What kind of vehicle did your 16 year old get?

A bicycle.

They got to drive whatever was available. And they had to share.

When my DD was 16 she got a used Subaru sedan. 


When my grandson got his license he got a used Volvo sedan that he really loves.

When DS turned 16 we bought him a VW Jetta. It was perfect. It was then wrecked within the first month (which really shocked us as DS is a very safe, experienced driver) so car #2 was completely his choice - Nissan Versa manual transmission with no remote locks and hand crank windows. It looks like a hippopotamus, in my opinion.

The VW was chosen for style and safety, though repairs and even oil changes on VWs can be a little pricey.
The Versa was chosen for eclectic style and cost, though it is considered safe and gets great gas mileage.

We bought a Jeep Wrangler for our teens to drive. We need something with 4wd because of where we live (8 miles up a canyon that doesn’t get plowed regularly), and I also wanted them to have something a little fun, too. Because they’re teens.

When DD was almost 15 we got her a 2006 Chrysler 300. She had a school permit at the time, we lived 10 miles out in the country. She is now 16 and doesn't like the car (it's a "Grandma" car). But she just started her first job. Her next vehicle is on her to get. We are now divorced. We may each give her a little if she saves up the same amount. And she/we can sell the 2006 Chrysler to help pay for the next one she gets.

A 1996 Geo Metro with standard transmission and no ac. I bought it from a friend who was a mechanic. He bought it from a junkyard. It served her well for the two years she drove it.

I bought my mom's 2001 Honda civic for my daughter. It only has 85k miles on it so it should work for her until she has enough money to purchase what she wants.

My 16 year old DS drives a 2000 Honda Accord.

Everything used that we looked at was at least $10,000 with over 100,000 miles. It was frustrating. My dd's dream car was a Kia Soul. At the time (3 years ago) a base model Kia Soul was $13,000 with a 10-year warranty. So, that's what she drives. It's not too big, not too small, and so far has been an excellent vehicle for her.

DD turned 16 last week. DH is letting her drive his 2008 Toyota Highlander and he gets a new truck!

The highlander isn’t hers, though. It’s for her to drive.

Mar K

I do not like riding in cars for the exact reason you describe, in an accident the larger vehicle wins. It is scary being in a short vehicle around here in the land of all trucks and SUVs. And with an inexperienced driver? Personally, I’d go for the bigger vehicle.

My parents gave me my Dad’s old car, which was a 79 Camero. The thing was all steel and a tank. But it had quite an engine and it made me feel strong and fearless. I do not recommend that route.

I will always remember sitting in the school parking lot before school one morning in my very much appreciated old car, the a/c didn’t work and there were tons of issues with it. So here I am sweating my makeup off after the short ride. A set of twins at school had to share a hand-me-down but not at all old Mercedes and they come busting out of their car complaining about the radio or something like the world was going to end. Even then I just had to laugh.

We live in a big city with great transportation so at 16 they were not even interested in getting their license. Right now they are both away at college and don’t need a car either. At home they borrow my car if needed. When they graduate I will set them up with a used car or perhaps buy a new car for myself and give one of them mine. Right now between insurance, gas etc, most of the young kids in the city choose to Uber rather than get their own car.

She wasn’t 16 but our daughter first car this ur is a 2004 Santa Fe all wheel drive we found for 3500.00 with less than 60,000 miles.
She’s 20 and liability is less than 50.00 a month.
We just got lucky and she paid for it herself in cash.
Interior is still perfect with leather.

Our other daughter will have to do the same, but her own car.

My kids got my old van when DS started driving. They shared it when DD got her license. We are moving to Belgium (do I say that too much?! ), so DS (staying here for grad school) will now get my newer van and we will sell the old van.