Here We Go Again...choices...manual 1St Car For Son? Under 700K!

[frankphuket]

As the titles says....I am searching for something suitable for my son: I want him to learn how to drive, so a 'manual' should be his first car. Sure, following me he loves a swift car..... Not sure if i am missing something, but here is my list in order:

1) Honda Jazz - although older, i have the feeling it is still a real good car, best in space and probably also one of the more powerful engines. When would the new one come out?

2) Mazda 2 - with a little exterior work, looks pretty nice, decent fun as well.

3) Ford Fiesta - maybe not, as the manual is only available in the 4 door version, which looks silly in my opinion. Don't get, why not have a manual in the sportier style 5 door.

4) Chevy Sonic - front nice, back soso, engine i would say soso.

5) Ford Focus 1.6 manual, a little higher in budget. how is it to drive? still fun compared to a Jazz or too heavy?

What did i miss? budget around 600K, new if possible. He loves the Mitsu 2.0 EX GT (aggressive looks, he likes those kind of things), but out of budget.....

He even would not mind a pick up, but the 4 door ones are about 800K, a little over and not exactly 'user' friendly in town.

Any suggestions welcome....

[funcat]

I would buy him a pick-up 'smart' cab(600+)....if you ever need to transport something,he will be right there to help ...and much safer too

[tom21]

if you are ordering now he could be eligble for the first car rebate

[soi41]

if you are ordering now he could be eligble for the first car rebate

Only if he is Thai!

[sotsira]

If he's just starting to drive then i wouldn't by a brand new car, as most of us know

there's always going to be a few mishaps along the way.

i'd go for a s/h manual pick up under 600k, strong, safe and easy to repair.

Once he's got a few years experience, then go for a new car.

[arthurwait]

I'm pretty sure I saw the bottom of the range lancer in a showroom for that budget.

[RevStar Zen]

I'm pretty sure I saw the bottom of the range lancer in a showroom for that budget.

U're right but it's not the Lancer GT,it's the Lancer GLX without the MIVEC engine and the predecessor bodyshell...

[RevStar Zen]

As the titles says....I am searching for something suitable for my son: I want him to learn how to drive, so a 'manual' should be his first car. Sure, following me he loves a swift car..... Not sure if i am missing something, but here is my list in order:

1) Honda Jazz - although older, i have the feeling it is still a real good car, best in space and probably also one of the more powerful engines. When would the new one come out?

2) Mazda 2 - with a little exterior work, looks pretty nice, decent fun as well.

3) Ford Fiesta - maybe not, as the manual is only available in the 4 door version, which looks silly in my opinion. Don't get, why not have a manual in the sportier style 5 door.

4) Chevy Sonic - front nice, back soso, engine i would say soso.

5) Ford Focus 1.6 manual, a little higher in budget. how is it to drive? still fun compared to a Jazz or too heavy?

What did i miss? budget around 600K, new if possible. He loves the Mitsu 2.0 EX GT (aggressive looks, he likes those kind of things), but out of budget.....

He even would not mind a pick up, but the 4 door ones are about 800K, a little over and not exactly 'user' friendly in town.

Any suggestions welcome....

Have u considered the New Kia Rio Hatchback?

If not-I would take the Jazz 1.5 or the Focus 1.6 manual(Over 600K-I suppose?) as it has the most advanced engines under the hood!

[arthurwait]

I'm pretty sure I saw the bottom of the range lancer in a showroom for that budget.

U're right but it's not the Lancer GT,it's the Lancer GLX without the MIVEC engine and the predecessor bodyshell...?

It certainly looked different from the GT

Glass fibre is dirt cheap here though,

[culicine]

The jazz, for versatility, great service and resale. Or the focus 1.6 for something a bit upmarket. It's around 800-830K for the 1.6 though, and you miss a lot of goodies of the 2.0. This cars resale is unknown and fords service can be a bit iffy. Plenty of aftermarket parts for the jazz are available too. However in manual guise I find it a little expensive, 590K isn't it? The mazda 2 is cheaper and still a good drive, but less powerful engine.

[Jitar]

Frank, tough choice. As you said, the 4 door pickups are around 800k. These are diesels with ABS & Airbag. The extended cab versions with these options are around 700k, still above your budget.

