What project car for a kid?

Talking to my 12 (almost 13) year old yesterday, the topic of "first cars" came up. I've got a sort of strange set of parameters. The kid is pretty good at saving money, but assuming we'd be shopping in a year or so, I'd guess he will have 2 to 3 grand of his own money saved, I might be able to add a two or three to that. (For a ballpark budget). He wants to autocross, so something "class competitive" in a "slow car fast" class would be great. I've got no problem traveling south to get a rust free example, but he would need to drive it year round, so I'd prefer something with decent corrosion protection. Given the need for winter driving FWD or AWD is probably preferred, but not essential. (I learned to winter drive on a 74 Camaro, after all) Easy to work on is also preferred as I'd like him to learn a little bit without the frustration of, say, modern Vdub electronics. I'd like something that's sort of interesting/cool that he can be proud of, but prefer to stay away from "status brands". He goes to a pretty affluent high school, so I'm trying to stay away from "I have a BMW/Lexus/Acura . . . just like everyone else".

So far, I've ruled out "the answer", on the grounds that "its just not a winter car" and/or non-existent corrosion protection. (One rusty Miata per household is plenty) I'd love to get him a Civic hatch, but everything I've seen so far has been clapped out and offered for sale with such disclaimers as "not running right now, but a great car". So far, I've thought of a turbo brick or maybe a non-turbo Subie. Hive thoughts?

slow car is the answer. Volvo might be a good answer too. 850 or a C70? Those can both be had for next to nothing, are fairly reliable, and can't be considered "fast" as long as not in turbo Form. Same with non-turbo Saabs or maybe an E36 with the winter package (pre-96 comes with heated seats and an LSD)

MX6 GT without all the go fast goodies. It has a turbo, but they're pretty slow stockish.

kazoospec wrote: Talking to my 12 (almost 13) year old yesterday, the topic of "first cars" came up. I've got a sort of strange set of parameters. The kid is pretty good at saving money, but assuming we'd be shopping in a year or so, I'd guess he will have 2 to 3 grand of his own money saved, I might be able to add a two or three to that.

Thats awesome. Out of curiosity, is he going to spend the whole wad? Or are you having him invest any money in the stock market/college savings fund/IRA/etc? Early to start, but that makes a mega difference in the long-run.

That said, Celica GT? Also, plenty of 89si civics to be had for $5-6k already very well prepped for STC. The price I see them go for is often far less than the sum of their parts. May need to invest in some extra rust protection... but they are awesome cars.

Also, I've had this same plan for my future offspring since forever. He's turning 3 at the end of the month. I have time.

Well Im a little biased, but a nice little Mustang would be fun. They are easy to work on, cheap to buy parts for, lots of upgrades and for about $3k you can get a very decent foxbody and even with the 5L....they are not that fast.

mndsm wrote: MX6 GT without all the go fast goodies. It has a turbo, but they're pretty slow stockish.

0-60 in 7 flat is plenty peppy for a first time driver.

JamesMcD wrote:

mndsm wrote: MX6 GT without all the go fast goodies. It has a turbo, but they're pretty slow stockish.

0-60 in 7 flat is plenty peppy for a first time driver.

Faster than any car I have ever owned

JamesMcD wrote:

mndsm wrote: MX6 GT without all the go fast goodies. It has a turbo, but they're pretty slow stockish.

0-60 in 7 flat is plenty peppy for a first time driver.

They're really THAT quick? I guess I'm speed blind. Modified ms3 DD will do that to you.....

mndsm wrote:

JamesMcD wrote:

mndsm wrote: MX6 GT without all the go fast goodies. It has a turbo, but they're pretty slow stockish.

0-60 in 7 flat is plenty peppy for a first time driver.

They're really THAT quick? I guess I'm speed blind. Modified ms3 DD will do that to you.....

C&D got 7.0 on their MX6 GT test, and 6.7 with the Probe GT.

what's wrong with another miata in the family? I still see it as the perfect first car: reliable, slow, good crash protection and low driver to passenger ratio.

99 323is for $1500.

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/200x-classifieds/1999-bmw-323is-e36-coupe-in-ma-1500/89299/page1/

whenry wrote: what's wrong with another miata in the family? I still see it as the perfect first car: reliable, slow, good crash protection and low driver to passenger ratio.

Oh, trust me, I recognize the value of a Miata as a first car . . . if you don't live in the "snow belt" in West Michigan.

Not a specific car recommendation but more foddder for thought...

Do kids really want cars that are from before the beginning of time?
What I mean is the beginning of their time. If Jr was born in 2002 would he really be interested in cars of the '80's/'90's or would these be seen as "cars from another era"; the era before himself?

As such, should you be focusing on cars of '02 or newer?
How about focusing on cars from his birth year? What was cool from '02?

2002 SVT Focus

E36 318? Non srt4 neon? RWD Volvo? Infinity G20? Nissan 200sx? Early Focus with the DOHC engine? '90's Escort GT? 4 cyl probe?

Those are all decent cars that are reasonably fun to drive in stick shift form, that can be had cheap

Most important is what kind of car does HE want.

Old RWD Toyotas are sent from God to help young drivers get good. They're slow stock, easy to upgrade and have handling from Jesus. Approximately 9,000,000 times cooler than anything at his future highschool.

2wd, reg cab, short bed pickup of your choosing. Slow enough (6 cyl) & useful when they go to college. Your insurance will be low as well.

stuart in mn wrote: Most important is what kind of car does HE want.

We're still working on this. We spent a couple hours in the automotive wasteland known as "Craigslist" yesterday and his tastes are sort of all over the place right now. He even showed some interest in the sort of small pickup GRtechguy was talking about. (We could always tick the "autocross" box by codriving my Miata)

The one that caught both our eyes was an old Ford Falcon, but I just couldn't see sending him out into the snow/salt in a 50 year old survivor. Same kind of applies to the awesomeness suggested by Daewoo.

JohnRW1621 wrote: Do kids really want cars that are from before the beginning of time? What I mean is the beginning of their time. If Jr was born in 2002 would he really be interested in cars of the '80's/'90's or would these be seen as "cars from another era"; the era before himself?

for what it is worth.. my first car was older than I was.

80's s10 4x4 with awd t-case and handling mods. Simple, cheap, effective. Takes a hit like a heavy weight boxer. Fits 275/40/17 on take off vette wheels with ease. Bolt ons are plentifle.

Im a fan of trucks as first cars. Cheaper insurance and full frames.also limited capacity for other brain dead teenagers.

My first thought as I was reading it was along the same lines you suggested. Civic hatch would be ideal for the needs you describe. They're simple to work on (trust me, if I can work on one...anyone can), good in snow, handle well, etc... It'll be hard to find one that isn't rusted or clapped out, but they do exist.

What about an Infiniti G20? It's a "status" brand, but not a true status car.

Agree with the Civic hatch (mid to late 90s). Parts are cheap and plentiful, great gas mileage. My 14 year old neighbor found one in our neighborhood that had been sitting due to "age" - nothing wrong with it that a little maintenance couldn't fix. His main concern, even though dad is a gearhead, was MPG and cost to maintain.

I'll throw the oddball answer out there, Jeep Wrangler. When I was looking for a toy, this was in serious contention. If he can co-drive the Miata, then this make a lot of sense. Easy to work on, modifications are easy bolt-ons or even DIY (weld up some bumpers), they are fun to live with, decent in the snow and not something he will be street racing.