Teen first car <$10k—-4Runner, outback, xc90?!

[berettafan]

Son just got learners permit. Likes the 4runners and also the outback.

Xc90 is tempting for price/miles/safety. $6k. Obvious concerns over maintenance costs.

Outback tempting for safety if we pony up for newer eyesight model. Seems like one hell of a feature. Very nervous about 2.5 head gasket issue so would look for the 6cyl version. Easy on fuel. $12k.

4Runner main concern is pre 07 head gasket issues. V8 would be preferred for long life and awd. Thinking awd would help avoid some rwd learning experiences in wet weather. Mildly concerned about the v8 power being too much. $10-12k.

Found an awesome gx470 but it was too old man for him. Almost bought it for myself.

Considered older Tahoe but parking at home is tough with a tundra and sequoia already taking up driveway space. $4-6k.

Late 2000s pilot an option as well. He likes the look (kinda Land Rover-ish) and while I don’t think Honda’s will do Toyota miles I do trust them more than some other brands. I like the size for safety. $9-11k.

He likes Tacoma’s but prices are crazy and I worry it’s a terrible first car for a boy. Just too little weight in the back. Kid I went to school with died on a back road in a small pickup. Not enough metal around him and terrible handling. Don’t want to go down that route.

Xterra- 2010 or newer due to transmission issues. Ugly interior. Unsure about road handling. 9-11k.

Thoughts on this? Safety is obviously important here. He doesn’t have fantasies of checkered flags....perhaps not growing up with Dukes of Hazard impacts that?

Edit: drove a lx470 which I’d love him to have but didn’t float his boat. A shame as it’s a vehicle I’d not mind putting wrench time in on. Relatively slow, heavy build, awd.....maybe I should push it more? Would be early 2000s model.

[WPOZZZ]

What about a BMW X5? I have a first gen 3.0 and it is a tank. MPG on the 3.0 is about 14 in town. Weaknesses are valve cover gaskets, window regulator and oil pan gasket. I have a 14 535, 14 328i and 11 X3, and if I needed to drive one in inclement weather it would be the X5.. 2nd gen E70 X5s are also pretty cheap, but they have a nicer interior and lighter steering.

[berettafan]

How bad are gasket repair costs?

[rfuerst911sc]

My wifes current daily driver is a 2010 Volvo XC90 with the straight six . Very nice vehicle and Volvo safe ......... it is a tank . Previous vehicle was a Toyota RAV4 with V6 which we owned for 10 years . It was reliable but not as comfortable as the Volvo . It was better on gas than the Volvo but the Volvo is heavier .

[IROC]

We just went thru this. Bought my daughter a Subaru Crosstrek. Ticks a lot of boxes.

I've owned a lot of what you mention above and I would lean towards a 4Runner if the budget allows. After the apocalypse, the only thing left will be cockroaches and 4Runners. Actually 80-series Land Cruisers will outlast both, but those are getting kind of old for a teenager.

[cabmandone]

You can find some 2012 and newer outbacks in your price range. I found a 2013 impreza sport with 60K miles for 9500 tax, title and fees. I think the head gasket issues were cleared up then and the newer outbacks have timing chains rather than belts. The problem? CVT transmission. Subaru had some issues.

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by berettafan

How bad are gasket repair costs?

VC gasket just takes time, about 2 hours. Oil pan will take longer as you need to drop the oil pan, and it is a PITA. Just make sure prospective X5s have had it done, or inspect the oil pan. Get the 3.0 and not the V8.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/tech_main_X5.htm

The 4Runner is a big vehicle. I had a 3rd gen 2001 and it was a good size. Later gens have greatly increased in size. My 3rd gen was a great suv, and very dependable, but it felt like a tin can. It did not inspire confidence in a crash.

[fanaudical]

Honda CRV with awd? Not a lot of power but reasonably safe vehicle.

[berettafan]

CRV is a no go for him. Pete do you have the eyesight option?

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by berettafan

CRV is a no go for him. Pete do you have the eyesight option?

Technology is great, but I prefer to learn without the electronic nannies. However, a reverse camera is great to have, along with reverse sensors. Blind spot sensors and automatic braking are a little much.

[billybek]

Put him in a two door pickup.
Less distractions in the vehicle when driving (limited passenger space).
Useful for you too.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by berettafan

He likes Tacoma’s but prices are crazy and I worry it’s a terrible first car for a boy. Just too little weight in the back. Kid I went to school with died on a back road in a small pickup. Not enough metal around him and terrible handling. Don’t want to go down that route.

That is an interesting perspective, one I do not share. My son drove our 2000 Tacoma through HS and college into Law School. Zero issues and a very stable vehicle. It is still on the road being driven by the father of a poster here.

Most of his friends drove trucks and Jeeps without incident. My first car was our ranch truck, etc.

I do get the price concerns, but a four cylinder Taco isn't exactly a rocket ship.

My wife's 2003 4Runner Sport is, however...one with a V8 would be a screamer.

Happy hunting!

[billybek]

Originally Posted by berettafan View Post
He likes Tacoma’s but prices are crazy and I worry it’s a terrible first car for a boy. Just too little weight in the back. Kid I went to school with died on a back road in a small pickup. Not enough metal around him and terrible handling. Don’t want to go down that route.

Sorry, didn't read that part of your post.
Still standing by my suggestion of a small or mid size pickup.
I think distractions in a vehicle cause young drivers to become unaware of their surroundings while driving.
I would love to find an old shoe box Jeep or pickup to work over for when my son starts to drive.
The straight six is thirsty but pretty reliable. Later versions have airbags.

[berettafan]

Hmm....so V8 4runner too much pep you think Seahawk? Will have to keep that in mind.

Tacos are crazy expensive used. I'll revisit the idea though.

I do like the XJ Cherokees although I don't believe they have ANY nannies.

Greatly appreciate all the input here. Scary time to be a dad especially when considering all the dumbassery i pulled off when i started driving.

[craigster59]

Personally I would bite the bullet and get a Tacoma. Dependable, easy to work on and resale is always great.

[edgemar]

Volvo Wagon or outback. I would be worried about a young person rolling a SUV.

[cabmandone]

On the runner, if you're worried about the Tacoma I'd think you'd be worried about the Runner too. It's a top heavy ride that handles like a tank.

I'm not sure they had eyesight back in 13.

[edgemar]

At my high school it seemed like everyone's first car was a 240 Volvo.

[MMiller]

I would vote the Gen 4, 4runner with the V8. I currently daily one, 250K zero issues. I don't find the V8 powerful by today's standards. Maybe 260hp?

My real choice would be that GX470! 4Runner with luxury. Too old man? Just needs a little dolling up..

[DonDavis]

Your decision, but you asked...

I think you're spending way too much effort and mental gymnastics on the vehicle selection.

Get a reasonable, paid-for, manual transmission 4cyl vehicle.
Teach him to look ahead 15 secs and practice a 2-4 second following distance, and check mirrors every 10 sec.

This will create a "built-in early braking" habit that's more valuable than darn near any tech.

Keep it simple, too much data can be overwhelming for new drivers.
Just mention the 15 sec and 2-4 sec following distance, and mirrors fairly often. And nothing else. These 3 things are plenty for at least 3-4 years.

When or if, he comes home with a busted tail light, crinkled bumper or cracked rear window...big whoop. Discuss what happened, ask if there's a lesson, fix it on the cheap, and let him continue focusing on grades and living life.

Entirely too much focus is placed on vehicles, payments, blah, blah, blah that can put new drivers on edge. Even causing anxiety.

There are enough distractions for our teens.

Enjoy the search. Looking forward to hearing how it goes.