Man, you guys must love your kids. My first car was something we found in a drug addict's possession and got for $200. My coolness or desires were never factors. 
Man, you guys must love your kids. My first car was something we found in a drug addict's possession and got for $200. My coolness or desires were never factors.
I guess the "Project" bit threw me for a bit. More like "What first car".
The Mazda 3 ticks all the boxes.
Friend of mine hustles an Acura RS around the cones quite quickly. Good daily driver also.
Drove a Miata for 13 years year round in Ontario. Yeah it was used up rust-wise when done, but that's the point is it not?
I know how I drove when I was 16, and it was a good thing I had no real horsepower at my disposal.
NOHOME wrote: I guess the "Project" bit threw me for a bit. More like "What first car". The Mazda 3 ticks all the boxes. Friend of mine hustles an Acura RS around the cones quite quickly. Good daily driver also. Drove a Miata for 13 years year round in Ontario. Yeah it was used up rust-wise when done, but that's the point is it not? I know how I drove when I was 16, and it was a good thing I had no real horsepower at my disposal.
Yeah, I guess people have different definitions of "project car". I should have been more specific. Basically looking for something that may/does need a little light mechanical work, a few cosmetic fixes here and there and then can be modified for the "fun factor" down the road. Not really looking for a "frame off restoration" sort of project, because we just don't have the shop/tools for that.
As strange as this may seem, I'd recommend taking a trip to CarMax with him soon after getting his license and have him test drive different platforms, RWD live axle, RWD with an independent rear end, FWD without a LSD, RWD with an LSD, AWD etc, to have him get a feel for each and decide which platform he likes and shows the most interest in. From there you can narrow down the options based on platform and budget.
I'd even throw a Chevy Cavalier into the ring. There seems to be plenty of them out there and probably could pick one up cheap.
92dxman wrote: I'd even throw a Chevy Cavalier into the ring. There seems to be plenty of them out there and probably could pick one up cheap.
While cheap, you do not want to crash a Cavalier, especially in a side impact in the 2 door one. Surprisingly deathtrappy for their size.
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