need daughter's car advice

Nissan 350z, Acura RSX, Audi TT, Mustang GT, G35, RX8, don't know what else, but VW Eos and BMW is pretty expensive, well for me at least.

 

Whats the budget and intended use?

 

Gosh, you certainly have a wide range of choices. Here are my 2 cents:

Most reliable: Honda Accord or Toyota Camry (both have 2 door models)

Safest: Volvo - their 30 series entry model - definitely FWD

Budget Models: Mazda 3 (very highly rated FWD platform); Honda Civic (also very reliable but maybe not an inexpensive as the Mazda

Trendy Models: Mini? (high on cute factor but maybe too small for your safety concerns)

4wd: Jeep Wrangler (don't know about the reliability factor, but definitely cute and only seats 4 people)

Thoughts on a 3 series BMW: I have never owned one so I do not know how their reliability stacks up. However, this is a highly rated sports sedan and has been on Car & Driver's Top 10 for almost 10 years. It is also high image / status car in some areas. This car will definitely send a message of wealth to the general public. However, if you are sending her to a private or high-end collage, then it may fit right in and not get noticed.

Again, this is just my opinion and like I said, there are many things to consider.

My brother ended up getting a 2-year old Ford Focus for his 17-year-old daughter and she just loves it. She drives it around town mostly. The car is very small and manageable for a new driver, still handles great despite the model being several years old, and was very affordable. They are also fairly reliable and inexpensive to maintain. Additionally, as Ford sells thousands of these a year, they are very affordable used cars. Younger drivers tend to have a higher chance of accidents and do you want to send her out in a $25 to $30K car? Again, these are just items to think over and good luck with your choice. Let us know what you decide.

Regards,

Jeff
Dallas, Texas

 

My 2 older girls got a Scion tC (5 speed) and a RSX Type-S (6 speed).

They have both been perfect, not one rattle or problem.

 

Obviously you missed the part about fwd/awd.

 

You could also look at various Audi quattro models, Mitsubishi Eclipses and Toyota FJ Cruisers.

 

Cars not girls.

 

Yes, I read that, just putting other cards on the table. Just naming a few that might inspire him of others.

 

How about the Pontiac G6?

 

BMW over Vw.

although I like the Audi TT over both.

Unique look.

JMO

 

bmw 328xic. Great car, and free maintenance!

PM me. I may be able to get you a great deal.

 

Being a she's a teen, I would go after something SLOW and SAFE.

 

but if it is fast and dangerous, then he could buy another ferrari with the college fund money

 

I see a lot of girls around here driving Audis. The base models are FWD, but you can get Quattro. Frankly, FWD with traction on (standard) is pretty darn safe. Check out the A3. Four doors, I know, but a very practical and good overall car.

 

And safe. I would rate BMW safety on par with Volvo.

Wonderful steering, great brakes. There is nothing I would rathar have a loved one drive (in terms of a car at least).

Most 3 series are not fast.

I never did understand 3 series 'image.' It is the baby of the BMW line, the BMW C class, etc. You can get a last gen for $5k.

I know you don't want a 4 door RWD, but if I was up to me, I would get my kid a used older 7 series. Slow(ish...about the same as the average car now), incredibly safe, wonderful handling, comfortable. More features then you can shake a stick at. Unless you live in a snowy climate, I would get RWD. If you do, get a 4WD/AWD. I hate FWD...

 

What about the VW GTi 2 door? I drove one recently, and I liked how it handled.

 

pretty much every chick at my hs had a c class... one had an AMG which was sweet but thats about it...

How about Audi... A4's are really nice and with quattro you can't go wrong...

Either that or get her a acura tsx... sweet car, fast, reliable... one of my buddies had one and beat the heck out of it and it never broke down...

if ur lookin at a 3 series look at the is300's... can't go wrong with a lexus

and yes i do realize that these are rwd

 

I drive a 05 Focus ZX3 and love it. I defiantly would recommend it.

 

My advice would be to drag her, kicking and screaming irregardless, to the nearest performance driving school.

It doesn't really matter if she learns to heel & toe, provided she picks up the first two lessons: Seat belts, and Pay attention to your driving.

No car can make up for an inattentive driver who doesn't want the seat belts to "wrinkle" the designer faded jeans.

So no car until she passes the course.

 

how about a bmw 330

 

Will this be her first car? I am going to assume so. I would recommend:

I would go with the 2 door Honda Civic. You can get her navigation and all of the goodies for 18K-20K FWD, 2 doors, and rock solid dependability and depreciation values. There is also the SI version.

If you would want something "a step up," go with an RSX. Fantastic car, every girl I have even spoken to had an RSX or loved the model because it looked "cute." Also, the Type-S is offered.

What is up with girls being attracted to "cute" 2 door cars?

Anyways.

You should be able to find some sweet deals on an RSX because Acura will be discontinuing it.

And then we have the Mini. The mini is a fun car to drive, just a little too small imo.

I would get her something reliable and good on gas. Something simple, that does not run into problems often, and is not dreadfully expensive to fix body damage. Face it, the car is going to get dinged up. Maybe an accident or two. It really depends on how "sensible" your daughter is. It is also going to be cheap on insurance. Since these cars are produced in huge numbers, parts are extremely easy to find and are relatively in-expensive.

Now, if I were your daughter, I would want a G35.

One of them new BMW's wouldn't be too bad either!

Don't forget to go to edmunds.com and view your options. We're all car enthusiasts here. If it isn't a V-8, V-12, or a straight 6, we won't recommend it!

I say call it a day and get her a 612.

 

It depends as far as kids cars go, I would recommend Subaru Legacy Limited either the GT or 2.5i model. Very safe, incredible reliable, and amazing AWD. BMW 328xi is a great car but a bit expesive for what it is IMO. a great car for just over 30,000 is the Lexus IS250 AWD. That is also a great car for the money. Good luck.
-Marc