How many HP to give to your kid.
04-05-2012, 06:12 PM
#81
Respect! My 1st was a 1988 Berreta GT (2.8L V6, all 125hp of it) - and yes those are an Air Jordan shirt and shoes I'm wearing...ha
Considering my son is only 2, his first car will probably be something electrical or a hybrid, but definitely not new, not expensive, and hopefully something we can work on together.
Considering my son is only 2, his first car will probably be something electrical or a hybrid, but definitely not new, not expensive, and hopefully something we can work on together.
04-05-2012, 06:14 PM
#82
Senior Moderator
04-05-2012, 07:23 PM
#83
Go Pats!
my first car is 08 TL-S that i got in 09 just right before i started college. I'm don't beat the hell out of it or anything but im treating it like it's my wife. I know my parents work hard to buy me a nice dependable car that will last me throughout college and much more. I think it's really depend on how you raise your kids. If you raise him/her right from the start then you don't have nothing to worry about.
04-05-2012, 07:49 PM
#84
Go Pats!
I don't have any kids right now but in the future If my son/daughter needs a car, there are a couple of factors that go into my decision.
1. how responsible is my kid
meaning that he doesn't do drugs, hang out with bad people, or get into trouble and doing good in school is a MUST etc....
2. Does he/she really need it
I'm not going buy a car just b/c he/she hates the school bus.
3. I want a car that will last my kid throughout high school and college. So dependable is a must
4. How much am i making alone with my wife
If our income are pretty well off then i might even consider a new car
these 4 factors will play major role when i decide to buy a car for my child and i was a 17/18 kid once not too long ago so i know how it feel to get your first car. At first i really didnt want the TLS i wanted m3 to be honest but after learning how much it will cost my parents to up keep the m3 (my uncle have x5 and my brother in law have a 750i) i came to the conclusion that i didnt want to put any more burden on my parents shoulders than what i already have. So after searching i got the TLS. My plan is to finish my BA in electrical engineering (I'm a junior) and get a job and buy the car i want with my own money instead of using my parents hard earned $. I wanted a C63amg now
those look so nice
1. how responsible is my kid
meaning that he doesn't do drugs, hang out with bad people, or get into trouble and doing good in school is a MUST etc....
2. Does he/she really need it
I'm not going buy a car just b/c he/she hates the school bus.
3. I want a car that will last my kid throughout high school and college. So dependable is a must
4. How much am i making alone with my wife
If our income are pretty well off then i might even consider a new car
these 4 factors will play major role when i decide to buy a car for my child and i was a 17/18 kid once not too long ago so i know how it feel to get your first car. At first i really didnt want the TLS i wanted m3 to be honest but after learning how much it will cost my parents to up keep the m3 (my uncle have x5 and my brother in law have a 750i) i came to the conclusion that i didnt want to put any more burden on my parents shoulders than what i already have. So after searching i got the TLS. My plan is to finish my BA in electrical engineering (I'm a junior) and get a job and buy the car i want with my own money instead of using my parents hard earned $. I wanted a C63amg now
those look so nice
04-06-2012, 04:08 AM
#85
Suzuka Master
Reading this more I thinking this...
When my kid gets comfortable driving.
Take him to a defensive driving school.
Then if he/she is like me and loves driving cars.
Let him take lessons to autox and such.
This way they will be much better drivers and for those that love driving (which are the ones to do crazier stuff on the road in my opinion) giving them track time will hopefully take that adrenaline surges off the road.
and if i think my kid is responsible after all this I really dont care what I end up giving him, whether it be a GTI or a Elantra.
When my kid gets comfortable driving.
Take him to a defensive driving school.
Then if he/she is like me and loves driving cars.
Let him take lessons to autox and such.
This way they will be much better drivers and for those that love driving (which are the ones to do crazier stuff on the road in my opinion) giving them track time will hopefully take that adrenaline surges off the road.
and if i think my kid is responsible after all this I really dont care what I end up giving him, whether it be a GTI or a Elantra.
