Good car..... for a 16 yr old???

280z/300zx

I know what I did in my 84 300zx with 160hp when I was 16 (back in 1998) and luckily I was never in a wreck. The key being luckily (still have it to this day along with my 280z that I bought when I was 18). I took a lot of risks back then and know that if I had a car like the 370z I probably wouldn't have been so lucky. I know times have changed a lot since I was a teen but I would still say no to a 370z for a new driver. I would recommend something more like a honda civic or similar. If you absolutely have to have something sporty go for a civic si, genesis 2.0T, etc. Even a 350z is a bit much in my opinion. Yes there are those that will be the exception to the rule but statistically speaking more times than not a new driver in a high hp RWD car will get in trouble.

How about getting a 90's 300zx to start and then after a few years move up to a 370z. Also, one thing I always encourge in accountability. Buy car for a kid and a lot of times they miss the message of ownership. Make the kid accountable for the car, whether it's buying it or making payments or paying insurance, and they tend to value the car more. In the end it's really up to your parents so who cares what we say but since you asked I say NO

samb03

I think it has more to do with how responsible and level headed a person is. I know people that started driving at the age of 5 (s10 farm truck). Then there are 30 year olds that should stay home if it is sprinkling out side. The 370Z is no more powerful than a GT mustang, z28, or Trans am. There are plent of those in HS parking lots.

TypeOne

Get a Honda Fit.

When you crash that, get a Civic Si.

When you crash that, get a 350Z.

When it wears out, then you can get a 370Z and be able to fully appreciate it.

Lemers

How about getting a Nissan leaf

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Matthew

I remember my first beer.

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esfourteen

You will drive like an idiot at some point, with VDC off, and 330hp is a lot to control for an inexperienced driver. There are of course exceptions to every rule, I just don't like your odds.

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brakedrift12

I'm assuming that you are a beginner driver since you are pretty(I would say VERY)young... and I'm pretty sure 370z is not a car you want to drive as a first car. You got to know how to drive a car properly and safely before everything done. And there is no doubt that 370z is a WAY different car compare to what you drove so far till you got driver's license. Just saying

CCastro

my first car @16 was a 85 celica...
then a 93 sentra when the celica took a poop a couple of months later...
graduated HS and parents bought me an 03 corolla
i worked and saved and bought an 07 Civic Si
I am 25 now and working hard... 2010 370Z...

I don't think a Z is right for you kid... but that is my opinion. no offense to your parents... I don't know why parents buy there kids such expensive and performance oriented cars. I also believe a 16 year old is not responsible enough for such a car.

if you get it, I hope you appreciate it...

antivirus6613

I got a 370z when I was 17 as a reward for my company doing well. Although it has a lot of power, if you don't turn the vdc off, you invest in a good radar detector, and have a brain you'll be fine.

Keep in mind this wasn't my first car and it doesn't touch the pavement in wet or snowy conditions.

Also, insurance is too crazy. In all honesty a 370z at your age is not a financially sound move, buy a 350z with some mileage and drive the hell out of it, mod it do whatever.

c41006

It all depends on you and whether you can handle it and be responsible

fullmonty

I was fairly responsible when I was 17 and my first car was a Mustang. Iregardless of how mature I thought I was. I still did a TON of stupid stuff that when I think back, I thank god I didn't wreck and kill myself or get a narly ticket. The car didn't have a ton of power, enough for me to learn the limits of the thing and respect it. If I had a 370Z at that age, I would of done the same stuff if not even more crazy crap and I can say without a doubt I would of wrapped it around a tree. a brand new Z, I think has a bit more power than a 16 year old needs, or needs to learn on. I do think OP is a troll though

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ChrisSlicks

Just about every teenager drives like a idiot at times, I know I did. Best to have a car with low limits starting out so that you reach those limits quickly and back off. You don't want to become another teen fatality statistic. I say keep saving and get it when you go to college, or better when you graduate college.

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ChrisSlicks

Oh and remember a lot of states are now implementing a 1-strike rule for teenagers. 1 citation and you can automatically lose your license for 6-months.

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Sibze

shadoquad

It is up to the parents to decide, really.

imo any used car that is low cost maintenance and has high safety is a good way to go for a first time driver.

But regardless of what car is the first, the key is how much time is devoted to one's training and how it is done. If your folks give you the time to instruct you on the ins and outs of driving, along with some of the "rules of thumb" for defensive driving, you will be better off. And even then, know that learning a car's performance capabilities, be it a Z, a Bugatti, or a Civic, should never be done on the street where it can endanger other drivers. That sort of activity is better relegated to closed courses with responsible adults around.