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Truck for a 16 yr old? #7979491 09/18/20 09:14 PM
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My son is 15, and we are looking at trucks and talking options. Of course he likes the newer trucks, but they are too expensive. We are talking about maybe buying a 1980's GMC or Chevy truck and fixing it up. We can find a 1980's truck for about $3K. On these older trucks, has anyone restored one or done a major overhaul on it? If so, how did it turn out? Cost, reliable afterwards? We are looking to repaint, reupholster, engine work, etc, all the goodies. He and I both love the look of these older trucks, and they look good once they are fixed up.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979498 09/18/20 09:22 PM
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PM Texashogslayer.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979503 09/18/20 09:28 PM
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I fixed up an 88 Blazer for my daughter. I have more in fixing it up than I did in the vehicle. It’s fun to fix up and my daughter learned how to work on it so it was probably worth it. If you are mainly trying to save money then you may need to buy something newer.


Last edited by JTS; 09/18/20 09:30 PM.
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979507 09/18/20 09:29 PM
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Go farther back to at least a 1972, there are still restorable ones coming up on the market at reasonable prices. Already a classic and value is great.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979510 09/18/20 09:32 PM
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Tacoma, hands down.

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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979519 09/18/20 09:35 PM
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Charlie, don't be so sensible.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979520 09/18/20 09:35 PM
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Hard to go wrong with a square body 80's 2-door chevy. Need to be careful that you find one that's rust free. 350i/5.7 liter engines are easy to work on and upgrade, and crate motors or rebuilt engines are reasonable options if needed.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: bill oxner] #7979534 09/18/20 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by bill oxner
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Why me? confused2

If you can get a Chevy truck with a 305 or 350 they are super easy to work on and parts are everywhere. I prefer carburetor to fuel injection.




LETS GO BRANDON
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979542 09/18/20 09:53 PM
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I'm in the same situation. Vehicles are scarce and prices are high.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979559 09/18/20 10:03 PM
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Just a heads up: Somewhere in the 80's they had problems with the Turbo 350 transmission. I had a friend that had two replacements under warranty. Then another one cratered. Here in small town America he made a deal with our local dealership -- and a local transmission shop -- to come pick up the next Turbo 350 in the box and trade it for a rebuilt Turbo 400.

Likely by now whatever truck you find may already be past that problem.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979563 09/18/20 10:12 PM
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I would think overall you would be dollars ahead buying a newer truck than try and restore a 35-40 year old truck

I’m in the same boat FYI with my son.


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: DannyB] #7979564 09/18/20 10:12 PM
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Buy a junker. They're gonna wreck it.

Big old suburban or expedition.......raggedy.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979587 09/18/20 10:39 PM
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If you’re looking at paint, upholstery, and prob an LS swap, and you aren’t mechanically handy, your going to be around $15,000 or considerably more. It’s hard to find a good painter that will paint a vehicle without doing the body work. After all, the outcome of the paint is his business card and no paint jobs can hide shoddy body work.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979591 09/18/20 10:42 PM
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I can get you a 04 Chevy 1500 with the 5.3 for 3k.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979592 09/18/20 10:42 PM
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It doesn't matter what you buy. It matters how your son drives it.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979612 09/18/20 10:55 PM
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Buy a well used Toyota. The son will be going off to college before too long, and if he’s hours from home you want him to have a reliable truck. Can’t kill a Toyota. Much safer approach than sending him off in a collection of old parts.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: TXHOGSLAYER] #7979616 09/18/20 10:56 PM
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Originally Posted by TXHOGSLAYER
Originally Posted by bill oxner
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Why me? confused2

If you can get a Chevy truck with a 305 or 350 they are super easy to work on and parts are everywhere. I prefer carburetor to fuel injection.



My bad. It was my understanding that TEXASLEFTY helped you. Upgrade a pickup for. Your. Son.


Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979653 09/18/20 11:31 PM
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Whatever they can afford.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: bill oxner] #7979705 09/19/20 12:04 AM
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Originally Posted by bill oxner
Originally Posted by TXHOGSLAYER
Originally Posted by bill oxner
PM Texashogslayer.



