One thing is having a Z as a teenager, the other being a teenager, having a Z and ricing it out. By the way, the last one should be a no no.

 

I've been driving for 2 years now, but its been 2 years that I have been waiting for my car. About 750 something days of pure torture.

 

16-year-old + 350Z = wrecked 350Z

Seriously though, I've never known any 16-17 year-old in my life that could handle a 350Z. Most people my age (25) are barely, if at all, mature enough to handle one (myself included). Of course, on every car board I've ever been on, every single 16-17 year old there claims that they are the one exception to this rule.

I wouldn't worry about it though, if some kid's parents are rich enough to buy him a 350z, they will be rich enough to buy him another car when he wrecks it, pay the hospital bills, pay the increased insurance later, and hopefully they were smart enough to get several million dollars worth of lawsuit insurance coverage -- because you might think that you're being really clever by putting everything in your parents name to save a few bucks, all you're really doing is making it really, really easy for people to sue your parents for everything they own (including your car) when you hit someone.

 

I kinda agree. I know that most new teenage drivers can't really handle a car like the Z (some exceptions). I believe several years of experience with driving is a good idea. I'm 23 and I would think that having a 350Z would be too much power early on.

 

I don't have a problem with a rich teenager getting an expensive car. I don't really care if they buy it (though I do respect that more) or if daddy buys it.

What I do get angry about is the poster of this thread plans to commit insurance fraud in order to reduce his insurance rate.

I don't agree with any teenager who "claims" that their daddy is going to be the primary driver of the car, when really it's going to be the teenager driving it, and the teenager getting into the accident.

In fact, if the father is willing to illegally do this, I also question where his other wealth came from (ill-gotten?).

Anyway, please do not defraud your insurance company because it hurts those of us that ARE honest.

If you're a teenager and you claim YOU are paying for the Z, yet your parent is the primary driver, I say you're either stupid or lying.

 

Let me say this about that.

Anyone who lies on his insurance app, or in any way tries to "fudge" the facts, such as claiming fewer miles to work, or misrepresenting the primary usage is D-U-M-B.

If one is ever unfortunate enough to be involved in a SERIOUS accident, the very first thing the insurance company does BEFORE paying out a Major $$$ Settlement, is to have their retained Private Investigators go over every inch of your application and, indeed, your very life with a fine tooth comb looking for ANY technicality to void your insurance contract.

Why pay thousands of dollars over time in premiums only to discover that when you need protection the most, your "minor" deception(s) on an app taken months or years ago, is legally enough for your insurance carrier to void that sorely needed protection.

With insurance, utmost honesty and candor is not only fiscally prudent, but essential brilliant. Come on now... be honest.

 

I'm 17, and I plan to purchase a 350Z in about a month. I totally disagree with the belief that a teenager can't handle a car with a lot of power. First of all, anyone, no matter what age can be stupid and wreck a car, no matter how fast or slow it is. Second, if you know how to drive, any car, whether 90 hp or 900, can be driven without causing a wreck.

What I'm worried about is the adults on the road. I watch people when they drive, and most of the kids in my class (epecially the ones who paid for their car), tend to drive cautiously. I drive my mom's 280ZX at least 4 times a week, and I always find myself having to hit the brakes because some jackass (usually someone 30+ yrs. old) can't wait for the stop sign and decides to turn in front of me when I'm only 75 feet away. It's not like I drive slow or anything, it seems that a lot of adults have been driving so long that they are just in a hurry. Just last night we were riding in a neighborhood where children are usually playing in the streets. The speed zone is 35, but this jackass has to go 45, and turns on the next street going at 25. What's the hurry?

I'll admit, there some kids my age that drive completely out of control (I know some of them), but I think there are a lot more of us that drive responsibly and practice safe driving, that's why more parents don't mind buying their kids a fast car.

 

I'm kind of reluctant to believe that.

Of course there will be skilled drivers that only have a year or two under the belt, but most aren't at that age.

 

there is nothing illegal about the insurance that I mentioned. Some people need to shut their f'ing mouths and listen first. You are considered a primary driver when you are the person who drives the most miles on the car per year. So if my dad drives 5000 miles per year, than means that I need to drive 4999 or less. I'm tired of people always making stupid comments and criticizing people. Oh, the 350Z is a fast car, big deal, no one would say anything if I mentioned I was getting a 300ZX TT or Supra TT. They only talk s*it because its a Z, so grow up people, cause it seems to me that the most immature people here are the ones that consider themselves to be the "old" ones.

 

No arguments here. I honestly believe a 10 year old could handle a sports car, if he or she is responsible, and not a moron. I mean, I could have done it when I was that age. If you disagree, try playing a racing game against one! A 17 year old can easily be in the top percentile among all ages in inteligence, responsibility, eye-hand coordination, and easily have a much better understanding of physics than most adults on the road. It all just depends on the person.

 

Thank you! Just because you're older, that does not make you a better driver. Also, everyone starts off by getting a fast car, its not like you upgrade by getting a car with 150HP, 160HP, and so on till you reach 287 or any other car similar to the Z. Let's be real people. Thanks to those who gave me some postive and realistic input.

 

Just because something is legal does not make it moral.

Actually, most enthusiats would much rather you get a 350z, because when you crash it, Nissan can just make another one. Nice Supras, Z32s, and RX-7s are practically collectors items these days, so it's truly saddening when kids destroy them.

Finally, your use of explitives and your hostile tone only strengthens the case of those who argue that you aren't mature enough to handle a vehicle such as the 350z.

 

Can you feel the LOVE!!!

