Hi everybody. (Note: before reading on, keep in mind that I am neither a stuck-up rich kid nor a kid with an attitude the size of Earth; I am merely a kid who wants a nice car). I'm 15, and turn 16 in April...I will get my Junior Lisence in October. When I turn 16, my parents will hand down a 2004 Chevy Tahoe to me. The Tahoe is fairly beaten up and has a lot of miles (65,000+), so it's not like I will be getting a brand new car. My parents are giving it to me because my dad has decided that he wants my mom to be driving a Volvo and it would be less beneficial to sell it (or trade it in) the Tahoe rather than give it to me and keep it. I will be allowed to do whatever I want to the Tahoe, which includes selling it. In its current state, the Tahoe averages ~13.5 MPG. So before I continue, here's some things you should know about me: I am 100% against street racing, and my main interests are cars/trucks/ATVs. My dad is into fast cars and has had cars that include a Trans Am (1977) and a BMW 535 with aftermarket parts from BMW's M division.

So let's "cut to the chase" here. The Tahoe will be a lot of money for me to run and will also be impractical for me. I do not need (or want) what it has to offer me. I found this forum while looking at WRX's. I am really into them, and am wondering about if it would be a good car for me. They seem to have everything that I want/need...AWD, safety, good looks, decent gas mileage, and a huge aftermarket. I plan (2-3 years in the future) to do a few mods to this car. I will be AutoCrossing my car about once a month and will and driving it daily. I have no plans to drive fast on the roads! My dad will also drive this car once in a while. The Impreza WRX has everything and more that I'm looking for in a car. If I sell the Tahoe, I will be able to afford a used WRX. So, my question to you all is: Would an Impreza WRX be a good car for me?

THANKS FOR THE HELP. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

P.S. - PLEASE don't flame on me for being able to get a nice car at a young age. I know that even though I'm saying this, it's going to happen. Oh, and sorry for the very long post. Thanks again!

 

In my opinion, a WRX is not a good choice for a young driver. The insurance rate is too high for a young driver although if your parents assume liability through their own insurance policy it will be more reasonable. If this is your first car, I would suggest something with no performance potential because you will learn responsibility and safe driving habits with little temptation to push the vehicle harder. At 15, you have no real experience behind the wheel, yet.

I applaud the mature manner in which you posted but the temptation is already there when you mentioned modding and auto-x in the future. I think you should drive for a year or two, and then get a car you would like to drive.

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

No a WRX Is just not the car for you man, i am sorry. It is too much car to handle at such a young age.

But instead you could get this one, low mileage, minor paint damage, above average fuel economy

 

^^^
I don't think that was necessary to post something like that. He's asking an intelligent question that deserves a thoughtful answer, don't you think?

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

I totally agree with you, but it was really funny.

 

Allow a few years of driving experience first. Then feel free to get what you want. You can also may think about buying an old 2.5 RS. You still can get involved in the subaru community, yet have a car that would be more suitable for your age. =)


- Rush

 

I guess that was funny, Ayra...I was expecting something like that.

And thanks to everybody else who appreciates my maturity. I'm one of the few kids in my grade that act omature.

So it would be better for me to hold off for a little while? I see your point, but if I leave it stock will it still be too fast for me? THANKS AGAIN.

 

No, its not, youre too young, seriously. you'll appreciate this later when youre older and get a car like a WRX and wonder why the insurance rates are so goddamn expensive. Then you'll think back to this discussion.

Ed

 

I must say you do not need a wrx. I'm sorry but a 16 year old kid no matter how mature you are doesnt need a 230 Hp race car. You should look at a 2.5i its all the same except non turbo. It will fit you better and plus your insurance wont sky rocket. honestly I cant stand 16-17 year old kids thinking they know how to drive and buy a fast car and crash it six weeks later. It happend to people I know.

 

i agree that you may be a little too wet behind the ears for a WRX. fast turbocharged cars with new drivers behind the wheel tend to be a bad match. I would look into a 2.5i or a GC or something. they'd still meet your criteria that you mentioned, they just won't be as fast as a wrx. once you get some experience then go ahead an upgrade to the wrx or an sti or something. either way, be safe out there.

 

When you're starting to drive, speed is the last thing you need.

 

Why hasn't any said "buy an L"? You'll get used to driving AWD, you'll have the safty of AWD. Can still be a very cool car, 5spd, cool community.

 

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of the older N/A (Naturally/Normally Aspirated Subarus). This includes the Legacy, Outback, Impreza L/RS, Forester, etc.

All should be very reliable and very safe especially for a young driver.

I'm 17 myself and I had my license for a few months. I've been driving a 2003 Camry since that time. I've actually been looking for an L coupe (preferrably) or a L sedan. Of course I'm looking at the RS's too. But if I get an L I'd make it look like an RS for personal reasons .

At first I was looking at getting a WRX like most kids our age. But once I saw and heard that WRX was one of the most expensive cars to insure, I just said forget it. I'd rather stick to a slower Subaru model that still has the same appeal as the WRX (2.5RS).

 

How about the Forester?

For the record, here's the other cars I was (and some I still am) considering, and I've listed why I crossed them off my list in parantheses:

-Acura RSX Type S (still in consideration)
-Chevy Cobalt SS (disappointing interior)
-Mini Cooper S (too small)
-Mazda RX-8 (like it, but not that much. It's RWD which is bad in the NY snow)
-Lancer Evo (insurance rates)
-350z (RWD)
-Mustang (RWD)
-Camaro/Firebird (RWD)
-Civic Si (still in consideration)
-S2000 (impractical, insurance rates, RWD)
-GTI (still in consideration)

And I am still considering cheap used pickup trucks so I can haul my quad. These are: Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota, Chevy S10, Chevy Colorado. I was also considering a Jeep Wrangler, but have decided it's unsafe (rolls easily), and impractical (no locking storage w/soft top).

 

I like the list of cars you have chosen. As class of car your all over the place, but here's what I get sporty, compact, capable, expensive to drive. Are you sure we're not long lost brothers? Everyone of the cars listed is to cost you a premium for insurance. They all have a lot of baggage trailing behind them. None of which would be worth a damn in NY winters. What part? May I ask? I'm form there as well. I know that we are born with the skill to drive in the snow but AWD is so much fun and safe. You mentioned a Forester; ever seen Sesame Street? "One of these things is not like the others" You know what I'm talking about. I don't think you'd be happy with it.

Here's what I think, note: I'm very partial to Suabrus, click this link, understand that this car is waaaaaaaaaay hawt. Also understand what this car started as, and what it has become. Literally this platform can be a lifelong project. If this doesn't make you drooly, there's no help for you.
http://www.licmotorsports.com/adamlevy.htm