Why me? confused2

If you can get a Chevy truck with a 305 or 350 they are super easy to work on and parts are everywhere. I prefer carburetor to fuel injection.



My bad. It was my understanding that TEXASLEFTY helped you. Upgrade a pickup for. Your. Son.



roflmao No it was a Jeep and TEXASLEFTY did all the heavy lifting. I was a great observer. up




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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979738 09/19/20 12:32 AM
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Chad, go to an independent dealer, one of those corner lots with 15-30 vehicles and find a clean 8-12 year old truck with 100,000ish miles. (100,000 is nothing these days, a properly cared for truck should get 250,000+). Those guys make their living turning vehicles over quickly at lower profit margins than the big guys with the big overhead so good deals are easier to find.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979771 09/19/20 12:56 AM
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84 Chevy short bed. Throw some centerlines on it. Classic.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979824 09/19/20 01:27 AM
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For my boys we did the Chevy S10 4 bangers with manual shift.
This way they learn how to drive a manual transmission and insurance is low so you win also.
When I called the insurance company the lady said "That's the perfect truck for a new driver."
With the manual shifter there is no way any of there friends will be driving it.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: CharlieCTx] #7979881 09/19/20 02:08 AM
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Originally Posted by CharlieCTx
Tacoma, hands down.

Charlie


This........reliable, holds its value, and will outlast any other truck you will find several times over even if you rebuild it.

Can probably find some late '90s/early 2000s for what you're wanting to spend. Been there (buying trucks for teens) more than once.

Last edited by WT_Foxtrot; 09/19/20 02:08 AM.
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: bill oxner] #7979898 09/19/20 02:21 AM
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Originally Posted by bill oxner
Originally Posted by TXHOGSLAYER
Originally Posted by bill oxner
PM Texashogslayer.



Why me? confused2

If you can get a Chevy truck with a 305 or 350 they are super easy to work on and parts are everywhere. I prefer carburetor to fuel injection.



My bad. It was my understanding that TEXASLEFTY helped you. Upgrade a pickup for. Your. Son.



Man you are quite the gossiper

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979902 09/19/20 02:24 AM
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After watching a lot of wrecks with young people I have decided my son’s first vehicle will be slow and it will have airbags

I will no longer promote a giant hunk of metal [censored]. I also like vehicles that work more than they need to be fixed

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: fadetoblack64] #7979936 09/19/20 02:55 AM
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Originally Posted by takewhatyoucan64
Buy a junker. They're gonna wreck it.



I agree and make sure he uses seat belts. I am sure my son would be in a grave had he not.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: Brother in-law] #7979943 09/19/20 03:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Brother in-law
After watching a lot of wrecks with young people I have decided my son’s first vehicle will be slow and it will have airbags

I will no longer promote a giant hunk of metal [censored]. I also like vehicles that work more than they need to be fixed


Word, no way I'd want my kid not to have airbags.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979944 09/19/20 03:04 AM
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I had a square body suburban and put a lot of $ in it with an engine swap and other things. in the end not worth all the money or effort.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: WT_Foxtrot] #7979946 09/19/20 03:04 AM
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Originally Posted by WT_Foxtrot
Originally Posted by CharlieCTx
Tacoma, hands down.

Charlie


This........reliable, holds its value, and will outlast any other truck you will find several times over even if you rebuild it.

Can probably find some late '90s/early 2000s for what you're wanting to spend. Been there (buying trucks for teens) more than once.



^^^^^^^

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979954 09/19/20 03:11 AM
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Lots of good info. The Tacoma is great, but they are the highest cost out of all the trucks we are looking at. I kind of agree on the air bags. I hadn't thought about that on those older trucks.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: Old Shakie] #7979967 09/19/20 03:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Old Shakie
Originally Posted by takewhatyoucan64
Buy a junker. They're gonna wreck it.



I agree and make sure he uses seat belts. I am sure my son would be in a grave had he not.


You need to give me info. I have to buy 2 in 14 yearsish.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7979971 09/19/20 03:29 AM
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Originally Posted by ChadTRG42
Lots of good info. The Tacoma is great, but they are the highest cost out of all the trucks we are looking at.


