First Car

plushpod988 · 11-27-2007, 10:18 PM

I've been looking for many months and I've read probably every topic and post on this website, along with every singly video dealing with anything to do with Prii and I love it so much. I'm only fifteen and I'm getting my license in December and my parents told me that they would buy this Magnetic Grey 2008 Prius with package #2 that I've been salivating over forever. So I went and test drove it today, I loved it so much. I know that would be incredibly amazing to have as a first car, and I would be so lucky. Do yall think it would be a good first car. The woman also said insurance would be cheaper because it's a hybrid, and it's a Toyota, plus the money I'll be saving on gas seems amazing.

What do yall think?

**TonyPSchaefer** · 11-27-2007, 10:23 PM

Actually, I would be the first to tell you that the Prius is not a good first car.
Once you have a Prius, you will be spoiled forever. There will be no compromise. Your second car will have a big set of shoes to fill.

For that reason, I think a nice beat up 87 Chevy would be a much better first car. Maybe a station wagon.

Welcome to PriusChat and I seriously hope you get the Prius!!
Take pictures.

Scummer · 11-27-2007, 10:28 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Stanton @ Nov 27 2007, 09:18 PM) [snapback]545019[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I've been looking for many months and I've read probably every topic and post on this website, along with every singly video dealing with anything to do with Prii and I love it so much. I'm only fifteen and I'm getting my license in December and my parents told me that they would buy this Magnetic Grey 2008 Prius with package #2 that I've been salivating over forever. So I went and test drove it today, I loved it so much. I know that would be incredibly amazing to have as a first car, and I would be so lucky. Do yall think it would be a good first car. The woman also said insurance would be cheaper because it's a hybrid, and it's a Toyota, plus the money I'll be saving on gas seems amazing.

What do yall think?
[/b]

As a father of a near teenager I think it's a bad idea to buy a trainee a new car. Hell, I think it's a bad idea to buy a car at all for a 16 year old. But I'm old school and rode my bicycle to work until I was 19. So I might be a little bit biased.
Additionally, you can get a used Prius for your training wheels and receive the same great gas mileage as a new Prius.

My son and daughter won't be as lucky as you are, because I ain't going to buy a car for them. Either they have the cash for it or they ride their bicycle.

Sorry if I come across like a party pooper.

a priori · 11-27-2007, 11:50 PM

I've got to say this question itself is fodder for several highly-charged threads!

I recommend the Prius to anyone who doesn't haul freight for a living or regularly drive more than three children around with them everywhere. While the car isn't for absolutely everyone, I'd still like to see one in every other driveway.

At the same time, I just can't get my head around a 15-year-old owning a brand new Prius. It is wonderful that you want this car. Still, I don't know how one truly values and cares for something received and not earned. I have to admit that my first car was a gift (of sorts), but the car was 7 years old and I was 22, working, and had to give up the car when it was totaled (by rust!!) within two years' time.

Since then, I've purchased one car through loans, while the rest I've bought with cash. Well . . . that's just me. This thread is about you, so -- If your parents are going to buy you a new car, by all means have them buy you a new Prius. If they're just going to get you a car, then have them help you find one that you can buy with your own money. You will learn much more about cars and about yourself.

usbseawolf2000 · 11-28-2007, 12:14 AM

I say if your parents can afford it, go ahead. If not a new one, then a used Prius.

Prius will teach you good driving habbits. You will not develop those negative behaviors that traditional cars encourage.

plushpod988 · 11-28-2007, 12:16 AM

Yes, see I was wondering if getting a new one for my first car would be that great of an idea. It is a gift from my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all of them. (We have a huge Italian family) Plus from acting I've got a good bit of money put away to pay all of my insurance and gas. This is what they did for my older brother, except that he didn't have to pay for gas (and I don't even think he is still paying for insurance after the second payment) but then again, he doesn't have a job, and hasn't had them before. So I think the money thing isn't too big of a deal, though I admit I would be so spoiled to have this as my first. But I would be so sure to take care of it, so I would have this car all the way through college at least.

