James

sup, well right when I turned sixteen, which was almost a year ago next month, I got my hands on the new Acura TSX. I've always loved it ever since I layed my eyes on it. However, having such a nice car as my first car wasn't the best idea. I remember 2 weeks after getting my car, I ran my side mirror into a van... luckily it was my aunt's. lol But the point is, my parents are getting frustrated that I'm "not taking care" of my car and have decided I need a car more suited for my age and experience level or whatever. I agree cuz I'm freakin paranoid about my car all the time and damn it limits the fun, meanwhile my friends have Civics and dont give a care in the world about their car. Anyway, that point aside... I need help in deciding which car I should get. I was thinking of the new Scion tC... lots of cool features for a low price... and it's pretty nifty. lol but yeah Any suggestions... a car for an about to be 17 year old.

mg7726

my first car was $700...damn the memories...

Lung Fu Mo Shi

Maybe something 2-3 years used. Take your pick of anything you want at that point.

slo007

Depends on the budget. My first car was a 4Runner, 1 yr old. That car is still part of the family, extremely well kept, only a small bump on the rear bumper (other driver's fault). It's a tall car, which makes driving easy. It's also an SUV, which means it's safer in case you really goof up.

Seems to me you need more driving experience, not a different car. My brother totalled his brand new Acura RSX within 2 weeks. Not having a car doesn't make you a better driver. He got a GTI 6 months later and has not had a scratch on it for more than a year.

My recommendation is take some driving classes, geared to learning your car better. It will also lower your insurance bill; which I know your parents will approve.

Remember: the key is to drive defensively. Not aggresively. No doubt you'll damage your car, if not kill someone, when you start thinking you can do anything in it because you are so cool. And it won't change if it's a Civic or a TSX.

rmatic

mine was a 96 maxima, fun as hell, drove it over a year, then got my tsx.

LeMasseHammer

I got a brand new Camry when I turned 16, which worked out well, but I did learn a handful of lessons that come with inexperience:

Scrapes on side-view mirrors when pulling out of carport.
Speeding too often.
Scraping rims on curbs.
Parking too close to other cars = door dings.
Smoking the tires into premature death.


In retrospect, 16 seems too young to be driving, let alone in a new car. I was pretty mature, as you seem to be, but there are gonna be learning/growing pains. Maybe it would be best to trade down for a slightly more learning-friendly car. But if you stay humble and careful, the TSX could be your reliable companion for many years.

Good luck.

majormojo

James, you seem to have a pretty level-headed approach to this. We know you're smart, because you chose a TSX to begin with. So I'll just second the advice others have given. Get yourself a good 1-3 yr old Honda or Toyota and take some additional driver training, esp something like a performance driving course or a course on handling emergency driving situations.

One of the best things my Dad did for me when I was learning to drive (I think I was around 13 or 14) is we took the car out to a frozen lake to bomb around for a day. We practiced all kinds of things, causing and recovering from slides, skids, spins etc at a variety of speeds. Yeah, it was a lot of fun playing like that, but I can honestly say that the lessons I learned that afternoon have saved me from disaster in real-world emergency situations I have encountered.

gocubsgo55

i already chose my 2-3 year old car that ill get in late 2004/early 2006... an Acura TSX . Trade off is i need to get into northwestern, u of chicago, or uic medical (all my goals) and waiting while all my friends get their cars (worth the wait, im patient and dont need a car just yet). i chose this car because it IS a honda. Honda and toyota go a long way, in my opinion, a used Accord, Acura CL, civic/corolla, RSX/Celica.

You might even like the new Mazda 3!! I havent experienced it but its received great reviews. Mazda 3 over a Scion tA, Honda Civic, or Toyota Corolla. Just my two cents

MrChad

How is having an older car going to make him a better driver, he already has one of the safest. It's basically a top level Accord so what would be better?

I say ask mom and dad for teen preventative driving lessons, and some touch up paint and go to www.griotgarage.com and get the supplies needed to care for the car.

Life Happens, I've done dumb stuff....correction I do dumb stuff.

tuan209

toyota pirus man!

slo007

Mokos23

if i was your age i would've gotten a used 02 or 03 RSX-type s man. or a used 98-02 V6 Accord coupe.

