Chevrolet SSR

[COPO]

My son is 16 and we are trying to decide on an appropriate vehicle for him. One thought was a 2005 or 2006 SSR truck. I've seen a few in the $30K-$35K range with 10,000 or fewer miles. Anyone have any experience with these and would it be a fun, reliable, and somewhat unique vehicle for a 16 year old? I don't know much about them other than the '05-'06 had the better engine.

[70 Forest Green Zee]

Oh, that's what I think every 16 year old needs is a 35k vehicle. Are you out of your freekin mind or what????

[@wot]

From experience: start out with something cheap, and mundane. Most kids want to run a car to its limit, and, at some point have one or more accidents. After a few years, things sart to calm down. I drove hopped-uped cars in the sixtes, and its a miracle I am still alive (in the country with no traffic!)

Do the right thing.

[Tim Penton]

COPO, The SSR is probably too much vehicle for a 16 year old unattended. Believe me I have seen more than my share of fatality crashes involving kids and fast vehicles. IMHO I plan on getting my son a relatively mundane good gas mileage every day vehicle (small truck, etc.) when he is old enough. I'll do like my dad did me and keep the muscle cars for nice weather cruising and car shows. Nothing wrong with racing at the track either once he gets some experience under his belt.

[Fast67VelleN2O]

WOW, i got my licence when i was 17 in the year 2000 and my FIRST daily beater was a 4-door 66 Chevelle with a 6 cylinder nad 65K original miles.... Wrecked it twice, bent the frame and kept fixing it. It ended up with a 283 V8 (when i over revved the 6 banger) Trust me get him a beater until he proves himself.

[StriperSS]

I have to agree with the majority. Get him something with much less power to start with.
Let him earn his way up over time. If he takes care of that one and stays ticket and collision free, then go in stages from there.
If I'd had that much power in my first car, I may not have been here now.

John

[Xplantdad]

I tend to agree, too!

My first car was a Nova with a 250 inline six...after awhile, that came out...and in went the 402 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/untitleda.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/untitledb.jpg

[Born30YrsLate]

Yeah - give him a nice mid '90's Chevy Monte Carlo to learn "the tricks of the road"...although I can't say much - my dad let me by a '69 Camaro with a nice 350 and 4 speed the day after I got my license...he did let me drive it home but then made me park it for a year before letting me take it out on the road again - I guess he preferred that I "put miles" on his car...

[427king]

Charlie, Can you adopt me. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Born30YrsLate]

Chuck - I'll adopt you... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[427L88]

[ QUOTE ]
My son is 16 and we are trying to decide on an appropriate vehicle for him. One thought was a 2005 or 2006 SSR truck. I've seen a few in the $30K-$35K range with 10,000 or fewer miles. Anyone have any experience with these and would it be a fun, reliable, and somewhat unique vehicle for a 16 year old? I don't know much about them other than the '05-'06 had the better engine.

[/ QUOTE ]
My friend had two of these '05 & '06 and he had problems with the retractible roof sticking either in the up position or when it was down... When the first one did it he took it into chevy and they fixed it and told him it was a harness problem, not two weeks later it happened again so he traded it in on the '06 model and it wasn't two months later it was gone because of the same problems that the first one had...

[hep1966]

Get the best vehicle that you can afford.

If he has an accident, you will be glad you bought a safe car instead of a beater.

[COPO427]

If I was shopping for a 1st car for a son, I'd look for a 64-69 Chevelle with a SB in it.

[P.J.]

My dad bought me nothing.He made me earn the money and then buy my own first car.A 1965 New Barracuda 6 banger automagick . I wanted a V8 they made me buy 6.He did cosign for the balance of the loan.
I worked my a-- off paying for the car. I looked after it
like a a show car always. I never abused it because it took a long time to earn the money at $ 1.15 cents an hour.
The only problem I had with the car was I could not keep up
with the others when we went drag racing every night. So I
Traded it in for a 1966 SS 4 speed.
Let them work for it, it will serve you and him well in the long run. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
PJ

[Keith Tedford]

P.J. has the right idea. Let him earn it. Our kids did. Since when does a sixteen year old need a vehicle. Perhaps if he has a job to go to. You want to see school marks go into the toilet, give a kid a car. Buy an SSR and you had better be prepared to buy a coffin. Talk to some insurance people and see what they have to say on the subject. They have all the horror stories.

[x Baldwin Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
I tend to agree, too!

