , their is not much snow in town. Just blaaaaaaaaaacckkkkkkkkk iccceee!
The good news is, he is in no rush. Here in Ashland you can get away with having no car.
So I am slowing him down till the right car appears.
If anyone should see a great deal in our area, please forward it on.
One can always use help from a gang of Porsche nuts! cheers