There is the Mitsubishi Triton Plus petrol at 640k. Pretty close to your budget, slightly smaller than a Dmax, Vigo or Ranger, and more sheet metal than a small car if your son ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time. But not cheap on fuel and not exactly sports car handling.

The Swift, Yaris, March, Proton Gen 2 are all in your budget? Some of the small cars will not have ABS and airbags on the manual transmission version. Sadly for your son, any of the small cars will probably have a long delivery time.

[guzzi850m2]

How about a 2nd hand truck at about +500 K bath, you should be able to find something decent at that price. Yes okay you have all the pitfalls when buying 2nd hand but carefully checking around and try to buy one with full service history should do it.

[mjj]

I think we all know that a first car should be an old banger because scrapes or accident are inevitable, but that is not the option here. As your son likes fast and aggressive the likelihood of an accident is greater, so I would go for the car that will protect him the most in an accident.

I'm not knocking your son, I was the same. If you asked me at 17 what car would I want it would have been the Ferrari F40, but the car I needed was certainly not an F40.

As I posted on another thread, we ordered a Swift manual and from order to delivery is 5 weeks. It doesn't have abs, but you say you want him to learn to 'drive', so maybe that's not a bad thing. And I know that contradicts my first paragraph.

[frankphuket]

Have u considered the New Kia Rio Hatchback?

If not-I would take the Jazz 1.5 or the Focus 1.6 manual(Over 600K-I suppose?) as it has the most advanced engines under the hood!

[

Yep, looked at Kia website. Thought they were auto only? But need to recheck. A bit expensive here for over 700000 and smaller engine than a Jazz, less resale for sure, too.

Keep it coming guys, maybe there is a surprise somewhere....might anyway wait till motor expo end of November and hope something really "great" will be unveiled...not holding my breath though.

Unfortunately can't get the 1st car discount as he will be 18 and not 21!

Anybody has ideas of what new model will be unveiled at the expo?

[VocalNeal]

If he's just starting to drive then i wouldn't by a brand new car, as most of us know

there's always going to be a few mishaps along the way.

I think we all know that a first car should be an old banger because scrapes or accident are inevitable, but that is not the option here.

I'm not knocking your son, I was the same. If you asked me at 17 what car would I want it would have been the Ferrari F40, but the car I needed was an A40

These guys are thinking like me. Oh and mjj i fixed your post

Unless you feel the car your son has is a reflection on you, avoid the temptation to buy something flash. he has to learn that he has to earn the money to buy what he wants.

The easy way would be to look at his friends and see what they have.

Another choice would be a small Nissan grey market convertible Figaro it is called. , a good island car.These are becoming popular among Bangkok's cool people. Akin to the Vespa of cars.

Most accidents, although not all, happen when friends in back are goading the driver into actions he can't handle. If the car only has two seats this is less likely. Same logic applied 40 years ago and Midget/Sprite was the answer. Two seats is more intimate that 4?

Give him either the family car or one of the family cars and buy yourself a new one!

[frankphuket]

I think we all know that a first car should be an old banger because scrapes or accident are inevitable, but that is not the option here. As your son likes fast and aggressive the likelihood of an accident is greater, so I would go for the car that will protect him the most in an accident.

I'm not knocking your son, I was the same. If you asked me at 17 what car would I want it would have been the Ferrari F40, but the car I needed was certainly not an F40.

As I posted on another thread, we ordered a Swift manual and from order to delivery is 5 weeks. It doesn't have abs, but you say you want him to learn to 'drive', so maybe that's not a bad thing. And I know that contradicts my first paragraph.

Do you mean the old 1.5 or new 1.25 engine? I was told the 1.25 is about 5 months or so waiting list. Would not mind the 1.5 engine but is not available anymore.

Quite scared buying 2nd hand here, got some bad experience before.

It is probably correct that a pick up is more solid, but than again bigger to manouver around therefor easier to hit 'things' ....

[frankphuket]

If he's just starting to drive then i wouldn't by a brand new car, as most of us know

there's always going to be a few mishaps along the way.

I think we all know that a first car should be an old banger because scrapes or accident are inevitable, but that is not the option here.

