1st Impression - GTO

[Perfectlap]

get this kid to the nearest PCA or SCCA Autocross ASAP.
Once you teach a teen ager how to drive he's less likely to do something stupid.
Reckless driving usually occurs because because kids have no respect for power.

[Pat]

This may be the first time I've ever hear anyone say that a Pontiac has a "nice interior."

[zackwatt]

Originally Posted by Pat

This may be the first time I've ever hear anyone say that a Pontiac has a "nice interior."

Thats because its not a Pontiac, Its a Holden! From the land down under.


and THAT IS STUPID TO GET THAT CAR FOR A 16 YEAR OLD. I am only 20 myself and I recently looked into getting a GTO, but decided on the Boxster instead. I love GTOs they are really good cars, good to look at, solid, good build quality, and reliable, but it is a HELL of alot of car. I think maybe even too much for me. The car is soo big, you loose your sense of speed when driving it. It would be easy to fly into a turn and loose it, if you did not know what you are doing. My 21 year old friend just bought one, but he is a experienced track driver. If i was given that on my 16th birthday, I might not be here today. Thats why I got a '99 Jeep Cherokee. I went Off-Roading instead, LOL
The GTO is a car for experienced 35 year olds!
Good Luck to the Kid, and God Speed

[porsche986spyder]

I was driving to my Parents house over the weekend on 75 here in Big D and in my rear view mirror I saw a bright yellow GTO, brand new come flying up behind me. He then proceeded to slow down and challenge me to a race. I was already doing 65 and just looked at him and laughed. It was a young kid behind the wheel. He took off and not more than half a mile later I see a SUV COP flying up behind me after him. The kid tried to exit the Hwy and I saw the COP follow him off the exit and turn his lights on. Then I realy started laughing.

I was given sports cars when I was 16 and the only wreck I've ever had was running over a parking block too far in my 3 inch ground clearance Z3. Im 19 now, been on this forum for 2 birthdays (no one wrote me happy birthday either...) I personally was going to get an 06 GTO, but they were raping me on my trade in so I didnt do it. Its about the individuals, not the car honestly. Give a 16 y/o an 84 civic and they think they are the balls and will drive it 100 MPH down a 25. believe it or not, but there are some smart, good driving 16 y/o's.

[NickCats]

Bravo, Perfectlap ! I was just telling her about the autocross I went to Sunday and told her that her son and husband should join me next time. Not only would it be fun, but I explained to her it would be a great experience for her son to learn the limits of the car in a safe, controlled environment.

I guess great minds think alike

Nick

[pteam]

Originally Posted by NickCats

Bravo, Perfectlap ! I was just telling her about the autocross I went to Sunday and told her that her son and husband should join me next time. Not only would it be fun, but I explained to her it would be a great experience for her son to learn the limits of the car in a safe, controlled environment.

I guess great minds think alike

Nick

Unless he hits a wall off in the corner

[NickCats]

I can't say I disagree with you guys but it's her son and her money and he seems like a good kid ( a lot more level headed than I was at 16 which is not saying much )

I had a Honda CRX when I was 16 and I crashed that 4 banger numerous times as did all my friends that had expensive fast cars ( not that a CRX is expensive or fast but you wouldn't believe some of the cars my classmates had - gotta love southern CA )

pteam - luckily the parking lot they run the SCCA events at is huge ! He would really have to go far off course to hit a wall ( crashing into a bunch of cars at the starting grid is a possibility, though )

Nick

[xxxalexxxx]

I have to disagree with everyone on this one, maybe its because im younger (23) but when i was 16 i had a red 400hp+ corvette and i didnt crash it, kill anyone or anything like that lol I never even got a speeding ticket in that thing. so i think it depends on what the kid is like, hes a straight A student so he sounds like hes responsible. Id had about 4-5 incidents with some soccer moms on their phones almost ran me off the street in their huge vans cuz they werent paying attention yet ive had no bad expiriances with young kids driving...

although I agree an autocross event is a great idea and its something he'll probably really enjoy.

[xxxalexxxx]

Ive driven my friends GTO its a great car and yes it has a great interior IMO, i gotta say i perfer my friends seats over my 06 box stock seats. They're wayyy more comfortable