Which would you choose for your teen?

3,542 Views | 55 Replies | Last: 25 days ago by combat wombat™
ATL Aggie
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:36p, 4/30/24
AG
2017 Mazda3 Touring, 65k miles, $10k
2008 4Runner Limited, 2WD, 150k miles, $7,500

I was about to buy the Mazda from a colleague but a neighbor has just offered up a 4Runner. Which would you choose?

The 4Runner in my opinion is "cooler", but it it doesn't have modern safety features. It sits higher up which I think has some safety advantage. I personally would rather own the 4Runner, but my kids safety is more important. Is a more modern Mazda sedan going to be safer than an older 4Runner? Which is a better vehicle for an inexperienced driver?


Reply Quote
stevopike
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:38p, 4/30/24
AG
any idea if maintenance has been kept up on Toyota?
Reply Quote
ATL Aggie
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to stevopike • 3:42p, 4/30/24
AG
I believe it has been well maintained.
Reply Quote
Buck Turgidson
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
4:19p, 4/30/24
Long drive to school? Is the drive on city streets or highway?
Reply Quote
ATL Aggie
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Buck Turgidson • 4:38p, 4/30/24
AG
School is 10 minutes away on local streets. There isn't much need to drive on the interstate, but they will in order to get comfortable with it and learn.
Reply Quote
Trinity Ag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to ATL Aggie • 4:40p, 4/30/24
S
ATL Aggie said:
2017 Mazda3 Touring, 65k miles, $10k
2008 4Runner Limited, 2WD, 150k miles, $7,500

I was about to buy the Mazda from a colleague but a neighbor has just offered up a 4Runner. Which would you choose?

The 4Runner in my opinion is "cooler", but it it doesn't have modern safety features. It sits higher up which I think has some safety advantage. I personally would rather own the 4Runner, but my kids safety is more important. Is a more modern Mazda sedan going to be safer than an older 4Runner? Which is a better vehicle for an inexperienced driver?


I would recommend the Mazda3.

"Safer" is one of those "it depends" things.

The 4Runner will absolutely do better in a major collision based on size and weight, but is also likely more prone to accidents, as the handling characteristics of a heavy, truck-based SUV with rear wheel drive are less forgiving than a front drive car that will outhandle and outbrake the 4Runner by a significant amount.

The Mazda will be easier to drive, easier to park, and is plenty safe.

Gas and maintenance costs (given the age) will favor the Mazda. Is the kid paying for gas & upkeep?

If possible, I would let the teen drive the two and tell which they are more comfortable in. Both are great choices.
Reply Quote
17
1 edit
mefoghorn
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
4:46p, 4/30/24
AG
Either is a pretty good choice. The 4runner is plenty safe, super reliable, versatile and a classic. The Mazda will feel much newer.
Reply Quote
Buck Turgidson
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
5:05p, 4/30/24
I'd be reluctant to buy anything with 150k miles, even a Toyota. Of those two, I'd lean Mazda.
Reply Quote
5
1agswitchin4lanes
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
5:08p, 4/30/24
AG
No clean delta 88s in your area?
Reply Quote
9
Ag for Life
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
5:09p, 4/30/24
AG
4Runner. More mass always wins and parts are cheap since 4Runners had the same powertrain for like 25 years
Reply Quote
6
ATL Aggie
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Buck Turgidson • 5:24p, 4/30/24
AG
I'm not concerned with the milage. I have a land cruiser with 289k on the clock.
Reply Quote
3
Matsui
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to ATL Aggie • 5:35p, 4/30/24
AG
Sick ride. Post a pic. Don't let the teenage drive that Land Cruiser ha!
Reply Quote
EskimoJoe
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
6:10p, 4/30/24
run this question past your insurance agent
Reply Quote
9
Tim Weaver
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
6:24p, 4/30/24
First cars are pretty much disposable. So which one of these would you rather see in a bar ditch?
Reply Quote
1
JP76
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:04p, 4/30/24
For a first time driver I want the full frame of the 4runner. Also the 4runner can take a lot of abuse such as curb hitting with out much damage. If it is a 4.0 engine those run easily 250-300 k with basic maintenance and the vehicle is generally very reliable. If it needs tires I would put some michelin ltx on it. Put a good battery in it and use mobil 1 full synthetic every 5,000 and it will run for a long time.
Reply Quote
4
2 edits
aggie93
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to ATL Aggie • 8:17p, 4/30/24
AG
ATL Aggie said:
2017 Mazda3 Touring, 65k miles, $10k
2008 4Runner Limited, 2WD, 150k miles, $7,500

I was about to buy the Mazda from a colleague but a neighbor has just offered up a 4Runner. Which would you choose?

The 4Runner in my opinion is "cooler", but it it doesn't have modern safety features. It sits higher up which I think has some safety advantage. I personally would rather own the 4Runner, but my kids safety is more important. Is a more modern Mazda sedan going to be safer than an older 4Runner? Which is a better vehicle for an inexperienced driver?


I've been to 2 funerals for kids that graduated with my son already from car wrecks, the last one was pretty much the most horrible and gut wrenching thing I've ever been to. Both were in Compact cars. Couple other kids have been in some really nasty accidents.

Both my boys drive F150s (one with a Ranch Hand, probably will put one on the other).. I'd go 4 Runner. Sorry to be so direct but I swore after that last funeral I was going to put my kids in tanks until they are off my payroll and then they can do what they want out of college.

"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."

Ronald Reagan
Reply Quote
9
ATL Aggie
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to aggie93 • 8:42p, 4/30/24
AG
Well, unbeknownst to me, the 4Runner was offered simultaneously to a few neighbors and has already been snatched. So it looks like my options are limited but the last post scares the crap out of me.
Reply Quote
Trinity Ag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to ATL Aggie • 9:02p, 4/30/24
S
ATL Aggie said:
Well, unbeknownst to me, the 4Runner was offered simultaneously to a few neighbors and has already been snatched. So it looks like my options are limited but the last post scares the crap out of me.
Mazda 3 gets very high ratings.