04-06-2012, 07:57 AM
#86
Pro
Okay okay here is how I see it. The one and only compelling reason to not get your kid a nice car: his future prospects for happiness are greatly lessened.
How does it work? It's a psychological thing. It isn't so much the objective car qua car that matters as does the feeling of life getting better, upgrading, more awesome things year by year, etc. I've discussed this with a friend whose parents, like mine, made top salary. Basically we realized if we had had parents with minimum wage jobs or even average jobs, we would be patting ourselves on the back for the jobs and salaries we have or perhaps even for things as trivial as graduating college. Instead we consider ourselves to be complete failures at life so far. People my age are buying houses, but I have not the slightest inkling of an interest -- for starters -- because during high school I lived in a 5,000 sq ft mansion, and there is no way in my lifetime I would have the riches to buy a $350k house. Anything I am capable of buying is going to seem like a mediocre compromise, a reminder of my failure. So I'd rather just avoid it entirely and live in a dinky apartment for $350/mo. forever.
Lesson: Don't get your kid an M5 or even a TL-S unless... you are really sure he has the ambition to buy himself something far, far better a few years down the road..
How does it work? It's a psychological thing. It isn't so much the objective car qua car that matters as does the feeling of life getting better, upgrading, more awesome things year by year, etc. I've discussed this with a friend whose parents, like mine, made top salary. Basically we realized if we had had parents with minimum wage jobs or even average jobs, we would be patting ourselves on the back for the jobs and salaries we have or perhaps even for things as trivial as graduating college. Instead we consider ourselves to be complete failures at life so far. People my age are buying houses, but I have not the slightest inkling of an interest -- for starters -- because during high school I lived in a 5,000 sq ft mansion, and there is no way in my lifetime I would have the riches to buy a $350k house. Anything I am capable of buying is going to seem like a mediocre compromise, a reminder of my failure. So I'd rather just avoid it entirely and live in a dinky apartment for $350/mo. forever.
Lesson: Don't get your kid an M5 or even a TL-S unless... you are really sure he has the ambition to buy himself something far, far better a few years down the road..
04-06-2012, 11:44 AM
#87
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Okay okay here is how I see it. The one and only compelling reason to not get your kid a nice car: his future prospects for happiness are greatly lessened.
How does it work? It's a psychological thing. It isn't so much the objective car qua car that matters as does the feeling of life getting better, upgrading, more awesome things year by year, etc. I've discussed this with a friend whose parents, like mine, made top salary. Basically we realized if we had had parents with minimum wage jobs or even average jobs, we would be patting ourselves on the back for the jobs and salaries we have or perhaps even for things as trivial as graduating college. Instead we consider ourselves to be complete failures at life so far. People my age are buying houses, but I have not the slightest inkling of an interest -- for starters -- because during high school I lived in a 5,000 sq ft mansion, and there is no way in my lifetime I would have the riches to buy a $350k house. Anything I am capable of buying is going to seem like a mediocre compromise, a reminder of my failure. So I'd rather just avoid it entirely and live in a dinky apartment for $350/mo. forever.
Lesson: Don't get your kid an M5 or even a TL-S unless... you are really sure he has the ambition to buy himself something far, far better a few years down the road.
How does it work? It's a psychological thing. It isn't so much the objective car qua car that matters as does the feeling of life getting better, upgrading, more awesome things year by year, etc. I've discussed this with a friend whose parents, like mine, made top salary. Basically we realized if we had had parents with minimum wage jobs or even average jobs, we would be patting ourselves on the back for the jobs and salaries we have or perhaps even for things as trivial as graduating college. Instead we consider ourselves to be complete failures at life so far. People my age are buying houses, but I have not the slightest inkling of an interest -- for starters -- because during high school I lived in a 5,000 sq ft mansion, and there is no way in my lifetime I would have the riches to buy a $350k house. Anything I am capable of buying is going to seem like a mediocre compromise, a reminder of my failure. So I'd rather just avoid it entirely and live in a dinky apartment for $350/mo. forever.
