Looking for good quality car from $1000-$2500 for Teenager

Phaedrus · 05-09-2008, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by SeattleClone

For that price range you should look for something in a mid-90's Oldsmobile, Buick, etc. Something with the 3800 series V6. That engine is bullet-proof and will surely run over 200,000 miles.

+ 100000000000

Phaedrus · 05-09-2008, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by cyfreddy

That would mean he would get a 2001 Ford Windstar. He does not think it is cool to drive a minivan, and I kind of agree with him.

So, how is the Windstar working out for you? I never met someone who is happy with theirs.

They are maintenance hogs, in my experience.

cybsball20 · 05-09-2008, 09:26 AM

Cant go wrong with a Honda Accord or Prelude. You could probably even get an old Acura Legend or Integra around that price...

iowa_wildcat · 05-09-2008, 09:31 AM

I sell cars for a living and have to agree with SeattleClone. Find your son an older Buick or Oldsmobile with the 3800 engine. He may not appreciate the style as they mostly were sold to older people. That fact is great for your wallet and the cars dependability. Those old boats usually were driven easy and had regular service with those types of owners.

Bobber · 05-09-2008, 10:31 AM

Any GM car with the 3800 is a good choice, but their 3.1 engine was also pretty reliable. You should be able to find an older Buick, Impala, or Lumina in that price range. The Ford Taurus is also a good option.

In the 90's my brother picked up an 80's vintage Pontiac Grand Am for $250. It looked terrible with paint pealing everwhere and rust on the hood. One of the wheels had two lug nuts twisted off with 3 left holding the rim on(which was probably rusted to the car). It had 130,000 miles on it, but the previous owner had just stuck a rebuilt moter in it. It got 30 plus MPG and he put over 30,000 trouble free miles on that car.

So yes, it's possible to find what your looking for.

CarolinaCy · 05-09-2008, 10:48 AM

Avoid any Grand Am made in the 90's or later like the plauge. You WILL replace the intake manifold gasket at some point, it's just a matter of time. I've owned two of them, did one at 100,000 miles and the other at 75,000 miles. First one was a 3.1L, second was 3.4L (still driving it). Stick with the 3.8L GM engine and you won't be disappointed. I heard that GM actually tried to do away with the 3.8 (probably because it was so reliable), but it nearly caused a revolt so they kept it.

zumbro clones · 05-09-2008, 12:11 PM

An early 90s Ford Taurus is not a bad choice but beware of the head gasket problem on the 3.8 engine. That will set you back a bundle.

For insurance costs, stay away from 2 doors and sporty cars. A pickup or minivan may be just the thing for low insurance costs but aren't as cool for kids.

StormnClone58 · 05-09-2008, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by CarolinaCy

Avoid any Grand Am made in the 90's or later like the plauge. You WILL replace the intake manifold gasket at some point, it's just a matter of time. I've owned two of them, did one at 100,000 miles and the other at 75,000 miles. First one was a 3.1L, second was 3.4L (still driving it). Stick with the 3.8L GM engine and you won't be disappointed. I heard that GM actually tried to do away with the 3.8 (probably because it was so reliable), but it nearly caused a revolt so they kept it.

from my understanding ur suppose to replace that at 100,000 miles anyway ....

clones26 · 05-09-2008, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by CarolinaCy

Avoid any Grand Am made in the 90's or later like the plauge. You WILL replace the intake manifold gasket at some point, it's just a matter of time. I've owned two of them, did one at 100,000 miles and the other at 75,000 miles. First one was a 3.1L, second was 3.4L (still driving it). Stick with the 3.8L GM engine and you won't be disappointed. I heard that GM actually tried to do away with the 3.8 (probably because it was so reliable), but it nearly caused a revolt so they kept it.

I know it varies from person to person, but my '95 Grand AM (my first car) was a 3.4 and I drove it from miles 71k-112k and never had to do that. I crashed into a fence, got rear-ended, rear-ended someone, and slide sideways down the center grass median on I-35 going 80 and it still never stopped. Great car.

cycloneace55 · 05-09-2008, 01:11 PM

you could try www.samba.com and get him a classic VW beetle. It would be easy for him to learn how to maintain it and if he did break down the parts are fairly inexpensive. That and there is a huge custom beetle culture out there so he could try and customize his ride. Before anyone says anything about poor HP I have personally seen old VW with turbo engines that produce in excess of 300 HP and were everyday drivers. You should be able to pick one up fairly cheap but I would stay away from a "super" and get a standard in the 1969 - 1975 year range. You get a front dual trailing arm suspension with IRS in the rear. From there the posibilites are practically unlimited for him to do what he wants.

I admit I am biased since I have restored a 1966 beetle for a friend, and am working on a 1968 VW based dune buggy right now.

travman23 · 05-09-2008, 01:40 PM

Get him one of these which is what my dad got me and eventually was passed down to my brother:

That big metal bumper you can hit about anything with and no matter how hard my brother and I tried to kill that thing it kept running. Cheap on insurance too.

lakeliving · 05-09-2008, 02:03 PM

As a parent of a 16 year old daughter we decided to try a different approach. Keep in mind, I did not say it was the right approach. We purchased a 2007 Taurus with 25,000 miles on it and told her that it was her car and would need to last her until she was finished with college and she could purchase her own car again at that time. Hoping it works out for all of us. Not to stereotype, but for a son, I most likely would not have purchased that kind of car with those expectations, I vaguely remember being 16 and what I tended to do to cars.

CYCLONE STATE · 05-09-2008, 02:09 PM

I work with someone who is selling his 88 Toyota Camry. It only has 99000 miles on it. 4 cylinder engine. He is 2nd owner. Has 4 new tires,new brakes,new exhaust,new windshield. A/C works great. Everything works. Has a little rust but overall in very good condition. Good gas mileage. Would make a great first car. He is asking $2500. If interested let me know and I will get you his info.

Kyle · 05-09-2008, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by SeattleClone

For that price range you should look for something in a mid-90's Oldsmobile, Buick, etc. Something with the 3800 series V6. That engine is bullet-proof and will surely run over 200,000 miles.

Can't argue with that suggestion. My last two cars have been a 94 Buick Regal with that engine a 2000 Bonneville with that engine. I probably sold the Regal a bit too soon (160k or so miles) as the new owner has reported that it has run great for the past two and a half years or so. I've put about 60,000 on my Bonneville (from about 70k to about 130k) without much outside of regular maintenance.

zumbro clones · 05-09-2008, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by CYCLONE STATE

I work with someone who is selling his 88 Toyota Camry. It only has 99000 miles on it. 4 cylinder engine. He is 2nd owner. Has 4 new tires,new brakes,new exhaust,new windshield. A/C works great. Everything works. Has a little rust but overall in very good condition. Good gas mileage. Would make a great first car. He is asking $2500. If interested let me know and I will get you his info.

That sounds like a great deal!