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/mazda/3-4-door-sedan/2017

Don't let people panic you into thinking anything smaller than a F150 is a death trap.

4Runner isn't perfect:

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/4runner-4-door-suv/2008
Reply Quote
8
Mas89
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Trinity Ag • 9:08p, 4/30/24
AG
Not so sure about that. Both my kid and wife have been hit at an intersection by red light runners. 10 years apart. Real thankful they were in F150/ Tahoe. Pretty sure both would have had significant injuries in a smaller/ lower riding vehicle. Son's truck was totaled and both were bruised/ shaken up.
Reply Quote
1
ATL Aggie
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Matsui • 9:15p, 4/30/24
AG
Matsui said:
Sick ride. Post a pic. Don't let the teenage drive that Land Cruiser ha!


Right now the LC is what I am teaching my son to drive. But I cant bear the thought of him banging it up, hence the reason why I am about to buy the Mazda3.
Reply Quote
ATL Aggie
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to ATL Aggie • 9:19p, 4/30/24
AG
Forgot the pic:


https://flic.kr/p/2puYGEM

I can't figure out the bb code on my phone.
Reply Quote
1
2 edits
Trinity Ag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Mas89 • 9:38p, 4/30/24
S
Mas89 said:
Not so sure about that. Both my kid and wife have been hit at an intersection by red light runners. 10 years apart. Real thankful they were in F150/ Tahoe. Pretty sure both would have had significant injuries in a smaller/ lower riding vehicle. Son's truck was totaled and both were bruised/ shaken up.
I'm glad your family is safe, but personal anecdotes don't mean that cars aren't safe.

Reply Quote
7
Mas89
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Trinity Ag • 10:16p, 4/30/24
AG
But if you get t-boned on the drivers side door and the bumper either goes below your seat to the floor board or straight to your hip/ pelvis, there is a huge difference in injuries. Sedan or truck/ suv. Take your pick.
Reply Quote
2
1 edit
aggie93
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Trinity Ag • 2:10a, 5/1/24
AG
Trinity Ag said:
Mas89 said:
Not so sure about that. Both my kid and wife have been hit at an intersection by red light runners. 10 years apart. Real thankful they were in F150/ Tahoe. Pretty sure both would have had significant injuries in a smaller/ lower riding vehicle. Son's truck was totaled and both were bruised/ shaken up.
I'm glad your family is safe, but personal anecdotes don't mean that cars aren't safe.

A young driver in their first 5 years of driving is the time they are most likely to be in a devastating wreck. That's just reality. Doesn't mean that cars are unsafe but it does mean that it is worth prioritizing safety for a young driver. They are by definition inexperienced and they are also most likely to feel invincible. That means they are likely to drive when they are tired or panic or a variety of other activities behind the wheel that can be disastrous.

There are other cars besides trucks that are safer as well, I just cringe when I see parents put their kids in little cars because they are cheaper or they want to save some money driving back and forth to college.
"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."

Ronald Reagan
Reply Quote
sts7049
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Mas89 • 5:32a, 5/1/24
AG
Mas89 said:
But if you get t-boned on the drivers side door and the bumper either goes below your seat to the floor board or straight to your hip/ pelvis, there is a huge difference in injuries. Sedan or truck/ suv. Take your pick.
i'd rather have the vehicle 9 years newer that has much more recent advances in engineering and safety technology, even if it is a smaller car.
Reply Quote
3
sts7049
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 1agswitchin4lanes • 5:33a, 5/1/24
AG
1agswitchin4lanes said:
No clean delta 88s in your area?
one of these days people will learn to appreciate this land yacht
Reply Quote
3
OnlyForNow
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to sts7049 • 5:52a, 5/1/24
AG
Even in this crazy scenario where you're getting tboned?
Reply Quote
2
sts7049
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to OnlyForNow • 6:30a, 5/1/24
AG
i mean, you can what-if the scenario to death and you can't guard against all of it. 9 years is a long time for incorporation of better designs, high strength steel, etc. that is my point.

maybe you survive better in the 4 runner in that exact scenario but driving that perhaps you are much higher risk of rollover now. is that better or worse?
Reply Quote
1
JamesPShelley
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 1agswitchin4lanes • 7:29a, 5/1/24
1agswitchin4lanes said:
No clean delta 88s in your area?
Rich. I had one, in the 80s.
Reply Quote
OnlyForNow
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to sts7049 • 7:32a, 5/1/24
AG
Absolutely, but side impact crashes are probably more common than rollovers.

Reply Quote
Furlock Bones
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:01a, 5/1/24
AG
4Runner
Reply Quote
2
1agswitchin4lanes
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to OnlyForNow • 8:02a, 5/1/24
AG
OnlyForNow said:
Even in this crazy scenario where you're getting tboned?


Delta 88s won't even feel it.
Reply Quote
1
PMD03
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:17a, 5/1/24
AG
Does a deuce and a half require CDL? If not, that is what I would recommend. I have seen what happens to tiny half ton pickups in a crash and I wouldn't trust my teen's safety to one of those.
Reply Quote
OnlyForNow
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 1agswitchin4lanes • 8:24a, 5/1/24
AG
Neither would a 90s Land Cruiser.
Reply Quote
Silvy
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to PMD03 • 8:35a, 5/1/24
AG
Pretty certain no CDL required, there was a bro at TAMUG who would drive his M35 to campus and to the Strand relatively often
Reply Quote
Page 1 of 2 ▼
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.