@@D-Rockk insurance here in the UK is ridiculously expensive for everyone, but for new drivers, in 95% of cases its gonna be at least £1200 for anything that moves in the first year, my first car was a 1.0 Hyundai i10 with 66 horsepower, bought for about £6000 and it cost about £1500 to insure first year
@@D-RockkEuropean insurance is significantly more expensive than in the US. However, the worst insurance you can legally buy in the UK is an S tier in the US. They’ll have $1M coverage minimum while we have $26k
Just get a RAV4, that's what my daughter's driving. My wife and I bought this brand new (2005) and we now passed it down to my daughter. Best car ever!
Just bought my 16 year old a 2017 Ford Fusion AWD 2.0T, rear view camera, rear safety sensors, airbags everywhere, 90k miles. Not fast but has all the tech, even apple carplay, but most important, very safe. Watching this video was very validating.
@@tomasedaniel true, not slow, but the slowest possible “non-slow” car you can imagine, the transmission and programming is very grandma. But it picks up smoothly and predictably.
@@HoldDaMayo I always forget those type of cars come most often than not in automatic so it makes sense being "slow". Also Doug didn't mention hatchbacks but I have a 2002 130hp golf 4, and I find it fun, not a lot of power but it's fun.
I, genuinely, have so much respect of the enormous amount of integrity shown here. A person, who owns a website where a lot of great affordable performance cars can be had, advises a safe alternative outside of his own market. What a type of guy.
@@Kxvito there are plenty of rich folks in Cali and elsewhere who are very much in position to buy their kids whatever they desire, money isnt a issue. Thats how you get 16 year olds with Hellcats and Corvettes, their naiive parents bought those for them
Bugatti Tourbillion is the only correct answer 1. It should be safe: BIG BRAKES BIIIG TYRES and carbon fiber shell to ensure max safety 2. Reliability: If you don't drive it, it'll not break down 3. A car that is slow: Just drive on EV mode only 4. Rather not too big and not too small: It's big on the outside, smol on the inside Additional benitits 1. Cheap: It'll probably never depreciate, so essentially its FREE 2. Fuel efficient: ITS A HYBRID 3. Other "teen safety": No rear seats mean no "accidents" in the back 4. All weather: Comes with all-wheel drive to ensure that it is drivable no matter sun, rain snow PS: In all honesty this is a satirical comment and as a person in my early 20s, I cannot agree with Doug more. Driving and especially riding requires a lot of discipline, more if you are a car guy.
I still have my first car as my fun car. It is by no means safe, not even by the standards of when it was new, but because it demands constant attention to drive I made it out fine. I drove it until college when I inherited something more practical to daily drive.
Just curious as to why there aren't any sedans on the list. Totally expected to see a Civic, Corolla, Camry, Accord, etc on there considering they check all the boxes you mentioned.
The majority of cars on the road now are “tall” cars. My wife was a staunch compact-sedan-only person until we got our Ford Escape. It’s the same footprint as her previous car, but taller, roomier, and gets only 2mpg less.
Reliability is huge. Not only could something breaking cause an accident, it can be ruinously expensive for a kid when it was ‘cheap’ to buy. My parents bought my first car with my money, and i spent 5x that in keeping it on the road for a year.
A lot of my son's friends are going through this right now. I went pretty reliable for him, and even we've had a $400 repair in the last couple of months. But it was at least a problem I actually expected to have.
Doug is the kind of guy I wouldn't want to fight. He may not go to the gym but still a pretty big guy with long arms and he doesn't like to lose. But I sure as hell wouldn't call him daddy Doug like these other RUclipsrs, good Lord that's just embarrassing
I'm 22. I LOVE my 2002 Prius. It's a JOY to drive. The instant torque means it never feels dangerously slow, I get 45+ mpg regularly, and sitting at traffic lights silently while there are a lot of other cars idling is just neat.
Dont listen to the hate either. That guy in his V8 silverado that spends more time in the costco parking lot than towing is probably spending double than you are on gas, payments and maintenance. That prius will never let you down.
I’m 19 and a used Prius is very tempting, they don’t really cost that much, plus I can do my DoorDash without spending a lot on fuel, and go to and from university without having to fill up on fuel every two weeks (I drive my dads car right now, and that thing eats fuel like no tomorrow)
We picked up a new Mazda CX-30, non turbo, for our daughter. Incredibly safe, lots of "nanny" features and driver assist technology, very reliable, not sporty but just enough power. We are fortunate to be able to afford it and it gives us a lot of peace of mind. She's already done with her 1st year of college at 17, AP, honors, responsible. That was the reward for working hard. We also did not let her drive any friends for the first 6 months, per NV law. Add to that we made her drive 2x the required amount for her driver test and did a defensive driving course to learn how to manage dangerous situations. She now works and helps pay for her car and insurance.
I sell cars, and I had sold a 2020 Mustang GT to a mother in New York that was purchasing it for her 17 year old daughter. It's not my business to say anything, but putting a young girl in a 450+ horsepower rear wheel drive muscle car is just a recipe for disaster. I don't think any teenager should have something like that
My next door neighbor bought one for his son the moment he turned 16. Exhaust and lowered straight from the factory, like his kid told his dad “give me whatever is going to say ‘i need attention’ the most”.
Anything is dangerous if you don't approach it with the right frame of mind and respect. The two deadly teenager wrecks I remember from high school happened in a several year-old Toyota Corolla and in a Datsun 240z (the passenger in the Z survived uninjured, the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. All in the Corolla died despite seatbelts). My son rolled the Ford Escort he had inherited from his mother when he was 16 because he was out being an idiot. Maybe it'd have been worse in a high HP car, though it seems unlikely he'd have tried to offroad something nice (though he is something of an idiot when it comes to driving - and has wrecked every car he's ever owned). The only wreck I had in my Trans Am was when my car was completely stationary and somebody in a Fiero ran into the front of my car at about 20 mph (granted, I had a hardship license, so I did get to drive to and from school in my Dad's 1985 Ford Ranger V6 for a year before getting my Trans Am at age 16, so I had more experience driving alone than some do at that age).
I’m a 16 year old driver, my parents put me in a 2019 Honda insight. Do whatever you want, it’s just difficult to speed in that car anyways. Most importantly, I’m taught to be a safe driver, and drive defensively. Even if I’m put in a fast car, I still wouldn’t drive fast because it’s a stupid idea to get someone killed. I especially hate it when people speed in rural areas, like what’s the point of driving so fast just to go home and sleep? Anyways, even after all that my insurance is put on an old 08 Accord, which costs my parents $400 a month for me to “hypothetically” drive that car when I’m in a newer car. This is just ridiculous, not every 16 yr old male would think the same. In fact, I’d blame it on the parents for the lack of teaching their children discipline on the road.
My son will be taking over my 2016 Civic coupe 6-speed. The perfect car to learn on. Fun, but not crazy. Economical. Cheap to own. Edit: @Doug Demuro may not like my use of "fun", so...how about "engaging"?? 🤣
My first car was an 02 RSX 5 speed and while I loved it, in hindsight it may not have been the best first car for a 16 year old because it gave me too much driving confidence. My second car was an 04 Civic coupe 5 speed that I definitely calmed down in and the car was great for me. Fun enough with a 5 speed, slow, reliable af, looked sporty enough for a 20 year old. Now at 25 I’m in a 2023 Civic Hatchback 6 speed and I absolutely love it! Good on you for passing on the Civic!
As a 17 year old living in Canada who just got their first car in November, I can say that I wanted something sporty like a Honda Prelude as my first car, but ended up deciding the thing I wanted mostly for my first car was a manual transmission as I always wanted to learn how to drive stick. My dad ended up getting me a 2015 Golf TDi, which isn't really fast at all but driving manual is so much fun and more engaging and I'm just glad I have a manual car, even it if isn't the sportiest or fastest car.
Great choice. No regrets. That’s how I felt with my ‘10 Fit 5MT, which I had for a decade until I managed to work up in the world enough for one of my dream cars (and an almost perfect successor in other ways, too): a Focus RS.
@@kidinbed I feel like the Focus RS (or Fiesta ST for cheaper) is one of the best attainable “second car” or “first fun cars” for mid-20s people. Great choices!
Manuals are great first cars because you have to constantly pay attention to the car and the road. All limbs are involved, leaving none to hold a phone. My first car (that I still have) feels like it's going 70 when I'm going 35.