I'm not knocking your son, I was the same. If you asked me at 17 what car would I want it would have been the Ferrari F40, but the car I needed was an A40

These guys are thinking like me. Oh and mjj i fixed your post

Unless you feel the car your son has is a reflection on you, avoid the temptation to buy something flash. he has to learn that he has to earn the money to buy what he wants.

The easy way would be to look at his friends and see what they have.

Another choice would be a small Nissan grey market convertible Figaro it is called. , a good island car.These are becoming popular among Bangkok's cool people. Akin to the Vespa of cars.

Most accidents, although not all, happen when friends in back are goading the driver into actions he can't handle. If the car only has two seats this is less likely. Same logic applied 40 years ago and Midget/Sprite was the answer. Two seats is more intimate that 4?

Give him either the family car or one of the family cars and buy yourself a new one!

Good stuff....

Completely agree with earning money etc, but than again I rather give him this present right now and he can keep it for quite some time, and saving to build his life, than buying a old second hand which constantly need attention.

His friends: let's not go there: One drives a Mini JCW WC 50, another one Dads Maseratti and yeah there is a Mazda 2.

And he won't get my Mini GP or Golf Gti, coz that would really scare me...

[arthurwait]

I think we all know that a first car should be an old banger because scrapes or accident are inevitable, but that is not the option here. As your son likes fast and aggressive the likelihood of an accident is greater, so I would go for the car that will protect him the most in an accident.

I'm not knocking your son, I was the same. If you asked me at 17 what car would I want it would have been the Ferrari F40, but the car I needed was certainly not an F40.

As I posted on another thread, we ordered a Swift manual and from order to delivery is 5 weeks. It doesn't have abs, but you say you want him to learn to 'drive', so maybe that's not a bad thing. And I know that contradicts my first paragraph.

Do you mean the old 1.5 or new 1.25 engine? I was told the 1.25 is about 5 months or so waiting list. Would not mind the 1.5 engine but is not available anymore.

Quite scared buying 2nd hand here, got some bad experience before.

It is probably correct that a pick up is more solid, but than again bigger to manouver around therefor easier to hit 'things' ....

Like Jitar I was thinking of a cheapish Triton as easy it's to repair , but they are still quite large and how many drunk tourists wander around Phuket and how much attention does an 18 year old pay especially when he has his mates in the back.

I think maybe a yaris or swift, but maybe just something even cheaper for a first car and tell him if he looks after it and drives it sensibly for a few years you will help him upgrade to something better.

[VocalNeal]

Good stuff....

Completely agree with earning money etc, but than again I rather give him this present right now and he can keep it for quite some time, and saving to build his life, than buying a old second hand which constantly need attention.

If he is like me DO NOT give him anything that can be modified or ALL his money will go into the car.

(Remembers words from mother all those years ago while cleaning a blacked out 1967 Downton 1293 Cooper S ) " Five years of work and all you have to show for it is that little black car"

Depends a lot on him, his personality, his maturity and what it will be used for? Travel to university in Bangkok? Just driving around the island? etc.

Forget the kid who drives dad's Maserati that doesn't count.

Me as I said would probably be something interesting and quirky. What did I actually do? As requested bought an old MGB GT which probably still languishes unfinished in a garage in Vancouver. But my son is not "into" cars. His teenage dream car? A 4x4 Lada Niva for exploring the back country! Now an academic at 30, still with no car! A used Range Rover converted to LPG.

[pbeieio]

http://au.toyssale.com/pedal+cars

Find one here!!!

[anon210]

I would tend to qualify the statement by Arthurwait, as to the largeness of some cars (or pickups!). It is true that large cars demand more attention and care when driving. It is true that driving in general demands a lot of focus and an experienced driver by the side would be recommended.

Actually, in some European countries, they oblige young drivers to drive with a more experienced driver by their side for a certain period of time, before even obtaining a final driving license. My advice would be 1° give him a proper training by a driving school; they will teach him, in safe conditions, to drive a manual. 2° Not so sure that a new car for a youngster should be manual... esp. if driving in city. In the beginning, driving in the city requires so much attention, that driving a manual may detract from proper attention. 3° In any case, I would restrict the first 20-30 hours to driving with your company and not with other young people. This will allow him to get accustomed to traffic, and to take the habit of focusing on the traffic instead of the friends.

