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Though I normally don't do this I figured I would give it a shot for once.
My son will be getting his license very soon and it is car shopping time. So there has been some debate on which car would be best, yadda yadda. Here are the factors to consider:
His first choice was a New Edge Mustang GT, which I am sure has a lot to do with the fact that I had one. We have already said no to a V8 Rwd car for the normal concerns (very limited driving experience, danger, etc). So then he starts looking at New Edge V6 cars (based on our initial rejection of a V8). I am not 100% against it, but am encouraging him to think about something more versatile.
Having owned a New Edge Mustang I am too familiar with their overall lack of trunk and interior space. I figure that with the Navy plans he will probably be moving out of state in less than 2 years believe that with moving and then living somewhat independently he will often need room that the Mustang just does not have. In addition to room here are the other factors I am suggesting he consider:
Were it not likely that he will be leaving the area so soon I would probably be encouraging him to look at older but more desirable vehicles that he could put some money into, learn with, and ultimately sell for more than he paid. In that case I would be able to help him with working on it and he would have alternatives for transportation if it were down. Unfortunately, that will not likely be the case.
I am pushing him more towards a small to mid sized SUV, for the many uses, but not ruling out small trucks either. Some of the things I have suggested (some better than others):
I would prefer to give guidelines rather than specific vehicles or just picking something for him. I figure if he has part of the decision it will likely result in him taking better care of it. Plus, if possible, I would like him to actually like whatever he ends up with.
In the back of my mind I am tempted to agree with the V6 Mustang and just assuming that it will only be until he graduates, then he can sell that when if goes into the Navy, bank the cash, and buy something different once he gets though training. Then he will likely even have more of a budget to upgrade.
So lets here some opinions.
My son will be getting his license very soon and it is car shopping time. So there has been some debate on which car would be best, yadda yadda. Here are the factors to consider:
- He is a Junior in High School and should be graduating next year.
- After graduation his current plan is to join the Navy
- He does not presently have a job but will be getting one when he gets the license / car
- $4,000 hard cap on budget
His first choice was a New Edge Mustang GT, which I am sure has a lot to do with the fact that I had one. We have already said no to a V8 Rwd car for the normal concerns (very limited driving experience, danger, etc). So then he starts looking at New Edge V6 cars (based on our initial rejection of a V8). I am not 100% against it, but am encouraging him to think about something more versatile.
Having owned a New Edge Mustang I am too familiar with their overall lack of trunk and interior space. I figure that with the Navy plans he will probably be moving out of state in less than 2 years believe that with moving and then living somewhat independently he will often need room that the Mustang just does not have. In addition to room here are the other factors I am suggesting he consider:
- Reliability
- Ease of repair / cost and availabiltiy of parts
- Fuel Mileage (assuming he will be stationed on one of the coasts, gas prices are going to be brutal)
- Resale value
Were it not likely that he will be leaving the area so soon I would probably be encouraging him to look at older but more desirable vehicles that he could put some money into, learn with, and ultimately sell for more than he paid. In that case I would be able to help him with working on it and he would have alternatives for transportation if it were down. Unfortunately, that will not likely be the case.
I am pushing him more towards a small to mid sized SUV, for the many uses, but not ruling out small trucks either. Some of the things I have suggested (some better than others):
- Escape
- Explorer
- Xterra
- Ranger
- S10
- Short-bed Reg Cab full size truck (F150, Silverado, Ram)
I would prefer to give guidelines rather than specific vehicles or just picking something for him. I figure if he has part of the decision it will likely result in him taking better care of it. Plus, if possible, I would like him to actually like whatever he ends up with.
In the back of my mind I am tempted to agree with the V6 Mustang and just assuming that it will only be until he graduates, then he can sell that when if goes into the Navy, bank the cash, and buy something different once he gets though training. Then he will likely even have more of a budget to upgrade.
So lets here some opinions.
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