Best model for a teenager?

[rjk]

My 17 yr old son totalled the pickup last Saturday and is now very gun-shy (the truck got submarined and went airborne). Luckily, no one was seriously hurt, just banged up. He is now talking about wanting a "heavy car". My thoughts turned to this forum.

So what do you guys think? Any ideas on what model MBZ would be a good choice for a kid? New enough to have safety features such as airbags & anti-lock, slow enough so he stays out of trouble, heavy enough so he feels safe, economical/dependable enough so maintenance doesn't break the bank.

[athensbenz]

May not be exactly what he wants, but I would highly recommend the 123 series, 1982-85 300 Turbo Diesel. This is an exceptionally safe car. It is certainly no speed demon, yet you would be hard pressed to find a better cruise-on-the-interstate vehicle. I noticed you are in Atlanta. You should be able to locate several respectable prospects. Just my 2 cents.

The 300 SD is another great choice. Good luck and let us know what happens.

[Hatterasguy]

300SD or any newer C class.

[tvpierce]

I see from your signature that you’re familiar with red block Volvos. A normally aspirated (non-turbo) 740 or 940 would fit the bill quite nicely. They’re not as refined a car as a Benz, but I think they are simpler cars which require a less stringent maintenance regimen. They are right on par with MB safety standards, they’re slow (perfect for a testosterone poisoned teen), the engines/auto transmissions are practically indestructible, and if properly tuned will get 30 mpg on the highway. (I'd stay away from FWD models and 6 cylinder models -- these are not up to the durability standards of traditional Volvos)

Jeff Pierce

[230/8]

Buy him a bicycle.

230/8

[Lou K]

Originally Posted by 230/8

Buy him a bicycle.

230/8

Maybe a bus pass in addition.

[suginami]

All Mercedes from 1986 have ABS and anti-lock brakes.

I would recommend a four cylinder C class model, either C220 or C230. They are plentiful, affordable, reliable, and fuel efficient.

[dirtysocks]

300e, just disconnect the kickdown switch to slow him down. But seriously, the 300e fits your requirements quite nicely in my opinion, and usually is a lot cheaper than a c-class, which has also been suggested. I feel hella safe when driving it. I'm usually just worried about the post- crash condition of whatever, or whomever I may hit!

[autozen]

Dirtysocks,
Thor was one of the Norse Gods. Who were the other two?

Peter

[sixto]

I remember a Thor cartoon with Odin and Loki.

rjk,

1) who will perform the maintenance? is this an opportunity for him to pick up a hobby?

2) would airbags and ABS have changed the outcome of the truck accident?

3) might a heavy car give him false confidence?

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

[Ferdman]

I recommend an E-Class ... 1990 to 1995. Of course it depends on what you want to spend. As you may have read and heard before a cheap MB is not necessarily the best value in the long run. Buy one that has been maintained and has records.

[wbain5280]

240D or 190D, nice and slow.

Many years ago, my stepson demanded I buy him a car. I told him I would buy him a diesel Rabbit. There was never another word about it, and he still doesn't have his license. (He's 24 and never got out of grade 9.)

[rjk]

Lots of good advice (I lean toward the bicycle/bus pass option myself). But to answer a few questions; I'm very capable of major maint/rebuilding chores (I taught auto mechanics for many years) and yes, I expect to be teaching him more than just the basics, who knows, he may choose it as his vocation, so maint. issues vis-a-vis costs are minimized. One thing I have little experience in is diesel maint. I currently see many options, from transplanting the dead pickup's drive train into a "new" body, to a red block Volvo, to a MZB. I'd like to stay with a 4 cyl. which should limit my choices somewhat. I am very well versed with the Volvos and they are high on my list but I have always preferred the MZB's ride & comfort levels which leads me here for more info.

I have seen posts referring to E-class's having a tendency to use oil (my daughter's 300TE consumes quite a bit, it looks like blow-by after 170k+, I'm not complaining). Also, there have been complaints of deteriorating build quality on newer models (would C-class models come under that?). An older 300SD sounds very enticing but, as I said, my diesel experience is nonexistent.

No need to say what he really wants is the Shelby, yeah, like that's going to happen...

I appreciate the info and time you guys have given, thanks...

K

[csnow]

After totalling one vehicle, that should be a hint to get something with little residual value. Plus the insurance costs would be that much lower without collision insurance on it. So an old 124 like I have might be a good choice. Plentiful, cheap, airbags, abs, good in a crash. Or maybe a 300D or a 4 cyl 190 for less thrust...
Plus, I think these are good learner cars for the aspiring shadetree mechanic. Access to things is pretty good with 'old fashioned' front to back engine and rear drive.

I started both of my kids in a 123 diesel at 16. They are slow, predictable handling and probably the safest non airbag car you can buy.

Also they are classy and both kids were proud to drive them. These cars served them both very well.

Good luck,