Lesson: Don't get your kid an M5 or even a TL-S unless... you are really sure he has the ambition to buy himself something far, far better a few years down the road.
you should stop posting here now.you sir have not reached your age yet.
that kind of stuff somebody's son or daughter should be buying that on their own. if they're parents are buying them anything over 30k is then they are straight up spoiled. Every kid should start with a used beater car to learn the principles having a car and to appreciate having one. Whats every kids ambition's between age 15 to 21, having a car to show off their friends. You may get a few kids that would think a car is really to get from point a to point b.
04-06-2012, 12:45 PM
#88
Three Wheelin'
I think all people with no kids yet have no say in this thread. It all changes once you have them. My parents bought me my first car and I will probably do the same. As long as my kids are respectful and do well in school, i'll help them out. I've had a job since I was 15, my parents bought the car but I had to take care of it, gas, insurance etc. It did make me a better person but often my school work suffered. Not saying I will give my sons a total free ride but I want their education to come first.
04-06-2012, 12:50 PM
#89
Moderator
I think all people with no kids yet have no say in this thread. It all changes once you have them. My parents bought me my first car and I will probably do the same. As long as my kids are respectful and do well in school, i'll help them out. I've had a job since I was 15, my parents bought the car but I had to take care of it, gas, insurance etc. It did make me a better person but often my school work suffered. Not saying I will give my sons a total free ride but I want their education to come first.
04-06-2012, 01:01 PM
#90
I have to 2 children and have been a teenager, so hopefully what I say makes sense.
I don't know if horsepower is what necessarily gets some kids in trouble, its often circumstances such as how many kids are in the car with them egging on bad behavior, who their friends actually are, and of course, how likely your kid is gonna do stupid stuff that has to be your barometer.
Horsepower is like alcohol....it only exacerbates any problem. Makes you braver, act more stupid, etc.
I don't know if horsepower is what necessarily gets some kids in trouble, its often circumstances such as how many kids are in the car with them egging on bad behavior, who their friends actually are, and of course, how likely your kid is gonna do stupid stuff that has to be your barometer.
Horsepower is like alcohol....it only exacerbates any problem. Makes you braver, act more stupid, etc.
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Costco (04-07-2012)
04-06-2012, 01:03 PM
#91
My first Avatar....
Okay okay here is how I see it. The one and only compelling reason to not get your kid a nice car: his future prospects for happiness are greatly lessened.
How does it work? It's a psychological thing. It isn't so much the objective car qua car that matters as does the feeling of life getting better, upgrading, more awesome things year by year, etc. I've discussed this with a friend whose parents, like mine, made top salary. Basically we realized if we had had parents with minimum wage jobs or even average jobs, we would be patting ourselves on the back for the jobs and salaries we have or perhaps even for things as trivial as graduating college. Instead we consider ourselves to be complete failures at life so far. People my age are buying houses, but I have not the slightest inkling of an interest -- for starters -- because during high school I lived in a 5,000 sq ft mansion, and there is no way in my lifetime I would have the riches to buy a $350k house. Anything I am capable of buying is going to seem like a mediocre compromise, a reminder of my failure. So I'd rather just avoid it entirely and live in a dinky apartment for $350/mo. forever.
Lesson: Don't get your kid an M5 or even a TL-S unless... you are really sure he has the ambition to buy himself something far, far better a few years down the road..
How does it work? It's a psychological thing. It isn't so much the objective car qua car that matters as does the feeling of life getting better, upgrading, more awesome things year by year, etc. I've discussed this with a friend whose parents, like mine, made top salary. Basically we realized if we had had parents with minimum wage jobs or even average jobs, we would be patting ourselves on the back for the jobs and salaries we have or perhaps even for things as trivial as graduating college. Instead we consider ourselves to be complete failures at life so far. People my age are buying houses, but I have not the slightest inkling of an interest -- for starters -- because during high school I lived in a 5,000 sq ft mansion, and there is no way in my lifetime I would have the riches to buy a $350k house. Anything I am capable of buying is going to seem like a mediocre compromise, a reminder of my failure. So I'd rather just avoid it entirely and live in a dinky apartment for $350/mo. forever.