Agreed, corolla, camry or yaris. Ideally with a stick just so they can drive anything No more than 10 years old so they get all the safety but no tech distractions
You haven’t made enough to be an enthusiast of anything. Grow up. Fully support yourself, then and only then after you pay 100% of your vehicle, you can claim an enthusiast
I'm 19, I (with some help from my parents) bought a 2015 manual civic ex coupe, great teenager car. I did rear-end someone (another civic coupe actually) and both of them had relatively minimal damage. Very safe and reliable cars. 10/10 recommend for a first car
I recently bought my first car, a 2019 Honda Accord with a 6mt. Even though people may call it a “boring economy car” I still love it. Learning to drive stick was especially a priority for me.
My first car I drove on when I started learning was a 2003 Camry I absolutely loved that car. It was super roomy, comfortable, and extremely reliable. I'd recommend that for anyone learning how to drive. A reliable first car is also a must since you don't want your teen to be stranded or freaking out if something goes wrong. Since Doug was a little vague, my picks for a first car would be a Camry, Accord, Legacy, Mazda3 hatchback, Civic hatchback, or Crosstrek/Impreza hatchback. I'm not into learning on SUVs but if you really want an SUV, then CRV, Rav4, Forester, and CX5 are my picks. If you can, I'd recommend looking 2016 and newer since that's when safety gear like blind spot and forward collision warning started becoming available on mainstream cars.
I’m 18 and I bought my first car a year ago. It’s a 2007 Infiniti G35X. I got a lot of criticism for that being my first car because of its stereotype for being slammed and overly modded. But as a car it’s phenomenal! Reliable, nice interior, decent space, and good crash test rating. I saved for 2 years to get it. And I have kept it stock. I do not regret it at all
My first car was a 1997 4Runner. Loved that car. It has a 3 inch lift, ARB bumper and a winch, and it was on 33s. It was reliable and I could go anywhere with it. If I ever have a kid I am getting them a 3rd gen 4Runner.
my first car was a 2013 mazda cx5 and it made me fall in love with cars and mazda specifically. Its been reliable only needed basic maintenance, its nice with leather seats and seat warmers, has 4 seats, is safe, and a decent trunk. It is slow but mazdas dynamics make it so fun. When I want i rev it out in the sequential manual mode, and she roars even with the oem exhaust. got her around 90k miles and now has 120k. Gorgeous car would highly reccommend
Honda Fit is a clear winner Reliable, safe, comes with the correct 3 pedals, extremely roomy, fuel efficient not too fast yet a blast to drive, and being a small Honda, cheap to keep on the road as well. And since its a small Honda, the aftermarket community is huge for them
My 16 yr old is driving my old 2008 Lexus GX. Reliable, safe, full time 4wd, plus it’s weighed down with steel Metal Tech bumpers. Plus he’s already learned how to drive it in the woods. He’ll quickly learn about the cost of gas though 😂
My first car at 19 was a 2007 lexus gs 350 awd. For 9000 I LOVED that thing and still have it! 305hp awd with snow mode and a plushy interior. And super reliable.
I had a 944 as my first car in 2016 and while a fantastic experience, I realize now that it was also very dangerous. My brother is only alive today because my mom started looking at crash safety ratings and got him an 08 accord, which saved him in a several rollover accident.
I had a 300ZX twin Turbo too early too. A high speed lane change under boost got me sideways with little real world skill to recover. By the grace of God, I fishtailed several times and it slowed enough to get it back in a lane. Of course the entire highway traffic behind me came to a crawl watching it all unfold.
@@Its_Me_Romano Probably rolled it once, tipped it back on its wheels, and kept driving it until the next time. Hondas are like Timexes, they take a licking and keep on ticking.
My first car was a 35-year-old Jeep. No airbags, no ABS, unassisted drum brakes, no crumple zones or side impact beams, a flimsy windshield frame, 35-year-old seat belts. Fortunately it was geared super low so it was slow and I rarely drove it more than a few miles from my house so I never had any trouble. I still have it but I drive a pickup truck now.
My first car was my moms '95 Honda Accord Wagon. Fantastic car until the timing belt snapped. First car I bought with my own money was an '85 Cadillac for 200 bucks. Slow, relatively safe, surprisingly very reliable, and actually a very fun car for someone like me who was born with the brain of a grandpa.
13:02 Anybody watching this who's really looking for a car (parent or teenager), do NOT get any Equinox or the other GM cars with that powertrain. They are notorious money pits with abysmal build quality and poor servicability (i.e. battery under the passenger floorboard so difficult to find/jump start)
We have a Grand Cherokee with the batteries under the passenger seat. Jeep was smart enough to put jump start studs under the hood. Ditto for our Prius that has its battery buried behind the back seat. It doesn't surprise me one bit that GM didn't bother to put terminals under the hood for jumping.
first car was a prius. It wasn't cool, but it was super cheap to maintain and fuel, and too slow to get into trouble no matter how much i threw it around. plus enough space for friends
2016+ Subaru crosstrek. You can have a ton of fun with it stock or modify it with an extensive aftermarket, it has all the safety features, it’s reliable, relatively inexpensive, small enough for a new driver to maneuver in a parking lot, and most importantly they look cool, especially if you find one in one of the hero colors.
I have to say for most people I totally agree with your philosophy, as a 19 year old I have now been driving for 3 years. The only thing I really wanted as a first car as a car enthusiast was a manual transmission. So I decided to go for a manual 2017 golf alltrack. It’s practical, efficient, sumwhat reliable, and most importantly to me it has a manual transmission and to me it is more interesting than a crossover.
I bought my first car in 2015; a 1993 Volvo 940 Turbo with 282K miles on it for $1,300. It was all I could afford as a soon-to-be turning 16 year old. No vehicle was more influential to me than that in terms of crafting not only my driving skills with a total lack of modern day safety aids, but allowed my young self to solve mechanical issues and get back on the road. Adjusting shift points with a 10mm wrench, your first oil changes, and learning to travel in Maine winters with rear wheel drive only. Young drivers always remember their lessons learnt and mistakes made in their first cars. If I choose to have children one day, I hope they can repeat similar experiences I had in those teenage years.
I learned to drive in a Ford Expedition which taught me to be very aware of the size and weight of the vehicle, making me more cautious and considerate on the road, and gave me the ability to drive just about everything without hesitation as I've gone through life. My first actual car was a 3000GT (non turbo) which fulfilled every other desire I had as a teenager, and taught me to appreciate, care for, and even work on cars myself. Both of those experiences early on were important, so it really comes down to knowing your kid and their individual potential and strengths.
Just went through this decision for my oldest. Settled on a Toyota Avalon Hybrid. It was a toss-up with the Outback, but the better mpg of the Avalon won out because I want low costs when my kid goes to college. Lots of the smaller crossovers weren’t good options because my kid is 6’5” and still growing.
Totally agree! First thing that came to my mind was a RAV4. I’m the same age as Doug and my first car was a $4k Altima. It wasn’t fun but I also couldn’t get in trouble with it.
My kids both started out for their first year of driving in a 2009 Honda Accord. Then after 1 year, 1 kid moved into a 2015 WRX (not an STI) & the other kid moved into a 2017 BRZ
Got license is 1984, 1st car was Mom's old 1977 Datsun 810 wagon (she got a new car the week prior). Uncool for high school, but had the ultra reliable 6 cylinder with fuel injection (most cars had carboraters) 240z engine, 4 speed auto with overdrive, but loved it when I drove it to college- no issues fitting all my possessions in it. That car was in my family until 1992
My older brother's first car was a 1997 Toyota Corolla DX that belonged to our dad. A few years later, that car became my first car. We have a sister who's over 10 years younger than me, but I was still driving my 1997 Corolla by the time she was old enough to drive (and not willing to give it up), so I went ahead and bought her a nearly identical 1997 Toyota Corolla DX as her first car for $1,000. I like it as a first car because it is cheap, super reliable, not fast *at all,* and not too big or small. The only downside to a 1997 Corolla in 2025 is that it is a nearly 30 year old car, so it lacks a lot of modern-day safety features. Still, I can't really argue with a car that can be regularly found for under $2,000 that will still last a lifetime with general maintenance.
2015 Toyota Prius C, basically a Yaris with a tiny whittle hybrid setup. Bought certified used in 2018 for my daughter for $13k with 40k miles on it. Standard maintenance is shockingly cheap at the dealer. Hasn't so much as needed the 12v battery replaced yet. Interior fabrics and switches still look and function like new. Car runs and drives like new with 108k miles on it. Has NEVER gotten less than 50mpg per tank. Ate a deer at 55mph and still drove fine. Got tagged in the driver's side front fender by a kid in a Charger, I had to force the drivers door open and pry the fender up off the tire to take it to the body shop lol. Wrecks like a champ.
My dad gave me the 2007 4Runner as my first car in sophomore year. Then my dad got me a 2023 MK5 Supra with the manual at the start of my junior year and I’m a senior now.