A smaller car will probably demand less efforts in driving, but he may find himself lost with something bigger later. It takes getting some accustomed to driving a behemoth...

[stevenl]

Don't give him a car, period. Let him work for what he wants, giving away a car to an 18 year old is IMO not a very good educational tool.

[mjj]

Swift is the manual 1.25 version. 467k. The 1.5 only came in auto here.

[mjj]

Don't give him a car, period. Let him work for what he wants, giving away a car to an 18 year old is IMO not a very good educational tool.

What a load of rubbish! I guess you don't have children.

Option 1. Buy you child a safe car.

Option 2. Let him buy his own cheap death trap.

When my son is older and if I have the money, I will buy him a car. If I'm broke he will have to buy his own. Simple.

[Jitar]

Don't give him a car, period. Let him work for what he wants, giving away a car to an 18 year old is IMO not a very good educational tool.

Don't give him a car, period. Let him work for what he wants, giving away a car to an 18 year old is IMO not a very good educational tool.

What a load of rubbish! I guess you don't have children.

Option 1. Buy you child a safe car.

Option 2. Let him buy his own cheap death trap.

When my son is older and if I have the money, I will buy him a car. If I'm broke he will have to buy his own. Simple.

Not total rubbish, sounds like my old man...

I would agree in a western country where wages are high and cars are cheap.

However in Thailand, the wages an 18 year old is likely to get doing any thing legitimate (especially if part time while at school) will take a lifetime to save for a decent car. Buying junior an interesting used car that needs a little care and attention, that he has to pay for might be an educational experience.

[mjj]

Personally, whether buying anything with my own money or someone else's money, the value of something to me doesn't change.

To prove this, if any of you would like to buy me car, you will see that I will treat it exactly the same as the one I have bought with my own cash. Any takers!!

A foot note regarding an 18 year old. If they haven't been taught the value of things by 18, chances are they never will.

[stevenl]

Don't give him a car, period. Let him work for what he wants, giving away a car to an 18 year old is IMO not a very good educational tool.

What a load of rubbish! I guess you don't have children.

Option 1. Buy you child a safe car.

Option 2. Let him buy his own cheap death trap.

When my son is older and if I have the money, I will buy him a car. If I'm broke he will have to buy his own. Simple.

Your choice and opinion. Disagreeing with my opinion does not mean it is rubbish.

I will not buy my son a car when he turns 18, so your statement ' I guess you don't have children.' is rubbish.

[stevenl]

Personally, whether buying anything with my own money or someone else's money, the value of something to me doesn't change.

To prove this, if any of you would like to buy me car, you will see that I will treat it exactly the same as the one I have bought with my own cash. Any takers!!

A foot note regarding an 18 year old. If they haven't been taught the value of things by 18, chances are they never will.

And when they receive a car from daddy at age 18, they probably never will.

[frankphuket]

Don't give him a car, period. Let him work for what he wants, giving away a car to an 18 year old is IMO not a very good educational tool.

Don't give him a car, period. Let him work for what he wants, giving away a car to an 18 year old is IMO not a very good educational tool.

What a load of rubbish! I guess you don't have children.

Option 1. Buy you child a safe car.

Option 2. Let him buy his own cheap death trap.

When my son is older and if I have the money, I will buy him a car. If I'm broke he will have to buy his own. Simple.

Not total rubbish, sounds like my old man...

I would agree in a western country where wages are high and cars are cheap.

However in Thailand, the wages an 18 year old is likely to get doing any thing legitimate (especially if part time while at school) will take a lifetime to save for a decent car. Buying junior an interesting used car that needs a little care and attention, that he has to pay for might be an educational experience.

Unfortunately Thailand is quite different and times change. Being student here is really a full time job, no chance to make extra money or not a lot. He needs to go to a Uni here and there is precious little public transportation.,

Anyway, may I redirect this thread towards what I wanted to know, not an argument of if it is a good idea to buy a car or not.

He drove my car many times, with me next so I guess he is not a complete novice.

[ignis]

Brand new Proton Neo hatch starts @ 499,000 baht ? + has ABS and Airbags

Many Base model Manual cars and trucks here do not have ABS or Airbags