Jeep for my daughter??

Lou Bunn · Feb 6, 2013

Hi, I'm new here and I really think ya'll have a great forum. So, I thought I'd ask your expert opinions on this. First, I'm 53, married, 2 kids (oldest in college - Go Wolfpack!), it's my youngest daughter that's had the Jeep on her wish list for 3 years now. I work for a big corp, but on the weekends i detail cars/trucks for extra money (college expenses) and about 3 years ago I did a black Wrangler, 4.0, automatic, softtop. Well, she loved it, and rode with me to return to the owner - a friend that flips cars, he fixes the mechanical/body, I detail it and he sells them. I thought it was a phase, but she'll be 15 soon and if you have kids, you know time do fly! Anyway, I'm concerned because:
1. I see her as thinking it's cool, like the poser's on Harleys - and not ever going off-road, so it's a fashion thing.
2. Handling - it's NOT a car nor does it handle like one, heck, I learned to drive on a Farmall Super A - at age 11 - on the road, working on my uncles farm. Kids these days don't have that opportunity - heh heh! My first car was a 1972 Z-28, 4 speed, 4:10's, air shocks. fat rear tires - almost killed myself within a month! So, I'd rather she start with something she could handle.
3. Price, I work 2 jobs and still barely break even, I'm a few months away from having my oldest get through the 3 years of hell on car insurance and it'll start all over again. 16 year old girl in Jeep - I wonder how MUCH that will be.

Honestly, I know it sounds like I'm against the idea and the more thought that I put into it, the more convinced I become that this is a bad idea. I wonder, does anybody rent these like a Hertz or Enterprise?
Anyway - fire away, I appreciate your comments.

Trenty · Feb 6, 2013

My first car was a Wrangler TJ. Looking back, it was dangerous as hell to have for a first car. Numerous times I went into full spins on turns in wet/icy conditions. They pull extraordinarily heavily in puddles on the road, they can be especially dangerous in collisions, and they are all over the road in moderate winds. Granted I had an amazing time in it (hence why I have a JK now) but if it were my kid, I'd stick to something easier to handle and perhaps with 5-star crash ratings all around.

xcoaste · Feb 6, 2013

You sound like a good parent. You seem concerned for your child, but want to help them with what you can. I always wanted a Jeep growing up as well, but my parents were not in the position to buy me one. I ened up saving up for a used Jeep, and that made me appriciate it much more than if Mom and Dad would have bought it for me.

If you are able to help her out, but still think it might be a fad, look at a used YJ ('87-'95) or TJ ('97-2006). These Jeeps are awesome and great for a teenager. Obviously the budget will determine the rest! Best of luck.

EDIT: Like stated, not the safest vehicle, and my "great for a teenager" comment is more from a fun standpoint, not saftey!

rfortune · Feb 6, 2013

Most Jeeps don't go offroad. Who cares about the perception of being a "poser"? Hate to say it, but I would bet a vast majority of people buy their vehicle for form over function. They are all a bit of a fashion/personality statement, no? If not they'd all be square and white.

Teach her to driver properly, defensively, and safely. No matter what vehicle she starts out in, she will likely push its capabilities. That's the nature of being a kid and learning.

Jeep insurance is cheap, way lower than most other vehicles in my own personal experience. My rates dropped about 20% when I went from a 3 year old full size pickup to my Wrangler. Shouldn't be a factor in your decision.

kramer2k · Feb 6, 2013

I think a JK would be a perfectly suitable first vehicle for a responsible driver. I say go for it. New drivers can get into trouble in any type of car.

And Enterprise does indeed rent JKs -- in 2- or 4-door variants. It may be a good idea to rent one for a few days and let her drive it around with you in it. You could guage her comfort with it and she'd have a better idea if she's like to drive one for good.

jkjeeper06 · Feb 6, 2013

kramer2k said:
I think a JK would be a perfectly suitable first vehicle for a responsible driver. I say go for it. New drivers can get into trouble in any type of car.

Both of these are very true. If she is responsible then she'll always look back fondly on that car. They are pretty reliable too which will be nice because she could probably get through college without any major repairs.

As far as price go, they aren't cheap like you'd imagine and they hold their resale value really well. At 10years old they are still about $10k.

As far as the most fun you can legally and safely have, I don't see anything else being more fun than a wrangler. Take the top and doors off and it's a blast. Sure a Porsche would be fun to do 160 down the freeway, but then you get caught

KittyPrawn · Feb 6, 2013

Lou Bunn said:
1. I see her as thinking it's cool, like the poser's on Harleys - and not ever going off-road, so it's a fashion thing.

