Question: Should a teenager have a Redline?

[SkyMan 08]

Should a parent allow a teenager still in Highschool (16-18 years old)
to drive as their own car, a Sky Redline..


I say No!
Someone that young is not skilled enough to handle that kind of power responsibly and safely.
As in early life, you must learn to crawl before you can walk, and Walk before you can run. A teenager has not enough road experience to handle a car that has this much power. Plus they are still under the effects of peer pressure to do things they normally would not do..
I have seen too many parents lose a child because they could not handle a car by driving over their abilities. And the more powerful the car, the easier they will reach the point where the car is faster than they can handle..

If you do decide to give or let them buy any powerful car, before you let them on the road with it, consider sending them to a performance driving school. Money well spent for peace of mind that they can handle the car in any situation.

[hdwizard]

Originally Posted by SkyMan 08

Should a parent allow a teenager still in Highschool (16-18 years old)
to drive as their own car, a Sky Redline..


I say No!
Someone that young is not skilled enough to handle that kind of power responsibly and safely.
As in early life, you must learn to crawl before you can walk, and Walk before you can run. A teenager has not enough road experience to handle a car that has this much power. Plus they are still under the effects of peer pressure to do things they normally would not do..
I have seen too many parents lose a child because they could not handle a car by driving over their abilities. And the more powerful the car, the easier they will reach the point where the car is faster than they can handle..

If you do decide to give or let them buy any powerful car, before you let them on the road with it, consider sending them to a performance driving school. Money well spent for peace of mind that they can handle the car in any situation.

I think it depends very much on the teenager, but as a matter of general principle, I think you're correct. Especially as a first car. Most teenagers are just not responsible enough to drive a powerful car appropriately.

I had my share of hot rods when I was young, and looking back, I have to admit that my driving was not appropriate for public roads. I drove well, but not appropriately (some would say I still have that problem ).

I think there are exceptions, and that some teenagers can be trusted with a car like the RL, but they are not the rule.

[Bogie]

My feeling is no teen should drive a performance car (any performance car) on the street. Hell, I don't think parents should buy their kids cars at all! And when kids drive, they should be responsible for all, or a portion of, their insurance. If they are wholesome students and need some wheels to school, then they can "borrow" one of my cars. But they still pay for part of their insurance.

Adult enough to have your own car? Then you're adult enough to pay for the ride, the insurance, the tags, taxes, inspections, yadda yadda. Your old enough to own a Sky when you're old enough to pay for it...and everything that comes with it!

[Corbin90gs]

I believe, not trying to be offensive or anything, that you are being too stereotypical. I do agree with you that "many" teens are not responsible to handle a nice car, but I know more people in high school who could be more mature and responsible then someone who is in their 40s.

It could be because my school is a little rich and has a high grade expectation, but i still believe it is completely up to the parents. If they truly believe their child is ready to handle such a responsibility then go for it.

Life is about having fun, if a child is trusted enough then why not? I know I never drive fast or do anything wreckless for many reasons. 1) They just increased Virginia's speeding fines to $1000. 2) I lost an old friend I used to know in elementary and middle school to drunk driving and never want anything like to ever happen again. 3) I don't fall into peer pressure, otherwise I would be doing drugs and probably be in juvie right now.

Rather, I am taking many AP courses in school, leading 2 after school clubs, and even teaching a religious education class every Sunday to preschoolers, and all at the age of 17. This car was a reward for my good schoolwork and proper attitude.

I'm just saying, don't think too stereotypically. Driving shouldn't be based on age, but rather be based on behavior. Also, don't be jealous just because someone as young as me can have this car, I share it with my family and understand completely that my parents got it for me, but also for them because they want to have fun too. They always have the right to take it away if I ever act up.

[xmicro_Redline]

Originally Posted by Corbin90gs

I believe, not trying to be offensive or anything, that you are being too stereotypical. I do agree with you that "many" teens are not responsible to handle a nice car, but I know more people in high school who could be more mature and responsible then someone who is in their 40s.