With good reason. Bought my first son a F-150, second son a Tacoma. Both pretty equally aged, although the Tacoma had more miles and was about $3K more expensive. In the end, the Tacoma was WELL worth the extra cost since all we really do is change the oil, replace wiper blades, lights, etc. And I love Fords and have owned many, but we spent WAY more than the difference between the two vehicles in repairs on the F-150, plus it broke down on him a few times at and going back and forth to school. Just don't worry about that with the Toyota. Simply reliable. And even though you're spending more, they hold their value far better too.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980096 09/19/20 12:33 PM
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Tacoma single cab. That way he can't pile a bunch of kids (distractions) in there.


"You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas".
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980104 09/19/20 12:39 PM
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Practice vehicles make good sense. Unfortunately, that son will be the most likely one in your household to have an accident. That's just numbers. Oftentimes, I see parents buy newer vehicles or get older ones and spend too much fixing them up. Get something mechanically sound and something that you DO NOT have to pay the high cost of collision on for a kiddoe. When and if going to college, you can then make the decision to either purchase something newer or fix up what he has. A lot of that decision should be based on what there there lil' varmint does between 16 & 18.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: snake oil] #7980105 09/19/20 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by snake oil
Tacoma single cab. That way he can't pile a bunch of kids (distractions) in there.


Room for 1 well-endowed girl and it's a distraction. 'Speak from experience. Had to pay very high insurance premiums after that, for quite a while, for that boy. bang


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: Creekrunner] #7980110 09/19/20 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Creekrunner
Originally Posted by snake oil
Tacoma single cab. That way he can't pile a bunch of kids (distractions) in there.


Room for 1 well-endowed girl and it's a distraction. 'Speak from experience. Had to pay very high insurance premiums after that, for quite a while, for that boy. bang

One well endowed girl is still less distracting than 3 well endowed girls!

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980138 09/19/20 01:13 PM
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I'm curious why the limitation of a truck. Will he help with carting around stuff for you? Will college be in Texas or different climate? Are you expecting him to secure a rifle in the vehicle?

My first vehicle was a used Jeep. It survived tree impacts, a roll over on the side, curbs, train tracks, buried in 6 ft of snowstorm, and college. Wearing seatbelts is blatantly obvious. Yes, maintenance was frequent, but kept me busy on weekends and I got valuable skills. Applied some of that knowledge from the classroom. I'd recommend a decent used Jeep.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980207 09/19/20 02:15 PM
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Consider the envioment the in which the vehicle will live. Dont get to attached to it. It could be a throw away.

If he doesn't bang it up, his peers will hit it with theirs.


If the 2nd amendment was written just to include guns for hunting, why is there not an amendment to protect fishing poles?
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980215 09/19/20 02:27 PM
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It’s gonna cost You well over double, triple the initial 3 grand to do everything in your list of projects. I’m either going to have the updated safety features in a 1/2 ton or at least it’ll be a 3/4 ton truck for my kid’s first vehicle. Hopefully both

If I can find a rubber tire tank, that’s what he’ll get.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: unclebubba] #7980223 09/19/20 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by unclebubba
Originally Posted by Creekrunner
Originally Posted by snake oil
Tacoma single cab. That way he can't pile a bunch of kids (distractions) in there.


Room for 1 well-endowed girl and it's a distraction. 'Speak from experience. Had to pay very high insurance premiums after that, for quite a while, for that boy. bang

One well endowed girl is still less distracting than 3 well endowed girls!



Go Crew Cab....4 doors, more hors...


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980227 09/19/20 02:36 PM
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I bought a S-10 for Cathy.

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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980255 09/19/20 03:03 PM
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I'm gonna buy my son a used, but reliable truck in a crew cab platform. He's gonna do alot of stuff for me including but not limited to, hauling his brother and sister around. Plus he will need to be able to haul gear and whatnot.


I would have killed for a crew cab truck when i was 16 and it wasn't because i wanted my buddies with me ( we would load them up in the bed of the truck anyways ) but for all my gear i hauled around


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: bill oxner] #7980257 09/19/20 03:04 PM
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Originally Posted by bill oxner
I bought a S-10 for Cathy.

