+1 on BMW.
Bought my son a '97 328is back in Nov 07. We've already replaced the clutch as a father - son effort.

e30.

Besides safety and the manual transmission, a big reason I'd choose the BMW is that it's a car I wouldn't mind working on as a father-son project.

As someone who drove an E36 325is for 6 years (and my father had an E36 sedan for 7 years as well), I can tell you that working on BMWs is a joy compared to old VWs etc. Generally, things come apart and go back together with ease on the 1st attempt.

This past summer, I replaced the tie rods, control arms, control arm bushings, rotors, pads, sway bar end links, rear shock mounts, and sway bar rubber mounts in just a couple of hours.

E36 and E46 3 series' are very similar from a mechanical/platform standpoint.

If you don't mind dealing interiors that fall apart, an E36 3 series represents great value.

We were in the car tonight and an old Supra was going by.

I said "What kind of car do you like? Do you like that Supra?"

He said, "That's okay."

I said, "What do you think about Miatas?"

He said, "What's a Miata look like?"

Maybe I am looking for a car for ME. :)

Get him something nobody has, like 635 CSI or L6 if you go BMW. There are good ones out there for 3K.

I paid a tad more for a 318ti for one of my stepdtrs. They are becoming cult cars with a lot of folks putting m3 motors in them to make a real sleeper. This one had been tastefully customized with m3 wheels, bumpers, euro marker lights, etc. She has enjoyed it but wants an accord when she goes off to college. But her mom's policy is I'll help you with your first car but after that you're on your own,....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1223348231.jpg

The e36 318tis are pretty cool - they're based on an e30 chassis so they are light weight and more nimble than other e36s.

No affiliation, I just happened to see it.

http://rmn.craigslist.org/cto/867762206.html

http://images.craigslist.org/1fd13b1...958f921485.jpg

I did a autotrader search in your area and a couple of jeep Cherokee's came up...

Unless he is looking for a sporty car a jeep is safe and pretty versatile.

Some mid 90'd Acura's and a Mitsu eclipse too.

Cherokee? Who's buying the gas?

An Integra is a great car, but a thief magnet. The Eclipse GSX (turbo AWD) can be a rocket for very little cash. Very fast and furious.:p

Dunno, how many MPG does the old jeep six banger get? He is a musician and going to college soon so something that can haul stuff might be handy.

And at his age he probably is more interested in "fast and furious" type cars than what we crusty old wrench heads would like to drive.:p

The Integra GSR is more of a magnet than a GS, LS, or RS would be. Not to say that they are never stolen, but they have less desirable parts (read: no VTEC engine).

As for the Eclipse; prepare for maintenance. Unless you KNOW that the PO was an old lady that bought it off the showroom floor, assume tht it has been beaten into the ground on numerous occasions.

I think it is clear that you and your son have different interests when it comes to cars. Not a bad thing, just different. I suggest you just ask him what kind of car he would want.

On the other hand my 8 year old daughter will point out every Porsche, BMW and Mini that goes by on the road. :D

1995 JEEP WRANGLER 4CYL! my first car, i loved it. bout it for about 4000, sold it for 4500 two years later. had a friggin blast offroading and driving the beast. Slower than dirt, but it was just too much fun. The top took 5 second to take off and was just a super fun car.