It could be because my school is a little rich and has a high grade expectation, but i still believe it is completely up to the parents. If they truly believe their child is ready to handle such a responsibility then go for it.

Life is about having fun, if a child is trusted enough then why not? I know I never drive fast or do anything wreckless for many reasons. 1) They just increased Virginia's speeding fines to $1000. 2) I lost an old friend I used to know in elementary and middle school to drunk driving and never want anything like to ever happen again. 3) I don't fall into peer pressure, otherwise I would be doing drugs and probably be in juvie right now.

Rather, I am taking multiple AP courses in school, staying on track with my life, and all at the age of 17. This car was a reward for my good schoolwork and proper attitude.

I'm just saying, don't think too stereotypically. Driving shouldn't be based on age, but rather be based on behavior. Also, don't be jealous just because someone as young as me can have this car, I share it with my family and understand completely that my parents got it for me, but also for them because they want to have fun too.

I do not disagree that teens who stay on track should not be treated more adult. However, ALL NEW drivers need time to gain experience on the road and do not need something showy or powerful to detract from the task at hand (driving). All new drivers should have 1 - 2 years in a beater, it is just prudent, not prejudice!

[Corbin90gs]

Well, I have had over a year with a beater (the jetta) and now I've moved up to a car that will actually lock when i tell it too and doesn't act up. The main reason for getting this car is because my dad wanted it also because he loves cars. Also, have you considered that some people are more naturally better drivers than others, while there are also people who are more naturally bad drivers than others?

[xmicro_Redline]

Originally Posted by Corbin90gs

Well, I have had over a year with a beater (the jetta) and now I've moved up to a car that will actually lock when i tell it too and doesn't act up. The main reason for getting this car is because my dad wanted it also because he loves cars. Also, have you considered that some people are more naturally better drivers than others, while there are also people who are more naturally bad drivers than others?

That is true, but no matter how you slice it, experiance is the best teacher. ANd people that are real good in high school become even better in their 30's....take it from me, I was the best driver in my high school class, I drive about 45,000 miles a year and have not had an accident in the last 12 years (knock on wood).

[duck833]

Heck, I had three different motorcycles from the time I was 16 to 18. Guess I survived.

I think a RL is a pretty nice car to give a teenager. But if the kid appreciates and respects it then probably it will work out ok.

I got in lots more trouble with my Dad's Lincoln than I did with my bikes and cars. That is until I was banned from the Lincoln after he found footprints on the roof above the backseat.

Ah, those were the times!!!!

[lorennerol]

Easy answer: When I was a teenager, yes. Now that I'm not, no.

And in light of that answer, my final answer is definitely maybe perhaps, or not.

[Skip]

My two cents worth and do not judge me as being cruel, if the teenager wreaks the Sky then we have parts for sale. If the teenager dies then we have the gene pool strained. If the teenager is going to be an idiot then let them be idiots. It does not take long for the balance to even out....Skip..remember that this is my opinion, so no flaming...

[grs88v8]

When my daughter was 16, we fought about getting a license. I forced her to go to a teen driving class at Mid-Ohio run by and sponsered by Honda (JMO, I really hate rice burners). They tought threshold braking, skid control (in an outrigger car on a wet skid pad), evasive manuvers and advanced car control. Best $350 I ever spent. She is now 22 (yesterday) and still alive, no accidents. This should be required for all new drivers! As for a R/L, I would say no, wait a year or 2. Kids need some seat time first before you turn them loose in a high performance car. I am lucky to still be alive after all the stuff I did when I was a new driver. Never had an accident, I guess I was both lucky and good (I'm still a menace when I get the chance (open road, no passengers and no one else around) and I am 55). Hope this helps, please look into this class at Mid-Ohio, they probably run elsewhere also, you will be glad you did. Gary

[GhostRL]

I learned to drive on something rwd (v8 lexus) and my first car at 16 was a camaro z28. It was running low 11s before I turned 17 and making over 450hp. It all depends on the person. If you can respect the power, then it will make a better driver out of you. If you dont respect the power, it will get the best out of you and put you into a tree, another car, or worse.