Lesson: Don't get your kid an M5 or even a TL-S unless... you are really sure he has the ambition to buy himself something far, far better a few years down the road..
You need better cognitive reasoning skills.
Originally Posted by asianspec
you should stop posting here now.you sir have not reached your age yet.
04-06-2012, 01:03 PM
#92
Moderator
I have to 2 children and have been a teenager, so hopefully what I say makes sense.
I don't know if horsepower is what necessarily gets some kids in trouble, its often circumstances such as how many kids are in the car with them egging on bad behavior, who their friends actually are, and of course, how likely your kid is gonna do stupid stuff that has to be your barometer.
Horsepower is like alcohol....it only exacerbates any problem. Makes you braver, act more stupid, etc.
I don't know if horsepower is what necessarily gets some kids in trouble, its often circumstances such as how many kids are in the car with them egging on bad behavior, who their friends actually are, and of course, how likely your kid is gonna do stupid stuff that has to be your barometer.
Horsepower is like alcohol....it only exacerbates any problem. Makes you braver, act more stupid, etc.
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Costco (04-07-2012)
04-06-2012, 01:05 PM
#93
very true...
04-06-2012, 01:07 PM
#94
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Whatever hand-me-down we happen(ed) to have at the time (for kid #1 anyhow).
I should've bought and kept the 2000-ish Taurus rep-mobile I had. That was a great car as far as reliablity and durability. That would've been her first car. Instead it ended up being the '02 TL-S (258 HP).
Kid #2, OTOH, wanted an '05+ Mustang (V6, 220-ish HP). Saved for it and eventually got that as her first car (with parental assistance).
Both pay for gas, maint and insurance.
The TL is getting beat up over her 5-year ownership. The Mustang is as good as the day we bought it a year ago.
It's not about HP, it's about level of responsibility. Then what is affordable and practical.
I should've bought and kept the 2000-ish Taurus rep-mobile I had. That was a great car as far as reliablity and durability. That would've been her first car. Instead it ended up being the '02 TL-S (258 HP).
Kid #2, OTOH, wanted an '05+ Mustang (V6, 220-ish HP). Saved for it and eventually got that as her first car (with parental assistance).
Both pay for gas, maint and insurance.
The TL is getting beat up over her 5-year ownership. The Mustang is as good as the day we bought it a year ago.
It's not about HP, it's about level of responsibility. Then what is affordable and practical.
Last edited by Bearcat94; 04-06-2012 at 01:10 PM.
04-06-2012, 01:27 PM
#96
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
I have to 2 children and have been a teenager, so hopefully what I say makes sense.
I don't know if horsepower is what necessarily gets some kids in trouble, its often circumstances such as how many kids are in the car with them egging on bad behavior, who their friends actually are, and of course, how likely your kid is gonna do stupid stuff that has to be your barometer.
Horsepower is like alcohol....it only exacerbates any problem. Makes you braver, act more stupid, etc.
I don't know if horsepower is what necessarily gets some kids in trouble, its often circumstances such as how many kids are in the car with them egging on bad behavior, who their friends actually are, and of course, how likely your kid is gonna do stupid stuff that has to be your barometer.
Horsepower is like alcohol....it only exacerbates any problem. Makes you braver, act more stupid, etc.
04-06-2012, 01:29 PM
#97
let's not forget about the 4 kids in Florida that took an m5 for a long flight off a small hill.
Interestingly, cars aren't as big an indicator of 'arrival' as they used to be. Sure we still have a car culture, but sometimes I think kids these days are more interested in what they could do with their phones.
Oh, good lord 
....good luck man, drive there and they'll be ready for anything!!
Interestingly, cars aren't as big an indicator of 'arrival' as they used to be. Sure we still have a car culture, but sometimes I think kids these days are more interested in what they could do with their phones.
....good luck man, drive there and they'll be ready for anything!!
Last edited by CarbonGray Earl; 04-06-2012 at 01:31 PM.
