What To Get An L!!!or Z71
#32
06-08-2002 | 07:26 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,919
Likes: 0
From: Western Massachusetts
Oops. I didn't see page two before I posted. Anyway....
If I were a parent and I were going to buy a car for my 16 year old I would make the decision easy. You can have an Escort or a Neon or a Cavalier.
There is a big problem these days with inexperianced drivers behind the wheel of powerful vehicles. The auto makers are doing a great job of making efficiant, powerful vehicles. It's the parents responsability to choose the appropriate vehicle for thier inexperianced driver.
My first car (on the road) was a '78 Honda Civic. It was very appropriate. I also had to buy my own vehicles.
I don't mean to be a downer. If I were 16 again and in your shoes I would be thrilled. I wanted the fast cars too. I couldn't afford them though. In hind sight, it was a good thing I couldn't afford the power.
Now If the parents want to get you a more "appropriate" vehicle for now they can get the Lightning too, and I will drive it untill your older? I didn't think so.
Good luck on the decision. You are one lucky dude!
If I were a parent and I were going to buy a car for my 16 year old I would make the decision easy. You can have an Escort or a Neon or a Cavalier.
There is a big problem these days with inexperianced drivers behind the wheel of powerful vehicles. The auto makers are doing a great job of making efficiant, powerful vehicles. It's the parents responsability to choose the appropriate vehicle for thier inexperianced driver.
My first car (on the road) was a '78 Honda Civic. It was very appropriate. I also had to buy my own vehicles.
I don't mean to be a downer. If I were 16 again and in your shoes I would be thrilled. I wanted the fast cars too. I couldn't afford them though. In hind sight, it was a good thing I couldn't afford the power.
Now If the parents want to get you a more "appropriate" vehicle for now they can get the Lightning too, and I will drive it untill your older? I didn't think so.
Good luck on the decision. You are one lucky dude!
Last edited by wittom; 06-08-2002 at 07:28 PM.
#33
06-08-2002 | 07:55 PM
Suspended Pending Email Reply
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 534
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton, NJ
Let me agree with EVERYONE here - I'm 22, been driving since 17. Even my Fiero GT was too much muscle, back when I first got my license. But, I really learned how to drive, from making mistakes. Thankfully, it was quite the beater.
The L is the first vehicle I've owned with alot of torque - I was fortunate enough at the age of 19 to drive my friend's cousin's '92 Viper before he turned in the lease... I drove it WELL. Sideways through a corner, etc. My friend, whose only cars had been a Cutlass Supreme and a '98 Tacoma, wasn't so lucky. Showing off to his girlfriend, he wrapped it around a telephone pole at 80mph. All he had to do to SAVE the car would have been to LET OFF OF THE GAS. He fishtailed, and didn't realize that it would grab, the second he let off. So, he kept on it, and nailed the pole with the back, driver's-side quarter... $23k in damage!
Personally, out of your choices, I'd take the M3... Better gas mileage, traction control, just plain NICER. Built better, etc. This is the first and last Ford I'll own.
Now, a silly question - You mention how you might get a BMW, or a '2000 or 2001 Lightning'? Why would you get a new car that costs $55k, or a used one, that, NEW, costs $32k?
The L is the first vehicle I've owned with alot of torque - I was fortunate enough at the age of 19 to drive my friend's cousin's '92 Viper before he turned in the lease... I drove it WELL. Sideways through a corner, etc. My friend, whose only cars had been a Cutlass Supreme and a '98 Tacoma, wasn't so lucky. Showing off to his girlfriend, he wrapped it around a telephone pole at 80mph. All he had to do to SAVE the car would have been to LET OFF OF THE GAS. He fishtailed, and didn't realize that it would grab, the second he let off. So, he kept on it, and nailed the pole with the back, driver's-side quarter... $23k in damage!
Personally, out of your choices, I'd take the M3... Better gas mileage, traction control, just plain NICER. Built better, etc. This is the first and last Ford I'll own.
Now, a silly question - You mention how you might get a BMW, or a '2000 or 2001 Lightning'? Why would you get a new car that costs $55k, or a used one, that, NEW, costs $32k?
#34
06-09-2002 | 10:06 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
From: Lemont, IL
Do your parents want to adopt another son? I'm potty trained.
Seriously, I'm green with envy. My dad bought me a new 82 GT for my graduation. (silver-plated spoon). I wrecked it three times in 3 years. Looking back I realize how stupid I was. I loved every minute of it. I think it would have been smarter to get me a Prelude or GTI. Ymmv.
If it were me, I'd ask them to put the money for an M3 in escrow for four years, and ask them to get me a VW GTI or a WRX for a few years. After I learned a lot, partied a bunch, and put a few years behind me I'd go get the M3. The Lightning is nice, but it doesn't make a lot of sense for a high school or college student.
But, hey, it's your family and their money. Do what you want. Life is about surviving your own stupid mistakes and laughing about it later. Saying "I shouldn't have" is a whole lot easier than saying "I should have".
Seriously, I'm green with envy. My dad bought me a new 82 GT for my graduation. (silver-plated spoon). I wrecked it three times in 3 years. Looking back I realize how stupid I was. I loved every minute of it. I think it would have been smarter to get me a Prelude or GTI. Ymmv.
If it were me, I'd ask them to put the money for an M3 in escrow for four years, and ask them to get me a VW GTI or a WRX for a few years. After I learned a lot, partied a bunch, and put a few years behind me I'd go get the M3. The Lightning is nice, but it doesn't make a lot of sense for a high school or college student.
But, hey, it's your family and their money. Do what you want. Life is about surviving your own stupid mistakes and laughing about it later. Saying "I shouldn't have" is a whole lot easier than saying "I should have".