Just bought my 17yr old son a 2005 4Runner - good choice?

[steve germany]

Found a great deal on ebay for a pristine 2005 2wd with high miles but in outstanding condition. Paid under 11k. The vehicle looks brand new.

He's taking college courses in high school and is really a son to be proud of. He is loving driving it (who wouldn't) and is planning to take his driving test soon. What are your thoughts on a 4Runner as a first vehicle?

 

[Rowan611]

Found a great deal on ebay for a pristine 2005 2wd with high miles but in outstanding condition. Paid under 11k. The vehicle looks brand new.

He's taking college courses in high school and is really a son to be proud of. He is loving driving it (who wouldn't) and is planning to take his driving test soon. What are your thoughts on a 4Runner as a first vehicle?

Nice choice for a first vehicle, I've only had mine a few days but wonder why I didn't buy one sooner. Sounds like he's earned it; just hope he takes care of it. Does he get to drive his own POV on the test drive?

 

[Hayn4R]

You are like the best dad in the world. I wish I got a car, let a lone a 4R when I was still in high school....well maybe not...I might have had a few kids I didnt know about.....ok sorry dad TMI.

I think he will love it. But make sure he does keep it clean and well maintained. There is one thing we all cant stand round deez pawts...a neglected 4R.


Bravo and enjoy your new family member.

 

[peter78]

My 17 year old son drives the 2001 4Runner once in awhile. I plan on giving it to him for college. I have heard a few comments about my choice,

"Don't give him such a large vehicle, he can cause more damage."

"A 17 year old boy should be driving a older car, so it won't matter when he wrecks it."

"Buy a small car, Honda Civic, easier to handle and drive and he won't flip it over."

"Insurance will be really high for a 17 year old male and a SUV."

Those are comments from some people I know.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------



My Wife: "We need a large safe vehicle for him, with all the safety features."

My Son: "It sure is cool Dad."

"End of story." Peter78:

 

[fr0st m0nkey]

Great choice IMO. I learned to drive in my mom's 2004 Ford Explorer (Maybe a little bigger than a T4R) and I feel like it made me a better driver than I would have been had I learned to drive in a car-car like a civic or a corolla. It will teach him not to whip around corners and if he's paying for gas he'll probably learn to accelerate slowly anyway. Granted I've only been driving for 2 years, I feel like I drive more safely than all of my friends and I've yet to be in an accident (knock on wood). The only thing I'd worry about is him trying to show off for friends-- that's about the only stupid thing I did when I first got my license.

EDIT: I'd also like to add that it will probably keep him in trucks/SUV's for the rest of his life. I've only driven an actual car probably less than 10 times in my life and I feel very awkward and uncomfortable while driving them.

 

[alexchannell]

Personally I think you are spoiling him a bit.

 

[MikesToy]

Your son is lucky.

 

[CRDT4R]

Wish I was that kid. Actually I am, thats why I agree with your decision. My parents just bought me an 08 3 days ago and I got it tonight. I am graduating college in the spring so it was a graduation gift but i had to drive a 95 camry (the one the grandparents drive) for 7 years before i got this one. It make me appreciate this 4runner a lot more and know the true value of a car. Best of luck to your son. College is fun and full of experiences

 

[Erich]

Well, I

 

[MikesToy]

Does your son like it?

 

[HB 4X4]

Good choice. I drove a 94 explorer until I was 18 and could afford a 4runner. (Yes I bought it new, and on my own. Paid cash too.)

Good, reliable, and will keep him safe. Again, good choice.

 

[steve germany]

Re: Re: Just bought my 17yr old son a 2005 4Runner - good choice?

Nice choice for a first vehicle, I've only had mine a few days but wonder why I didn't buy one sooner. Sounds like he's earned it; just hope he takes care of it. Does he get to drive his own POV on the test drive?

I think that he will take care of it. He will not get another any time soon! I'm not sure what he will drive for the test. The 4Runner will be a difficult vehicle to park for a 1st timer. Everything else about the vehicle is easy.

 

[steve germany]

Does your son like it?

No - He loves it!

 

[Benjamin Choi]

steve, do you own a 911?

btw, i think the 4runner is a great 1st car. it's practical. it's slow. it's safe.

that's all up to you guys. it's a personal decision.

 

[steve germany]

steve, do you own a 911?

btw, i think the 4runner is a great 1st car. it's practical. it's slow. it's safe.

that's all up to you guys. it's a personal decision.

Yes Ben (of Porsche C4S fame) it is me. I also have a '06 4Runner V6 4wd and a Porsche C4S! Small internet isn't it? The two make a great pair for haulin!

 

[Benjamin Choi]

steve, do you own a 911?

btw, i think the 4runner is a great 1st car. it's practical. it's slow. it's safe.

that's all up to you guys. it's a personal decision.

awesome awesome so i hear you moved back to the states?

i'm having a blast with my '03 v8 limited. super smooth.

 

[Canuckcarguy]

Is it a great vehicle for a 17 year old? Sure. Safe, reliable, presentable, and practical.

But personally, I wouldn't buy my kid a vehicle in highschool. I guess it's the way I was raised; even though my folks could easily afford to buy me a car, they didn't. I scrimped and saved for my first beater, and learned lots of lessons about car ownership and responsibility along the way. Most of my friends got free cars from their folks, they didn't maintain them well, they didn't fully appreciate the costs associated with vehicle ownership, and they grew accustomed to a lifestyle that they couldn't independently afford. Fast forward 20 years, and these are the guys who are forever re-financing their homes and leasing new vehicles, and don't have a pot to piss in.

But that's just my opinion.

 

[steve germany]

awesome awesome so i hear you moved back to the states?

i'm having a blast with my '03 v8 limited. super smooth.

No, I'm in Stuttgart still. My son is in the States. I'm planning to stay in Porscheville for as long as possible.

I love my 4Runner too. I thought it would be a great 1st Vehicle and we'd have a little more to talk about with a vehicle in common. It's tough being an estranged father!

 

[Benjamin Choi]

Is it a great vehicle for a 17 year old? Sure. Safe, reliable, presentable, and practical.

But personally, I wouldn't buy my kid a vehicle in highschool. I guess it's the way I was raised; even though my folks could easily afford to buy me a car, they didn't. I scrimped and saved for my first beater, and learned lots of lessons about car ownership and responsibility along the way. Most of my friends got free cars from their folks, they didn't maintain them well, they didn't fully appreciate the costs associated with vehicle ownership, and they grew accustomed to a lifestyle that they couldn't independently afford. Fast forward 20 years, and these are the guys who are forever re-financing their homes and leasing new vehicles, and don't have a pot to piss in.

But that's just my opinion.

we now know why you lavished your beloved son with such a fine car first or second or third!

i had no idea they had 4runners over there in germany. during my travels throughout europe, saw very few SUVs.

 

[steve germany]

Is it a great vehicle for a 17 year old? Sure. Safe, reliable, presentable, and practical.

But personally, I wouldn't buy my kid a vehicle in highschool. I guess it's the way I was raised; even though my folks could easily afford to buy me a car, they didn't. I scrimped and saved for my first beater, and learned lots of lessons about car ownership and responsibility along the way. Most of my friends got free cars from their folks, they didn't maintain them well, they didn't fully appreciate the costs associated with vehicle ownership, and they grew accustomed to a lifestyle that they couldn't independently afford. Fast forward 20 years, and these are the guys who are forever re-financing their homes and leasing new vehicles, and don't have a pot to piss in.

But that's just my opinion.

I can't disagree here. I earned my first car and worked my way through school. You really know the value of something unless you earn it yourself.