I originally thought about getting an early ninety's Jeep Wrangler, which I thought was amazing. But my technological love and wanting to save money on gas made the Prius win.

daniel · 11-28-2007, 12:45 AM

I wish you luck on getting the Prius. I would never buy a new car for a teen-ager because I'd assume a new driver would dent it up pretty well. But if your folks don't see it that way, more power to you. There is no better car on the road. (Except of course my little Zap Xebra.

)

hv74656 · 11-28-2007, 12:59 AM

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having the Prius as a first car. Why would I make such a bold, blanket statement? Because the Prius IS my first car. However, I was 17, had a full license, a job, and searched for 2 years to find a used one in my price range with relatively low mileage. I take care of the car payment and gas, and my parents take care of the insurance (it saves a large sum of money for some reason).

BTW, I wanted to have a jeep way back when as well. They're fun cars, but it's even more fun to see the look on someone’s face when you can complain that gas costs $25 instead of $20 for a fill up.

(My Prius also happens to be dent free. It looks new except for a nasty scratch on the side from the garage door. I have about 4" of clearance on both sides of the car when I drive in. But, everyone in my apartment complex has scratches on their cars because of the small garages.)

HolyPotato · 11-28-2007, 01:12 AM

Hey, if you're lucky enough to get a new car so young, you really can't do any better.

What do your parents drive? Even if you get the new car for the long term, if they drive an older car that is "cosmetically challenged" or where a few scrapes won't matter, that might be handy to borrow for training, at least until you're sure you're not a "tactile parker". On the other hand, a brand new shiny car might instill a healthy sense of paranoia, so you won't make any mistakes in the first place.

**Tideland Prius** · 11-28-2007, 01:17 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Stanton @ Nov 27 2007, 07:18 PM) [snapback]545019[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I've been looking for many months and I've read probably every topic and post on this website, along with every singly video dealing with anything to do with Prii and I love it so much. I'm only fifteen and I'm getting my license in December and my parents told me that they would buy this Magnetic Grey 2008 Prius with package #2 that I've been salivating over forever. So I went and test drove it today, I loved it so much. I know that would be incredibly amazing to have as a first car, and I would be so lucky. Do yall think it would be a good first car. The woman also said insurance would be cheaper because it's a hybrid, and it's a Toyota, plus the money I'll be saving on gas seems amazing.

What do yall think?
[/b]

The Prius is my first car although I was a bit older than you when I got it and it's shared with my brother.

Here are my reasons:

1. Adequate power means you won't be tempted to speed

2. A new car means you'll probably take better care of it than if it was a beater

3. A new car is usually reliable, has low maintenance cost, no repair cost

4. Once you get into the Prius groove, it's hard to break out. Every time you get pissed, you just think about the MPG reading that you'll ruin and that'll calm you back down. It's like trying to beat your high score

5. Fold-flat rear seats means moving to college or just going to the beach (or whatever you do as a teenager) will fit inside

6. Safety features abound (ABS w/EBD, Brake Assist, TRAC, VSC, HID, 6 airbags)

11-27-2007, 11:50 PM	#4
a priori Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chicagoland (West) Posts: 773 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 2	I've got to say this question itself is fodder for several highly-charged threads! I recommend the Prius to anyone who doesn't haul freight for a living or regularly drive more than three children around with them everywhere. While the car isn't for absolutely everyone, I'd still like to see one in every other driveway. At the same time, I just can't get my head around a 15-year-old owning a brand new Prius. It is wonderful that you want this car. Still, I don't know how one truly values and cares for something received and not earned. I have to admit that my first car was a gift (of sorts), but the car was 7 years old and I was 22, working, and had to give up the car when it was totaled (by rust!!) within two years' time. Since then, I've purchased one car through loans, while the rest I've bought with cash. Well . . . that's just me. This thread is about you, so -- If your parents are going to buy you a new car, by all means have them buy you a new Prius. If they're just going to get you a car, then have them help you find one that you can buy with your own money. You will learn much more about cars and about yourself. __________________ Some knowledge may be readily grasped as it is apparent to even the most casual viewer, but most of us learn this only by experience after having ignored what was right before our eyes.

