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[carlgo]

I was in the car repair biz for decades. I answered this question a thousand times and the answer is: Accord or Camry.

They are reliable, they can be resold even with a million miles on them, the mechanics and body shops know how to fix them.

In the US, also considering resale value, it is actually cheaper to own a popular mid-sized car than some mini car.

In this case, with snow and in a community where Honda stealing is a lifestyle choice, the Camry (or even a larger Toyota model) is a good choice.

I like the BMW 5-series six-cylinder sedans. Good, solid cars and at $4000 what are you really risking? Nothing wrong with wanting to own something nice, but you should pay your local independent BMW shop to check it out and advise you as to what is most likely to wear out.

 

[Alaerian]

I like the BMW 5-series six-cylinder sedans. Good, solid cars and at $4000 what are you really risking?

What are you risking? With a new driver, his life.

 

[StvenH90]

What are you risking? With a new driver, his life.

A Civic and many others in this class will go plenty over a 100 MPh, at least the american models with bigger engines as standard. At least the BMW will hold up better at those speeds.

If your really worried he can't handle a RWD car... Then put him in a performance driving class. I've been through one and it was based at the Sebring Race track in south Florida, with C5 Zo6's. I learned a hell of a lot.

 

[steviem]

What are you risking? With a new driver, his life.

But it is a BMW....

Why not just save your money, get something newer with a 1.8 or 2.0 litre engine at the most and let him learn to drive in something more sensible with FWD. Put the left over money into an account for savings for him and when he's old enough to insure a BMW or anything with over 150bhp himself, he can get something better then.

Or maybe a 318, if you're intent on a BMW.

 

[Alaerian]

What on earth does a 17year old child need with a car that can handle 100+ mph? Or for that matter, a "performance driving class?"

Christ, get him a Camry and call it a day.

 

[dukebound85]

Where do you live?

FWD is pretty damn important for many areas that regularly experience inclement weather. Hell, for a new driver, FWD is pretty important in something even as simple as rain.

FWD at a minimum. I recently said screw FWD and got an AWD car due to this very reason

OP: have you looked at used Subarus?

 

[steviem]

What on earth does a 17year old child need with a car that can handle 100+ mph? Or for that matter, a "performance driving class?"

Christ, get him a Camry and call it a day.

Most cars will hit 100. Hell, My 1989 Vauxhall Nova 1.2 hit 108mph back when I was 18! If he is genuinely interested in driving and wants to know how to handle a car, then a performance driving class would help. It should teach him the right place to drive over legal limits is a track at the very least.

If a Camry can't hit 100, then there's something wrong with it.

 

[Alaerian]

There's a big difference between having the ability to be driving 100mph and NEEDING to drive 100mph. For a 17 year old, there is absolutely no need to be that fast. None whatsoever.

It's a non factor.

 

[StvenH90]

On the streets no, but on the track it's find...

I always recommend new drivers, who want more out of it then A to B. Get a Miata or British Roadster (Triumph, MG, ETC.) and take a performance driving class. Drive these cars for a year or two, then move into a Vette, Stang, or M3.

If they just want to get to A to B, mash the right pedal then left pedal while jamming to the radio. Just go buy a Toyota Mid-Size.

 

[Alaerian]

If they want to do that, then let them buy their own cars. If mommy and daddy are buying, then not so much.

 

[dukebound85]

As far as criteria OP, I would try to find (my thoughts mind you) a Honda or Toyota from the late 90s early 2000s with under 100k for 5k

Cars off the top of my head would be the Celica, Corolla, Civic, Accord, Prelude,Integra, and Camry. You can't go wrong with those IMO but I would not get anything with much more with 100k personally

 

[steviem]

There's a big difference between having the ability to be driving 100mph and NEEDING to drive 100mph. For a 17 year old, there is absolutely no need to be that fast. None whatsoever.

It's a non factor.

I agree, but as his mom wants a luxury brand car, she'll be giving her 17 year old son something with a lot of torque, perhaps too much if he is going to jump into it with just driver's ed behind him. I've been telling my in-laws about the driving test in the UK and they were horrified by how much more you have to do in it. In Finland, it's compulsory to drive on a skid pan during your driving lessons. I find it crazy that you can drive any car you like with any transmission type after passing your test in an automatic.

From the looks of it, mommy and daddy want the high power luxury car more than the school kid does.

