Good First Car??

You’re buying it? Get whatever the fuck you want. Your kid’s buying it? Let her get whatever the fuck she wants.
Either way a new vehicle for a first car is asinine, and there are safer/easier vehicles to learn in

 

I live in south Florida also. Buy her an armored personnel carrier if you can, especially if you live in Miami-Dade or Broward.

I shudder to think how much the 2024's will be or how long you will have to wait to get one. If you're hell bent on getting her what she wants then get a 2023 if you can get a decent deal. That said, unless she's paying for the vehicle herself it should be up to you, not her. You're getting her a brand new vehicle when she turns 16. "I'm not having it" would not sit well with me, but that's just me. You do you.

 

IMHO, pickups aren’t great first vehicles. Get something front or all wheel drive.

I’d also get something used, but clean. Obviously money isn’t exactly a factor if you are considering a brand new vehicle for a 16 year old, but I still would not recommend a new vehicle. 3-5 years old is a better choice.

 

He’s said multiple times the truck will be in Florida…front/all wheel drive isn’t a factor

 

My first car was a 71 mustang coupe and I had to pay for it myself.

My dad wreck the shit out of getting t-boned by a Cadillac and bent the frame. The engine alone was worth more than I paid for it. Car =1500$... the engine alone was worth 3500$. A 351 Cleveland bored to a 454. My mom sold the car to a scrap yard for 500$

 

And I heard him
Water on the roadways down there is a big issue. Hydroplaning is very common, and new drivers can much more easily crash a rear wheel drive vehicle in those conditions. 6+ months of the year it pours everyday.

 

I’d look for a sweet 2015 2wd

 

The right tires make a big difference down here. The OEM Toyos that came on the truck sucked in the rain. Night and day difference with the Michelin LTX AT2s I have on the truck now.

 

351 bored to a 454? Not doubting your word. But that ain't happening....

 

I bought from a race car driver (well from his ex wife). Thing was a beast, 95 mph going up hill and had plenty left in the gas pedal, just dont hit the brakes hard. The rear end was loose as hell and always wanted to drift right or left.

 

I appreciate all the advice. The RAV4 is high on my list.

 

Given the choice I'd take the Subaru

 

She needs a Tacoma.

 

Having owned (14 xt, but fairly recent) and worked on both, Rav4 all day.

But on paper they are identical.

Rav4 simply has a better engine and drivetrain. CVT's still plague the subarus in long term, and the boxers have issues that come and go with redesigns.

 

Put her in a vehicle with a manual transmission if you want her to be a good driver who develops a better feeling for her vehicle. Put her in a Subaru or Volvo if you’re looking for safest. As for letting your 16 year old daughter choose the make and model of their own first vehicle?…. Someday her husbands going to curse the father who set her expectations so high

 

You’re overselling Tacoma safety. Airbag layout and well-designed crumple zones are important but weight and passenger height play way more of a role in collisions. If you weigh 30% more than the thing you hit, you win. If a bumper slams into your door panel rather than your window you’re better off. I feel 100% safer in my old f350 than a Tacoma and I’ve attended a lot of fatal MVI’s.

 

Ok Mr Canada.... shit here in the states is way different. As I stated, I have seen way too many threads with major crashes. Technically that owner should have never walked away.

 

Tacoma's are safe!
Sounds like you're raising a "Entitled" little girl.

 

Daddies girl

 

My first child wanted a mini cooper. I explained to her that I will be getting her her first car and I will choose what I think is best for her. She got a Volvo S80. My second child got a Volvo S40. My taking their opinions into account took the form of not getting them Volvo XC70s, you're welcome.

I'll include the 4Runner in the choices for the next "first vehicle" purchase for my two youngest children, my son has expressed interest in going 4 wheeling with me sometime and a Volvo would more than likely exclude that.

I pickup handles a little odd and although I consider the Tacoma relatively safe, the handling characteristics would have me lean towards a car or even an SUV.

Good luck with your purchase and please keep us posted.