My first car was a 2000 sienna. Wasnt too powerful yet very reliable. Then got my grandpas 06 tacoma and when that got totaled (no fault of my own) I bought a 2010 venza. The venzas the newest car I have owned and has more tech than I can think to do with
Older japanese luxury sedans have always seemed like a good choice to me. They tend to have better safety built in compared to other cars of similar years, and the reliability is usually there. The only concern there is that they usually come with a little more power and are rear wheel drive. I put my kid in an old g35 sedan that I've had forever. Its just reliable enough that I don't have to worry about him, but still able to force him to learn to take care of a vehicle.
Having had one in high school, I’m convinced that it should be an old manual Ford Ranger, or I suppose a Maverick if it’s cheap. They’re dirt cheap, bulletproof (mine actually had bullet holes in the bed from a previous owner), and they’re super fun to have as a teenager. We used the bed of my truck for everything from carrying hunting and camping stuff, to a portable hangout spot. Ten years after selling it, the only other car I’ve been sad to let go was my Civic SI. My friends and I spent a lot of nights hanging out in a Taco Bell parking lot after playing Halo until 1am, I would spend hours doing donuts in empty parking lots during snowstorms, and we were able to carry out many elaborate pranks because of the bed.
I recently learned that in the Netherlands you couldn't even buy your child a performance car if you wanted to. Insurance companies simply refuse to insure a car for a teenage driver if it has more than 136HP. Basically, a BMW 3-series with the standard engine is the most high performance car you are allowed to drive until you reach the age of 21.
@ yeah, so no large SUV for starters. A slightly used hatchback would be a better option. A Volkswagen UP!, a Polo, or if you feel like splurging; a Golf would be more than sufficient for a young driver.
When I was in high school and college, all I wanted was a fast car. Now I have a mk7 Golf R, which is "pretty fast" by most reasonable measures. I enjoy its speed and handling in moderation and when the time is appropriate. I sometimes think about if I had that car as a 16-22-year-old, I would've cruised in the left lane at the electronically-limited top speed of 155 everywhere I went with no regard for the consequences of getting caught, endangering myself and others, or even accelerated wear on my tires, brakes, and engine when driving that fast on the open road. Though I have no kids of my own (at least not yet), I'm at a point in my life where I understand where Doug is coming from. The only other thing I'd add to Doug's commentary is enjoy your first car. Your first car will hold a special place in your heart, no matter what it is. My first car was very vanilla: a 2001 Subaru Outback. Nowadays I recognize it's a pretty boring car, but I loved driving it when I was 16. I miss that car. I get nostalgic every time I see one on the road.
Last October, I bought my son a 2006 Volvo S40 for only $3000, as with all Volvo, they're legendary safety is unmatched. Besides charging the timing belt and water pump as a preventive measure, it's been super reliable.
Doug, (referring to the car in the thumbnail) those RAV4 V6’s are pretty quick. I would’ve been shredding tires if my parents had gotten me the V6 instead of the 4 cylinder they ultimately chose.
Im 19 and I purchased my first car and its a 89 celica and what you said is true with big cars on the road its really dangerous and if any other young drivers see my comment go for a modern yes you have fun in older cars, but trust me you can be the best driver, but the bad drivers are the ones that are going to injure you great list, im trying to get a camry in a couple months if possible
My mom gave me her 2014 Mazda 6, slow, 180hp, safe, but I lowered it and put wheels, exhaust. And man I’m glad I didn’t have a faster car I drove that thing like a m5
I had a 2002 Civic LX as a first car, good on gas, reliable, and learned to do a lot of mechanical work on that thing. Then stepped to a 2012 Civic Si which I still have
My parents wouldn’t even put me on their insurance to try and rack up some NCB. Waited 4 years before I went out, bought a little Abarth 500, paid for the insurance myself and told my premium has gone up in the second year despite no claims nor offences (speeding, drunk driving etc.)
My first car in 2020 was a 2015 ford fiesta 1.0L ecoboost 5 speed with 50,000km on it. Still have it, now at 78,000km. Been a great little car. I have also acquired a Molten Orange 2016 Fiesta ST with 130,000km and am using the 1.0L as a winter car. Fiestas are great cars.
Doug I completely agree with your logic, though safe, practical, and fun cars do exist. Sedans/wagons really are better than SUV’s especially for new drivers. I started driving- in 2012- with a 2004 Saab 9-5 aero wagon. I think it was about the perfect car to learn on- very safe for the time, handled well, plenty of cargo capacity, and it was still fun. When a drunk driver ran a red light and tboned me in the drivers door I walked away- and promptly bought another 9-5 that I still have. I’d look hard at outback’s, Imprezas, crosstreks, ford fusions or similar, and my personal favorite of merc e350 wagons.
As someone who's first car was a 2010 Toyota RAV4. I'm a car enthusiast I love my Lexus isf now but starting in my RAV4 gave me some of the best memories of my life. Heck I even repaired it a couple of times because it was relatively easy to do so. Basically don't be a snob be practical, I did I chose the RAV4. I loved every second with that car and I really do miss it.
My kid got her mother's old CR-V. Slow, practical, and it will last through college. I wanted to buy her a 986 Boxster, but her mother (rightly) talked me out of it.
Worked a crash about a month ago where four 16 year olds made a u-turn into the path of an oncoming car in a mid 90’s civic. One’s dead, one has a permanent tracheotomy, other two are still in ICU. If they had been in a new Honda that probably would’ve all been out of hospital by now
As a 16 year old driver I got in trouble with just a 6 cylinder Mustang with 120hp. I can’t imagine the carnage if I had more than 200hp. These parents buying 400-500hp Chargers are insane.
Doug I've got a bone stock 1999 Honda Accord EX with just 60,000 miles on it that you should review. I'm the second owner and the previous owner was a little old lady. I have the original owners manual with little old lady notes hand written in it and the original window sticker. I live along I-74 in Illinois so you should be passing my way on one of you many annual West to East trips.
Im 26 and have owned a few vehicles, but recently decided to get 3rd gen v6 rav4 4wd limited. Black with black rims. I love it. Its reliable, lots of space, amazing in the snow, and surprising quick and fun to drive, 0-60 is just above 6 seconds. My only complaint is gas mileage isn't the best but its not terrible. I just went from only owning smaller fuel efficient cars to this. Of course the 4 cylinder 2wd will be better on gas but not by much surprisingly at least according to mpg ratings, and its not nearly as fast or capable.
100% agree with Doug. My first car was a Mustang and I totalled it. I'm lucky that and my friend are still alive. Then I inherited an extremely slow car. And then a new Corolla, which I took care of with pristine quality. My first 6 years of driving was questionable. And that's why Doug is correct. Driving is not a skillset. It is an experience. I drive much better cars now with a right mindset. Hopefully, if you're young, you build up the right kind of experience.
I think an SUV is an irresponsible first car for anyone. 1) Higher rollover risk in a collision 2) Less visibility than minivans or vehicles with sloped front ends (moderate slopes - see my caveat about hybrids with aerodynamic slopes below) 3) Higher pedestrian fatality in front collisions (because SUVs are higher up off the ground and generally have boxier front ends that don't allow for pedestrians to roll over the hood rather be run over - something with a sloped front end would. A vehicle that solves this whilst being still not ultra compact is the prius - an older generation or equivalent hybrid. (The only downside is the aerodynamic shape doesnt give the best visibility out of the front window since they are more less sloped than something like a minivan) and of course SUV against SUV gives the best crash compatibility - though the solution shouldn't be arming the most notoriously dangerous drivers with the biggest cars - it should be (As you mentioned) to do the least harm to themselves, the car and most importantly, others.
Great pics, and I agree (though I’d leave off the Equinox and their troublesome transmissions). Three years ago, I bought my son a 2018 Mazda3. He wasn’t happy. He wanted a C4 Corvette. Now, my youngest son will be looking at cars, and will get something similar. I prefer cars over SUVs due to rollover risk and gas mileage. The Mazda3 has been flawless for reliability, though he has bumped into a few cars, and even a mailbox. As a widowed teacher, my budget is limited, and that’s another consideration. Parents often ask my advice, and I tell them a Camry or Corolla are great choices, but the Mazda3 is cheaper, and nearly as dependable. My friend also bought one for his daughter, and it’s been great.
I did the exact opposite and bought a muscle car from the early 70s. This was in the 2010s. Manual steering, manual, brakes, manual transmission. It was an absolute basket case, broke down all the time, and I had the most fun in that thing I’ve ever had in my life. It turned me into a car person, graduating from there into sports cars and offroaders. It was an objectively stupid idea, but it made me a better driver and taught me a lot about mechanics.