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Hard to keep a handle on those 88 horses the S-10 put out


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: Gary Olson] #7980288 09/19/20 03:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Gary Olson
I'm curious why the limitation of a truck. Will he help with carting around stuff for you? Will college be in Texas or different climate? Are you expecting him to secure a rifle in the vehicle?

My first vehicle was a used Jeep. It survived tree impacts, a roll over on the side, curbs, train tracks, buried in 6 ft of snowstorm, and college. Wearing seatbelts is blatantly obvious. Yes, maintenance was frequent, but kept me busy on weekends and I got valuable skills. Applied some of that knowledge from the classroom. I'd recommend a decent used Jeep.


You have been lucky. I know of two people from my area that are in the graveyard from Jeep rollovers.

My son has been in good used GM pickups since day one. However, a few years ago my son, who is the greatest driver ever (sarcasm), came in one night after being out in my 05 LJ Wrangler. He was a little rattled. He said he would never drive it again. He never fessed up to what scared him. I bet there was daylight under a tire or two that evening. He is out in my 2018 4-door Wrangler as I type this. I'm still not 100% comfortable with him in that one.

I've had enough of my own scares in it to consider getting rid of it. They just seem to prone to rollover, especially the pre-JK models.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980369 09/19/20 05:33 PM
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All I know what when I was 16 my truck was my ticket to freedom. No way was I gonna let anything happen to it if I had a say.

I had buddies who ragged out and wrecked their cars/trucks but that was just a reflection of their character.


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980375 09/19/20 05:41 PM
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First son drove an Expedition (battering ram) and hit a new Lexus suv his first month with his license. Insurance premiums thru the roof even with liability only on it. 2nd son drives a Honda sedan.

Be careful about giving a kid a 5k lb v8 battering ram that is difficult to park and stop. And don't be shy about unleashed constant feedback on his driving.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980760 09/20/20 01:19 AM
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I bought #1 a 2010 Tacoma w/ 85k miles for $17k in 2014 when he was 15. #2 a 2008 FJ Cruiser w/85k in 2015 for $16k when he was 15.

We did a 4" Spindle lift, bumper and 33" tires/wheels on the Tacoma and new Tacoma take-offs on #2 (he has no interest in his vehicle appearance).

#1 backed into a car at Tom Thumb about 3 months into his license. #2 backed into #1's Tacoma a year after his. Thankfully no other accidents.

#1 is in College Station (3hr drive home) and #2 is in Levelland/Lubbock (5-6 hr drive home)


We have done nothing to those vehicles except engine oil/transmission oil/filters, tires and they are both about 150k now doing great. (knock, knock)

The kid fix-up project is a great idea, when they have another ride. Not having to fix/troubleshoot things so they can get to school/work and to be confident in what they're driving when they make those longer drives home is 100% worth it.

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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980770 09/20/20 01:30 AM
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Both of mine drove older "rough" trucks in high school. They both ended up with newer vehicles around the time they went to college. Any question why...just drive them to school someday and take them into the student lots. Do that and you will understand why they shouldn't drive a "nice" vehicle bolt

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980781 09/20/20 01:39 AM
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My kid will drive what he wants within reason. I survived driving all 1960-1970’s vehicles in high school. Respect the vehicle and pay attention to the other drivers.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: BigPig] #7980797 09/20/20 01:52 AM
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Originally Posted by BigPig
My kid will drive what he wants within reason. I survived driving all 1960-1970’s vehicles in high school. Respect the vehicle and pay attention to the other drivers.


YOU are an anomaly. Almost like a cat. roflmao


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: txwildcat] #7980838 09/20/20 02:25 AM
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Originally Posted by txwildcat
Both of mine drove older "rough" trucks in high school. They both ended up with newer vehicles around the time they went to college. Any question why...just drive them to school someday and take them into the student lots. Do that and you will understand why they shouldn't drive a "nice" vehicle bolt



At my sons school I have seen students driving 911's, a G wagon, and lots of Beemers, benz's, Camaro's, and the like. Not sure what the parents are thinking.




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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980949 09/20/20 11:50 AM
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Yes. I see the same in some cases in my son's high school. Dont get it either. Wonder if parents are making up for themselves driving beaters back in the day.

