SUV's for a 16 -17 year old

[maxama10]

Okay when im between the age of 16 and 17 (like a year and a half from now) my dad might buy me a used suv... i was thinking about a 99-01 landrover discovery or like a 98 toyota 4runner

Discovery:
Base price:$33,995
Engine: 3.9-liter V-8, 188 hp
Transmission: four-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 100.0 in
Length: 185.2 in
Width: 74.4 in
Height: 76.4 in
Curb weight: 4576 lb
Fuel economy: 13/17 city/highway
Safety equipment: Airbags, four-wheel ABS, Four-wheel Electronic Traction Control (4ETC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Major standard features: Dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows, heated door mirrors, eight-way power seats, split-fold rear seat, tilt steering wheel, rear fog lights.
Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles; includes roadside assistance

Im thinking around $16k...(?)

' 1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD 4 Dr Sport Utility':
3.4L V6 183 hp
Manufacturer Code 8668
Wheelbase 105.3"
Overall Length 178.7"
Curb Weight 3,940 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight 5,250 lbs.
Seating Capacity (Std/Max) 5/5
Payload Capacity N/R
Towing Capacity (Std/Max) 5,000/5,000

keep in mind i live in a suburb of augusta Ga so....yeah

Around 15K...(?)
what do you all think
and also im only 15 so.... ive got a while to think about it just a little excited ya know

[Dayspring]

How about a nice minivan or something? SUV's drive a whole lot different than cars do and being an inexperienced driver, you're probably better off.

[rkjunior303]

First car?

Go with:

[gimp]

Get one of these bad boys.

[maxama10]

How about a nice minivan or something? SUV's drive a whole lot different than cars do and being an inexperienced driver, you're probably better off.

Maybe a car but no way in hell am i driving a minivan
then again who says im inexperienced and also ill be about 17 so.....

[Codekevin0403]

i dunno about dayspring said

My mom is always telling me that she won't let me drive in a car until i've driven in a "tank" or so she says.

[Lohman446]

Maybe a car but no way in hell am i driving a minivan
then again who says im inexperienced and also ill be about 17 so.....

That about sums up what happens when arrogance meets inexperienc

Unless there is a compelling reason (not it looks cool) for an SUV I would highly recommend a different choice for a variety of reaons ranging from safety to mileage.

[Alley]

I agree with the inexperienced driver bit, If you have a habit of showing off and wanna speed around in a car which most teens do SUV's are way harder to control bigger so they take longer to stop and cant turn like they are on rails .....So, Only if you plan to drive all responsible like should you take on the SUV. Also, insurance is higher and gas is like twice as expensive.... So be prepared to get in pretty hard in the wallet. I have a car and an SUV..... As a daily driver cars are alot more economical.

[Kevmaster]

I disagree with the anti-suv argument about saftey.

yes, they are slightly more prone to tipping. I'll give you that. BUT when you get in a wreck with a small car (sportscar through compact...even some mid-sized sedans) you will WIN. Not that you want someone to lose, but I sure as hell don't want it to be me. I've driven a toyota hilander for four years now. it was my first car. I know that if i get in a wreck with just about anything other than a mac truck, im going have the car on my side and if any car could save me/help me, it would be mine.

it gets ~20ish milage, which isnt good but isnt intolerable and runs like a freaking top. I love my toyota. Im coming from a family of toyotas and hondas. So, we like our cars to run forever.

Personally, i highly recommend an SUV (or an older-model benz) for a young driver and Toyota makes GREAT cars.

[WickeDKlowN]

Get an old Bronco or K5 Blazer. Those really are tanks.

[SCpoloRicker]

Between those two, definately Toyota. Rovers are for afficianados (like everything British ) who don't mind a trail of parts following them around. Parts and labor will also be exorbitant.

/wants a 110 Defender badly
//sorry Britons, but I've had two MGs and a Triumph in my family

[MedicDVG]

I disagree with the anti-suv argument about saftey.

yes, they are slightly more prone to tipping. I'll give you that. BUT when you get in a wreck with a small car (sportscar through compact...even some mid-sized sedans) you will WIN...

You would think that wouldn't you. However, I can tell you as a professional paramedic with nearly 15 years of experience, SUV's suck when it comes to crash protection.

They are very high -- any oblique hits to the front or side will put you over. You are 3 times more likely to be seriously injured when a vehicle rolls onto its side, and about 10 times more likely if it rolls over.

I have seen many SUV vrs. smaller cars, and there really isn't much difference when it comes to compartment intrusion and occupant protection. If you hit a small car head on, your SUV will sustain significant damage as well as the car. The engine blocks are much heavier, and I have seen them break off the motor mounts and intrude through the firewall. I have seen tranny's pushed up through the floor, and I have seen "roll bars" collapse upon the occupants. I have seen seats and seatbelts fail and come off the hardpoint mounting devices. Lets face it, most crash devices are rated for 25mph or less - a crash at highwayy speed will mess you up if you are in a bus, or a passat.

Now I am not saying that they are unsafe in general; rather I am saying that it is a myth to think that you will come out better then the other guy in a significant wreck.

So I chuckle when I see "what is the best SUV for a 16-17 y/o." I would say there isn't one.

[digitard]

I agree.

I once saw an SUV smash into a Fierro (plexiglass death trap). It hit it at a weird angle and it FLIPPED the SUV and mearly ripped a side panel off the FIERRO.

The SUV was upside down in the intersection and the fierro was chillin' there w/ just some body damage (probably some frame damage, but who can tell).

[gamarada717]

Look for something around a 1995 Yukon GT.

[LudavicoSoldier]

You can never go wrong with a Toyota 4Runner. They are EXCELLENT vehicals. Rovers are expensive to fix, so unless you are best buds with a Rover tech, I'd go with the 4Runner. I don't need a car right now (live 2 blocks from work), but if I did, it would be a 4Runner hands down.