[turbonailhead]

It depends on the teenager and the parent. Some kids will have been taught to learn about the capabilities of the car and also will have been taught to care for it. Those kids would be fine in a RL or any other powerful or valuable car.

Other kids are given way too many toys, and taught no responsibility. I know of one young lady that had wrecked something like 4 cars-just during her senior year, including one beemer. No clue what her recycling total is now.

My parents always let me drive whatever cars they had-old, new, antique, whatever. My dad DID feel that as long as he had a capable kid, he never should have to drive a dirty car, or one that needed a wax job. Caring for the cars, long before I could drive them, was his way of making sure that I learned to respect the time, effort and dollars that go into car ownership.

The first car I ever drove was the one that I had grown up with-it's only a few years younger than me-and washed and waxed since I was about 7 or 8. It was my high school graduation gift as well, a surprise from my parents after we had worked the prior year renovating it.

That car still sits in the garage today almost 30 years after I got title. Hook up the battery and she's ready for action. A slightly younger clone is there too. Both of them have better power to weight ratios than the Saturn Red Line.

A friend has two sons and two daughters. The kids grew up around cars, old and new. I know the sons a lot better. They've been rebuilding cars with their dad since forever. They've also been racing at the local drag strip since they were legal. No accidents, no stupid games on the road. They don't have to prove anything on the streets. But, if someone wants to play, they'll do a match race LEGALLY at the drag strip. They pretty much always win, by the way.

A fool can get themselves into trouble driving a 36 horsepower VW Old Bug that's running on 2 cylinders. If your teenager is a fool, then maybe they shouldn't drive anything at all.

If your teenager is reliable, focused and responsible, AND has demonstrated realistic knowledge of the workings of a car and what a car IS and IS NOT capable of doing, then they will probably do OK.

Helpful hint to teenagers wanting Mommykins and Dadsywadsy to buy them a Redline or ANY car-new or old.

If you have to TELL your parents how responsible you WILL be, they should NOT purchase ANY car for you. Bus fare is about all you can handle-and that only on a good day. If you are negotiating with them-or whining endlessly about your friends that have cars-you're out of luck.

If you truly are a teenager for whom such a vehicle is appropriate, your parents, and probably every one else that knows you, will already recognize that you are mature and responsible enough to handle a car.

I agree with the poster above that a driving school such as mid-ohio is a great idea. People that want to go fast, really need to learn how to "go fast with class."

My Mom always told people that after finding parts and spending weeks scraping rust, grease and so forth doing chassis and engine detailing, she was pretty certain that the kid in question was going to be pretty careful with THAT car.

But then MOM did win more drag races with THAT car, than my dad did, mainly because she drove it almost exclusively by choice. Often top down, with her sister in the right seat, me and my cousin and maybe our elderly neighbor that didn't drive in the back seat, groceries for 8 in the trunk and possibly the family dog all waving BYE BYE at the appropriate time.
Ah the sixties-they were fun for kids!

[BLUUSKY]

After raising 5 kids, I can certainly agree that it depends on the teenager. Three of mine (the girls) were responsible enough. But they never got anything more than a four-banger. They paid their for their won cars, insurance, repairs, maintained grades, remained employeed to cover their bills. Their first cars were junkers that they could buy with cash and learn to appreciate the fun of car repairs. When they successfully showed that they were responsible, I took out a loan for a new car that they paid.

Then, there were my boys ...although I gave in and did the same with them, they didn't adhere to the same rules. Lucky for all of us, the only issues were minor accidents and two cars I ended up paying for (and reposessing). Live and learn. Don't break your own rules and be a push over.

It also depends on where they drive. Driving in Atlanta isn't quite the same as in some small town. Every year, the local highschool looses at least one teenager to bad driving.