Helicobacter Pylori

TSX, Civic, Scion or whatever. They all come in 4 wheels, a steering wheel, an accelerator and brake, doors, paint and blah blah blah. They are what people call "cars". If you can't drive a TSX well, what makes you think you can drive a Civic better?

Since you got a TSX already, don't sell it (moreover, you should be grateful). Just think about what you can do to improve ur driving skills and general cares of car (checking up this forum is a good start). There are Civic owners out there who baby their cars scrupulously while I've seen Porsche/BMW owners treat their cars like shopping cart.

Don't be frustrated.

Let me recall how I killed my first car...

gfxdave99

Well i think with an 'older' car lets say something used 3-4 years old, you scratch the outside mirror on something.. oh well.. you'll fix it when you have time.. If i saw a TSX with a fucked up mirror i'd leave em a nasty note

tc86

i've had sort of a similar experience as you James. i'm 18 right now, JUST had my last day of high school today (woohoo)...i've never had my own car, but ever since i've had my license, the only cars that i've been driving within the family have been a 99 TL and 03 TL-S, so i know waht it's like to have to worry bout not damaging the car and whatnot. in my opinion, i say jus tkeep the TSX, and just be more careful when you drive...i mean, ultimately, this kinda attitude when driving should help you become a "better" driver, as in safer. not only do you become a better driver, but you can also keep your very nice TSX as well, insetad of having to settle for a downgrade...BUT, if you did get another car, i'd say go for a used integra, maybe GSR. those cars are so tight. good luck with wahtever you choose.

gmucowman

My dad and I went to the Skip Barber Driving school a few years back. It's a great time and the lessons learned have saved me countless times. Plus, you get to drive a Viper at the end of the class!

We did the two day course, which is spent learning vehicle dynamics by making emergency lane changes, quick stops (ABS and without), auto-x basics, and how to gain back control of the vehicle in nasty road conditions. The time spent is hands-on so that the lessons learned become part of your natural reaction to dangerous situations.

There were a few high school age students when I was there who benefited quite a bit from the course. If your parents are willing to invest some money in your driving prowess, it's definitely worth it. You might sell to your parents as a bonding opportunity.

Still I agree that it's smart for you to get a low end or 2-3 year old japanese car of some sort. I certainly made my biggest driving mistakes in my first car (also before I took this course).

tony4311

I've always said 16 yr olds shouldn't have nice cars for a first car.
Get a xb instead of the tc

chrisli

I got my license when I turned 16 and was to drive for at least a whole year with the family's '95 Nissan Quest. My parents wanted to monitor me and see what kind of a driver I was (to see how many tickets I would get, damage to the car, etc). I'm 18 now and I have still yet to get a speeding ticket. Since being licensed, I've only been issued a parking ticket and a ticket for passing cars in a parking area.

I think my parents made a good decision in giving me a provisional period rather than handing over a brand new car as a newly licensed driver. With more experience, I am able to be more responsible with a brand new car.

And I'm sitting here, still waiting for my black on black auto w/navi TSX to arrive at the dealership - that is two and a half months late.

DEVO

Why take the loss, just keep it, I think that car can stay/grow with you for many years to come.

dabuda

get a used type-r...

LOL888

dude I got mine when I was 17 and I take really good care of it.. I have like one 1 inch scratch on the front bumper, you just need to drive carefully... and these days 17 year olds are driving alot better cars... at my high school alone theres m3's clk320's 350z's and g35's

gomez_regina

Man...I must have been going to the wrong high school! The people at my high school all drove crap cars; only one person I went to school with had a new car (and she was hot!)...it was a 1992 Honda Civic.

My first car was a 1996 Toyota Corolla...got it when I was 20 years old; it was my Grandma's car (she had to stop driving for medical reasons).

As far as the TSX being a "bad first car" I think I'd have to agree. It's a lot of car for a first-time driver to handle...it's a "bigger" car plus it's got a lot of power. Think about it: 16 year old gets his license after learning to drive Mom & Dad's Mini-Van which has no guts & handles like a shoe box. Then, all of the sudden, he/she is put behind the seat of a 200hp sports car.

I'd been driving for 10 years when I got my TSX and even I had to learn to drive again...I was going from an Acura EL which had 130hp to a car with almost double the power (quite a transition).

