Laura, I'd try to find something like a late model Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla or Scion (which is made by Toyota). They tend to run forever and be very reliable while still being hip and fun enough that a teenager will like it. Also those are models that should have lots of teen friendly modifications available.

I'd be worried on the Olds for a few reasons. The big one is that it is now a discontinued brand and has been for a few years so model specific parts are going to start to become more difficult to find. I believe they have to maintain parts for 10 years after the model year and beyond that there is no requirement. Also, GM engines and transmissions of that era do not have the best track record for racking up a ton of miles with no real problems. Honda and Toyota both have a tendency to be able to roll on the miles and keep running.

Anyway, that's my two cents.

If he wants something that's totally fun but somewhat impractical the Mazda Miata is typically one of consumer reports and AAAs top ranking cars for young drivers. You can get them quite cheap since they've been around for a long while now, they run forever, and they have great safety records.

Barb is coming WEST! WHEEEEE!!!

Thanks, ND. I really appreciate the ideas. We are limited somewhat by the kid's size. He is already 6'5" and only 17. The VW's fit him, but a lot of the foreign makes have issues with leg and head room. He has a friend with a Cutlass and he fits in it so that is a selling feature for him. (it apparently is a popular model for silly big rims and stuff that he dreams of too) (see mom @@)

The kid has not a mechanical bone in his body, but his dad and brother are skilled. There may not be new parts but they made a zillion of those so I am hoping there would be parts around.

It is tough because we both feel pretty strongly that he "buy" the car himself although parent financed. That is a limiting factor too.

Totally understand the caveats, and you are correct that many of the imports are not friendly for tall folks.

VW does tend to be a very reliable car as well if you can find an older Jetta or GTI that he like. My first car was a VW Scirocco.

Barb is coming WEST! WHEEEEE!!!

weeps Well, maybe you'll still visit this corner of the state. Seriously, I am delighted to hear that a long desired move is finally happening. Lucky PNWistas!

I've had a couple Jettas and a couple Beetles and people were always shocked when they saw DH getting out. Very big people friendly designs.

Laura, I bought an '88 Cutlass Ciera in 1993 and drove it, without serious work on it until 1997. We had to have a few odds and ends fixed towards the end of its lifespan but overall, it was a reliable car with little expense. I don't know how the mid 90s fared with those cars but I still see a few on the road. We finally traded it in in 2001, so it was kept a loooong time by us for a second owner.

I know ND said the model is discontinued but if you're willing to search junkyards for parts, they can be had cheaper. It just depends on how much work you want to put into them.

I don't know anything about cars.

I bought blackberries at the farmers market. Why do they taste like soap?

They're really cilantro berries?

Did you give them a good soak first?