[coopcj7]

As a young person myself, and having been in this situation just several years ago I think that it is a great gift for the young one.

I got my first car(jeep cj7) when I was 14. I was told if I wanted to drive it when I was 16 I had to rebuild it and make it run, well after a lot of hard work. I rebuilt it to where it stilll stands today remember this thing will definitely roll over before any other car on the road. It is by far more dangerous than any redline will ever be

33" Mud Boggers
4 Inch Lift
450hp Chevy Lt1
Full Fiberglass Body
Every thing on it is new.

I have totaled it twice since I was 16
4 speeding tickets
1 parking violation.

I am still here to talk about it. SO go for it.

[SkyMan 08]

Originally Posted by hdwizard

I think it depends very much on the teenager, but as a matter of general principle, I think you're correct. Especially as a first car. Most teenagers are just not responsible enough to drive a powerful car appropriately.

I had my share of hot rods when I was young, and looking back, I have to admit that my driving was not appropriate for public roads. I drove well, but not appropriately (some would say I still have that problem ).

I think there are exceptions, and that some teenagers can be trusted with a car like the RL, but they are not the rule.

There are acceptions, yes, But the majority of teenagers today are NOT responsible enough to drive a car like a redline. That is one reason Insurance rates on teenagers are so High.... We had 4 teenagers killed last week in a single car accident, they were going too fast on a curvy road, it wwas raining, the driver 16 lost control and ran 0ff the road, They hit a tree threw a couple out (NO SEATBELTS) the car rolled over on them.. It happens every week.. I do not live in a big city, we have about 50,000 people. but we do have many country roads where kids and I must say some adults will get out and race... just because someone said Your car is a piece of S*** and I can outrun you... I have read stories already on here and the solstice forum of people doing that.
I just can't understand why any parent would buy their child a 30,000 dollar car...
I started driving in a 65 Corvair... in 1969. I moved the to buying my own 1971 Chevy Vega.. I first sports/sporty car was a 1974 Chevy Camaro.. then I bought a 65 Corvette...

No matter how responsible a Child is, Don't start him off in something Powerful, The temptation is too great.. let them prove their responsibilty is a lesser car first and let them move up to something more powerful when they can prove that they can handle it fine.

[SkyMan 08]

Originally Posted by Corbin90gs

I believe, not trying to be offensive or anything, that you are being too stereotypical. I do agree with you that "many" teens are not responsible to handle a nice car, but I know more people in high school who could be more mature and responsible then someone who is in their 40s.

It could be because my school is a little rich and has a high grade expectation, but i still believe it is completely up to the parents. If they truly believe their child is ready to handle such a responsibility then go for it.

Life is about having fun, if a child is trusted enough then why not? I know I never drive fast or do anything wreckless for many reasons. 1) They just increased Virginia's speeding fines to $1000. 2) I lost an old friend I used to know in elementary and middle school to drunk driving and never want anything like to ever happen again. 3) I don't fall into peer pressure, otherwise I would be doing drugs and probably be in juvie right now.

Rather, I am taking many AP courses in school, leading 2 after school clubs, and even teaching a religious education class every Sunday to preschoolers, and all at the age of 17. This car was a reward for my good schoolwork and proper attitude.

I'm just saying, don't think too stereotypically. Driving shouldn't be based on age, but rather be based on behavior. Also, don't be jealous just because someone as young as me can have this car, I share it with my family and understand completely that my parents got it for me, but also for them because they want to have fun too. They always have the right to take it away if I ever act up.

Not stereotypical my friend. Statistics prove I am correct here. The Majority of teenagers are not skilled enough to handle a car in many situatuaions, not just a powerful car too... It can happen in any car. but don't you think the more powerful the car, the more likely if something goes wrong it will have bigger consequences...

[SkyMan 08]

Originally Posted by coopcj7

I have totaled it twice since I was 16
4 speeding tickets
1 parking violation.

I am still here to talk about it. SO go for it.

And You proved my point....
and one lucky person you are still here to talk about it...