I think a nice Civic (2000-2004) would suit a first time driver just fine.

biker

From the sounds of it, it's your parents that needed the education as much as you. I don't care how well off you are you just don't hand a TSX to your kid!!!!

Very few people become succesful by having everything given to them. Learn like the majority of the population that few kids get a new car when they turn 16 and then trade it in on another when they're 17. Learn from an early age the satisfaction of getting something on your own. Make your parents the loan shark and get a 4-5 year old beater and make payments to them. Let them invest their money on you with something that might have a return, like an education, vs. something that always loses value, like a car.

osubuckeye98

I say it depends on who is going to pay for the damages and insurance.

When I got my first car my parents told me they would help me buy it (new or used), but I would have to pay for any damage and 70% of the insurance premium. My mom offered to pick up the tab for gas and regular maintenance.

Being really grateful, I chose the most relaible and inconspicuous used car I could find, a 1990 Camry LE. Parts were also pretty easily attainable for the car and was cheap to insure/fix. It really taught me to be a responsible driver (also learned a thing or two about fixing cars).

The time period I had the Camry was really memorable because I spent less time worrying about the car and more time enjoying the good times. Now as a working person I need something that is comfortable, enjoyable to drive, and isn't rusting like an old nail. Damn, I think I've earned it too.

Besides, to me it's always a blast to drive a slow car fast...my first power slide was in a beat up '95 escort wagon (work car; this was after I graduated from college, lol)! Woohoo!

I think taking a defensive driving course will really help increase your skills tenfold as many have mentioned. You get to learn about car handling and recovery in a controlled environment; somthing that'll help make up for your lack of experience. Don't take those performance classes yet, they teach you how to drive your car to the limit and shortly after...things you don't really want to do in your first car or on the road for that matter. Save that for later when you get a high performance car.

Have fun and stay safe!

zamboni386

I know what its like to be in your shoes.. I am 18, and my parents bought a tsx for me.. its a really fun car to drive and is great on the eyes (you can find enough info on this forum how nice the car is) But the real bummer is when something happens through inexperience. You wont know you are making mistakes until you go too fast around a curve and wrap the car around a tree. The TSX is nice and can help you get girls"(if your gay, guys) and it does make you look tough at the highschool parking lot blazing the newest hits in the hip-hop and R&B world. But like all other status symbols at your age, it can draw people away from you just because you look like a rich preppy mommas boy. There aslo is the factor that your parents wealth (unless extremely wealthy) wont be able to buy you a nicer car in the future. you will have to work for it yourself. therefore owning a $30,000 car at age 16 destroys your work ethic. I would buy something cheaper, so when you buy your first car, u will be able look at it and say " thats my baby, i worked for her myself" and that feeling is genuine unlike the one you feel now towards your TSX.

for a new car it depends what your wants are.. i would suggest a maybe a civic or a civic Si (if you like driving faster), depending where you live maybe a subaru Impreza RS. or even a SUV, u will learn real quick to drive slow in one of those things, they are tough to drive, maybe a good car for you. BUT if you drive to fast its easier to kill your self and has bad milage.. There are so many choices. learn stick it gives you more control over a car .

Mighty1

Find a 2001 Prelude Type SH in good condition... still looks damn cool (if a little dated) and will seriously perform. Lots of mods available for it too if that's your thing. Great car to learn on!

mkgilson

I remember my first car. In 1993 when I was 15, my dad and I bought a 65 Mustang. For a year we fixed it up, and when I was able to drive I already knew how to take care of it. The best part about the car was that I could have fun with it.

I would recommend getting something 2 - 3 years old that you can have fun with. Put in a new sound system, exhaust, suspension, whatever you feel like. Plus you can drive it into the ground if you want.

Vans

For your age and price range. I can't really think of any better car than a Mazda 3. Great exterior, great interior - good choice of engines and it handles great. Go test drive one, you'll be so happy you did.

briny319

The first car I bought was a 3yr old civic ex. If I was buying in that price range again I'd buy a civic coupe, or scion tc. But, I'd probably lean towards the civic because the reliability of the scions hasn't been so great.