I did something similar. I had a 35-year-old Jeep CJ as my first car in the 2010s. Power steering was its only option. Base four-cylinder with the base four-speed manual, unassisted drum brakes, no airbags, no ABS, no crumple zones, no side impact beams, no rollover protection besides the rollbar. The canvas top and doors were only to keep the rain out, and they didn't do that very well. Flooring it in top gear with enough road, it would go 55MPH. It wasn't particularly reliable or practical but going 35 felt like going 70. It was the oldest car in my parking lot by far and everyone thought it was ridiculous and cool. I'd pull the doors off and throw them in the back seat. I still have it and take it out on nice days.
I had a 35-year-old Jeep CJ as my first car. Still have it, still love it. No safety features at all besides brakes that somewhat work and seatbelts that click in.
Just got 2003 Acura TL-s for 17 year old. Was mostly gifted. Car in great shape and has stability control, airbags, VDS, HID lights. I do have concerns about it being too powerful and a little small even though it is 3500 pounds.
@@Feeka-w8c I drove a third gen for a few years and I'd get another if I needed a cheap beater. I still see second and third gens everywhere along with an increasing number of fifth gens. If I had a long commute I'd buy a new Prius or RAV4 hybrid.
These are giant cars for a teenager learning to drive. A compact car (Corolla, Civic, Elantra, Mazda3, Soul) makes a lot more sense. Easier to park, cheaper to insure, less thirsty, cheaper to insure and just as safe as those crossovers. An even smarter choice is a used EV, like a Leaf or a Soul EV. Low maintenance costs, short range, no gas to pay. Hard to get in trouble with that!
I started with a 97 SC300, it had Just enough power for me to have fun without getting in trouble. My little brother learned to drive in a 17 Q7. He never has in issues unless he's driving something without all of its driving aids. He has found a way to curb every wheel in my car.
I’m a dad of teens and I completely agree with these four points. I love Mazdas for my kids because they look fun but they meet all four criteria. I have so far bought a 2018 Mazda 3 and a 2021 Mazda CX30 so far. Both have had blind spot monitors and other safety features. They both were under 20k and look fun but are reliable and slow haha
My parents bought me a 2013 Ford Escape for my first car in high school in 2017. They bought an SUV so my mom could drive it with her bad back. I wanted something with a manual but they weren't willing to teach me, or to compromise on something that they could borrow (fair, they bought it). I don't plan on having kids but if I did, I'd get them something that best fits their extracurricular needs while still being safe and manageable (which usually winds up being a small SUV). Unless they insist on falling down the same rabbit hole I am (buying terrible project cars and wrenching on them lol), then I might indulge.
Before watching I would say a panther platform vehicle. They are fun cars for teens and they are reliable and powerful. The only downside is gas mileage. They also have a large engine bay so are relatively easier and cheaper to fix
26 y/o here - first couple handmedowns were a 99 v6 (4.2L) f150, then an 07 4cyl Camry. Eventually made it into an FJ Cruiser and currently have a 600-ish hp 2 door. There is near-zero chance I would have survived my teens and early 20s if I had gotten whatever I wanted back then. 10 years later I still occasionally make ill-considered decisions I think back on with great displeasure
My parents bought us all (3 siblings) 3-5 year old Hondas, we could pick the car but it had to be a Honda. I got a 2013 Accord Coupe V6, my brother got a 2012 Acura MDX, and my sister, who just turned 16 a month ago, just got a 2021 Honda CRV hybrid. I no longer have my Accord, I have an S7 that I bought myself, but I do miss that car everyday.
Got my daughter a 2009 Toyota corolla with 160k miles on it for $5k about 3 years ago. Still runs great with almost 200k miles now with just minimum maintenance. I did plugs, coil packs, brakes and a handful of oil changes. Car is easy to work on. Insurance is decent and parts are everywhere. 100x better than my 1st car haha!
According to UK insurance companies, nothing is the answer.
You've got to look around for cars they don't expect a teenager to drive. Was a I got a quote for a 2.0 Mazda3 Sport for less than a 1.25 Fiesta.
@Fc-cb3tn why, Because they are expensive? Or just unavailable?
@@D-Rockk insurance here in the UK is ridiculously expensive for everyone, but for new drivers, in 95% of cases its gonna be at least £1200 for anything that moves in the first year, my first car was a 1.0 Hyundai i10 with 66 horsepower, bought for about £6000 and it cost about £1500 to insure first year
@@D-Rockkone time i looked at quotes & i was quoted 17k for a corsa (little hatchback), then 17k for a little toyota...
@@D-RockkEuropean insurance is significantly more expensive than in the US. However, the worst insurance you can legally buy in the UK is an S tier in the US. They’ll have $1M coverage minimum while we have $26k
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE DON’T BUY YOUR KID A USED CHEVY EQUINOX!
Timing chains go brrrr
Just get a RAV4, that's what my daughter's driving. My wife and I bought this brand new (2005) and we now passed it down to my daughter. Best car ever!
Or any ecoshit 1.4L engibe
That's basically what my mom did. Abandoned the old car and now i drive it, though it was neglected... an old 06 civic @sonnyh.8212
Did your parents buy it to you?
Doug the type of guy to record a video with a bandaid on his head
Thanks for letting us know
Doug is showing solidarity with his friend and collaborator "City Spud," who was incarcerated at the time like Nelly did 😂
Upcoming BMW i8 video?
and the type of guy who wants us to pretend that it's not there by not bringing it up lol
You might be a snowflake if having a bandaid on ever stopped you from going to work.
Just bought my 16 year old a 2017 Ford Fusion AWD 2.0T, rear view camera, rear safety sensors, airbags everywhere, 90k miles. Not fast but has all the tech, even apple carplay, but most important, very safe. Watching this video was very validating.
2.0T is not particularly slow. It has a bit more than 200hps right? That's pretty decent for a first car I think
Wouldn’t reliability be a problem with turbocharged Fords?
@@tomasedaniel true, not slow, but the slowest possible “non-slow” car you can imagine, the transmission and programming is very grandma. But it picks up smoothly and predictably.
Fantastic first car!
@@HoldDaMayo I always forget those type of cars come most often than not in automatic so it makes sense being "slow".
Also Doug didn't mention hatchbacks but I have a 2002 130hp golf 4, and I find it fun, not a lot of power but it's fun.
Therapist: "Teenage Doug DeMuro isn't real, he can't hurt you"
Teenage Doug in the thumbnail:
I, genuinely, have so much respect of the enormous amount of integrity shown here. A person, who owns a website where a lot of great affordable performance cars can be had, advises a safe alternative outside of his own market. What a type of guy.
Dude sells the most enthusiast cars possible that fetch collectable level prices, nobody is getting these cars as/for a teenager.
@@Kxvito there are plenty of rich folks in Cali and elsewhere who are very much in position to buy their kids whatever they desire, money isnt a issue. Thats how you get 16 year olds with Hellcats and Corvettes, their naiive parents bought those for them
@@crabyman3555 Rich people aint the majority of people
@@Kxvito maybe so but they’re the majority of his customers
@@Kxvito take a look at the sold auctions and sort by lowest price, there are dozens and dozen of cars that sold for under $3000
Bugatti Tourbillion is the only correct answer
1. It should be safe: BIG BRAKES BIIIG TYRES and carbon fiber shell to ensure max safety
2. Reliability: If you don't drive it, it'll not break down
3. A car that is slow: Just drive on EV mode only
4. Rather not too big and not too small: It's big on the outside, smol on the inside
Additional benitits
1. Cheap: It'll probably never depreciate, so essentially its FREE
2. Fuel efficient: ITS A HYBRID
3. Other "teen safety": No rear seats mean no "accidents" in the back
4. All weather: Comes with all-wheel drive to ensure that it is drivable no matter sun, rain snow
PS: In all honesty this is a satirical comment and as a person in my early 20s, I cannot agree with Doug more. Driving and especially riding requires a lot of discipline, more if you are a car guy.
lol💀
Imagine someone doesn't see the bottom and doesn't know that this is sattire
@@Billsfan2010they should still realize its satire
i’m SOLD lol
@CarQuizzical they should, but some people have no common sense
9:00 Don’t miss that! “The first car will not be your only car. Particularly if you get a safe one.”
I still have my first car as my fun car. It is by no means safe, not even by the standards of when it was new, but because it demands constant attention to drive I made it out fine. I drove it until college when I inherited something more practical to daily drive.
Just curious as to why there aren't any sedans on the list. Totally expected to see a Civic, Corolla, Camry, Accord, etc on there considering they check all the boxes you mentioned.