Why does this matter to you? I was a bit older when I had my first Jeep, but I never took it offroad. Stop judging your daughter if she likes it just so she can ride to the mall with a top down. It's a great vehicle even if she never goes off-road.

Lou Bunn said:
2. Handling - it's NOT a car nor does it handle like one, heck, I learned to drive on a Farmall Super A - at age 11 - on the road, working on my uncles farm. Kids these days don't have that opportunity - heh heh! My first car was a 1972 Z-28, 4 speed, 4:10's, air shocks. fat rear tires - almost killed myself within a month! So, I'd rather she start with something she could handle.

You'll know your daughter better than the rest of us... but between my brother and I, my accidents were simple fender benders from not paying attention enough to traffic... his accidents were more extreme. He had a faster car. When I drove my Jeep, I slowed down. Make sure she understands that she can't take it around curves at a ridiculous speed and to ALWAYS wear her seatbelt, and she should be fine. It isn't a difficult vehicle for a girl to handle.

Lou Bunn said:
3. Price, I work 2 jobs and still barely break even, I'm a few months away from having my oldest get through the 3 years of hell on car insurance and it'll start all over again. 16 year old girl in Jeep - I wonder how MUCH that will be.

Insurance on Jeeps aren't typically that high. From my Pontiac G5 to my Jeep, my insurance only raised because I increased my limits and decreased my deductible amounts. Your only concern is going to be her driving. But, most people recognize a Jeep is a cruising vehicle... might be less likely to have accidents or speeding tickets.

CMA_Rider · Feb 6, 2013

I have to call B.S. on wranglers not being safe. I was in a head on collision in october in my TJ. A drunk driver hit me when I was sitting in the turning lane, he was doing about 40mph and accelerated into me. My damage consisted of a slightly bent fender and bumper along with bent control arms. The damage to his cavalier was extensive, it was totaled with his front wheel pushed back into his drivers door. I drove home his was sent to the scrap heep.
After all this my parents want one.

Windy conditions, I drive without a front swaybar daily with no issues. I dont feel the wind pushing me unless its gusting 30mph.

Insurance as said earlier isnt bad. Wranglers are a go anywhere do anything, dual sport type of vehicle.

My Tj was my first car, I got it when I was 16

As said earlier they hold their value extremely well. KBB named wranglers as the best at holding their value. My 03 was just shy of $10k but I got a steal.

SullyRock71 · Feb 6, 2013

CMA_Rider said:
My Tj was my first car, I got it when I was 16

Somewhere a kitten died....

Like it was said earlier, you know your daughter better than anyone here, so if you think she can be responsible with it, a Jeep is a great first vehicle and should last her a long time. There's no worries of speeding like crazy in it and they're pretty solidly built, especially if you add any aftermarket steel bumpers for front and rear protection. It also wouldn't be bad for you to "borrow" from time to time! Good luck either way!

Lou Bunn · Feb 6, 2013

Thanks folks, I'm definitely going to either rent one or borrow from a neighbor so she and I can get some seat time in it. My dad was a tough S-O-B - joined the Marines at the start of WWII (at the age of 32!) yeah - tough as a 2 dollar steak, and he always told me to take care of that little girl, even though he's passed, I wouldn't be surprised to see his spirit kicking my butt again if anything happened to her. Oh- and later on in life he worked for Travelers insurance. So, anything we get will have to be rated "GOOD" by the IIHS. Even though I've read the 3.6 is much better, I'm thinking if she still wants a Jeep, and can handle it, we would be looking at JKU in the 2008-9 range.
BTW - she's starting to be alot more like me than her sister, we started target practicing with my .22 a few weeks back. I think she may have her granddad's eye, started hitting beer cans on the second shot and shoots a nice 2" group after 1 day of practice!

panthermark · Feb 6, 2013

A Wrangler is a sweet, sweet vehicle....but a poor "first" vehicle.

I would have loved to have had one when I was 16, but honestly, it would have been a poor vehicle for me.