04-11-2012, 03:22 PM
#98
Pro
You guises' negative comments are frustrating the heck out of me... I mean, okay fine, you disagree with my reasoning or viewpoint... but at least give me a concrete counter-point to respond to? I might be able to make it all make sense to you if you told me why it seems so "off" from your perspective.
04-11-2012, 04:35 PM
#100
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
let's not forget about the 4 kids in Florida that took an m5 for a long flight off a small hill.
Interestingly, cars aren't as big an indicator of 'arrival' as they used to be. Sure we still have a car culture, but sometimes I think kids these days are more interested in what they could do with their phones.
Oh, good lord....good luck man, drive there and they'll be ready for anything!!
Interestingly, cars aren't as big an indicator of 'arrival' as they used to be. Sure we still have a car culture, but sometimes I think kids these days are more interested in what they could do with their phones.
Oh, good lord
....good luck man, drive there and they'll be ready for anything!!
I just hope that they learn that the sidewalk isn't the street.
04-11-2012, 09:32 PM
#101
Suzuka Master
Here's a question for you parents.
For those that are letting the kid buy their own car, I'm guessing that means your kid is buying a used car then. Does this not bring up safety concerns for you? I mean the cheaper your kids go, it possibly means the car is less safe too. Older cars may not have things like stability control and such and maybe not as many air bags as cars of today. I think something like the chevy cruze comes with 10 airbags now?
Would you pitch in to make sure your kid gets a proper car? Cause half the time the beaters they end up buying is probably more unsafe than a newer car with more hp.
For those that are letting the kid buy their own car, I'm guessing that means your kid is buying a used car then. Does this not bring up safety concerns for you? I mean the cheaper your kids go, it possibly means the car is less safe too. Older cars may not have things like stability control and such and maybe not as many air bags as cars of today. I think something like the chevy cruze comes with 10 airbags now?
Would you pitch in to make sure your kid gets a proper car? Cause half the time the beaters they end up buying is probably more unsafe than a newer car with more hp.
04-11-2012, 11:53 PM
#102
Registered 3.5L Member
Here's a question for you parents.
For those that are letting the kid buy their own car, I'm guessing that means your kid is buying a used car then. Does this not bring up safety concerns for you? I mean the cheaper your kids go, it possibly means the car is less safe too. Older cars may not have things like stability control and such and maybe not as many air bags as cars of today. I think something like the chevy cruze comes with 10 airbags now?
Would you pitch in to make sure your kid gets a proper car? Cause half the time the beaters they end up buying is probably more unsafe than a newer car with more hp.
For those that are letting the kid buy their own car, I'm guessing that means your kid is buying a used car then. Does this not bring up safety concerns for you? I mean the cheaper your kids go, it possibly means the car is less safe too. Older cars may not have things like stability control and such and maybe not as many air bags as cars of today. I think something like the chevy cruze comes with 10 airbags now?
Would you pitch in to make sure your kid gets a proper car? Cause half the time the beaters they end up buying is probably more unsafe than a newer car with more hp.
04-12-2012, 01:08 AM
#103
Here's a question for you parents.
For those that are letting the kid buy their own car, I'm guessing that means your kid is buying a used car then. Does this not bring up safety concerns for you? I mean the cheaper your kids go, it possibly means the car is less safe too. Older cars may not have things like stability control and such and maybe not as many air bags as cars of today. I think something like the chevy cruze comes with 10 airbags now?
Would you pitch in to make sure your kid gets a proper car? Cause half the time the beaters they end up buying is probably more unsafe than a newer car with more hp.
For those that are letting the kid buy their own car, I'm guessing that means your kid is buying a used car then. Does this not bring up safety concerns for you? I mean the cheaper your kids go, it possibly means the car is less safe too. Older cars may not have things like stability control and such and maybe not as many air bags as cars of today. I think something like the chevy cruze comes with 10 airbags now?
Would you pitch in to make sure your kid gets a proper car? Cause half the time the beaters they end up buying is probably more unsafe than a newer car with more hp.