My boys do all the preventative maintenance and repair on their cars, under my supervision. They take an ownership stake in operating an automobile. Its hugely important to me that they know how things work, that they have the capacity to maintain something mechanical, the feel for tools, and the humility and perspective that comes with being a mechanic.

None of this can occur if a kid drives a new/ish car under warranty or if the parents write a check for yard work, oil changes, home repair, etc.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7980990 09/20/20 01:14 PM
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A good reliable 8-10 year old pickup would be my suggestion. My kid got his license last year, and we took our time and found a well kept F150 for him. I would think any brand of well kept vehicles would get a kid where he needs to go.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7981017 09/20/20 01:52 PM
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old and cheap first, thank me later.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7981066 09/20/20 02:38 PM
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How about that Blue Bronco with the hood up at Seniors shooting range??


SPACE FOR RENT


Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: Buzzsaw] #7981347 09/20/20 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Buzzsaw
How about that Blue Bronco with the hood up at Seniors shooting range??



Hey I was gonna call dibs on that! That’s a 92-96.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: TXHOGSLAYER] #7981673 09/21/20 12:06 AM
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Originally Posted by TXHOGSLAYER
Originally Posted by txwildcat
Both of mine drove older "rough" trucks in high school. They both ended up with newer vehicles around the time they went to college. Any question why...just drive them to school someday and take them into the student lots. Do that and you will understand why they shouldn't drive a "nice" vehicle bolt



At my sons school I have seen students driving 911's, a G wagon, and lots of Beemers, benz's, Camaro's, and the like. Not sure what the parents are thinking.


I’m trying to be less judgmental, these days, but moves like that make it hard to keep my mouth shut.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: Sneaky] #7981740 09/21/20 12:47 AM
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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7982438 09/21/20 04:31 PM
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Creek’s Bronco would be a cool start.

I bought a Jeep JKU in April...what I learned from that is the insurance is almost 1/2 what my SuperDuty truck is and it’s a dog. It really might be the perfect first vehicle for some kids. Funny thing is I had no idea when I bought it that would be the case. I asked the agent about it and he said they don’t make a “fast” Jeep and parts are generally modular with lots of aftermarket options if he keeps the damage to the frame at bay.

Good luck Chad.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: Sneaky] #7982457 09/21/20 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Sneaky
Originally Posted by TXHOGSLAYER
Originally Posted by txwildcat
Both of mine drove older "rough" trucks in high school. They both ended up with newer vehicles around the time they went to college. Any question why...just drive them to school someday and take them into the student lots. Do that and you will understand why they shouldn't drive a "nice" vehicle bolt



At my sons school I have seen students driving 911's, a G wagon, and lots of Beemers, benz's, Camaro's, and the like. Not sure what the parents are thinking.


I’m trying to be less judgmental, these days, but moves like that make it hard to keep my mouth shut.


My ex moved my two little girls from a very poor, almost inner-city, Christian school to one of the largest Christian schools in the area on the north side of San Antonio. Kids were driving brand-new Hummers when they were all the rage, and other high-end cars. Talk about culture shock. My oldest one got a used Olds 88 (in white) from me. I do believe she quietly hated me during that period. roflmao


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7982458 09/21/20 04:41 PM
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I got my son an 89 f150 3 speed with a straight 6. Good running truck.


Sometimes it's hard being me! But somebody has to do it.
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: angus1956] #7982463 09/21/20 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by angus1956
For my boys we did the Chevy S10 4 bangers with manual shift.
This way they learn how to drive a manual transmission and insurance is low so you win also.
When I called the insurance company the lady said "That's the perfect truck for a new driver."
With the manual shifter there is no way any of there friends will be driving it.

Or.... everyone will be taking a turn because he's the only one that has one?

That was my experience anyway lol


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7982469 09/21/20 04:48 PM
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Yes, I'm amazed at some of the vehicles the teens are driving. Multiple new vehicles, BMW, new Chevy trucks, and such. I, 100%, will not spend money on anything close to that.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: fadetoblack64] #7982482 09/21/20 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by takewhatyoucan64
Buy a junker. They're gonna wreck it.

Big old suburban or expedition.......raggedy.



this.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7982487 09/21/20 05:00 PM
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My brother and I started driving in the early 2000's. Brother got a '93 2wd chevy 1500 single cab used with 150,000 miles on it. It was a good truck few issues and he sold it with well over 200k miles on it.

