Hey there. Some of you may remember me as the guy who just recently bought a '92 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi Supercharged. You may remember that I originally bought the car with the intention of giving it to my son for his 18th birthday, but fell in love with it. Well, I've made my decision. Although it originally stemmed from selfishness, it has recently become more of a 'more car than a teenager needs' type thing. I realized that a car as nice, and with as much power as this one, is more than necessary for a new driver. After reading this post: http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=50158 And seeing those pictures, I realized that it'* just not a good idea. I think I'll find him something more along the lines of a 4-cylander Toyota Camry. In the end, I think he'll thank me. With gas prices the way they are, and maitnance costs, I think it would be more appropriate. Do you all think I'm making the right decision?

-Jeff-

hey, i agree, the supercharged car is a little bit too much for a newbie to the roads, but dont limit him with a 4cyl, as when he is allowed to get something faster, or with more grunt, he might wreck it and himself, get him a non supercharged bonnie maybe, or start him off in a small car, then upgrade to something bigger with more power behind it, if you can afford to go from one car to another in 6 months to a year. we are getting so many limitations in what power cars we can drive over here in australia, that they start with a 4 banger, and then get of their probationary licence, go get a big v8 holden and almost kill themselves, as they cant handle it, going from a front wheel drive 4cyl to a big rwd monster.

i drive a commodore v6, same motor as the 92-95 bonnies, mines a rwd, wagon, its huge, but i know my limits with it, i think if i started with a 4cyl and then went to the commodore after wanting it for 3 years(length of probationary licence with new engine restrictions) id probably kill myself.

oh, and let him drive the SSEi every now and then, with you next to him to help him out.

my rant over.

hmm thats a toughie... its a shame to waste a car on a kid (im 20 btw lol) but if you think he will take care of it the way a bonnie should be then I dont see why he couldnt handle it. Its not like its 500 hp or anything... but power is nothing without respect, and if you have any doubt that he will be responsible and mature with this car then you should keep it for yourself, otherwise, let him have a cooler car than all his friends

First off, why is he getting his first car at 18? I was on my 5th car by then. And no, my parents never bought me a car, i payed for them all myself with after school jobs.
Second, my first car was a 76' Grand Marque w/460BB that could kick the dog **** out of my 98' SSEi from a 30 roll anyday and do a dohnut from a stand still.
Never had an accident till i was 18 when i got run off the road by a drunk.
It all depends on his upbringing and respect for cars. If he has a level head and likes cars, he should have no problem with any car.

I'm 15 and on my 5th.

I don't see anything wrong with him driving the SSEi if you think he can handle it. My parents think I could handle it, so they are cool with me looking for a SSEi

[quote="ga93sle

I'm 15 and on my 5th.

I don't see anything wrong with him driving the SSEi if you think he can handle it. My parents think I could handle it, so they are cool with me looking for a SSEi[/quote]

15? What'* the driving age there?

Man. Screwed that quote up

i agree, the */c bonnie is a bit too much power for a 16yr old.. when i was 17 i was goign to buy a */c riviera, and im glad i didnt because i know i would have gotten myself into alot of trouble with that much car

IMO get your son a non SC Bonne. Bigger is better especially after seeing those wreck pics!!

Another thing that would be cool is you can have many father son car projects since you both will have Bonne'* and can work on them together.

Jeff, as a dad of 2 teeneagers, I can definitely understand your reasoning. You can find him a good "learner' car for now, and maybe graduate him up the Bonne later (if you're willing to let it go)