Best model for a teenager?
 

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.

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.

300SD or any newer C class.

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

Buy him a bicycle.

230/8

Maybe a bus pass in addition. :)

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.

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!

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

Peter

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

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.

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.)

Teenager model?
 

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

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,

The C class cars, especially the four cylinders, have proven to be extraordinarily reliable cars.

The early C280s have the typical M104 problems with oil leaking at the head gasket.

I like the 123 as a beginner car. Son started out in a VW Jetta, nice car, but they fold up too easy. Daughter started out in '83 300D I got cheap. She did well and the Pickup truck she hit had more damage than her. Car is still on the road (and still dented). Simple engine, simple maintenance. Just do the normal stuff and fix things as they break. 300SD or SDL are similar but maintenance is higher.

Autozen:

The other two? I believe there are numerous Norse Gods. The two most popular other than Thor are probably Loki, who is usually associated with mischief and made popular by that Jim Carrey movie "The Mask", and Odin, who is considered the father of all the Norse gods.

Sorry to hijack the thread, now back to deciding on the right car for rjk's son...

I grew up on a 1977 240D. I helped my dad rebuild the engine at 110k (MB dealer screwed it up). Car was stolen Jan 25. 1991. If it would not have been stolen I would still have it and I'm 38 now. I loved that car. Man I think I'm going to cry. Excuse me, I need to be alone right now.

C220
I dont think slow = safe, and I do think E320/300E are fast cars even without the kickdown switch.
All W202/123/124/126/140 can give you the "heavy" feel esp those made b4 1993, they got heavy steering wheel
just my 0.02

I will choose W202 C220, C230, C230 Kompressor, or W201 190E. :D

You have received many suggestions on what you should buy him...my bicycle recommendation still tops my list. But what seems missing is a suggestion that might inure some sense of responsibility to him. Therefore, I amend my earlier suggestion to this: Let HIM buy anything HE is willing to pay for and insure. Let him maintain the car and learn what he needs to know by doing the work and paying for it himself.

230/8

Many years gone by...
At age 16, all my friends Dads got them their first car...So, my turn came ..
" Dad, can I get a car now ???"
Sure ..
"What kind should I get ?"
What ever you think you can afford ..

Best advise I ever got...

Dirtysocks,
I believe the three main Norse Gods are: Thor, Odin, and Frey. Darn, now I will have to do some research. Isn't this fun having a thread within a thread. I think we are being ignored.

Peter

I don't know about you, but any god, who's main tool is a hammer, is my kinda guy. Thor rocks!
As to the kid buying hteir own car, that just doesn't work for us. Kids go to private school and getting them there is a big problem. Having them drive themselves there and other places outweighed benefits of them buying their own car. Fuel and insurance are addressed on an individual basis. I heard ofone family whre dad agreed to buy the gas if kids agreed to buy the tires! Of course in a 240D, not really a big issue.

I think Larry's advice is the soundest (123 diesel) ---great cars for the money and reliable.

So true, especially here in Atlanta. You better keep up or you'll be a statistic. I vote for any model with an M119.

My first car was a E24 733i BMW. Great inline 6.

I think by slow, they mean accelleration wise.

acceleration is very important for safety where I live. I have to merge through a 50 degree turn into 70 mph traffic at least 4 times a day. A lot easier and safer with a 300e.



thread within the thread:
I personally find Norse mythology to be quite fascinating, a lot more interesting than much of the Middle-Eastern based mythology (not to take anything away from their worth).

Same here. When I turned 16, my parents matched me dollar for dollar to find what I wanted. I bought a '91 Olds Cutlass Calais and loved every minute of it, until her life was savagely taken by a red light runner 5 months after I got my license. I bought my consecutive 2 cars myself, and at age 19 bought (by myself) my Saturn VUE.
I look at it this way... offer some assistance for the first car, and let them work for the next ones after that. I feel that I respect my vehicles much more than many of my peers because of the fact I work so hard for them. It was a large leap of faith in my parents in letting their son finance $24K for a car at age 19, but now, at age 22 - my vehicle is paid off fully and happily churning along with 46K miles on it. If anything, I showed my parents what I am capable of, as well as bettered myself.
Now... only to get my damned 240D...argh.
~D.J.~

I would go with a 126 model 84-89 300SD or SDL
Cant go wrong.
Click and Clack actually anounced last year on their sydicated show that a 1984-5 300 SD was the BEST kids car.
slow-safe-cool.
good luck

Safe but cool...couple choices...
 

I'd say you have two ways to go.
Either a really simple, reliable, easy to drive, great handling, W123.
A 240D or 300D. Awesome cars, great first car.

Or you could go with a 300SDL which is more the mercedes tank type solution, but faster and more powerful than maybe you want.

I feel totally comfortable about my wife's safety when she takes the 240D out.


Later,
Tachyon

I've driven a stick shift 240D and would be very uneasy having a young driver routinely merging into highspeed traffic in any 240D. The acceleration is inadequate IMO. I fully agree that it's unwise to provide a 'muscle' car to a teenager, but an underpowered car can also be a safety hazard.

A matter of preference and driving style.
 

I've driven our '83 240D automatic in all kinds of traffic and while there are times I wish I had more power, I've never really felt unsafe.
It comes down to learning a different driving style.
I think that a teenager that had to learn to drive a slower car, where they had to evaluate traffic, and plan merges and entries that they would make better drivers in the long run.
This driving style here where we just punch it and go and hope everyone gets out of the way leads to as more accidents I'm sure than do slow careful drivers.

Of course I prefer some power under my foot. But I'm happy, and safe without it.

Your mileage may vary.

Tachyon

Right on Tachyon!

I rode motorcycles for years, and contend that everyone should be REQUIRED to ride one for a period of time. It really helps you develop a keen sense of what's happening on the road, and demands that you think while you drive.

If drivers are unable to develop these skills, then this exercise would serve a secondary function: Thinning the herd! (perhaps that's a bit harsh).

Jeff Pierce

i considered a 240d for my teenage boy.... too slow to merge on interstates in my opinion....now trying to find a 300d or a 190e.

even a 300e would be ok

Tachyon,
If you're driving a 240D, you need to change monikers to tardyon.

Peter :D