 

[Alaerian]

As far as criteria OP, I would try to find (my thoughts mind you) a Honda or Toyota from the late 90s early 2000s with under 100k for 5k

Cars off the top of my head would be the Celica, Corolla, Civic, Accord, Prelude,Integra, and Camry. You can't go wrong with those IMO but I would not get anything with much more with 100k personally

Solid advice. Over 100k shouldn't be much of an issue with those models, though. I drive a 2000 VW beetle that just hit 100k. VW is a little more maintanence heavy than Ford or Honda, but It still runs like a champ with "normal" maintenance.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned - find a rock solid mechanic. For out of warranty cars, don't visit a dealer. Find a local mechanic that does good work. I've been using the same mechanic for 14 years - my dad has been using him for 30. He only works on VWs, nothing else.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Run away from the BMW. The upkeep costs are far more than any teen can begin to afford and a kid driving a 5-series will attract police like flies on you-know-what. The Acura is going to be cheaper to maintain (and probably more reliable if poorly maintained) but still a ticket magnet.

The prices you quoted on these two cars are pretty low - you need to factor in imminent (due to age) maintenance work on suspension, brakes, timing belt, ignition, tires, electrical...I can almost guarantee you that your sub-$5000 BMW is going to cost several thousand more in reality, unless you plan on simply ignoring the car's issues and running it into the ground. Look at the parts costs on this 5-series versus a more basic car and make sure your brother (or dad) are really willing to shell out to keep the car running.

Or, we could prevent him from doing any activities to strengthen his resume, allowing other students to outcompete him when college applications comes around. Because, you know, that would teach him a life lesson.

Resume-building can be accomplished without a luxury sports car such as the 5-series and Integra. When I was in high school, I shopped around for my first car and naturally gravitated towards "cool" cars. I desperately wanted a Golf GTI VR6 or Corrado...I looked at used Supras, a very clean-looking Porsche 944 (for just $5000!), BMWs, and other luxury cars. I theoretically had the money to buy them if I cleaned out my savings and worked by butt off to pay the loan...

I ended up with a rusty 1986 Toyota HiLux pickup. And it was the right move - I drove it like an idiot and beat the tar out of it. At first I hated it, but I soon realized it had one important quality - reliable transportation! It would have been a waste and a burden to buy a $5000 luxury car that needed more expensive upkeep. The truck got me into and through college and did it on the cheap.

I'm not trying to lecture here, just relate my experience. The best car for a teenager is a reliable, inexpensive car that will take a beating and can be used as a teaching aid in how to maintain a car. A Ford Focus would be a good choice, as would a Protege or Mazda3 - reasonably quick, sharpish handling but also cheap, plentiful and economical. There are tons of good options: Corollas, Civics, Hyundai Accents - even midsize cars like the Camry, Accord, Taurus, Galant, Malibu/Impala etc would be fine - although I suggest you focus on cars that get better than 25mpg city / 30mpg highway to maximize the teenage fuel budget.

Good luck.

 

[Alaerian]

^ Best response I have seen yet. Kudos to you.

 

[dukebound85]

Or, we could prevent him from doing any activities to strengthen his resume, allowing other students to outcompete him when college applications comes around. Because, you know, that would teach him a life lesson.

FWIW, a car does not strengthen one's resume

I managed just fine in my career while driving a 1990 Celica for 11 years up until a week ago when it became a maintenance burden.
However, it was nice only paying 20 a year for registration and 400 a year for maximum liability on that thing lol

You would be surprised at how many managers/executives who could afford nice cars drove rather plain vehicles. Just saying

 

[Abs_p]

Wow 170k
120k
I have never driven a car with more then 40k.. :-/
170k on a bimmer hmm don't u think the car would be difficult to maintain?!?!?
Why not get a smaller car in much better condition at same price?

My older car was a 2009 BMW 650i but I never got it over 38k.. My dad gifted me sl63 Amg ( I prefer BMW after driving it )

Don't you think giving BMW to a 17 year old is too much when budget is 5k or so?!? also he won't have much Xperience Driving huge cars

Why not get a used accord? Cheaper to maintain and sturdy as well..

You would be surprised at how many managers/executives who could afford nice cars drove rather plain vehicles. Just saying

My dad is a doc and he drives a civic coz it's maintenance is nil


BMW out of warranty means u need a money tree to afford the maintenance ..

 

[Apple OC]

Don't let your Parents see this thread because you will not be getting either car ... as for my vote ... I also say go with the cheaper used Accord or Camry

you or your parents will not regret it

 

[coupdetat]

My point about resume-building was directed at the guy who thinks kids shouldn't have cars at all unless they pay for them.

The Bimmer will get looked over tomorrow by a recommended mechanic, and we'll take it from there. I really don't feel that the BMW is a very fast or unmanageable car. My brother currently drives the Solara which is just as fast and powerful as the BMW. As for the RWD, I don't think it is anything to be hysterical over, just cautious about. As I said before, I knew plenty of kids in high school who drove RWD Volvos (not to mention a few Mustangs) and they didn't complain in the winter. There were a few fatal accidents in surrounding high schools throughout the years, always in either Maximas or WRX's.

The Camry/Accord thing is a little different. My family just sort of has an aversion to those cars, and it's not really rational but it's just our situation. Maybe it has to do with how almost every Asian family has one or the other (in tan or silver), and my parents just like to stand out a little bit. But I'll definitely take a look at the 626, and I've made an appointment to see a '98 Camry tonight.