ICYBLUE, don't worry about the crap everyone gives the young'uns. It's just part of the initiation into this oh so mature forum.

As far as car advice goes....If the true problem your parents have is the lack of rear seats, a 300 2+2 isn't really going to solve the problem. There isn't really any legroom back there, unless the person in the front seat is very short.

You might want to look at a WRX. They are less expensive than the Z, have AWD, which could be helpful in the rain, snow, and other adverse conditions, and can fit four or even five in a pinch. Also, they can be easy to drive at low RPM's, and don't really turn into monsters until the turbos kick in. Also, their controversial looks will probably make them less of a target for jealous kids at school.

-D'oh!

 

ICYBLUE, the issue here shouldn't really be if you are ready for the Z or not. It is if you can get the Z or not.

This goes back to conversations some of us forum members have had over the months on this exact issue.

I still feel the same way I did before... if you can afford to own the Z, get it. Starting with a junker isn't something I ever did. However, I did buy my first vehicle myself. Financed it myself. My parents didn't help me at all. I had an appreciation for the care and maintenance of the vehicle.

If your parents want to impose rules and restrictions... so be it. It is their money.

This isn't whether you should be able to get the Z, you should... but you can't (at least by yourself).

If you had the funds to get the Z, this wouldn't/shouldn't be an issue. The fact that you cannot get the Z on your own lends you to the rules of the people funding the car.

This is not mean't as neither support nor an attack, just an observation on how the thread ignored the first, real issue.

I am still confused at the gist of the thread at all. Are you wanting us to petition your parents to get you the Z? If so, then you must know that won't happen. I doubt that was your intent.

Finally, let me offer a suggestion. Save for the Z and get it yourself. By doing this, you may not be under the same restrictions on what car to get from your parents.

 

ICYBLUE, to answer your other question, the lease option is great, I think. I love leases. You can finance the vehicle for nearly half the monthly payment. You are in the same "boat" as someone that financed regarding getting out early due to interest, etc., so that isn't a problem.

Also, at the end, you can walk away from the car, or finance (or pay off) the balance at the end.

This is a point of controversy here at my350z.com. Use the search function to find the lease versus financing threads. Fun reading.

Good luck,
Todd

 

I partially agree; the first sentence above is true. Just because someone is older doesn't make them a better driver. It does, however, give them more experience in driving, more opportunity to see the results of bad driving, and perhaps, even, the unpleasant opportunity to see what bad driving can do first-hand. What is "standard operating procedure" to a driver with less than 5 years of driving experience may well be or border on irresponsible driving habits, or a ticket-to-be, or an accident waiting to happen. And nobody wants that. And, by the way, I am speaking from personal experience. I've owned cars from 400 CI on down, several motorcycles, and flown airplanes. Looking back on how I drove from age 16 to about 23, I'm literally lucky to be alive. But I'm more mature now and I'm finally getting a Z.

I disagree with the second sentence, and I'm being real. Everyone does NOT start off by getting a fast car! That is ridiculous. Most people start with an older car, one that you don't have to carry collision insurance on, one that, if you get ding in the bumper, it won't matter so much. They get some experience, build up their good driving record, build up their credit rating, save for a better car, then move up from there.

What makes sense to me for anyone to do would be to (1) first get a good education, then (2) get a good job, then (3) get a good car. My $0.02. If someone puts all of their money into an expensive car (such as a sportscar) first, then they may be limiting their ability on the first two (since all of their money and energy will go into paying for the car, paying inflated car insurance, and paying for upkeep - not considering any speeding or RD tickets, or accidents and even higher insurance).

It just makes sense to me for younger drivers to demonstrate over a period of years that they are mature enough to watch how they drive and not get any tickets, skilled enough not to get into any accidents, and responsible enough to (at least) help pay for their car, car insurance, and upkeep. That's all. Once they do that, I think they will be one of the best drivers on the road.

 

Just to clarify one point, and avoid the "teenagers vs. geezers" part:

An open-ended lease is ALWAYS a terrible, terrible idea. It requires a baloon payment, where the value of the residual is calculated NOT UNTIL YOU RETURN THE CAR! It's basically a free license for the dealer to f*ck you when you turn the car in. In fact, in some places these are now illegal.

On the other hand, a closed-ended lease can be a good alternative, if you plan on keeping the car for a 3-year period and then buying another new one. Also, if you're not planning on modifying it or putting tons of mileage on it.

Basically, with a lease, you're paying a premium to be able to walk away from the car with no hassle of trying to sell it. In some cases you can save money of the car's depreciation is really bad, and ends up being worth way less than your residual at the end.

 

Um yeah, If you are in high school and get a 350z. dont EVER take it to school.... ever. it will get keyed, broken into, and who knows what. Because that's the "in" thing to do. You've got my praise if you can afford a 350z at 16. I always spent all of my money the second I had it at that age.

 

Well, it seems that older doesn't always mean wiser. And I truly mean no offense to ANYONE, but I've seen all ages of people do some pretty stupid things.

I feel that I was very fortunate to grow up with the racing background that I did, because it really gave me a sense of what could happen if something went wrong under controlled conditions. I also learned to have to separate drving styles--one for the track and one for the road. So age, in my opinion, has nothing to do with the ability of a driver. (You should see my sister! And if you do, please LOOK OUT!!!!)

But, as for the original reason for this thread, you might want to look at something you can perosnally afford. It will really give you an understanding of what all goes into maintaining a car, caring for it, and (God forbid) the sheer disappointment when something happens to it. The choice is entirely up to you, but it has been my experience that those who actually pay for what they drive appreciate it and care for it much better than someone who relies on their parents to pick up the tab.