Those will be my first pick for my teens, also hybrid will come in handy - 1 full tank of gas can go for 450-480 miles!
Because suvs are kinda the thing these days. I own a fancy civic as an 18 yo and it’s perfect, bit small but perfect
he was suggesting the compacts dont fare well in collisions with larger cars
The majority of cars on the road now are “tall” cars. My wife was a staunch compact-sedan-only person until we got our Ford Escape. It’s the same footprint as her previous car, but taller, roomier, and gets only 2mpg less.
He is american so whats considered a decently sized car in Europe is too small in the eyes of most US citizens
Reliability is huge. Not only could something breaking cause an accident, it can be ruinously expensive for a kid when it was ‘cheap’ to buy. My parents bought my first car with my money, and i spent 5x that in keeping it on the road for a year.
A lot of my son's friends are going through this right now. I went pretty reliable for him, and even we've had a $400 repair in the last couple of months. But it was at least a problem I actually expected to have.
Doug is the type of guy to fight a man on the street for calling his carrera gt a cayman
"Nice Boxster!"
Probably explains the band-aid on his head 😂
Doug is the kind of guy I wouldn't want to fight. He may not go to the gym but still a pretty big guy with long arms and he doesn't like to lose. But I sure as hell wouldn't call him daddy Doug like these other RUclipsrs, good Lord that's just embarrassing
That was lame 😂
Nice “Yella Burd” Mr Ruf man lol
I'm 22. I LOVE my 2002 Prius. It's a JOY to drive. The instant torque means it never feels dangerously slow, I get 45+ mpg regularly, and sitting at traffic lights silently while there are a lot of other cars idling is just neat.
I grew up with a 2011 Prius. My mother’s and more recently my sister’s. Great car 180k miles or so now
Prius is a perfect first car. Mine was a 2nd gen.
Dont listen to the hate either. That guy in his V8 silverado that spends more time in the costco parking lot than towing is probably spending double than you are on gas, payments and maintenance. That prius will never let you down.
This is hilarious but i also believe every young person should be sentenced to start off with a car like this
I’m 19 and a used Prius is very tempting, they don’t really cost that much, plus I can do my DoorDash without spending a lot on fuel, and go to and from university without having to fill up on fuel every two weeks (I drive my dads car right now, and that thing eats fuel like no tomorrow)
We picked up a new Mazda CX-30, non turbo, for our daughter. Incredibly safe, lots of "nanny" features and driver assist technology, very reliable, not sporty but just enough power. We are fortunate to be able to afford it and it gives us a lot of peace of mind. She's already done with her 1st year of college at 17, AP, honors, responsible. That was the reward for working hard. We also did not let her drive any friends for the first 6 months, per NV law. Add to that we made her drive 2x the required amount for her driver test and did a defensive driving course to learn how to manage dangerous situations. She now works and helps pay for her car and insurance.
Me too. CX-30 has been an excellent choice. Current safety technology, big enough to be useful, but small enough to be easy to park and handle.
I sell cars, and I had sold a 2020 Mustang GT to a mother in New York that was purchasing it for her 17 year old daughter. It's not my business to say anything, but putting a young girl in a 450+ horsepower rear wheel drive muscle car is just a recipe for disaster. I don't think any teenager should have something like that
I sold a dad for his 16 year old (back in 1996) a WS6 Trans Am Ram Air. I was SO jealous as I was 17 myself, but it was a stupid car even with 305 HP.
My next door neighbor bought one for his son the moment he turned 16. Exhaust and lowered straight from the factory, like his kid told his dad “give me whatever is going to say ‘i need attention’ the most”.
Anything is dangerous if you don't approach it with the right frame of mind and respect. The two deadly teenager wrecks I remember from high school happened in a several year-old Toyota Corolla and in a Datsun 240z (the passenger in the Z survived uninjured, the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. All in the Corolla died despite seatbelts). My son rolled the Ford Escort he had inherited from his mother when he was 16 because he was out being an idiot. Maybe it'd have been worse in a high HP car, though it seems unlikely he'd have tried to offroad something nice (though he is something of an idiot when it comes to driving - and has wrecked every car he's ever owned). The only wreck I had in my Trans Am was when my car was completely stationary and somebody in a Fiero ran into the front of my car at about 20 mph (granted, I had a hardship license, so I did get to drive to and from school in my Dad's 1985 Ford Ranger V6 for a year before getting my Trans Am at age 16, so I had more experience driving alone than some do at that age).
I’m a 16 year old driver, my parents put me in a 2019 Honda insight. Do whatever you want, it’s just difficult to speed in that car anyways. Most importantly, I’m taught to be a safe driver, and drive defensively. Even if I’m put in a fast car, I still wouldn’t drive fast because it’s a stupid idea to get someone killed. I especially hate it when people speed in rural areas, like what’s the point of driving so fast just to go home and sleep?
Anyways, even after all that my insurance is put on an old 08 Accord, which costs my parents $400 a month for me to “hypothetically” drive that car when I’m in a newer car. This is just ridiculous, not every 16 yr old male would think the same. In fact, I’d blame it on the parents for the lack of teaching their children discipline on the road.
Would it have hurt you to advise against giving a 17 year old a mustang gt?
Doug the type of guy who still dresses like a mid-90s teenager from some Nickelodeon show.
My son will be taking over my 2016 Civic coupe 6-speed. The perfect car to learn on. Fun, but not crazy. Economical. Cheap to own.
Edit: @Doug Demuro may not like my use of "fun", so...how about "engaging"?? 🤣
My first car was an 02 RSX 5 speed and while I loved it, in hindsight it may not have been the best first car for a 16 year old because it gave me too much driving confidence. My second car was an 04 Civic coupe 5 speed that I definitely calmed down in and the car was great for me. Fun enough with a 5 speed, slow, reliable af, looked sporty enough for a 20 year old. Now at 25 I’m in a 2023 Civic Hatchback 6 speed and I absolutely love it!
Good on you for passing on the Civic!
@@bobjoe3566 that's some true Honda love! Great to hear about these experiences and the insight gained!
Kinda small
Good call starting with a manual. Forces road engagement and constant attention to driving.
@@Mike.1886 How much room does a teenager need?
As a 17 year old living in Canada who just got their first car in November, I can say that I wanted something sporty like a Honda Prelude as my first car, but ended up deciding the thing I wanted mostly for my first car was a manual transmission as I always wanted to learn how to drive stick. My dad ended up getting me a 2015 Golf TDi, which isn't really fast at all but driving manual is so much fun and more engaging and I'm just glad I have a manual car, even it if isn't the sportiest or fastest car.
Exactly how I feel with my manual base 2015 civic coupe
Good choice. You’ll look back and appreciate that you did this many years from now.
Great choice. No regrets. That’s how I felt with my ‘10 Fit 5MT, which I had for a decade until I managed to work up in the world enough for one of my dream cars (and an almost perfect successor in other ways, too): a Focus RS.
@@kidinbed I feel like the Focus RS (or Fiesta ST for cheaper) is one of the best attainable “second car” or “first fun cars” for mid-20s people. Great choices!
Manuals are great first cars because you have to constantly pay attention to the car and the road. All limbs are involved, leaving none to hold a phone. My first car (that I still have) feels like it's going 70 when I'm going 35.
Corolla is usually the answer for every low end vehicle recommendation. For a teen, get a Corolla Hatch or Matrix.
...Or the NUMMI-factory GM versions.
Or a Camry.
Agreed, corolla, camry or yaris. Ideally with a stick just so they can drive anything
No more than 10 years old so they get all the safety but no tech distractions
A nice and comfortable 3800 engine Buick sedan or maybe a 5cyl Volvo station wagon.
Just bought my daughter a 2015 5 cylinder Volvo v60 cross country
2006-2008 Buck Lucerne with the 3800!!!!
The problem is that those vehicles are 15+ years old and don't have curtain airbags
@@136Reidthe volvo absolutely has curtain airbags
@@136ReidCars that old had them. VW had them at Jesse as far back as ‘02. They may have started w/ the MKIV in ‘99.
I’m a 18 year old Porsche enthusiast and my father got me a 2008 Cayenne S 4.8 V8. Maybe not the best first car but i love it.
You haven’t made enough to be an enthusiast of anything. Grow up. Fully support yourself, then and only then after you pay 100% of your vehicle, you can claim an enthusiast
@ I’ve been a fan of Porsche since a kid and i appreciate a big naturally aspirated V8 both in performance and sound.
@@ozarkliving7263 lmao what a response. he can be an enthusiast of whatever he wants. Quit sounding like an insecure gate keeping.
Ruff time at the bar last night, Doug? 🙂
Fatherhood kickin his a$$
You mean RUF time at the bar?
