Jesus, lots of negativity. If your son is responsible enough to earn $28K+ in two years, then he has a leg up on most of todays teens. I say let him be the deciding factor. You more than likely taught him how to drive so you set the example for him. But if he still lives under your roof, lay down the law. If he violates that law, punish accordingly.

All these naysayers are judging you kid based on his age. My first car at 17 was a Mustang. Never raced it, and had one accident because someone slammed on their brakes. That doesn't make me perfect, but it makes me a perfect example that not all teenagers are reckless raggamuffins who don't need a nice car.

 

True, that could be true maybe he is a great kid and responsible, but think about it, 18 and wants an Evo? hmmmmmm?


question for you dad, do you know if he saw the "2F2F" movie?

 

I was actually thinking about this post away from EVOM.net which is rare. I tried to put myself in your place and your son's place.

From your son's point of view,
He's 18 and earning good money, and probably knows a little about responsibility. He probably doesn't want to compromise with a lesser car, especially when he's probably seen other people around his age driving them. He's probably thinking hell if it is so hard to drive, why would they sell them? I would imagine he has a couple years of driving under his belt, and thinks he has this driving thing down pretty well.

From your point of view,
You probably want him to have what he wants, but you don't want him to die because of it. This car seems like a parent's nightmare. Everyone is going to want to race him, he is going to get profiled by the cops, and he'll probably end up wrapped around a tree.

One thing that cannot be solved by buying a WRX is irresponsibility. Peer pressure might be slightly higher (from his friends and/or drivers on the street) that will make it just that much more tempting, but basically if a person is going to street race, they are just going to do it. Driving recklessly on the street, whether it be in a WRX, civic, or whatever, will just end up the same way. If this is the case, I would start looking for a very slow volvo or something.

Hopefully this is not the case, and I think I found something new for you to consider as a compromise: Buy the EVO, but de-tune it for a while, and slowly re-tune it as his skill level builds.

For most cars, this would not be an option. However, I think the EVO has certain attributes that make it a good candidate for this. This would of course require some professional correspondence between to get it in writing that this won't void your warranty, which you may or may not have luck with.

How to de-tune:
a) Power - all this requires is an electronic boost controller, or simply tap the wastegate actuator line directly from manifold or turbo outlet pressure, limiting the boost to about 10psi. You could even go so far as to install a softer wastegate actuator spring to limit it even further.

b) Twitchy steering and tramlining - all this requires is installing some high-quality all-season radials instead of the super gummy near R-compound tires it comes with. This will tame the bump steer slightly by having more compliant sidewalls, and the tramlining will all but disappear with the less aggressive rubber, making it handle more like a normal car. Also, as good as the stock tires are on damp pavement, they don't shed water as well as a true all-season tire. These would keep him safer when the weather turns foul.

An EVO with all-season radials and very low boost would be roughly the equivalent of a quick steering ratio, stiffly sprung WRX.

As time progresses, skill improves, and agreed-upon milestones are reached, you could slowly increase the performance back to or surpassing stock levels.
Of course, this would take a commitment between you both, as these modifications are easily bypassed. It would have to be a firm mutual agreement, and you would have to really sell him on it. (Note: if he does attend driver's ed/track days, it would probably be better to put the gumball tires back on if removed)

The first time I had my EVO on the track in stock form, my instructor was VERY nervous simply because the limits of the car, in all aspects, are simply astounding for a normal roadgoing vehicle, and I didn't waste time exploring them. He said if I didn't turn out to be such a good student/driver, he would have asked somebody else to go for my next sessions instead of him because the car is so quick in every aspect. Fortunatley I had daily driving experience at 140+ mph in germany for 2 years, so I could adapt quickly. So yes, it's a serious machine and can scare the crap out of seasoned racers. But if you are dedicated enough to learn to drive it well, it's really a fun car.

Good luck in whatever you decide, and I hope your son stays safe and enjoys life.

 

I think it is standup that you are making the effort to go on this forum and take an interest in something that is obviously very important to your son.

