He is going to pay for about 70% of everything. I have to pay the rest. He has had his lisense for about a year and a half now and has not had an accident yet. He does good in school too. But a Subaru WRX STI seems a little too much for a 17 year old boy to handle. Should i let him buy one? Used of course.
Get him a Liberty (Legacy in U.S.) worth the same amount, they are a bit bigger, bit nicer and safer car that he will not be in such a rush to race.
that will still impress the girls
ooooooooooooooooooooooo, the PRESTIGE!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't think anybody should drive ANY car that expensive, especially at 17!!
A good choice would be the Lexus ES250; they usually cost less than $3000
My first car was a 20-year-old Camry for $500
I would say something not that aggressive..... a regular wrx or impreza? which looks quite the same but much more underpowered.
and don't let him get a radar detector!
it might take a while to get used to, but think of it this way - if your son has the ability to control and drive a 300hp rally car every day, imagine how good of a driver he'll be - the subaru has extremely good brakes, could save his life - the car is built to be fast reaction and light on its feet, so avoiding an accident will be easier than most cars. there are also times when you really need to power to get out of the way to avoid a colision, and its nice to know hes got 300hp to help him out
overall, buying this car will make him a better, skilled driver. but remember, YOU are the parent. if you dont think he can handle it, then feel free to say no - your the parent - u make the choice
Serious questions to ponder before you put your 17 yo son behind the wheel of an STI. I'm sure you'll make the right call. I've got a lead foot ... I've owned 300+ hp cars and I'm still here. But increased power means an increase in responsibility. Is he ready for it?
Personally, i dont think you should buy him one because you would probably end up paying way more for insurance and your not sure if he can handle it. Its better to be on the safer side and get him something that he can handle. I recommend a used midsized or small sedan that isnt a sports car.
Since you are having some doubts, its better if you dont get him that car.
Take a quick look at this photo:
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1823/passengersideaf6.jpg
Now imagine your son causing that damage. Not so great is it? Although your son is responsible, peer pressure will get him to race any other car out there, why else would he want such a powerful car.
Now, badly, in the case that he does race, it's illegal and unsafe to cars around him. Me and my friends weren't so lucky and got hit by a Lancer EVO (similar to the WRX STi) by a teenager, just like your son, and our car flipped over, and he was also in the hospital.
Overall, its your choice, Keep in mind that its a rally racing car, and think "why does he want THIS specific model, instead of just a WRX". If you feel like he's ready for it, go ahead. but just look at that picture ONE last time before you say yes
EDIT: I should also mention that if you don't buy it for him, he'll probably keep the 70%, what ever that may be. Save for the other 30% and wait til he's 18. At 18 you can't stop him from buying his own car. So... it may just cause an unnecessary fight.