Hi guys, Need a car for my 16yr old Grandson to learn to drive in. Need something with safety features i.e airbags etc, have about $4k to spend,Realise wont get much for that sort of money. He is 6ft 4 so nothing too small. Thanks for your help. small.
morrisman1,
Oct 3, 1:46am
get him something with good visibility, not too big, not too fast, manual gearbox, cheap to insure. Forget about things like airbags, just because a car has airbags doesn't mean its safe. ABS is a good thing to have
msigg,
Oct 3, 1:50am
primera,camry!,honda,mazda.
gammelvind,
Oct 3, 1:58am
You are a kind grandad. All my sons are that size, and I gave them a car when they got their licence, it had rego and wof, and I spent no more than $1200 per car. Depending on the kid, the appreciation is varied, 2 of the boys looked after their cars and 1 went and wrecked his within the first month (wondered why I didn't get him another), I hope you are able to judge your grandson before you spend $5k. My suggestion is a japanese manual, toyota, honda, nissan, there are plenty available at that price range that are smart and reliable.
nz16901,
Oct 3, 1:59am
Thank you for your advice. We thought he should learn in an automatic Then progress to a manual after he has his licence and is more confident on the road. We feel he has enough to concentrate on watching what is going on around him without having to worry about finding the right gear. He has a very old escort he his doing up that is manual so he does need to learn to drive one in the future.
gammelvind,
Oct 3, 2:04am
Nah manual to start in that case.
nz16901,
Oct 3, 2:08am
Thanks gammelvind, yes he is a very mature kid for this age.We bought our 22yr old Grandaughter a car at 16and we had no problems with her. She was most grateful, has since traded it for a later model,a husband and a baby.
gammelvind,
Oct 3, 2:14am
Now she really is in debt lol
scoobeey,
Oct 3, 2:23am
good car!
tullyann,
Oct 3, 2:28am
Do not go Ezybuy Auction wow just seen them on Fair go,,,an they have heaps on sale on T/me
tuttyclan,
Oct 3, 2:39am
I would recommend a Honda Accord of the same vintage but for insurance purposes its best to stay 1600cc and under for a under 25.
ralphdog1,
Oct 3, 2:53am
Do you have children Cameron!
cowlover,
Oct 3, 3:00am
Is it still the rules taht if you learn get licence in an auto you can't then drive a manual!If you want head room get a Nissan eScargo.Hubby is 6.2 and hits his head in most cars these days.
sarahb5,
Oct 3, 3:19am
Yep - if you pass your restricted in an automatic you are only licenced to drive an automatic but if you pass in a manual you can take your full in either manual or automatic.Defensive driving is a good idea as is fully comprehensive insurance.It might cost a bit up front but it could well prove its worth - daughter did $3,000+ of damage to a stationary object (don't ask - she's blonde) in her car that was worth only about $1,500.Best $400 we ever spent - had we not had full insurance we would have had to pay for the damage.As it was we just had to pay the excess.
sarahb5,
Oct 3, 3:24am
I didn't see it but we are looking for a car at the moment - what was the issue with Ezybuy as I think we may have some of their listings Watchlisted
tigra,
Oct 3, 3:47am
It all hinges on whether it was a genuine Tender or simply an offer to buy situation.
thejazzpianoma,
Oct 3, 3:52am
I would go for a 2000 or newer Fiat Punto. Easily got for 4K and you get:
* 2-6 airbags * Pre-tensioners * ABS * 4 Star (more on some versions) NCAP safety.
Very little in the way of economical cars for 4K that can match that.
Fiat parts are cheap and easy to get, the economy is phenomenal and they have an excellent and reliable CVT which gives the car significantly more go than other small automatics, many of which really struggle.
Let me know if you want to know more, I can give you some clues to finding a good one etc.
gunhand,
Oct 3, 3:55am
I thought it was, if you use an auto to get licence you have to drive an auto up untill the time you have your full and complete licence, no restrictions etc etc then you can drive a manual. No idea if its true as its dosnt effect me LOL.
nz16901,
Oct 3, 5:23am
Yes I am sure gunhand is correct.
djrandomguy,
Oct 3, 6:28am
people may tell you to avoid euro's but my wife and I recently bought a 97 Citroen Saxo [same as a peugeot 106] it's a 1.6i with a 4 stage auto, ABS, and drivers airbag. we got this for $1800. only has 137'ks on it. Look further afield .
3tomany,
Oct 3, 2:44pm
get a manual from the start you will never regret it and i think youre budget is a good start 4k buys a reasonable car. pulsars are very reliable
NZTools,
Oct 3, 6:14pm
Good on you for buying your grandson a car, but can I change the subject slightly and give you something to ponder! many years ago when i got my license, My dad like most people back then, did not have the means to splash out on a car for his son., What he did do however, was teach me ways of earning enough money to buy my own very quickly. Sure i would have thought he was great at the the time if he had handed over the keys to a toy for me to trash, but to this day i still appreciate his gift of teaching me to earn my own money a lot more, and it is something i have already passed on to my own son, and my little daughter will learn the same too.
imlegitmunitesh,
Oct 3, 7:19pm
Nissan Sentras.are a great car. chain driven to so you dont haveto worry about replacing the cambelt.
tuttyclan,
Oct 3, 7:27pm
I got my first car at 14, a 1960 Vauxhall Victor which I still have today.It cost me $300 from my paper round money.Dad drove it home for me as I was only 14 at the time lol.
dollydot,
Oct 3, 7:32pm
We're looking for a car for our 18 year old son who is learning to drive at the moment.We do want air bags and some safety features as they are vulnerable as new drivers and their safety is paramount. We also are looking at a cheaper car though, anything from $6,000-$8,000 max.He wants something small and doesn't like anything "boy racer-ish" He is at uni but has a part time job so he is going to find half the amount and his Grandfather is going to match that and help him choose. We'll add another $1000 if needed. I think it's a wonderful way of Grandparents helping with this important decision.Good luck OP with the car hunting for your Grandson.
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