He doesn’t drink. It was probably from organizing his license plate collection and one fell
I'm 19, I (with some help from my parents) bought a 2015 manual civic ex coupe, great teenager car. I did rear-end someone (another civic coupe actually) and both of them had relatively minimal damage. Very safe and reliable cars. 10/10 recommend for a first car
Small cars teach humility. That is a nice ride.
I recently bought my first car, a 2019 Honda Accord with a 6mt. Even though people may call it a “boring economy car” I still love it. Learning to drive stick was especially a priority for me.
@@4xeFanatic2023 luckyyy I got a 2012 as my first
lol I was lucky enough to have parents who were willing to split the cost 50-50, but I still had to work really hard and save/invest my money
Ahh the newer accords in manual are quite rare ill probably by a rare manual random sedan for myself honestly
2.0T or 1.5T?
My first car I drove on when I started learning was a 2003 Camry I absolutely loved that car. It was super roomy, comfortable, and extremely reliable. I'd recommend that for anyone learning how to drive. A reliable first car is also a must since you don't want your teen to be stranded or freaking out if something goes wrong. Since Doug was a little vague, my picks for a first car would be a Camry, Accord, Legacy, Mazda3 hatchback, Civic hatchback, or Crosstrek/Impreza hatchback. I'm not into learning on SUVs but if you really want an SUV, then CRV, Rav4, Forester, and CX5 are my picks. If you can, I'd recommend looking 2016 and newer since that's when safety gear like blind spot and forward collision warning started becoming available on mainstream cars.
I’m 18 and I bought my first car a year ago. It’s a 2007 Infiniti G35X. I got a lot of criticism for that being my first car because of its stereotype for being slammed and overly modded. But as a car it’s phenomenal! Reliable, nice interior, decent space, and good crash test rating. I saved for 2 years to get it. And I have kept it stock. I do not regret it at all
My first car was a 1997 4Runner. Loved that car. It has a 3 inch lift, ARB bumper and a winch, and it was on 33s. It was reliable and I could go anywhere with it. If I ever have a kid I am getting them a 3rd gen 4Runner.
my first car was a 2013 mazda cx5 and it made me fall in love with cars and mazda specifically. Its been reliable only needed basic maintenance, its nice with leather seats and seat warmers, has 4 seats, is safe, and a decent trunk. It is slow but mazdas dynamics make it so fun. When I want i rev it out in the sequential manual mode, and she roars even with the oem exhaust. got her around 90k miles and now has 120k. Gorgeous car would highly reccommend
Honda Fit is a clear winner
Reliable, safe, comes with the correct 3 pedals, extremely roomy, fuel efficient not too fast yet a blast to drive, and being a small Honda, cheap to keep on the road as well. And since its a small Honda, the aftermarket community is huge for them
Jazz.
They're not AWD though, in some areas having all four wheels driven is a must.
@@bwofficial1776 I mean there's snow tires. I drove mine through upstate NY in snow and it was fine
My 16 yr old is driving my old 2008 Lexus GX. Reliable, safe, full time 4wd, plus it’s weighed down with steel Metal Tech bumpers. Plus he’s already learned how to drive it in the woods. He’ll quickly learn about the cost of gas though 😂
Steel bumpers are great. No one wants to hit an SUV with steel bumpers and if your son hits anything it won't damage his car.
My first car at 19 was a 2007 lexus gs 350 awd. For 9000
I LOVED that thing and still have it! 305hp awd with snow mode and a plushy interior. And super reliable.
I had a 944 as my first car in 2016 and while a fantastic experience, I realize now that it was also very dangerous. My brother is only alive today because my mom started looking at crash safety ratings and got him an 08 accord, which saved him in a several rollover accident.
SEVERAL?!
I had a 300ZX twin Turbo too early too. A high speed lane change under boost got me sideways with little real world skill to recover. By the grace of God, I fishtailed several times and it slowed enough to get it back in a lane. Of course the entire highway traffic behind me came to a crawl watching it all unfold.
@@Its_Me_Romano Probably rolled it once, tipped it back on its wheels, and kept driving it until the next time. Hondas are like Timexes, they take a licking and keep on ticking.
My first car was a 35-year-old Jeep. No airbags, no ABS, unassisted drum brakes, no crumple zones or side impact beams, a flimsy windshield frame, 35-year-old seat belts. Fortunately it was geared super low so it was slow and I rarely drove it more than a few miles from my house so I never had any trouble. I still have it but I drive a pickup truck now.
My first car was my moms '95 Honda Accord Wagon. Fantastic car until the timing belt snapped. First car I bought with my own money was an '85 Cadillac for 200 bucks. Slow, relatively safe, surprisingly very reliable, and actually a very fun car for someone like me who was born with the brain of a grandpa.
13:02 Anybody watching this who's really looking for a car (parent or teenager), do NOT get any Equinox or the other GM cars with that powertrain. They are notorious money pits with abysmal build quality and poor servicability (i.e. battery under the passenger floorboard so difficult to find/jump start)
We have a Grand Cherokee with the batteries under the passenger seat. Jeep was smart enough to put jump start studs under the hood. Ditto for our Prius that has its battery buried behind the back seat. It doesn't surprise me one bit that GM didn't bother to put terminals under the hood for jumping.
No GM car with a 4 cylinder made in the last 10 years is reliable.
first car was a prius. It wasn't cool, but it was super cheap to maintain and fuel, and too slow to get into trouble no matter how much i threw it around. plus enough space for friends
2016+ Subaru crosstrek. You can have a ton of fun with it stock or modify it with an extensive aftermarket, it has all the safety features, it’s reliable, relatively inexpensive, small enough for a new driver to maneuver in a parking lot, and most importantly they look cool, especially if you find one in one of the hero colors.
And could've been had with a manual if so desired!
That's so New England.
I have to say for most people I totally agree with your philosophy, as a 19 year old I have now been driving for 3 years. The only thing I really wanted as a first car as a car enthusiast was a manual transmission. So I decided to go for a manual 2017 golf alltrack. It’s practical, efficient, sumwhat reliable, and most importantly to me it has a manual transmission and to me it is more interesting than a crossover.
I bought my first car in 2015; a 1993 Volvo 940 Turbo with 282K miles on it for $1,300. It was all I could afford as a soon-to-be turning 16 year old. No vehicle was more influential to me than that in terms of crafting not only my driving skills with a total lack of modern day safety aids, but allowed my young self to solve mechanical issues and get back on the road. Adjusting shift points with a 10mm wrench, your first oil changes, and learning to travel in Maine winters with rear wheel drive only.
Young drivers always remember their lessons learnt and mistakes made in their first cars. If I choose to have children one day, I hope they can repeat similar experiences I had in those teenage years.
This is a very sensible list of suggestions. Corolla, Civic, or Crosstrek are all pretty good choices for first cars.
I learned to drive in a Ford Expedition which taught me to be very aware of the size and weight of the vehicle, making me more cautious and considerate on the road, and gave me the ability to drive just about everything without hesitation as I've gone through life. My first actual car was a 3000GT (non turbo) which fulfilled every other desire I had as a teenager, and taught me to appreciate, care for, and even work on cars myself. Both of those experiences early on were important, so it really comes down to knowing your kid and their individual potential and strengths.
Just went through this decision for my oldest. Settled on a Toyota Avalon Hybrid. It was a toss-up with the Outback, but the better mpg of the Avalon won out because I want low costs when my kid goes to college. Lots of the smaller crossovers weren’t good options because my kid is 6’5” and still growing.
Totally agree! First thing that came to my mind was a RAV4. I’m the same age as Doug and my first car was a $4k Altima. It wasn’t fun but I also couldn’t get in trouble with it.
My kids both started out for their first year of driving in a 2009 Honda Accord. Then after 1 year, 1 kid moved into a 2015 WRX (not an STI) & the other kid moved into a 2017 BRZ
I'm rocking a 2006 Corolla, but the newer hybrids not only look great but get fantastic MPG.
My first ride was an 84' Sentra btw
Got license is 1984, 1st car was Mom's old 1977 Datsun 810 wagon (she got a new car the week prior). Uncool for high school, but had the ultra reliable 6 cylinder with fuel injection (most cars had carboraters) 240z engine, 4 speed auto with overdrive, but loved it when I drove it to college- no issues fitting all my possessions in it. That car was in my family until 1992
My older brother's first car was a 1997 Toyota Corolla DX that belonged to our dad. A few years later, that car became my first car. We have a sister who's over 10 years younger than me, but I was still driving my 1997 Corolla by the time she was old enough to drive (and not willing to give it up), so I went ahead and bought her a nearly identical 1997 Toyota Corolla DX as her first car for $1,000. I like it as a first car because it is cheap, super reliable, not fast *at all,* and not too big or small. The only downside to a 1997 Corolla in 2025 is that it is a nearly 30 year old car, so it lacks a lot of modern-day safety features. Still, I can't really argue with a car that can be regularly found for under $2,000 that will still last a lifetime with general maintenance.
