I rolled two cars when I was 16. But by 18 I'm sure I could have handled an Evo jussssst fine. LOL

It all depends on the 18 year old, but most aren't even close to being ready for an evo at that age.

 

Eh. One, he's 18. Two, it's his money. Basically, it'll be a good lesson about responsibility. If he's a jackass and wrecks it, he's out tons of money, and riding the bus. If he takes care of what he worked hard for, great. But let's be serious. If he's a terrible driver, given to the sort of behavior that lands you in a tree, he'll do it in a Scion just as fast. He might not be able to hit the same speed, first, but when that econobox folds up like cardboard it ain't gonna matter. Just a thought.

 

18 shouldn't be too bad, I got mine on july 17, 2004 when I was only 20 and evo was my first car and first manual. I spend 2 year saving up and I downed 10G. I didn't really know how to drive it then, but I have to admit that I grind the 3rd gear for about 3 to 4 time and everytime I drive that thing I promised myself not to grind it anymore and walla haven't grind it since. But If the kid worked hard enought let him get what he wanted. I know I got mine.

 

i just turned 18 and i got the evo last year....it was also my first 5speed car....as long as your son can control himself and learn the car's (and thew laws) limitations, he should be alright. i dont know your sons personality or what he acts like, but you should know him best. If he is responsible and you feel he can handle himself, then he will be fine, but if he isnt, then do everything to stop him.

 

With none of us knowing you or your son. I don't think it fair for anyone to say that he shouldn't have this car just because of his age. Obviously you know your son. My dad knows me. He's really never been into new cars. He's old school. but he knows that I'm responsible enough to make the right decisions. If I don't make the right decisions I'm ultimately gonna pay the price. I'm 19. I've owned a 1989 Chevy z71, a 1999 Civic Si, a 2003 Chevy 2500Hd, and now my evo. I've always been a car enthusiast and have respected every vehicle I owned. I've worked hard ever since I was 15 to have nice things. My parents aren't rich by no means. if your son shows the responsiblity to have this car then go for it. if he wants an evo then he probably knows what kinda of car it is and the requirement and responsiblities of it. you be the judge. good luck in whatever decision you make. and good luck to your son if he get the evo. it's an incredible car.

-Chad-

 

went from a 3000gt ( wrecked that ) to a jeep wrangler, made me appricate having a nice car.. traded in for an evo.. not one problem yet... i mean if your son is responsible and a smart kid... he should be fine. i mean personaly its really hard to get yourself into trouble ( in a bad driving situation like a wreck ) the evo seems to make everything better. but if your son does end up F-ing it up then you know it was his own fault... and yes the car is a huge expense... but i say let him get it... i got one when i was 18 and i am perfectly fine my car is perfectly fine

 

Hey I hope this contributes to this topic in some manner. I'm 18, got my Evo last year. I started out driving at mini-van (haha), then a 93 lexus LS400 (loved the engine, its the one they put in the IS430 concept car at the autoshow. hated the handling, its my parents car), then we got a SVT F-150 Lighting (i had to drive that **** IN THE SNOW, talk about a nightmare!) Anyways I do have to agree that the Evo does take a bit of learning to get used to, it was my first manual car too. (No clutch problems so far, *crosses fingers*) I took it very carefully at first. I'm gradually learning with this car. I do autocrosses regularly to help me become a better driver, and if I knew where to sign up for driving schools you bet i would!

Now that I'm done with that introduction (which was poorly written and a bit lengthy haha) I say that you should let him get the evo, but only he if learns somewhere he won't destroy the car, ie autocross. Also, whomever was talking about your friends trying to make you go fast and morons with mustangs trying to race you that is so true. Thank god I have some semblance of self-control otherwise I don't know if I could of handled the evo!

Anyone want to comment on this?

 

buy him the civic si......

 

Being the wrecker of a good number of cars when I was younger I thought I would chime in.

1.) Has your son been driving since he was 16? if so he is out of the worst age for wrecking cars most of my friends, acquantances, and I havent wrecked many cars since we turned 18. (i wrecked 3 before that) And every wreck now looking back was unequivocally my fault but as I got older and I calmed down a little and became more responsible it sounds like your son is a touch a head of where i was at his age which is good.

2.) HOw bad does the weather get where you live? With the power on tap this isnt the best winter car for anyone really but especially the younger amoung us. Even if it only rains where you are switching tire to a good all season like the Micheline Pilot Sport AS is a good idea our stock tire are not good (comparatively) in the rain.

3.) For your own sanity send him to a car control course similar to the skip barber one day course at laguna seca, here he can learn how cars skid and how to safely control them in incliment situations, while driving some one elses cars so if you damage them its no big deal. (and you get and insurance discount) Then send him to some of the more high performance schools so that he can learn how the car handles at speed in a safe environment.

4.) Rent him a Kia or some other piece of junk for a weekend so that he can learn the ins and outs of driving a manual on some one elses car and thrash that thing with out worrying about repairing it or the cost associated with repairing an EVO.

 

Hi, this is Edwards son Jeff posting. Thank you all for your comments and I do read this fourm daily. I understand the amount of money needed to support an Evo and Im confident I could support it. Ive saved up enough so I could simply but it and not finance. Ive been driving just over 1 year. The only manual experience I have is in my sisters neon and my dads evo. Im seriously considering a different car now that I have read your post. Ive decided Im not ready for the evo and will wait. I guess Ill purchase a used wrx or a new 350z. I hear they are great cars to drive. Thanks every one for your suggestions and comments.

 

DAMN!! He saved $30K+ is two years. WOW...what the hell does he do? I think any car at that age is dangerous, but I don't know your son...But if he is anything like me, if my dad specifically said not to get this, but to get that...I ALWAYS GOT THIS!! Maybe use revers pyschology...

 

Im into online investing. I just got into it recently "within the last 2 months" Before this I was working in the local mall full time. Its my senior year in highschool but Ive already gotten enough credits to graduate ahead of time. Im taking 1 class every 2 days my senior year. I had around 14k before I started my online investing and I just built up from there. If it keeps up Ill be able to buy a 2nd car in late May early June.

 

forget about getting a new car, I would just take the money and invested like you did. If you are successful with your online investment keep doing that with your money, then in 5 yrs or more you will have alot of money.

 

Well Im going to keep investing untill Im at around 45k then I can afford to take 25/30 out for a new car and still have a very stable course of income.

 

Good call and good luck