11-28-2007, 01:12 AM	#9
HolyPotato Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: London, Ontario Posts: 71 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hey, if you're lucky enough to get a new car so young, you really can't do any better. What do your parents drive? Even if you get the new car for the long term, if they drive an older car that is "cosmetically challenged" or where a few scrapes won't matter, that might be handy to borrow for training, at least until you're sure you're not a "tactile parker". On the other hand, a brand new shiny car might instill a healthy sense of paranoia, so you won't make any mistakes in the first place. __________________

11-27-2007, 10:18 PM	#1
plushpod988 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 6 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I've been looking for many months and I've read probably every topic and post on this website, along with every singly video dealing with anything to do with Prii and I love it so much. I'm only fifteen and I'm getting my license in December and my parents told me that they would buy this Magnetic Grey 2008 Prius with package #2 that I've been salivating over forever. So I went and test drove it today, I loved it so much. I know that would be incredibly amazing to have as a first car, and I would be so lucky. Do yall think it would be a good first car. The woman also said insurance would be cheaper because it's a hybrid, and it's a Toyota, plus the money I'll be saving on gas seems amazing. What do yall think?

11-27-2007, 10:23 PM	#2
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 7,698 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 14	Actually, I would be the first to tell you that the Prius is not a good first car. Once you have a Prius, you will be spoiled forever. There will be no compromise. Your second car will have a big set of shoes to fill. For that reason, I think a nice beat up 87 Chevy would be a much better first car. Maybe a station wagon. Welcome to PriusChat and I seriously hope you get the Prius!! Take pictures.

11-28-2007, 12:14 AM	#5
usbseawolf2000 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Whitestone, NY Posts: 1,294 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #3 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 12	I say if your parents can afford it, go ahead. If not a new one, then a used Prius. Prius will teach you good driving habbits. You will not develop those negative behaviors that traditional cars encourage.

11-28-2007, 12:16 AM	#6
plushpod988 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 6 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Yes, see I was wondering if getting a new one for my first car would be that great of an idea. It is a gift from my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all of them. (We have a huge Italian family) Plus from acting I've got a good bit of money put away to pay all of my insurance and gas. This is what they did for my older brother, except that he didn't have to pay for gas (and I don't even think he is still paying for insurance after the second payment) but then again, he doesn't have a job, and hasn't had them before. So I think the money thing isn't too big of a deal, though I admit I would be so spoiled to have this as my first. But I would be so sure to take care of it, so I would have this car all the way through college at least. I originally thought about getting an early ninety's Jeep Wrangler, which I thought was amazing. But my technological love and wanting to save money on gas made the Prius win.

11-28-2007, 12:45 AM	#7
daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 8,590 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I wish you luck on getting the Prius. I would never buy a new car for a teen-ager because I'd assume a new driver would dent it up pretty well. But if your folks don't see it that way, more power to you. There is no better car on the road. (Except of course my little Zap Xebra. )

11-28-2007, 12:59 AM	#8
hv74656 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 145 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #7 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	There is absolutely nothing wrong with having the Prius as a first car. Why would I make such a bold, blanket statement? Because the Prius IS my first car. However, I was 17, had a full license, a job, and searched for 2 years to find a used one in my price range with relatively low mileage. I take care of the car payment and gas, and my parents take care of the insurance (it saves a large sum of money for some reason). BTW, I wanted to have a jeep way back when as well. They're fun cars, but it's even more fun to see the look on someone’s face when you can complain that gas costs $25 instead of $20 for a fill up. (My Prius also happens to be dent free. It looks new except for a nasty scratch on the side from the garage door. I have about 4" of clearance on both sides of the car when I drive in. But, everyone in my apartment complex has scratches on their cars because of the small garages.)