Best model for a teenager? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rjk · #1 10-29-2004, 07:19 AM

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 · #2 10-29-2004, 07:40 AM

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 · #3 10-29-2004, 10:10 AM

300SD or any newer C class.

tvpierce · #4 10-29-2004, 10:25 AM

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 · #5 10-29-2004, 11:18 AM

Buy him a bicycle.

230/8

Lou K · #6 10-29-2004, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 230/8

Buy him a bicycle.

230/8

Maybe a bus pass in addition.

suginami · #7 10-29-2004, 12:44 PM

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 · #8 10-29-2004, 09:18 PM

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 · #9 10-30-2004, 01:23 AM

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

Peter

Tachyon · #10 11-03-2004, 01:15 PM

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

Ferdman · #11 11-03-2004, 01:27 PM

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.

Tachyon · #12 11-03-2004, 02:18 PM

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

tvpierce · #13 11-23-2004, 11:56 AM

Quote:

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.

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

lee polowczuk · #14 11-23-2004, 02:11 PM

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