I get your point that newer cars are generally safer, but pretty much any car from the mid '90s and on that's still on the road today will be safe enough. Of course I want them in a safe car but I don't want to buy them something that's so nice only to ultimately have it trashed a few years later. This is why I mentioned that I'd split it half/half as far as the car purchase part goes. At least that way I get some say in what they buy. No salvaged vehicles, no death traps, no speeding ticket bait. Or I can flat out say no, you're on your own.
The car I learned to drive on and my first RWD car (an LS1 Camaro) didn't have stability control. That and my mom's constant complaints
about being too hard on the gas/brake pedal and turning too abruptly made me a smoother operator. Anti-lock brakes are a must IMO, but the fact that they cars didn't have a traction control system made me more of a careful driver.Ultimately this leads back to my belief that people who spoil their cars with super-nice new cars either don't have the greatest parenting skills and/or are trying to make up for something (like a parent who isn't there enough but has a lot of money). If you go to a junior college you'll sometimes see fobs with super nice cars because their parents are overseas, and perhaps that's more motivation for them to do well in school. There's more to it than that, but yeah....
04-12-2012, 01:13 AM
#104
Your Friendly Canadian
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^ Didn't have stability control? As in you got rid of the Camaro? 
It's interesting seeing the different viewpoints of many members here.
But - The question was, how much horsepower do you give your kid?
I think 170-180 is good. Plenty for highway merging and a smooth-running car, but nothing to brag about. Part of what kept me out of trouble in my car is the fact that the horsepower wasn't a bragging point.
It's interesting seeing the different viewpoints of many members here.
But - The question was, how much horsepower do you give your kid?
I think 170-180 is good. Plenty for highway merging and a smooth-running car, but nothing to brag about. Part of what kept me out of trouble in my car is the fact that the horsepower wasn't a bragging point.
04-12-2012, 01:38 AM
#105
^I still have it, it's going away soon though. I hardly drive it now.
Power to weight ratio is more important.... 180 hp in a 2400 lb car is kinda wacky. 180 in a 3400 lb car is okay. 180 in a 4200 lb truck or SUV is dangerous.
Moreover, I think a truck or any vehicle with a high center of gravity is a bad choice for a first car. Goes with my thinking that stability control and various other electro-nannies encourages the "this vehicle will keep me safe, I can drive however I want" line of thought.... I've never seen a totaled Geo Metro before
My ideal first car for my kid would be a not-too-used 4-cylinder Camry/Accord or Civic/Corolla. If you're getting tickets in a car like that, I know they're a dumb ass and they're not getting what they really want. They're also decent cars, it's not like I'm getting them a beat up old Neon.
Power to weight ratio is more important.... 180 hp in a 2400 lb car is kinda wacky. 180 in a 3400 lb car is okay. 180 in a 4200 lb truck or SUV is dangerous.
Moreover, I think a truck or any vehicle with a high center of gravity is a bad choice for a first car. Goes with my thinking that stability control and various other electro-nannies encourages the "this vehicle will keep me safe, I can drive however I want" line of thought.... I've never seen a totaled Geo Metro before
My ideal first car for my kid would be a not-too-used 4-cylinder Camry/Accord or Civic/Corolla. If you're getting tickets in a car like that, I know they're a dumb ass and they're not getting what they really want. They're also decent cars, it's not like I'm getting them a beat up old Neon.
04-12-2012, 01:48 AM
#106
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
^I still have it, it's going away soon though. I hardly drive it now.
Power to weight ratio is more important.... 180 hp in a 2400 lb car is kinda wacky. 180 in a 3400 lb car is okay. 180 in a 4200 lb truck or SUV is dangerous.
Moreover, I think a truck or any vehicle with a high center of gravity is a bad choice for a first car. Goes with my thinking that stability control and various other electro-nannies encourages the "this vehicle will keep me safe, I can drive however I want" line of thought.... I've never seen a totaled Geo Metro before
My ideal first car for my kid would be a not-too-used 4-cylinder Camry/Accord or Civic/Corolla. If you're getting tickets in a car like that, I know they're a dumb ass and they're not getting what they really want. They're also decent cars, it's not like I'm getting them a beat up old Neon.
