[mgarblik]

My daughters first car was a 1993 Firebird V-6 5-speed manual. She wanted to learn how to drive a stick, which made me happy. She was very responsible and had the car through 4 years of college. It was very reliable. Regular maintenance and an alternator, battery and had to work on the hidden headlights a couple of times. That's all. Overall, a pleasant experience for all involved. She moved to a Mustang next and had a fox body for 5-6 years. It was very reliable as well. My other daughter, was reckless and very hard on her cars. She had a 3rd. Generation Camaro for her first car. Pulled in front of a late model Chevy extended cab pick-up going 50-55 MPH. Totaled her car, just decimated the body. The front bumper was 300 ft. from the accident scene. The engine was pushed back so far it broke the console. She had 4 people in the car. Both doors still opened and they all walked out with minor cuts and scrapes. I was very impressed with the strength of the passenger compartment. FWIW.

[The Champ]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

My daughters first car was a 1993 Firebird V-6 5-speed manual.

I'm quoting this because of the reference to a manual transmission.

Why?

Because it's one way to severely limit the number of her friends that can drive "her" car.

As was refered by other commenters, she will take and do things with this car that you won't know about.

Is she willing to learn how to drive a stick?

Beyond that, if an automatic is still what you decide to go with...

I don't think a relatively high powered vehicle is the right choice for a 16 year old's first car. Wait until he/she has exhibited the maturity to have one.

$5500 (plus whatever it would cost to get the Firehawk running) should give you plenty of options for a relatively safe vehicle with decent paint and interior.

Just for ****s and giggles, I did a quick search within a 200 mile radius of Houston and found this:

2006 Pontiac Solstice Convertible with 5 speed and only 70,000 miles:



It's under $6000 at Roger Beasley Mazda Central located in Austin, TX.

It's a Pontiac like the Firehawk (I'm assuming that is a plus for you), should be a fun car to drive, relatively economical and has some serious style. Everyone will know it's your daughter's car because no one else will have one like it.

Your daughter could only have one friend in the car with her, limiting distractions.

And it's a manual transmission...