In socalevo.net, we have a number of 18 year olds with evos and most of them have avoided problems going to our driving school affiated with the site: www.evolutionownersclub.com.

When I was 18(39 now) My folks didn't get my speed bug so I quietly built a 450whp car out of the second hand v8 "boat" they got me and then road raced motorcycles during college. Showed them tapes of me racing after the fact. Better to stay involved with your son- question him and see if he really understands the concept of: "be careful of what you ask for". If he really wants a street legal race car that is the evo, then he needs to learn how to drive it properly and get instruction.

You know your son- if he is responsible, pay for a good school and let him realize his dream. I guarantee that he will be humble and drive slower on the street if he gets a chance to learn what this car will do in a safe controlled environment. Giving him a chance to participate in track days later is also a good way to enjoy the car- he will be not so inclined to drive fast if he has an avenue to look forward to on the track.

Evo+ 18 year old... depends on the kid and getting him some instruction and guidance to respect the car. As I mentioned, we have 18 year olds in the club so far without incident or major tickets but they are all good kids and go to the track.

If he has a speed bug he can still wrap himself around a tree in a civic or go behind your back before you know it. Better to guide him then just shut him down if he is really determined to get the car.

Maybe you should sign up for a school with him- something for both of you to enjoy.

Good luck with you and your son,

Mark

 

18 with an Evo is a bad idea. He may be the most responsible kid in the world but the fact is that everyone on this board who has one pushes their car. If I wanted to drive slow all the time I would own a much cheaper car. From my point of view no 18 yr old has the driving experience necessary for a car this fast. The Evo is not a beginers car and that is what he is. I have a friend who has always been very responsible. His father bought him an Rx-7 when he was 20 or so. He picked me up one morning when I got back from school and we were just driving slow and talking. We come to a corner and with out warning or saying a word he decided to push it a little around a corner and "explore the limits". Things went from bad to worse real fast and I was nearly killed. Ten years later I still have pain every day, lots of big scars and alot of metal in my body. Life goes on and I love my Evo but if I were you I would do everything in my power to stop my young son from buying an Evo. Do a search on the board and look at all the wrecked Evo's. Bad things can happen very fast in a car like this. My $.02.

 

You know something, I'm going to retract my original suggestion, and instead, I'm going to tell you this.

If he wants an Evo, get him an Evo. Just remember to buy the maximum amount of liabilility insurance you can get. Also, buy as much life and disability insurance for him as you can.

The life insurance policy isn't for you; it's for his victim(s)' family when he kills himself and somebody else in the process.

Also, tell me where you live so I will avoid the general area.

 

I am more inclined to think that speeding or reckless driving is an act of the driver, not the car. If someone desperately want speed, he will push any car to its full capability. Should a dangerous situation occurs, the Evo (compare to other econoboxes) is likely to save him from serious damage, thanks to its awesome handling, powerful brakes, and AWD.

I do agree with earlier posts in regards to clutch. He should be given the opportunity to practice his left foot. Learning how to drive stick on the Evo is probably bad news.

 

There is nothing wrong with your kid getting an evo at 18 in my opinion.

If you think he is responsible enough to handle such a car, then let him have it. He was mature and responsible enough to earn enough money for the car in a very short time by himself; which in itself took a lot of time and determination. If I was in your situation I would send him to a driving school to let him learn the limits of this car. Tell him to be weary of car costs, i.e. (tire changes, oil changes and basic preventative maintence), also tell him that pretty much any modifications to the car will void the warranty.

Nobody learns until their first wreck, and if he drives like an idiot on the road he will get into an accident and learn. I honestly think he already made his mind of the Evo and won't compromise, but if you think he will drive dangerous on the road with the Evo, tell him to buy a used wrx.

