Just bought new car--save the old one for teenager, 14, or buy a car in 2 years?
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Anonymous
| Hi, would like some input on this. We just replaced our Toyota SUV (2007, low milage, great car) with a new car. We still have the old one, which we could easily sell. But our oldest will be 16 in two years. Keep this car, in good shape, and well known to us? Sell it now, and replace money from savings that we used as a down payment? We will probably buy something for the DS to drive. Problem for the DS as SUVs are harder to drive b/c bigger? We have ample room to keep the car. Not crazy about having the DS drive my car or my DH car b/c is too powerful and sporty. Not to mention he needs to drive it. |
Anonymous
I would keep it, but that's just me. I think he'll get used to the SUV - my only issue is if you're asking him to pay for gas (we will do that), that could be hard for him because the tanks are so expensive to fill. But that teaches good things too  . Anyway, seems like a nice safe car for him.
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Anonymous
| Keep it. This is what we are doing for our teenage stepson who is also 14. We bought a Nissan Xterra this spring with the intention of giving it to him in 2 years when he gets his license. We will know the car has been well maintained and he can learn on this car before getting his license. |
Anonymous
Check with you insurance company to see what the insurance would be on this car for your son to drive. Our agent (nationwide) told us no further back than 2008 for a used car (our DS is 16 now) 2007 don't have the same safety features that a new car would have (especially stability control) really important for a boy driving an SUV. Also check this list for CU recommendations http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/07/best-used-cars-for-teens/index.htm "The best bet is to buy the newest, most reliable model with the most safety equipment you can afford. Do not even consider a car without antilock brakes. If you can reach a little deeper and get a car equipped with multistage advanced front air bags, side and head-protection curtain air bags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control, so much the better. The lifesaving assistance those systems can provide is worth every penny in an emergency situation and can be especially beneficial to an inexperienced driver." |
Anonymous
| #firstworldproblems |
Anonymous
Disappointing to hear about the car's having to be fewer than 5 years old.  I definitely agree on buying the safest car possible, and that is usually newer.
I'd research your current model Toyota and see what the safety record has been, including rollover and roof strength issues, since it's an SUV. My 2007 has all the latest significant advances in safety, and it is my plan to hand it over to my son in a few years. It's a boring Honda, with a great safety record. But it will be about 8 years old or so. |
Anonymous
| Keep |
Anonymous
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I disagree with any standard that says your teenager must have a car that is less than 4 years old! PLEASE! Yeah, of course we all want to drive a safe vehicle.... but I am giving my kid my old car when the time comes and I replace my car every 10-12 years. My cars will have air bags and brakes that work. Done.
Is it a Rav4 or a Highlander? I'm not sure I'd put a new driver in an SUV. I drive a Camry and DH drives a newer Rav4. I find that I have a lot more visibility to the side and rear with the Camry. People always think that they have more visibility in SUVs, but I think that's a misconception b/c of the height. Views to the front are better in SUVs, but to the side and rear, the height reduces visibility -- and frankly, the rear/sides are the hardest to see at anytime, in any car. From driving both cars, I think it is easier to feel distances and understand curves and the road variation in a lower car like the Camry. So, if you have a Highlander, I'd be hessitant to give it to a 16 yr. old.... a Rav4 --- Maybe, but I'd keep a tight reign on how he's learning to manuver it. IMO, the better choice would be a sedan (maybe trade it for a used sedan). If your only options are keep or sell the SUV you have, I'd keep a Rav4, but not a Highlander (too big for a new driver to manage). |
Anonymous
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2 years is a long time. I'd probably sell it and then use the money to buy a somewhat newer used car in 2 years. When you add in your costs of maintaining the car and insurance for 2 years you probably come out ahead in the long run.
My kids drive a 2006 SUV. It has good safety ratings and we wanted the 4 wheel drive. Neither of them have trouble driving it. Plus it's a 4 cylinder and just doesn't have that much power so less likelihood of speeding (that more risky in my view than rollovers). |
Anonymous
You can disagree all you want but the stats bear out that stability control in an SUV greatly reduces accidents and fatalities. Your insurance company will also make you pay for your thoughts for a teenager driving a 10 year old car without some of the most up to date safety issues. For me, I would rather err on the side of safety and the numbers. http://carfinance.com/electronic-stability-control-vital-for-teens-says-iihs/ |
Anonymous
OP here: Oops, stayed up too late watching the election! The car is Toyota Highlander 2005 purchased year end of 2006. It seemed so safe at the time! So many great memories, but maybe too old? or not? Thank you all for the very helpful answers 
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Anonymous
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So, OP, I know this wasn't the point of your post, but you replaced a great car with low mileage, and you couldn't afford to buy the new car outright, but had to finance it?
<headdesk> |
ThatSmileyFaceGuy
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Sell the current vehicle and put the money you get in an interest bearing account then when he is 16 use that money to buy him a car (for which he will also contribute a good protion)
Another thing, if the car sits for two years you are going to have to keep maintaining it for those two years even if you don't drive it. Seals dry and crack, rubbber rots, fluids degrade, ect. |
Anonymous
| I would just be concerned that it's an SUV. I am often reminded of some teens killed in an SUV rollover a few years ago. Now an old beater Volvo or Mercedes wagon - that's what my kids will have. Those cars had nonslip traction and air bags ten, fifteen years ago. |
Anonymous
But will they be breaking down on the side of the road a lot? |