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?
I will always recommend VWs, but am not 6'5".
I know it's not the most financially responsible thing to do, but we have our cable bill (and a few others, like the NYT subscription) paid automatically by credit card so we can't forget to pay it.
Anything I don't have on autopay is likely to be late. I consider that totally financially responsible. It's better than risking the a) late fees and b) hassle of having things reconnected.
I have no car recs, either.
I should probably put everything I can on autopay.
Okay, I have done laundry and paid bills and sorted mail and such. I do believe it's time for bed.
Night, Bitches.