2015 Toyota Prius C, basically a Yaris with a tiny whittle hybrid setup. Bought certified used in 2018 for my daughter for $13k with 40k miles on it. Standard maintenance is shockingly cheap at the dealer. Hasn't so much as needed the 12v battery replaced yet. Interior fabrics and switches still look and function like new. Car runs and drives like new with 108k miles on it. Has NEVER gotten less than 50mpg per tank.
Ate a deer at 55mph and still drove fine. Got tagged in the driver's side front fender by a kid in a Charger, I had to force the drivers door open and pry the fender up off the tire to take it to the body shop lol. Wrecks like a champ.
My dad gave me the 2007 4Runner as my first car in sophomore year. Then my dad got me a 2023 MK5 Supra with the manual at the start of my junior year and I’m a senior now.
My first car was a 2000 sienna. Wasnt too powerful yet very reliable. Then got my grandpas 06 tacoma and when that got totaled (no fault of my own) I bought a 2010 venza. The venzas the newest car I have owned and has more tech than I can think to do with
Older japanese luxury sedans have always seemed like a good choice to me. They tend to have better safety built in compared to other cars of similar years, and the reliability is usually there.
The only concern there is that they usually come with a little more power and are rear wheel drive.
I put my kid in an old g35 sedan that I've had forever. Its just reliable enough that I don't have to worry about him, but still able to force him to learn to take care of a vehicle.
I love all the funny thumbnails,
especially this one!
I bought a '14 Corolla back in 2018 because I knew my kid would be learning how to drive in it.
I think I made the right call
Slow, reliable, safe
Toyota Camry. Civic. End of Discussion.
Can I add subaru outback, legacy and plain impreza to the list
Having had one in high school, I’m convinced that it should be an old manual Ford Ranger, or I suppose a Maverick if it’s cheap. They’re dirt cheap, bulletproof (mine actually had bullet holes in the bed from a previous owner), and they’re super fun to have as a teenager. We used the bed of my truck for everything from carrying hunting and camping stuff, to a portable hangout spot.
Ten years after selling it, the only other car I’ve been sad to let go was my Civic SI. My friends and I spent a lot of nights hanging out in a Taco Bell parking lot after playing Halo until 1am, I would spend hours doing donuts in empty parking lots during snowstorms, and we were able to carry out many elaborate pranks because of the bed.
I recently learned that in the Netherlands you couldn't even buy your child a performance car if you wanted to. Insurance companies simply refuse to insure a car for a teenage driver if it has more than 136HP. Basically, a BMW 3-series with the standard engine is the most high performance car you are allowed to drive until you reach the age of 21.
europe sucks so much
That seems wild to me as a Canadian, basically every suv on sale today has more than 136hp lol.
In the US, I don't know how many new cars are sold today with less than 136hp. Maybe 2?
@ yeah, so no large SUV for starters. A slightly used hatchback would be a better option. A Volkswagen UP!, a Polo, or if you feel like splurging; a Golf would be more than sufficient for a young driver.
@@evanprocknow6568 you guys in North America can't understand how much europe hate cars these days. And the whole continent is so overrated
When I was in high school and college, all I wanted was a fast car. Now I have a mk7 Golf R, which is "pretty fast" by most reasonable measures. I enjoy its speed and handling in moderation and when the time is appropriate. I sometimes think about if I had that car as a 16-22-year-old, I would've cruised in the left lane at the electronically-limited top speed of 155 everywhere I went with no regard for the consequences of getting caught, endangering myself and others, or even accelerated wear on my tires, brakes, and engine when driving that fast on the open road. Though I have no kids of my own (at least not yet), I'm at a point in my life where I understand where Doug is coming from.
The only other thing I'd add to Doug's commentary is enjoy your first car. Your first car will hold a special place in your heart, no matter what it is. My first car was very vanilla: a 2001 Subaru Outback. Nowadays I recognize it's a pretty boring car, but I loved driving it when I was 16. I miss that car. I get nostalgic every time I see one on the road.
Last October, I bought my son a 2006 Volvo S40 for only $3000, as with all Volvo, they're legendary safety is unmatched. Besides charging the timing belt and water pump as a preventive measure, it's been super reliable.
@@michaelqu 1.8 engine?
Doug, (referring to the car in the thumbnail) those RAV4 V6’s are pretty quick. I would’ve been shredding tires if my parents had gotten me the V6 instead of the 4 cylinder they ultimately chose.
Im 19 and I purchased my first car and its a 89 celica and what you said is true with big cars on the road its really dangerous and if any other young drivers see my comment go for a modern yes you have fun in older cars, but trust me you can be the best driver, but the bad drivers are the ones that are going to injure you great list, im trying to get a camry in a couple months if possible
My mom gave me her 2014 Mazda 6, slow, 180hp, safe, but I lowered it and put wheels, exhaust. And man I’m glad I didn’t have a faster car I drove that thing like a m5
I got my daughter an '18 Forester with a manual. Harder to text and drive 😂
If you think your kid is going to text and drive, just don't get them a car at all!
How is she doing?
@bjthedjdutchdude1992 very well - it was a few years ago but she still drives stick.
@@drunkenhobo8020good luck with that
I had a 2002 Civic LX as a first car, good on gas, reliable, and learned to do a lot of mechanical work on that thing. Then stepped to a 2012 Civic Si which I still have
Like this if you never got a car as a teenager.
I gout my first car at 19 or 20....I forget now, it was a 92 Miata.
My parents wouldn’t even put me on their insurance to try and rack up some NCB. Waited 4 years before I went out, bought a little Abarth 500, paid for the insurance myself and told my premium has gone up in the second year despite no claims nor offences (speeding, drunk driving etc.)
My first car in 2020 was a 2015 ford fiesta 1.0L ecoboost 5 speed with 50,000km on it. Still have it, now at 78,000km. Been a great little car. I have also acquired a Molten Orange 2016 Fiesta ST with 130,000km and am using the 1.0L as a winter car. Fiestas are great cars.
Doug I completely agree with your logic, though safe, practical, and fun cars do exist.
Sedans/wagons really are better than SUV’s especially for new drivers.
I started driving- in 2012- with a 2004 Saab 9-5 aero wagon. I think it was about the perfect car to learn on- very safe for the time, handled well, plenty of cargo capacity, and it was still fun.
When a drunk driver ran a red light and tboned me in the drivers door I walked away- and promptly bought another 9-5 that I still have.
I’d look hard at outback’s, Imprezas, crosstreks, ford fusions or similar, and my personal favorite of merc e350 wagons.
Suvs are safer.
As someone who's first car was a 2010 Toyota RAV4. I'm a car enthusiast I love my Lexus isf now but starting in my RAV4 gave me some of the best memories of my life. Heck I even repaired it a couple of times because it was relatively easy to do so. Basically don't be a snob be practical, I did I chose the RAV4. I loved every second with that car and I really do miss it.
Doug the type of guy who gets his eye cut exploring car quirks and features.
My kid got her mother's old CR-V. Slow, practical, and it will last through college. I wanted to buy her a 986 Boxster, but her mother (rightly) talked me out of it.
A used Nissan Leaf. No maintenance, limited range and safe.
Easy to sneak out in too!
@@drunkenhobo8020except for that annoying backup alarm
Limited range is not safe
Perfect choice. 4k used to buy. 80 mile depreciated range.
The 1st generation Leaf is actually pretty reliable too.
Worked a crash about a month ago where four 16 year olds made a u-turn into the path of an oncoming car in a mid 90’s civic. One’s dead, one has a permanent tracheotomy, other two are still in ICU. If they had been in a new Honda that probably would’ve all been out of hospital by now
As a 16 year old driver I got in trouble with just a 6 cylinder Mustang with 120hp. I can’t imagine the carnage if I had more than 200hp. These parents buying 400-500hp Chargers are insane.
Doug, I appreciate you being more healthy and taking up mountain biking but you gotta be careful buddy. Glad everything was OK with the spill.
Some Corolla or Golf or Civic or sth. No SUVs to accidentally run over people
Doug I've got a bone stock 1999 Honda Accord EX with just 60,000 miles on it that you should review. I'm the second owner and the previous owner was a little old lady. I have the original owners manual with little old lady notes hand written in it and the original window sticker. I live along I-74 in Illinois so you should be passing my way on one of you many annual West to East trips.
