SurvivingInfidelity.com^®

Quick bit of info - Infinity is made by Nissan, and parts are interchangeable for repairs so even though a high end car, repairs are not insanely pricy.

However I would imagine the Volvo is like my MB and everytime it has to go into the shop you will be paying out large sums of cash. My H had to have that damn car, and the repairs on it are insanely expensive. Thank God for you tube, he has learned and fixed a number of things by ordering parts on line, and watching videos.

I have a 10 year old VW Jetta. It has 160,000 miles and is in the shop waaay less than my 2 year old GMC Acadia. My mechanic says that my Jetta is really just getting broken in. Actually, all I've done to it since I bought it is a new battery.

It's safe, cheap, and not overly powered. It's also easy to park. It's not flashy or sexy, but it would be a great car for a teenager.

None on auto trader for less than $15k.

Well OK then 2004-2005 maybe - still a great choice.

Plus - use Kelly Blue Book on line to determine value/cost, not sales price. Then make an offer -

http://www.kbb.com/cars-for-sale/cars/subaru/outback/?year=2005&abletoexpandyear=true&distance=100

Put in your zip and it will find cars nearby in your price range. I just made up a zip to get you a result.

[This message edited by TrulyReconciled at 9:33 AM, November 5th (Tuesday)]

I had a Mazda 3 for seven years - never had a problem with it, put 175k miles on it, and would still be driving it if someone in my house had not left the parking brake off and it rolled downhill into the woods. Plus, it would of been our son's car. We just bought him a 2003 Saab 9 3 SE (convertible 5 speed) with 68k miles for $5k. You can find something dependable for a reasonable amount. I've never had an issue with Mazda or Toyota. I think technology and standards for safety with most cars today has narrowed the gap.

Tushnurse, yeah, I don't think YouTube would be enough for my H or me to start fixing cars. I would find it fun but we would have a disassembled car in our driveway for months.

A Jetta does sound good. They made the consumer reports list of good cars for teens.

Thanks for the search TR. It found 1, I like it too.

Tred, sorry about your Mazda. I jokingly asked DD if she wanted a convertible and she did and said, "mom, those aren't safe!"

She's so funny. Like a granny teenager.

I love car threads because I love cars. I love helping people find good, used vehicles. I've never bought a car without a 'book' or record of maintenance, including oil changes and repair work. Often you can see a pattern if something had to be repaired more than once, like a transmission.

I also shy away from used cars unless they are one-previous-owner cars. I bought a classic Mercedes last year from a doctor and his wife (in their late 70's) who had purchased the car new and it never spent a night outside their garage. This MB has everything, including a factory phone in the console. It's a 16 year old C280 but looks like it just came off the showroom floor. Price? $4000. It had 47K miles and now has 50,000 miles. It's parked every night in the garage along side my '99 Jaguar Xk8 convertible, which I bought new. Love my cars and had no intention of sharing with a teenager.

When my daughter needed a vehicle, I made sure to go with BIG and real metal, no fiberglass on the body. I bought a Jeep Cherokee and she drove it through high school with no problems. I also agree the Volvo sounds like a great option as I know they are 'known' for being safe.

MB is great

Repairs do tend to get expensive when they get older though. But if you want a car that will last 300,000 miles or more there's your ticket.

I found a cute MB in our price range. But BH said "no".

Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Coupe

$12,450 58,425 miles loaded

Maybe I will ask again nicely.

She can drive my Enclave and I will take the MB

[This message edited by knightsbff at 2:40 PM, November 5th (Tuesday)]

She can drive my Enclave and I will take the MB

Now THAT'S a PLAN!!!

By the way, the MB is loaded with airbags

Gently, it seems (in my personal opinion) excessive to pay $10k for a vehicle for a brand new driver.

Safety is a huge issue, but I also think that there should be a HUGE sense of responsibility coupled with car ownership. By essentially gifting the car, I'm not sure your teen will understand the gravity of it.

My parents did provide a car for me after I got my license (not permit), but I had to pay for the insurance with my own money that I earned at my own job. I got a speeding ticket ONCE as a teen. I not only had to pay the fines, but I had to park my car for the remainder of the school year (3 months) and rode the bus or walked.

I've told both of my kids that I'm willing to help them buy their first car, but I will contribute X amount and they are responsible for the remainder. They are also responsible for their own insurance, etc. Since neither of them have even a part time job at the moment, neither of them own a car yet.

I just worry that its too much, too soon for your teen. Either way, happy shopping and I hope everyone stays safe.

I just worry that its too much, too soon for your teen.

I have had some worries about this myself.

She definitely doesn't have a sense of entitlement to anything. This is a kid I have to force to go shopping for new clothes. She acts like by allowing us to buy her nice things she is making herself a spoiled brat.

She has not asked for any car or even to learn to drive. When we told her we were looking for one she only stipulated that she definitely didn't want a new car.

She would like to get a job but we are opposed to it. We allowed DD21 to work during the summer only. She was active in sports and extra-curriculars. The deal was to participate she had to keep her grades up. She is on scholarships in our state's Scholars' College. She works at an on campus job and tutors as well but is still taking 20+ hours and making dean's list. So I feel as long as they approach school as a job and do their best then we can support them in this.

Maybe I protest too much? My H and I are definitely guilty of wanting to give our kids all the opportunities we didn't have. Luckily we have good kids who really aren't spoiled, entitled brats. Definitely some stuff to mull over....

Your DD sounds like a great kid! You should both be proud.

This stood out to me:

She has not asked for any car or even to learn to drive. When we told her we were looking for one she only stipulated that she definitely didn't want a new car.

It doesn't sound like she's ready to drive. My teens chose to wait as well and I'm glad they did. Maybe revisit this in another year or two? Or let DD take the "lead" on when she's ready to learn vs. dragging her to it?

We live in a rural small town. Since I have transitioned to being a SAHM we have been able to work transporting the kids to all their activities but it is still impossible sometimes to be everywhere we need to be.

DD14's day starts with a seminary class at 6 am every school day then she travels to school for early morning band practice, after school she has drama and cross country.... Her driving will be helpful to us as DS has activities as well and I may go back to finish my masters next year. She will not be licensed to drive for a year so we aren't in a mad rush. I would just prefer her to practice in the car we will be letting her drive.

[This message edited by knightsbff at 5:46 PM, November 5th (Tuesday)]