MikeMa

If you think getting a "crappier" car is going to only *encourage* you to bang it up more (ie. drive worse--not improve), then keep your TSX. I think it's better to be a more cautious driver with a nicer car than a reckless one with a cheapo car (I hate those dorks that drive like maniacs in their smashed and dented Cavalier's and Sunfire's--not that I tolerate the dorks that drive like maniacs in their BMW 330xi's and Porsche Boxter's).

However, if you just want a car that you can use to improve your driving skills, and not worry too much about little dings and whatnot you'll get from parking in a High School parking lot, then get something used (I personally think older than 3 years--but something with *most* of the modern safety features like ABS and airbags)....You probably would still feel bad if you banged up a brand new Scion or Mazda 3 or whatever. At least with a used car, it'll probably have a few dings on it already, so you probably won't feel as bad if a few more are added.

James

thanks... still dont know what to do both sides sound good... cuz keeping it WILL make me a better driver... same goes for not keeping it eh whatever happens, happens. but i sure will miss my TSX

rmatic

lol dude, yea i know what u mean, my school has 3-4 3 series, 2 g35's, 2 ml's, 2-3 x5's, 1 porsche, 4 a4's , 2 rsx's ... jeez, maybe thats why im such a brat.

KingV

I'm 23 years old, I've had crappy cars from my parents and now the TSX I bought myself. I still make mistakes driving. I hit my mirror pulling out of the garage the other day (never had a garage before) and curbed a wheel the other week. Shit happens, unfortunately, especially if you drive a lot. Pick up some detailing supplies and check the forums and get some skills. Most little cosmetic crap can be fixed yourself. I fix little shit on my car all the time, because I'm still not a perfect driver. I'm very safe on the road, but a menace to my own car parallel parking and pulling in/out of my garage. Every time I screw up and curse myself, I get a little better though. Taking the time and effort to fix stuff yourself will both make you feel better about making small mistakes because you can fix them, and teach you not to do it because it's a pain in the ass to spend time touching up nicks, polishing out scratches, etc, etc.

That said, I wouldn't want to have a nice car in a High School or College environment. there's way too many people around that could give two craps about your nice car and it will get dinged up even if you are perfect.

tsxmaniac26

srry im late on this one but i jsut signed up 4 this forum... but i got the TSX 4 my first car to but i love it im peranoid about it to but i love it i would not want to get rid of it unless 4 a nicer car, my parents r really happy about how i treat it and everything so it turns out all good 4 me

PixelHarmony

It's good you think that you should get a more "suitable" car for your age and experience. I've seen some 16yr olds get XK8's, s2000's, and M3's so you aren't that spoiled. However listen to the advice of some of people on this forum like Biker. They have some good insight on the matter. IMO Just buy a car you won't worry about, because most likely a year later you'll want the TSX back or a different car.

I never had a car to call my own until I turned 20, I wanted my own car, so I just went up and bought it myself. Now I'm so careful with it because every dent put into it by someone else is damaging my baby. Not my parents baby.

blackjackman

resurrecting old threads won't make ya a PW

joerockt

I disagree. No driving lessions are going to make up for experience.

Its not a matter of being safe, it a matter of beating up a 30K car. And im sure the fact that he didnt buy the car himself is adding to the neglect. So him and his parents are doing the smart thing by getting a less expensive car for him.

Edit: GODDAMNIT, THATS TWICE TODAY...

Revenent

Ummm - the TSX is my first car.

Mind you, I've graduated from university, live on my own, and have a full time job.

And I pay for everything (including the car, obviously ).

Dunno - I think getting a car is a massive responsibility. If you can't afford it, then don't have one. And if the parents are paying for it, then you should definitely be paying all the maintenance, gas, insurance, etc, etc. It'll teach you fiscal responsibility if nothing else.

Just my .

JeffTSX

My first car was a 92 Accord and when I had to get rid of it, I was deciding between the WRX and TSX since them both costs about the same. But insruance was a big factor so that's why I have to go with a TSX. If you could get a deal on WRX. I say go for the WRX!!! If you read right under my username, you'll know!!!

rivvin

Seems like your parents are getting the car for you so just get whatever you want. I'm sure whatever it is you'll treat it the same so does it even matter? If you want a car to trash around get an old used one. At least then your parents won't think the same about you.