My first car was a Nova with a 250 inline six...after awhile, that came out...and in went the 402 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif






http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/untitleda.jpg



[/ QUOTE ]

Bruce that is sitting nice, did you leave the 6cyl springs in it? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif


as for the first cars for kids, I provided my daughters with a couple of different "beaters" that they didn't like. when they graduated from college I sold the beaters, let them split the cash for down payments on thier own choices.

yes, THEY got the payment booklets on them, NOT me. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[olredalert]

-----I have (sort of) been looking for a car for my brothers kid (my Godson) for awhile now and one of my wifes girlfriends gave me a good idea: A small S-10 style pick-up only allows them to bring one or two friends with them. Studies have been done about groups of kids riding around together and how much trouble and mayhem they can get into. The driver is paying way too much attention to what is going on in the backseat than the road. If it helps your decision any, you can use the little pickemup for all kinds of other stuff when you need to and when you take it away from him..........Bill S

[Born30YrsLate]

Here is 'sconsin having a pick-up truck means you can toke around a bunch of kids in the truck bed...more than you could fit into a car...just speaking from experience...

[mhassett]

When I was about 13 my dad told me I could buy any car I wanted as long as I could pay the car and insurance . Iworked after school and every summer and when I was 16 I had a little over 6k so I go to the chevy dealer and get a price on a left over 69 427 vette. Next my dad sent me to check on insurance They told me to come back when I was 21 and that is what I did. Mark

[SS427]

Charlie,
You came here for advice asking what people would think of you buying your son an SSR for him to tool around in and you may not like what you have heard so far. I have one question that might help your decision............how did you act behind the wheel of a car when you were 16? I know based on my answer my daughter drove something very mild for her first car. A 1999 Neon 4 door. She wasn't the most favorite teen around but she is still alive. I myself am not sure how I ever made it to 17 as I had a lot of high performance cars at my disposal and drove like I had no fear. When it is your own money, you seem to have a lot more responsibilty and take care of your own possesions better then when it is given to you but not unlike you, I wanted to give my daughter a reliable car for her to drive but something mild enough that she would likely not kill herself in.

One huge difference and also compared to other 16 year olds I grew up with, my dad gave me my first car but it was a 1967 SS 327 Impala with 120,000 miles and many rust holes. I spent the better part of a year fixing this car up to make it presentable and unlike my friends, I took very good care of my car and drove much more carefully as it was my money not someone elses and if it broke or got damaged I could not afford to fix it.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do, just don't give someone with no experience more car then they can handle.
Rick

[Belair62]

Tough crowd !! But COPO is the only one who knows how level headed his girl is. My daughters first was one of those crappy Toyota Novas or whatever they were. It took its share of rubs and "gee I don't know how that happened" parking lot scrapes but she did pretty good. My only unbreakable rule was that SHE drive and never get in anyone elses car. I trusted her. Not other peoples kids.My strongest advice was to always look each way at intersections and dont think those other cars are going to stop just because that light is red. She is an ER nurse now . She is pretty level headed. It didnt hurt to scare the crap out of her every now and then with a horror story or two either ! Maybe a used Cobalt or a few year old mint Cavalier.

[COPO]

Guys, I appreciate everyone's opinion. As background, I had a paper route, cut grass, and flipped burgers in order to buy a '70 Z-28 when I was 16. A car that I still own and still has its born with drivetrain.

Through hard work, good fortune, and some good decisions along the way, I am in a position to pretty much buy what I want within reason. When my daughter turned 16, we purchased her a year old Lexus SUV. It has 17 airbags and is big and heavy. She was and still is a straight "A" student, but very busy with two full time sports. She is now going away to college in two months with a full scholarship. She has taken good care of her car, and fortunately, no tickets or accidents. She is extremely responsible and in the little spare time available, manages to do some volunteer work.

My son, is also a strong student, and very responsible for a 16 year old boy. His school, about 5 miles away, has no transportation and with my daughter going to college, he will no longer have big sis to take him. He is a top Jr. tennis player, with a busy practice and tournament schedule, which really precludes a part time job. He too will probably get a full scholarship to college.

I thought the SSR would be reliable, fun, have modern airbags, and being a heavy vehicle would hold up well if an accident occurred. It is also a two seater which would preclude cruising with a bunch of buddies in the car. Now, it certainly has some power, but with my car interests, he has grown up with fast cars. Some of our other cars include a BMW M3 Conv. and a 911 Carrera 4 conv., which are no slouches, but probably not good cars for a 16 year old either.

My other thought was a year or two old full size truck with airbags, and while not as cool as the SSR, wouldn't be too bad with some new chrome rims. If he proves to be responsible, like I believe he will, then perhaps an upgrade would be in order at some point and I'll keep the pick-up for myself.