I would want to have my kid drive a Manual Transmission car. I think it helps a kid avoid texting and drive or eating while driving
Im 26 and have owned a few vehicles, but recently decided to get 3rd gen v6 rav4 4wd limited. Black with black rims. I love it. Its reliable, lots of space, amazing in the snow, and surprising quick and fun to drive, 0-60 is just above 6 seconds. My only complaint is gas mileage isn't the best but its not terrible. I just went from only owning smaller fuel efficient cars to this. Of course the 4 cylinder 2wd will be better on gas but not by much surprisingly at least according to mpg ratings, and its not nearly as fast or capable.
100% agree with Doug. My first car was a Mustang and I totalled it. I'm lucky that and my friend are still alive. Then I inherited an extremely slow car. And then a new Corolla, which I took care of with pristine quality. My first 6 years of driving was questionable. And that's why Doug is correct. Driving is not a skillset. It is an experience. I drive much better cars now with a right mindset. Hopefully, if you're young, you build up the right kind of experience.
I think an SUV is an irresponsible first car for anyone.
1) Higher rollover risk in a collision
2) Less visibility than minivans or vehicles with sloped front ends (moderate slopes - see my caveat about hybrids with aerodynamic slopes below)
3) Higher pedestrian fatality in front collisions (because SUVs are higher up off the ground and generally have boxier front ends that don't allow for pedestrians to roll over the hood rather be run over - something with a sloped front end would.
A vehicle that solves this whilst being still not ultra compact is the prius - an older generation or equivalent hybrid. (The only downside is the aerodynamic shape doesnt give the best visibility out of the front window since they are more less sloped than something like a minivan) and of course SUV against SUV gives the best crash compatibility - though the solution shouldn't be arming the most notoriously dangerous drivers with the biggest cars - it should be (As you mentioned) to do the least harm to themselves, the car and most importantly, others.
havent watched the video yet, but usually i tell my family/friends that a Hyundai Sonata or Civic are the best for beginners.
Great pics, and I agree (though I’d leave off the Equinox and their troublesome transmissions). Three years ago, I bought my son a 2018 Mazda3. He wasn’t happy. He wanted a C4 Corvette. Now, my youngest son will be looking at cars, and will get something similar.
I prefer cars over SUVs due to rollover risk and gas mileage. The Mazda3 has been flawless for reliability, though he has bumped into a few cars, and even a mailbox.
As a widowed teacher, my budget is limited, and that’s another consideration. Parents often ask my advice, and I tell them a Camry or Corolla are great choices, but the Mazda3 is cheaper, and nearly as dependable. My friend also bought one for his daughter, and it’s been great.
A great choice
Two of my kids have a RAV4 and one has a CRV. I feel like I just got a high Doug score for being a Dad!
Billo is the kind of guy who gets the Dougiest Doug car for his kids
My first car was also a 2003 rav 4 3 door. Drove it till it had 300k km and it's now still driving around somewhere in Africa 😆
Thank you, you are right about focusing on safety. In our family the first car for a teenager is called the sacrifice car!
Doug the type of guy who thinks the only car for $4,000 is an 80s Camry
Try More like an 07
@mh87351 try a 2017 Leaf. 4k.
I did the exact opposite and bought a muscle car from the early 70s. This was in the 2010s. Manual steering, manual, brakes, manual transmission. It was an absolute basket case, broke down all the time, and I had the most fun in that thing I’ve ever had in my life. It turned me into a car person, graduating from there into sports cars and offroaders.
It was an objectively stupid idea, but it made me a better driver and taught me a lot about mechanics.
I did something similar. I had a 35-year-old Jeep CJ as my first car in the 2010s. Power steering was its only option. Base four-cylinder with the base four-speed manual, unassisted drum brakes, no airbags, no ABS, no crumple zones, no side impact beams, no rollover protection besides the rollbar. The canvas top and doors were only to keep the rain out, and they didn't do that very well. Flooring it in top gear with enough road, it would go 55MPH. It wasn't particularly reliable or practical but going 35 felt like going 70. It was the oldest car in my parking lot by far and everyone thought it was ridiculous and cool. I'd pull the doors off and throw them in the back seat. I still have it and take it out on nice days.
First car was a ‘74 trans am in ‘99 I bought for 800 no regrets.
I had a 35-year-old Jeep CJ as my first car. Still have it, still love it. No safety features at all besides brakes that somewhat work and seatbelts that click in.
Just got 2003 Acura TL-s for 17 year old. Was mostly gifted. Car in great shape and has stability control, airbags, VDS, HID lights. I do have concerns about it being too powerful and a little small even though it is 3500 pounds.
Carolla, Civic, Accord, Camry
Prius would be the best first car for teenagers. Reliable, safe , low repair cost and good resale.
Priuses are great cars. Cheap, reliable, efficient, slow, good brakes, good handling, roomy, and uncool so no one wants to ride in one.
@ hahaha but 5th gen are cool prius and real practical car unlike EV’s
@@Feeka-w8c I drove a third gen for a few years and I'd get another if I needed a cheap beater. I still see second and third gens everywhere along with an increasing number of fifth gens. If I had a long commute I'd buy a new Prius or RAV4 hybrid.
These are giant cars for a teenager learning to drive. A compact car (Corolla, Civic, Elantra, Mazda3, Soul) makes a lot more sense. Easier to park, cheaper to insure, less thirsty, cheaper to insure and just as safe as those crossovers.
An even smarter choice is a used EV, like a Leaf or a Soul EV. Low maintenance costs, short range, no gas to pay. Hard to get in trouble with that!
I started with a 97 SC300, it had Just enough power for me to have fun without getting in trouble.
My little brother learned to drive in a 17 Q7. He never has in issues unless he's driving something without all of its driving aids. He has found a way to curb every wheel in my car.
I’m a dad of teens and I completely agree with these four points. I love Mazdas for my kids because they look fun but they meet all four criteria. I have so far bought a 2018 Mazda 3 and a 2021 Mazda CX30 so far. Both have had blind spot monitors and other safety features. They both were under 20k and look fun but are reliable and slow haha
Also I fully recommend car play or android auto with a really short cable.
Thanks Doug! You just convinced me to purchase a 2008 Veyron 🎉
My parents bought me a 2013 Ford Escape for my first car in high school in 2017. They bought an SUV so my mom could drive it with her bad back.
I wanted something with a manual but they weren't willing to teach me, or to compromise on something that they could borrow (fair, they bought it).
I don't plan on having kids but if I did, I'd get them something that best fits their extracurricular needs while still being safe and manageable (which usually winds up being a small SUV). Unless they insist on falling down the same rabbit hole I am (buying terrible project cars and wrenching on them lol), then I might indulge.
1998 Toyota Corolla. It’s not the car you want, it’s the car you deserve.
Before watching I would say a panther platform vehicle. They are fun cars for teens and they are reliable and powerful. The only downside is gas mileage. They also have a large engine bay so are relatively easier and cheaper to fix
Volvo xc90 for daughter, and if I have the means, a first-generation Viper for her boyfriend. I'm a generous loving father
Best choice by far.
Im leaving my comment, but I realized that she would be in the car and he'd be more likely to show of with her in it. Didn't play that one though. 😂
26 y/o here - first couple handmedowns were a 99 v6 (4.2L) f150, then an 07 4cyl Camry. Eventually made it into an FJ Cruiser and currently have a 600-ish hp 2 door. There is near-zero chance I would have survived my teens and early 20s if I had gotten whatever I wanted back then. 10 years later I still occasionally make ill-considered decisions I think back on with great displeasure
The answer is almost always a Prius. Unless the question is “What car will get my son laid?”
Agree.
Cars don't get guys laid unless they're gay. Girls don't care about cars.
No *car* will get you laid by a real woman lol
The new Prius says he may get a shot with the Minger of the class, future Vegan ,or one of the other boys , depends.
My parents bought us all (3 siblings) 3-5 year old Hondas, we could pick the car but it had to be a Honda. I got a 2013 Accord Coupe V6, my brother got a 2012 Acura MDX, and my sister, who just turned 16 a month ago, just got a 2021 Honda CRV hybrid. I no longer have my Accord, I have an S7 that I bought myself, but I do miss that car everyday.
MDX is the winner, runner up is the Accord, then the hybrid thing.
Did you hit your head trying to get into the Countach Doug?
Got my daughter a 2009 Toyota corolla with 160k miles on it for $5k about 3 years ago.
Still runs great with almost 200k miles now with just minimum maintenance.
I did plugs, coil packs, brakes and a handful of oil changes. Car is easy to work on. Insurance is decent and parts are everywhere.
100x better than my 1st car haha!