Power to weight ratio is more important.... 180 hp in a 2400 lb car is kinda wacky. 180 in a 3400 lb car is okay. 180 in a 4200 lb truck or SUV is dangerous.
Moreover, I think a truck or any vehicle with a high center of gravity is a bad choice for a first car. Goes with my thinking that stability control and various other electro-nannies encourages the "this vehicle will keep me safe, I can drive however I want" line of thought.... I've never seen a totaled Geo Metro before
My ideal first car for my kid would be a not-too-used 4-cylinder Camry/Accord or Civic/Corolla. If you're getting tickets in a car like that, I know they're a dumb ass and they're not getting what they really want. They're also decent cars, it's not like I'm getting them a beat up old Neon.
04-12-2012, 02:33 AM
#107
Suzuka Master
No I disagree with Costco about tthe whole thing about not having stability will make you a better driver. Especially if you live in an area with bad weather stability would have to be present on my kids car.
Your theory may be correct about not having stability control may make you drive more carefully but that one instance another driver comes at you and your natural instinct is to dodge even if you are at speed. It is something you will wan that tech present on your child's car.
Also I think parents should sign their kids up for some defensive driving school.
Your theory may be correct about not having stability control may make you drive more carefully but that one instance another driver comes at you and your natural instinct is to dodge even if you are at speed. It is something you will wan that tech present on your child's car.
Also I think parents should sign their kids up for some defensive driving school.
04-12-2012, 02:43 AM
#108
No I disagree with Costco about tthe whole thing about not having stability will make you a better driver. Especially if you live in an area with bad weather stability would have to be present on my kids car.
Your theory may be correct about not having stability control may make you drive more carefully but that one instance another driver comes at you and your natural instinct is to dodge even if you are at speed. It is something you will wan that tech present on your child's car.
Also I think parents should sign their kids up for some defensive driving school.
Your theory may be correct about not having stability control may make you drive more carefully but that one instance another driver comes at you and your natural instinct is to dodge even if you are at speed. It is something you will wan that tech present on your child's car.
Also I think parents should sign their kids up for some defensive driving school.
Bad weather conditions? Get snow/rain-oriented tires... good tires will make more of an impact on overall safety in every aspect no matter than any electronic driving aid will. Anecdotal evidence is anecdotal evidence but having cars without traction control taught me to adapt my driving position, how to modulate the throttle and to maneuver a car gently instead of just manhandling the steering wheel left and right. And I still maintain that fewer driving aides will be more conducive to careful driving habits than otherwise.
and Gran Turismo and Forza taught me to steer the correspondingly correct way when I did manhandle the steering wheel in bad weather
Hypothetical situation: first time driver. Who makes a habit of checking their blind spot more often, the newbie driver who gets a car with a blind spot monitoring system or the newbie driver who gets a car with huge ass blind spots and no monitoring system?
well okay... now that's true
04-12-2012, 02:51 AM
#109
It is definitely arguable that having driving aides and commonly optional safety equipment will keep you safer.... but I strongly feel that it won't make you a better driver if you're just starting off and learning
04-12-2012, 04:44 AM
#110
Senior Moderator
My son's (now 21 y/o) first car was a 97 Honda Civic sedan 5MT. While it had a few miles, it was well built, still fairly reliable and helped to cultivate some respect for how to drive given its manual tranny. It wasn't until he moved on to the 2005 Altima 3.5SE that the traffic tickets started to flow.
My daughter's (now 20 y/o) first car was a 97 Honda Prelude 4AT....which she (thanks to her rebellious, IDGAF nature) promptly used as a pinball on public roads.
Though she grew out of that behavior, the car still sits in the driveway (dead) as testament that whole ordeal. Thanks to her grandmother, her current car is a 138hp 2012 Hyundai Accent and so far, no incidents to report.
So in my case, keeping the the hp below 150hp was the better way to go.
My daughter's (now 20 y/o) first car was a 97 Honda Prelude 4AT....which she (thanks to her rebellious, IDGAF nature) promptly used as a pinball on public roads.