Thanks, again. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

Charlie, I'd hold out for the 67BM Chevelle if it were in my dads garage. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

[427king]

Belairs first car was a camel[Nomad]

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

You guys suck! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I was like COPO, et al, and worked my tail off for my first ride - but heck, if I could hand a set of keys to an SSR to my responsible son - I wouldn't hesitate 'cause I know he came from a good gene pool. Just because I had to, doesn't always mean my son has to. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[Salvatore]

COPO, I like the full size truck for now. No matter how smart or how good an athlete he is, these kids are still very young and impressionable. Its easy to get in trouble these days. I would rather be safe than sorry. Plus they don't really need the best of anything for their first unless of course it is an education or medical attention. In the long run kids always appreciate things more down the road when they have to do some things on their own, make their own decisions and work their way up. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Sam

[427king]

Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the long run kids always appreciate things more down the road when they have to do some things on their own, make their own decisions and work their way up.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Get your kid the most expensive car you can afford. Once he gets married his wife wont be impressed with his car,let him impress the girls while hes young.Plus he will meet girls with wealthier parents proibably,and you wont get stuck with paying for the entire wedding.Look at it as an investment for the future. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
You guys suck! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I was like COPO, et al, and worked my tail off for my first ride - but heck, if I could hand a set of keys to an SSR to my responsible son - I wouldn't hesitate 'cause I know he came from a good gene pool. Just because I had to, doesn't always mean my son has to. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm gonna ride the fence on this one. First; I'd like to agree that he should pay for his own first ride, however, I've met Charlie's son and he seems to be a lot like my son.
I didn't follow my own advice here. When my son was 15 (not quite, actually) I bought him an '83 Z-28. Hi miles, and cheap, but still.........
My hopes were that he would work on the car and be a responsible driver when he turned 16. Where we live he got quite a bit of time behind the wheel long before his 16th birthday. Yeah, it's not legal but it paid off. The only minor problems he had with the car were a couple of scrapes on the rear quarter and the front facia because he was still learning just how much space one of those things takes up!

Yes, maybe we were lucky, but I felt I knew my son well enough to be able to trust him with a car that was fully capable of killing him and whoever might have been with him. He grew up around hi-perf vehicles. Heck, I brought him home from the hospital in a 427 Corvette. The kid still knows what it feels like to be pinned to the backrest when you stab the throttle. And BTW, I did the same for my daughter. They're both still around and have turned out to be safe responsible drivers.

Charlie, you know the boy better than we do. Do what you think is right for him and for you, and like ALL the rest of us, Pray that you've trained him well and that he'll be safe.

[Xplantdad]

Holly is never going to get car keys... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
Holly is never going to get car keys... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That word almost ALWAYS comes back to haunt. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Holly is never going to get car keys... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That word almost ALWAYS comes back to haunt. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey D...it's too scary of a thought....though she did pass drivers ed...

Aw...maybe I'll take her out in the desert with the pickup and practice, practice, practice. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[ORIGLS6]

Can't think of a better teacher.......... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Xplantdad]

Hmm...you talking about Lynn? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I can't really go against Charlie on this one, being as I've already bought Benjamin a '69 Nova SS with an L78!

[Canucklehead]

I just had the same situation. Daughter just turned 16, so i was quietly picking up her little 94 ranger splash, fancy "splash type" paint job on it, lowered, burp can exhaust, mags, 4.0l engine 5sp std, decent little toy for her when mom pulls up with her in the truck, (could'nt wait to tell her i guess), but i planned on picking it up, clean it up a bit. Now she can't wait to get behind the wheel, i still have to teach her how to drive a stick, but i figured a little truck, good on gas, only seats two, hard covered box so no kids can ride in the back, and i pulled the boom box stereo so no distractions until she proves herself. She keeps wanting me to pick her up at school with it and rev up the engine so her friends can see her. Puts a smile on my face becouse thats exactly what i would have done when i was 16. So now we have a summer project for her. She can't wait until school is back in. Good kid, hounor roll, into sports, just took silver in proventials, and then won the gold for Canada in league volleyball, stays out of trouble so why not.

[Salvatore]

[ QUOTE ]
I can't really go against Charlie on this one, being as I've already bought Benjamin a '69 Nova SS with an L78!

[/ QUOTE ] Yea, But you didn't say it would be his FIRST car at 16 either! It may be his but in what time frame? Plus you are not kidding us.....you told your wife that so it would go over a little easier!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gifhttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Although far from an SSR, about a month back I flipped a '94 Mitsu/Dodge Colt coupe to my oldest lad for his first car.. It was clean and tight also ran like a champ so I gave it a fresh round of brakes and a new gastank so should be reliable wheels for a while as he saves his dough for something better himself!.
Although nothing speedy, he couldn't be happier and seems more concerned w/ the CD player than power or speed!. One great thing too is being a 5-speed he had no choice but get onto it or walk...a few days later he was rowing like a champ!.

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Pat O'Connell]

I have the mentality that a first car should a least be partially covered financially by the child. My stepdaughter started off in an old Ford Taurus as a first car about 3 years ago, cost $400.00 and she paid for it out of her savings...We did a lot of maintenance/fixup on the car, and she really took pride of ownership because she paid for it herself (along with learning a lot about cars) My wife and I covered insurance and plates and she was responsible for gas money. I think it was a fairly easy way to enter into the responsibility of car ownership, in that she had a financial stake in the car, but knew that we'd help her with it along the way. She's now at Mercer Univ. in Atlanta working on a PharmD degree and stepped up to a Blazer for her daily ride. She still has the Taurus stored at my shop, and won't let it go because it was her first car that she bought. Now she wants to drive the Yenko!