I bought my dads current truck a '94 chevy 1500 2wd with 140,000 mile son it and drove it to 265k miles with very few issues.

Brothers was a $3,000 truck at the time and needed nothing. Mine was worth maybe $4,000 at the time.

You gotta pick what you want, is it a play toy or a means of transportation? Ours were manual locks crank windows 2 wheel drive basic vehicles with moderate miles for their age. As long as they haven't been neglected they will run a lot longer than many give them credit for.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7982491 09/21/20 05:02 PM
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The boy got a '77 Pontiac Gran LeMans in baby poo yellow. Lotta steel right there and a couple years older than he was. grin He loved it.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7982521 09/21/20 05:24 PM
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Daughter got an 11 year old Cadillac Tank in sickly yellow. I was not her hero and I still hear about it 24 years later.

Son got a 12 year old Jimmy and rolled it. I guess he learned a lesson...has not had a wreck since.

Nephew got his only child son an almost new jeep which he rolled within a month. Nephew did not learn. Jeep was replaced by a new chevy pickup which was wrecked within 3 months.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7982556 09/21/20 05:37 PM
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may want to take a look at the used truck market.

Obama and his Cash for Clunkers program got rid of a lot of good older vehicles, and Mexico got most of the rest.


You have to go out of your way to find most of these vehicles ya'll are describing as being fit for kids.

a 10 year old truck is still a 2010 model. In our area, and i see alot of miles, i really have to look pretty hard to find a vehicle much older than 10 years on the road today.

a 10 year old truck is still gonna be much nicer than what we had available to us as well.

I had a 2011 Ford F-150 that would still drive today. It was a nice ride. A 1994 model F-150 or Chevy 1500, which is what i would have had in high school, would pale in comparison in terms of amenities. Its also hard to find a truck today that isn't a crew cab. Not nearly as many reg. cabs on the road and ext. cabs are a thing of the past.




For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7982575 09/21/20 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by ChadTRG42
My son is 15, and we are looking at trucks and talking options. Of course he likes the newer trucks, but they are too expensive. We are talking about maybe buying a 1980's GMC or Chevy truck and fixing it up. We can find a 1980's truck for about $3K. On these older trucks, has anyone restored one or done a major overhaul on it? If so, how did it turn out? Cost, reliable afterwards? We are looking to repaint, reupholster, engine work, etc, all the goodies. He and I both love the look of these older trucks, and they look good once they are fixed up.


My first vehicle was supposed to have been a 68' K5 that me and my Dad did a frame up on. I am not exactly sure how much he had in it - but aside from paint and sand blasting he/we did everything ourselves (he bought and sold late 60-80s pickups as a hobby/extra income...this was late 90s early 2000s). I say supposed to be - a guy saw him leaving the tire shop and followed him home and made him an offer he couldn't refuse. I think it was somewhere in the 12-13K range - which in 2002 was a chunk of change for that...now one in that shape would likely sell for double.

He made a pretty much barn find on a 1984 K5 that was as close as flawless as you could get. Old man bought it for hunting new and it had 30K original miles on it. I think he gave $1,500 for it. I spent probably 1-2K of my own money for bigger tires, sound system, and I scrounged a few junk yards and got a factory roll bar so I could look even "cooler" with the top off. I think my Dad spent 1-2K on headers, exhaust, bigger carb, and few odds and ends to bring the engine to life. It was dang near a showpiece. I never had a single problem with it other than needing a new starter. I drove it all over Texas my JR and SR year of high school.

Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7982594 09/21/20 06:01 PM
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A good square body, with an LS swap and body/paint can be had for about what a few year old Tacoma will cost. And unlike the newer trucks, will only appreciate in value. LS swaps are not that hard, most kits now are "plug and play", and good engines from wrecked vehicles aren't that expensive. Find one that is rust free, and do a project with your son. If the body is fairly straight, lightly sand iit down and clear coat it for that rustic look.


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Re: Truck for a 16 yr old? [Re: ChadTRG42] #7984982 09/23/20 11:02 AM
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You might want to consider Gary's 07 Toyota RAV 4 in the classifieds.

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