I own a dealership. What my son should drive ended up becoming one of the more complicated questions I ever had to answer.
Some of my goals were diametrically opposed to each other. I wanted my son to be able to perform basic maintenance... but also have exposure to more than one time of motor (gas, hybrid, EV).
I also wanted him to drive older vehicles and late models. Specifically because the older car can do the job just as well and even though there are some advantages with newer vehicles when it comes to safety and fuel economy, the value is found with older cars if you drive like a decent human being.
I also didn't want him to fall in love with a car, but at least appreciate the unique qualities of whatever he drives. A car is a tool. Absolutely. But it's also a personal living space that gets used daily. Personalizing and improving the vehicle is absolutely fine and smart.
One other thing, Whatever he would drive eventually gets sold for a profit. I want him to keep his costs down in the long run when it comes to car ownership. If I remain healthy, my hope is that I can help him and his family avoid any form of debt.
This is what he had from beginning to end.
2016 Toyota Prius Two Eco
2013 Toyota Prius V
2017 Kia Soul
2004 Saab 9-3
2007 Ford Five Hundred Limited
He also drove a MiEV for a bit that we use for local driving. The Prius was definitely the best all around vehicle but the Five Hundred fit his needs incredibly well and cost less than $2500 in the end. Nearly 80% less than the Prius. He also thought the SAAB was an expensive luxury car. When I told him it was less than $2000, he learned the value of the automotive dollar real quick!
He's a smart kid. The three things he cared about most were fuel economy, safety, and having enough acceleration to easily handle on ramps and the flow of traffic. We spent a hundred hours on driving before he got his license and we sometimes bantered back and forth about driving techniques while he practiced his craft. He also did oil changes and other basic car maintenance.
I wonder how you guys did it. There are many roads that lead to where you need to be.
Some of my goals were diametrically opposed to each other. I wanted my son to be able to perform basic maintenance... but also have exposure to more than one time of motor (gas, hybrid, EV).
I also wanted him to drive older vehicles and late models. Specifically because the older car can do the job just as well and even though there are some advantages with newer vehicles when it comes to safety and fuel economy, the value is found with older cars if you drive like a decent human being.
I also didn't want him to fall in love with a car, but at least appreciate the unique qualities of whatever he drives. A car is a tool. Absolutely. But it's also a personal living space that gets used daily. Personalizing and improving the vehicle is absolutely fine and smart.
One other thing, Whatever he would drive eventually gets sold for a profit. I want him to keep his costs down in the long run when it comes to car ownership. If I remain healthy, my hope is that I can help him and his family avoid any form of debt.
This is what he had from beginning to end.
2016 Toyota Prius Two Eco
2013 Toyota Prius V
2017 Kia Soul
2004 Saab 9-3
2007 Ford Five Hundred Limited
He also drove a MiEV for a bit that we use for local driving. The Prius was definitely the best all around vehicle but the Five Hundred fit his needs incredibly well and cost less than $2500 in the end. Nearly 80% less than the Prius. He also thought the SAAB was an expensive luxury car. When I told him it was less than $2000, he learned the value of the automotive dollar real quick!
He's a smart kid. The three things he cared about most were fuel economy, safety, and having enough acceleration to easily handle on ramps and the flow of traffic. We spent a hundred hours on driving before he got his license and we sometimes bantered back and forth about driving techniques while he practiced his craft. He also did oil changes and other basic car maintenance.
I wonder how you guys did it. There are many roads that lead to where you need to be.