[92GTA]

My oldest son is a lost cause on the car guy front but my youngest who is turning 16 this June is showing interest and promise. I've been teaching him to drive for over a year and he is willing to learn to drive a manual.

Knowing how important your first cars are in what a person's tastes are as a car guy, I'm being a little picky on what I get him. The 2 things I absolutely refuse to buy him are a 4 banger import rice rocket or a Ford.
My first choice for him would have been something 60s, small block, 4-spd, but he only seems to like the more expensive cars that are way out of my price range (which is about $5K-$6K).

What would you guys recommend that is more modern and in my budget? I'm thinking a 1998-2002 V6 6spd Firebird type of car. I don't want him having a V8 quite yet, but if the right one came along I would just put a restrictor plate on the TB and limit the throttle travel. A V8 also means higher insurance for him tho. I'm having a difficult time coming up with good options.

I bought my oldest a 2001 Toyota Corolla and he is happy to have it. I for sure want my youngest to have something "cool" to turn him into a car guy hopefully.