[Mustang37]

What is a good starter car for a 16 year old? My daughter thinks I’m buying her a Mustang (it’s her favorite too) for her 16th birthday- she is out of her mind. What do you think would be a good starter car? I am thinking some old car that has a lot of miles but runs well. A good used car! Thoughts?

[jason]

Something big, but not too big. And slow. Something like a Malibu, or a Monte Carlo. A few years old. And cheap. Check out insurance rates for certain vehicles too.

[MomVan]

Something that won't break down and is reliable. Something she won't get in trouble with ie. speeding or having too many friends in the car. As for the year, I wouldn't go more than 6 years old because then you have to worry about things breaking down and the mileage probably is starting to get up there.

[Mustang37]

You know I never even thought about insurance rates for the added vehicle. Thanks for the tip! I know my insurance will go up because I will have a young driver on it again. Slow is good, you are right on with that one. I wasn’t thinking too big though- I want her to be able to park it and reverse it without having problems.

[hotrodSteve]

I agree with the suggestions that others have made, except that I would get her a smaller car, but not too small. I think the engine is the most important consideration and should not have too much power.

[Byker]

I sure wouldn't get a 16-year-old anything fancy or new. I wouldn't get them one without them working to help pay the cost of driving it, either. It could be a very good lesson in economics and responsibility.

[Chaoticdriver]

Something you would have no issue getting scratches and bumps on. I assume that she is a beginning driver so you should expect that she would dent the car sometimes.

[flatbed]

Nothing expensive but not too old either because you don't want them stuck on the side of the road. I'm thinking a Ford Focus or something similar? Although I don't trust those smaller cars in an accident. Honestly, these days, I kind of wish they'd up the driving age. I hate to think of my 16 year olds out on the road, so many crazy drivers. I just wonder if they are mature enough to handle it. It's not like when I was a kid.

[Dodge Doll]

Well, of course I'm going to say DODGE.... Neon, in fact.

Or a Ford Escort. Both are great on gas, very forgiving to new drivers, cheap to fix and get parts for.... and you can pick up either, 10 yrs old, for about $1500. Four cylinders is all a 16 yr old needs, you're asking for it otherwise.

Both Ford and Dodge design their econo-boxes around a steel cage: an accident may leave the car "round", but the passenger compartment remains intact.