I gave my 16 yr old niece our E36 318is. Red, good condition. My brother was worried a bit but after driving it himself for awhile, he's really excited about it, especially since he's paid zilch for it.

I am prepared to get our daughter a convertible. 2 seater, 4 cylinder, probably custom chipped for 50 hp. Hey, by then (no kiddies yet) it'll be available.

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'02 X5 4.4 - 67k miles
'01 RX300 - Wifey's, 74k miles
'92 325i - My classic (Dinan S1 susp, clears, M3 kit, M3 exhaust, M3 Double-spokes, 216k miles)
'93 318is - Gave to niece

I would vote for 3-4 years old Civic.

I am housing my nephew who is soon to be sixteen in three weeks. I wouldn't get him a car since his high school is 10 min.'s walk from my home. Well that was the whole idea of having him stay with me.
I personally think 16 is too young to drive, unless his/her parents are Quadriplegic and someone need to get grocery.

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BMW The Ultimate Oil-Leaking Machines!

Anybody know what a Scion cost? Young people really like those things.

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"What you hear in a great jazz band is the sound of democracy. “The jazz band works best when participation is shaped by intelligent communication.”
Harmony happens whenever different parts get to form a whole by means of congruity, concord, symetry, consistency, conformity, correspondence, agreement, accord, unity, consonance…….

Skip the used BMW, IMO. We got a new Toyota Yaris for our daughter on her 16th, electric blue. She saved her money, and we topped it off (doubled it) to take her up to a newer, safer car than the alternative, a 4 year old Civic.

Can't beat Toyota reliability, warranty, and resale. Car drives great. And, while a 16 year old boy may dream of something lower and faster, particularly in a fun colour it is a great car for a 16 year old girl. I would buy another in an instant.

edit: typo

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue

Well, I am somewhat in here age group, and I say get her a E36 or E46. Probably an E36 sedan with as low of miles as you can find for the budget.

And if you worry about her having somewhat of a lead foot, get a lower power 3 series. Would you rather her testing the limits around a corner in a 323 or a honda accord?

Also it depends on how your daughter is, does she value nice things and take care of them, or does she just want/need something to get from point a to b?

Just my .02 cents,

Austin

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Dear Mr. F-150,
I may only have 225 hp but I sure owned you back when it snowed.
Regards,
X5 3.0i Bellevue, WA

p.s. with Toyo Proxy s/t's on

Honda, Honda, Honda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Mike F
Current: 2017 Grand Cherokee HEMI
2017 Kawasaki ZX-14r
2017 Harley RG Ultra
2017 Harley Fatboy S

Geez who resurrected this thread??

Depends on price range, driver skill, ability to cherish/maintain nice things........but around $20k, a used E46 BMW is a good bet. Otherwise the Mazda3 and Mitsu Lancer are promising bets. Civic is good if you can get over the styling (I can't) and high insurance rates. FYI our insurance company quoted a used 3-series lower than a new Civic.

I'll say this: NO to an Acura RSX or Scion tC.

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2014 Mazda 3 GT: Ø Consumption: (click for details)

i say used volvo!

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The Present:
2014 Audi Q5 TDI Prestige
The Past:
2013 Lexus GS350
2013 VW Golf TDI
2007 BMW X5 4.8i LOADED & Loved
2009 VW Jetta
2008 VW Touareg VR6
2005 BMW X5 3.0i
2005 BMW Z4 3.0i
2004 BMW X5 3.0i
2003 BMW 325i
2000 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4

Why are we posting in this thread..