You would be surprised at how many managers/executives who could afford nice cars drove rather plain vehicles. Just saying

Yep, I've read Millionaire Next Door. My parents drive extremely sensible cars for their income level, and both are over 150k miles.

[edit] Not sure why I didn't think of this before, but my dad can just drive the BMW and my brother can get the Solara. Problem solved. I suppose my parents want the nice badge anyways.

 

[newuser2310]

As has been mentioned before, those prestige high mileage cars you see advertised cheaply should generally be avoided.

It will be likely that the owner knows that certain parts are at the end of their life and the replacement costs are too high in comparison to the cars value.

So the car is put up for sale.

These cars will likely have a list of things that might need replacing soon.

For example:

Disks and pads
Tyres
Cam belt
Exhaust
Catalytic convertor

These items will cost considerably more for a bmw or mercedes than a toyota or honda. Thats without factoring in a labour cost.

Although many cheap high mileage cars are likely to be in a similar state.

The prestige cars also have very complex electronic systems which again are far for costly to troubleshoot and repair than the more simple systems used by budget car makers.

It cost my father about £1000 to troubleshoot and repair an electrical fault with his mercedes last year.


I don't see how a rwd car is any more difficult to drive or control if your driving normally. The difference between a relatively low power rwd bmw and a fwd camry in general day to day driving is very small(excluding extreme conditions like snow).

If your worried about safety an advanced driving course is money well spent rather than giving the kid a large "safe" vehicle.

 

[Vudoo]

I would also suggest researching the particular models online and find out what the major issues are. Join an Acura or BMW forum and ask people what their opinions are.

 

[newuser2310]

I would also suggest researching the particular models online and find out what the major issues are. Join an Acura or BMW forum and ask people what their opinions are.

+1 They will often have a buyer guide as well.

ETA

Condition > Mileage

 

[Lord Blackadder]

The Bimmer will get looked over tomorrow by a recommended mechanic, and we'll take it from there. I really don't feel that the BMW is a very fast or unmanageable car. My brother currently drives the Solara which is just as fast and powerful as the BMW. As for the RWD, I don't think it is anything to be hysterical over, just cautious about. As I said before, I knew plenty of kids in high school who drove RWD Volvos (not to mention a few Mustangs) and they didn't complain in the winter. There were a few fatal accidents in surrounding high schools throughout the years, always in either Maximas or WRX's.

All teenagers are statistically rather likely to wreck their cars, and statistically more likely to do it if they are driving a sporty car. The numbers don't lie - but I am truly unconcerned with that debate. Buy what you want to drive. It's not the car's fault if one drives it irresponsibly.

What I will point out is that a BMW is going to cost twice as much to run as the Solara. Purchase price is only the very beginning when it comes to buying a used car. The BMW is a luxury sport sedan, and it costs considerably more money to keep it on the road. Find out how much routine/scheduled maintenance and repairs cost between all your candidate cars and compare them. The difference is considerable.

 

[Abs_p]

I agree, but as his mom wants a luxury brand car, she'll be giving her 17 year old son something with a lot of torque, perhaps too much if he is going to jump into it with just driver's ed behind him.

----------
From the looks of it, mommy and daddy want the high power luxury car more than the school kid does.

Lol I guess you were correct

The Camry/Accord thing is a little different. My family just sort of has an aversion to those cars, and it's not really rational but it's just our situation. Maybe it has to do with how almost every Asian family has one or the other (in tan or silver), and my parents just like to stand out a little bit. But I'll definitely take a look at the 626, and I've made an appointment to see a '98 Camry tonight.

As far as I know the car will cost u 6k per year minimum costs.. If that is fine with u .. Man that car has 170k on it lol..

 

[tobiasvdp]

My brother currently drives the Solara which is just as fast and powerful as the BMW. As for the RWD, I don't think it is anything to be hysterical over, just cautious about. As I said before, I knew plenty of kids in high school who drove RWD Volvos (not to mention a few Mustangs) and they didn't complain in the winter.

I´m not sure about the standard options in the US, but a 5series should have DSC - helps a lot in winter, with decent winter tyres, you shouldn´t have much of a problem. I even used a 3 series convertible to travel in winter through austria / alps, lots of snow and ice, but nothing it could not cope with ... Just don´t ever try to fit cheap chinese winter tyres on this car....

Check the front track control arms, with this mileage, they are probably worn-out . and test all the electronics gadgets, if some of them are defective, it´s probably going to get expensive... is the automatic air conditioning working fine, especially the amount of air coming out of the air outlets, steady or not... another bmw problem is the blower output electronic system...

with the 2001 series, you´re getting the m54 engine generation, no problems with reliability, they usually last forever, only the vanos sooner or later needs a service / adjustment....