Hey there. I know there is a lot to consider for a first car for my son, and I would likely get a 2.0 turbo and manual tranny. My questions are based on owners how dangerous is the visibility of the camaro for a new driver. Second, which trim level and model year has the best crash detection / blind spot type safety features, if any? His other top preference is a Dodge Challenger.

Otherwise I am getting him a sedan with better visibility, AWD or front wheel drive.

Thoughts?

 

I have that request for quote out already, yes. Don't know implications but will impact the decision as well.

 

Buy him a '64 International pickup truck with a straight six engine and a 3 on the tree then he can get a job and work his way up to a nice car.
Just my 2 cts.

 

Welcome aboard

 

if the kid is trustworthy and not prone to doing stupid stuff,,,, lol. 2000+ 4th gen with auto trans and 3.8 v6.

 

I realize this is an older thread. My son and I already started working on his car. I am giving him my 93 Lt1 6 speed. It needs work. it will be our summer project. Some people feel claustrophobic in the 5 gens more then the 6th gens. No matter what anyone says the DOT likes to flex. If they could have argued safety that would have early on. Yes you may need to use your side mirrors more than most cars but long term that is a good thing to learn. No one will convince me a camaro is any worse then a pick up with a cap or even a load in it.

V6 Challenger seems like it would be a good safe first car also. Side air bags would be a good thing. Check the safety rating. I am not sure where, I am sure there is a web site with deaths per 100,000 sold. That is a statistic I like better than the safety rating. I like the manual shift cars, that will keep him awake.

I have put some though in it. and I though about a full size pick up and the modern Charger AWD V6. In the end he will have the camaro but he will also have access to my Dodge RAM 1500 regular cab short bed. I will feel better with him driving that on bad weather days. All Camaros and Challengers get a little loose on the turns on those rainy days.