 

It may sound stupid, but I think that having more power and better handling makes the evo a safer car than some other underpowered slow response car, it all depends on the driver! I do admit that I still have a lot to learn, I sometimes find myself doing the most asinine things haha .[/QUOTE] You said it yourSelf , It does sound stupid. Having more power does not make the car safer, it actually puts you in some hairy situations because you think your car can beat that corvette next to you at the traffic light. Shall I continue. I was 16 once about 13 years ago. I would like to see you behind the wheel of a 450whp twinturbo Supra.

 

No, get him either a 2005 E55 or a new 996 Twin Turbo. He needs more HP than an EVO...

Being 18, you need to be able to unleash the beast within!

 

If he really studdied up on the evo, he's probably reading this thread.

 

I think it all depends on the self control of the individual. It doesn't matter if you are 18, 28 or 38. I've seen older people doing reckless stuff too. I agree with the driving school part that everyone is suggesting. I know that Bondurant has a teen driving class that teaches teenagers how to control a car etc. Something to look into.
I disagree on the suggestions of getting a WRX first and then get a Evo. You can always mod. a WRX to high HP too.
I had a Mustang GT back when I was 18 and I did stupid things in the car. but once I took it to AutoX and really saw how other seasoned racers drive, it really gives a perspective of how unexperienced I was with this car control thing.
You can only prepare your son to your best ability. Driving techniques, driving school, responsibility, other people's lives, not give in to peer pressure etc.

Only thing to do is to trust his judgement, either the car will be too fast for him or the expenses will be too much. Then he will move to other cars that are more to his speed and wallet.

hope that helps.

 

Reading this post from this "16 Year old Youngin" makes a very very good point.. Not just what he said, but how he said it. There are people who just shouldn't be driving this car. Everyone eventually has to learn if their an enthusiast, its restraint and responsibility that makes the difference of whether or not someone is capable of owning and driving a performance car (not just the Evo).

With that said, Look at what this member wrote.. First, he's not saying he's 16 and he's got one, therefore its ok. He's made a good point, plus he also admits to doing some dumb things. Now, given the experience he has, that can be the only downfall. But if your son is capable of articulating his feelings as this member is, and understands responsibility, and MORE IMPORTANTLY, that he has alot to learn, then I don't see anything wrong with him getting the car.

My first "Gut" instinct is that it takes 5-7 years of driving to really get accustomed to most situations, and some performance driving experience on the track to really be prepared to handle the full performance of this car. Its not that he's incapable of the responsibility, however he may be unprepared for it.

If he really feels he wants this car, you can't change his mind. Your best option is to make sure he's as prepared as he can possibly be to drive the car. PLUS driving schools and track days are a great "Father/Son" bonding environment. (A little friendly competition too) Who knows, he could end up being a better driver than you.

I wish I can say there's a cutoff and that there are people who are "Too young" to own a car like this. Part of peoples responses to young folks with nice cars is jealousy and not understanding how someone could possibly afford the car. Obviously if he can afford it, he has to take responsibility for every aspect of it. I definitely don't recommend the EVO as a first "manual transmission" car. However alot of stick drivers have bad habits they have to break when they get an Evo.. So if his learning experience is on this car, assuming his clutch survives, he'll learn restraint.

Another point, this car is not a "Step on it and forget it" car.. It takes a bit of forethought to pull a passing maneuver and also know what gear at what speed to drop it into.. This could be a good thing since you would need to give some thought to impulsive driving activities, which would actually be a good learning experience.


So the short of it is..

1) Yes, he's probably too young to own this car.
2) Not every youngster is incapable of being responsible with this car
3) Peer pressure is a bad thing, and if he hasn't demonstrated he is capable of responding to it in an appropriate manner, then this car is not a good idea
4) If he really wants it, he'll get it anyway.. so help him get as prepared as possible.

 

Insurance rates for an 18 year old on this car will be out of the roof. If he can afford to make those payments then maybe it is a consideration.

 

I think if he worked up the money to get the car then he really really wants it and wouldn't do anything stupid to cause damamge to it. Would you want somone from stopping you to buy your dream car that you worked 3 years for?