We are mostly a Jeep family, my oldest son (A HS senior) thought it would be cool to raise his Wrangler 6" and put on 44" tall tires. He said it would be cool. I warned him then with gas at $2.00/gal he wouldnt be able to drive the 46 mile round trip daily to school.
This summer, as we looked at it setting in the driveway with $4.00 + / gal gas. I reminded him how cool it looked as a driveway gnome. Too bad the only people that could see how cool it looked were those driving by the house
It's all about personal choice and the point I was about to make to the first post was that "It's your money, it's your choice, and the consequences are yours." This shows how that can play out. Without resorting to the carbon footprint discussion (which has a place in this), we learn from our mistakes and, I would hope, we make better decisions the next time around. Even better if we start with a sound decision we don't have to regret later (Smart vs. the Jeep on steroids).
There have been other discussions of reasons the Smart is a good choice for a young driver. It's always good to hear the young drivers thinking that way too.
There seems to be no limit on the number of people who will tell you what you should/shouldn't believe, do, and purchase. Now if someone wants to let others have control over their lives, I guess that's their choice.
I would hope that each person does their own research and makes their own decision. Many times I find that people who have very strong feelings about what I should/shouldn't believe, do, or buy have no clue about what they are talking about. Strong feelings does not always equal informed decision.
For me, I do the research, consider my options, and make my own choices.
My nephew is in high school and getting ready to drive soon. I mentioned that I might be willing to pass on my cabrio when my coupe comes in and he said he would never want a smart. I guess his ego is too fragile to be seen in a little car because he's worried about what his friends would think. It takes a confident teen to overcome peer pressure. Unfortunately for him, with my sister's budget he'll probably be rolling to school in a 72 Pinto and wishing he hadn't been so dismissive of his uncle's ride.
My nephew is in high school and getting ready to drive soon. I mentioned that I might be willing to pass on my cabrio when my coupe comes in and he said he would never want a smart. I guess his ego is too fragile to be seen in a little car because he's worried about what his friends would think. It takes a confident teen to overcome peer pressure. Unfortunately for him, with my sister's budget he'll probably be rolling to school in a 72 Pinto and wishing he hadn't been so dismissive of his uncle's ride.
You might mention that to him, and how many people at his school drive brand new convertibles? Or the fact he could change out the look all the time. I would have killed for a car like that. Oh, and ask if he will be paying his own gas!
He has a good point. I tried to tell my brother this, a recent graduate. After high school, you all go your separate ways. My best friend from high school, I have not seen him since I got married 2 years after graduation. Thanks to MySpace, I keep loose touch with those I knew but life goes on. Besides, a mustang or scion will have much higher insurance rates. Go for the smart!
I'm definitely going for the Smart, I compared insurance rates on smarts, scions, and fords, YOU DON'T WANNA KNOW WHT THE OTHERS COST!!!!
I'm going to look into an orphan program, in this economy, I might take delivery really soon!
I have always gone for the 'different cars' In highschool I drove a number of different Corvairs. I'd cruise right by the guys filling up their hot cars and I had money for dates 'cus I didn't waste it on gas. But then gas was only $.30 gal.....
Now the wife figures I have gone back to my childhood and bought a rear engined car, just like my Corvairs. The only difference is that this one runs!! My oldest son keeps trying to talk me into driving his Grand Prix so he can take the Smart. Hasn't worked yet.
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