Toyota MR2 Message Board - View Single Post - Dad and Son, newbies, looking for MKII

goixoye · 05-25-2009, 09:42 AM

Welcome...even though you're looking at starting on the "dark side" of MR2 ownership (MKII)....jk.

As a 45yo father I would NEVER let my son start with a turbo. I've read too many sad stories about teenagers killing themselves and their friends in cars they should have never been driving at such a young age. That said a person can get killed while driving "recklessly" in ANY car. But IMHO it's more likely that someone would try to be showing off in a turbo than a N/A.

My oldest son (19) has an 87 Celebrity wagon. The younger one (15.5) isn't going to be as easy...he wants something with a little more zip & appeal...but wanting it and getting it are two different things. The wisest thing is probably to go the conservative route and the Previa seems OK there.

I don't think I'd rule out an MR2. IMO when you drive the speed limit it's not much different than other cars. So with the proper amount of respect it should be OK as a 2nd car (after the Previa) and even as a 1st car. To a new driver any platform is going to have it's peculiarities (FWD (at least older ones) exhibit a little torque steer, RWD can get tail happy, etc). I would definitely vote for NA (for $ & HP reasons). If Brandon likes the MR2 enough to stay with it he can either mod an NA or step up to a turbo. Just be careful not to give him too much rope if you know what I mean.

05-25-2009, 09:42 AM	#50 (permalink)
goixoye Worthless Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Roanoke, VA Posts: 133 Thanks: 1 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Welcome...even though you're looking at starting on the "dark side" of MR2 ownership (MKII)....jk. As a 45yo father I would NEVER let my son start with a turbo. I've read too many sad stories about teenagers killing themselves and their friends in cars they should have never been driving at such a young age. That said a person can get killed while driving "recklessly" in ANY car. But IMHO it's more likely that someone would try to be showing off in a turbo than a N/A. My oldest son (19) has an 87 Celebrity wagon. The younger one (15.5) isn't going to be as easy...he wants something with a little more zip & appeal...but wanting it and getting it are two different things. The wisest thing is probably to go the conservative route and the Previa seems OK there. I don't think I'd rule out an MR2. IMO when you drive the speed limit it's not much different than other cars. So with the proper amount of respect it should be OK as a 2nd car (after the Previa) and even as a 1st car. To a new driver any platform is going to have it's peculiarities (FWD (at least older ones) exhibit a little torque steer, RWD can get tail happy, etc). I would definitely vote for NA (for $ & HP reasons). If Brandon likes the MR2 enough to stay with it he can either mod an NA or step up to a turbo. Just be careful not to give him too much rope if you know what I mean.