Though she grew out of that behavior, the car still sits in the driveway (dead) as testament that whole ordeal. Thanks to her grandmother, her current car is a 138hp 2012 Hyundai Accent and so far, no incidents to report.So in my case, keeping the the hp below 150hp was the better way to go.
04-12-2012, 05:37 AM
#111
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
I feel that giving a son or daughter a crappy car as their first car does give them a sense of appreciation of what they have. 90's are still good reliable cars as they go through the same 5 point rating as today. If they have a car that breaks down all the time,it also teaches about learning about your car and taking care of it.maybe after showing some responsibility and proving to be a safe driver then, talk about getting a new or newer car. Kids today are being served on a silver spoon and dont know hardship.
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Costco (04-12-2012)
04-12-2012, 05:52 AM
#112
99 corolla from mommy and papi as first ride; appreciated the fuck out it, still love that car, appreciate the fuck out of my current car as well; no tickets to date!
Without parental assistance, I wouldnt have been able to afford a ride, dunno what would have happened had they not helped out with that.
Rather than worrying about horsepower and money (I dont think buying your own car necessarily has to be a prerequisite to appreciate it or know the value of money), teach your kids how to drive properly and respect others on the road...
soblem prolved.
disclaimer: i have no children/im baby
Without parental assistance, I wouldnt have been able to afford a ride, dunno what would have happened had they not helped out with that.
Rather than worrying about horsepower and money (I dont think buying your own car necessarily has to be a prerequisite to appreciate it or know the value of money), teach your kids how to drive properly and respect others on the road...
soblem prolved.
disclaimer: i have no children/im baby
04-12-2012, 09:00 AM
#113
Instructor
OK so I can definitely post in this thread.
I have a 16 (soon to be 17) year old son who got his license last summer. Originally I was going to buy him a @$4K car that he should be able to drive for the next 6 years or so (at least thru college). But his grades were not where I expected them to be so I backed off that and let him drive my 2003 Avalanche for now. He's been driving it for almost a year now and so far we have had no issues (knocks on wood). Last month we put the 22's on it as he has proven that he doesn't curb rash the tires. He has a part time job at Red Lobster and he is responsible for the insurance, gas and maintenance. I have an agreement with him that if he can raise his GPA to 3.5, get at least a 29 on his ACT and not get any more C's then when he graduates I will contribute 50% of the cost of the vehicle he is going to buy. I want him to learn that life doesn't just hand you things, you actually have to work for it and as a result you will hopefully be more responsible and take care of your stuff.
I have a 16 (soon to be 17) year old son who got his license last summer. Originally I was going to buy him a @$4K car that he should be able to drive for the next 6 years or so (at least thru college). But his grades were not where I expected them to be so I backed off that and let him drive my 2003 Avalanche for now. He's been driving it for almost a year now and so far we have had no issues (knocks on wood). Last month we put the 22's on it as he has proven that he doesn't curb rash the tires. He has a part time job at Red Lobster and he is responsible for the insurance, gas and maintenance. I have an agreement with him that if he can raise his GPA to 3.5, get at least a 29 on his ACT and not get any more C's then when he graduates I will contribute 50% of the cost of the vehicle he is going to buy. I want him to learn that life doesn't just hand you things, you actually have to work for it and as a result you will hopefully be more responsible and take care of your stuff.
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crispone (04-13-2012)
04-12-2012, 10:40 PM
#116
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
04-13-2012, 10:15 AM
#118
Drifting
There are no slow cars anymore. Even if we don't consider them "fast", any modern day car can get up and move fast enough to get any inexperienced driver in trouble. I remember taking my aunt to get a car a few years ago, got a new Toyota Corolla, couldn't believe how quick those little shits are.
My parents never bought me a car, had to drive my dads Olds Cutlass Ciera around, now that was slow! I have two young sons, when the time comes, if i do get them a car they will be doing all of the house work!
My parents never bought me a car, had to drive my dads Olds Cutlass Ciera around, now that was slow! I have two young sons, when the time comes, if i do get them a car they will be doing all of the house work!
04-13-2012, 08:24 PM
#119
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
