911Dave

I have a big problem with giving a 16 year old a nice car. That's spoiling them. I didn't get my first car until I was 19, and it was a piece of junk that I paid for with my own money that I earned. My parents were rich (old money), and they knew better. I am glad they did.

Second problem I would have is giving a 16 year old girl a car that has any semblance of performance. A young inexperienced driver needs a car that does everything SLOW. And definitely something small, not large, because that kid is going to be a danger to everyone else on the road for at least the first couple of years.

Falcondrivr

I'm a big fan of the VW TDI, but all of the ones in the price range are 125,000 miles and up. At what point does the cost curve start to go up on the diesels?
Finding a Civic with less than 100k for under 10 is a bit of a chore also...

vincer77

Bought my daughter a 2004 Infiniit FX35 with 125k for $13k. It has been a wonderful car and I feel confident it is safe. It is large and handles well. My original thinking was get another car when she went to college (newer and cheaper to maintain as I would not be able to wrench on it), but it is proving to be pretty solid. It was in impeccable shape and was maintained by dealer with full history.
I saw an 03 Acura TL at a local dealer with 65k mi for less than 10k

My theory is to get a higher end car (Acura, Infiniti, Lexus) as they usually get better care and come with more safety features.

Regarding crash tests, be aware that these tests rate cars with respect to other similar cars. You seldom see tests like Smart Car vs Suburban and no such ratings. Clarkson's point about wrapping as much steel around your daughter as you can is a good one (F=ma).

NC TRACKRAT

I vote for a "JustaMINI", preferably 2005 or 2006, stick (No CVT) but get one with relatively low mileage for the year. They're fun, economical, safe (lots of airbags) and can easily be personalized. This forum will give you lots of insight: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/search.php

917962

My only issue is that preventative maintenance on a German car is high. In reflection, my first vehicle was a Toyota truck and it was in no way safe. I get the whole idea of avoiding a tin-can but I also know that since I purchased it by myself that I respected it and treated it accordingly. I don't know your daughter but I do know many kids that have been spoiled from the beginning. They sometimes feel invincible when they have a vehicle similar to what you mentioned. I would highly recommend some advanced drivers training. Start with making her a better driver.

A used base model impreza might be a good compromise. Not fast, awd, and relatively reliable. Perhaps not as safe as you would like though.

Good luck!

zone5

2001 Acura MDX -- big and roomy, not fast, very safe, very reliable.

If you buy one with 100K + miles, well under 10 grand.

JPS

Don't forget repair cost will be scratches, dings, maybe a panel or bumper replacement...especially if just a city driver. Parking into a post or driving over a parking wheel stop thing is a near certainty...

Falcondrivr

It's funny you mention that. My wife's DD is a 2004 MDX, and it's what my daughter has been learning to drive in since August. Plan B is to get my wife a new car and let the daughter continue driving the MDX.

bbs993tt

Plan B sounds good. There's something to be said for familiarity with the car once she's turned loose. And besides, your wife deserves a new car.

Falcondrivr

How about the black one?

Kika

she deserves the YELLOW one.

2Many Cars

Just one man's experience - I went through this with my two daughters. There actually are lots of good choices but in the end I tried to remove my personal bias and go with something for them - safe and reliable (obviously), appropriate to a teenager (at least in my view), could be taken to college without me obsessing about if they're doing proper maintenance, can get fixed anywhere, and with parts prices that wouldn't break the bank.

My choice was a $7K 8 year old Ford Escape, 2WD with side airbags (an option) and 70K miles. I personally hate SUVs and think they're a rollover risk but the Escape gets high marks in that category as well as other crash testing as it was designed after the Explorer rollover issues. There's loads of room to haul their stuff and it's big enough to offer some real protection. The tires are big enough that it's impossible to curb the wheels and crash repairs (we've had a couple) are actually pretty cheap. A visit to Jiffy Lube at college handles 99% of the maintenance needs and when they're done with it we'll write it off and ship it to WV to be someone's lawn ornament. I wouldn't buy one for me but it was for them and 3 years later it's been a very happy choice - I'd do it all over again.

917962

Plan B sounds like a good bet.

Pleasing two women in the same household, priceless!

bbs993tt

Next time you come to town, bring her on that other thing you "drive" and take her for a spin in it. No better way to get her seal of approval for when you get yours.

Fünfer

+1

or a similar VW Jetta