I received a new Mustang for my 16th birthday. I never had an accident in it. Not everyone who receives a new car is going to die or maim someone.

However, I understand the concern for safety, and would only buy something safe (and slower than a Mustang) for my teen.

Anonymous wrote:A used Honda CRV for $18k.

This, but she got my hand me down. Super safe. Not much horsepower. Boring as it should be.

Metro Smart Pass.

Sigh. I received my own brand new car when I was 16. I am still here and none of my friends died or were maimed. We will likely buy a new car for a parent and pass down a car to our daughter.

My best friend in high school got a brand new car for his 16th birthday. Two weeks later he was dead. A friend of mine gave her 16 year old nephew her Honda. He totaled it a week later, his friend can no longer walk.

The above stories were about two kids considered very responsible and very mature. A 16 year old should not have it's own car. But it's your kid.

A used Honda CRV for $18k.

Anonymous wrote:Looking to stay under 30k ish.

dafuq

Isn't there research to show that teens drive more safely when it is their parents' car and not their own?

Um, yeah. I didn't. DS could use one of our cars if it was free and he was free to get a job to pay for his own car.

the kind fred flintstone used-- yabba dabba doo

Here's a good place to start your research:

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/49/5/1

Anonymous wrote:Looking to stay under 30k ish.

A lot of adults can't afford a car for this much. Get a used car.

Research cars that get top marks on safety and high gas mileage. Insurance will be cheaper.

Hint: don't give them a car with a turbo charger.

I can answer - what type of car my 16yr old drives - which of our family cars they drive.

An older Toyota Camry.

I would never buy a teenager their own car.

One year old dealer demo Mazda 3 with 7,000 miles on it. Price $16000

Looking to stay under 30k ish.