Maybe your duaghter will be a lot more responsible than I was.

hbgirl · Feb 6, 2013

Lou Bunn said:
Thanks folks, I'm definitely going to either rent one or borrow from a neighbor so she and I can get some seat time in it. My dad was a tough S-O-B - joined the Marines at the start of WWII (at the age of 32!) yeah - tough as a 2 dollar steak, and he always told me to take care of that little girl, even though he's passed, I wouldn't be surprised to see his spirit kicking my butt again if anything happened to her. Oh- and later on in life he worked for Travelers insurance. So, anything we get will have to be rated "GOOD" by the IIHS. Even though I've read the 3.6 is much better, I'm thinking if she still wants a Jeep, and can handle it, we would be looking at JKU in the 2008-9 range.
BTW - she's starting to be alot more like me than her sister, we started target practicing with my .22 a few weeks back. I think she may have her granddad's eye, started hitting beer cans on the second shot and shoots a nice 2" group after 1 day of practice!

You're a good dad ... kudos to you for taking the time to research and ask questions to make the right decision for your girl.

:thumb:

CMA_Rider · Feb 6, 2013

SullyRock71 said:
Somewhere a kitten died....

Like it was said earlier, you know your daughter better than anyone here, so if you think she can be responsible with it, a Jeep is a great first vehicle and should last her a long time. There's no worries of speeding like crazy in it and they're pretty solidly built, especially if you add any aftermarket steel bumpers for front and rear protection. It also wouldn't be bad for you to "borrow" from time to time! Good luck either way!

Well I cant say "Vehicle" cause Ive been riding motorcycles since I was 13

sinbob · Feb 6, 2013

hbgirl said:
You're a good dad ... kudos to you for taking the time to research and ask questions to make the right decision for your girl. :thumb:

x2

Although I would disagree with it not haqndling very well. My 06 holds the corners almost as good as my mustang did, but is 10x safer.
Totally agree with the comment on getting some good steel armor up frt, back and especially on the sides. I have seen many think twice before pulling out in frt of me with the big steel bumper I have. Oh I almost forgot the armor for the gas tank to as anyone rearending will slide under and a good 1/4 inch plate of steel does wonders

-JC- · Feb 6, 2013

I think the best vehicle she could have is the one she buys herself. But that's just me.

CMA_Rider · Feb 6, 2013

sinbob said:
x2

Although I would disagree with it not haqndling very well. My 06 holds the corners almost as good as my mustang did, but is 10x safer.
Totally agree with the comment on getting some good steel armor up frt, back and especially on the sides. I have seen many think twice before pulling out in frt of me with the big steel bumper I have. Oh I almost forgot the armor for the gas tank to as anyone rearending will slide under and a good 1/4 inch plate of steel does wonders

X2

My jeep handles better than my friends chevy colorado

yellowtailfan · Feb 6, 2013

Ya know... I have 4 teenage daughters. (brady bunch family) 15, 16, 16, 18 - all girls.

They LOVE MY JEEP - in a wicked awesome kinda way. Mostly my oldest stepdaughter (16). She's a JEEP-A-HOLIC... and since they are so expensive, and handle different, etc.. etc.. I share mine. They take it to school every now and then, work on a few occassions, or sat/sun when they wanna cruise around and shop. So you have other options than just a purchase for her. You could buy one for you, share it with her. Maybe lease one vs. purchase.

Best of Luck !

3JKs1H1 · Feb 6, 2013

My daughter got an older 4dr Tahoe as a first car. Big, safe, and I didn't care if it got a couple dings in it. For graduation she got a 3 yr old JKU.

I think the JKU is probably the best platform of the wrangler family, it's wider and longer than 2 doors or prior models. I think that translates into better, more predictable handling. She hasn't put a scratch on it in two years of commuting between work and college, so a mature kid can drive one.

Just make sure you get some good tires for it.

richb · Feb 6, 2013

I too fell into my daughters wants of a jeep. From 16 to 18 I bought 3 new suv's. the latest was last summer, 2012 jksu in Dozer. This was her dream car so now she has it. Insurance isn't bad at all my other car is a 2007 suburban, too big for her.

I agree with teach them to be responsible and they will. She goes to college 3 hrs away and drives it herself with no issue. Upgraded headlights was a must for night driving.

I had crap as a kid, car came from a junk yard. So if I can spend 36k and she is happy and safe I will, and did.

Got the extra side airbags just incase.

My theory - if you can, do it, if you can't find a way.

Btw I get to drive it once in a while

Be safe.

rics1997 · Feb 7, 2013

If my daughter wants one when shes old enough, I will get her one. The JK has many safety improvement over older models. I wouldn't suggest getting an older one but a JK with airbags is a very safe vehicle. There is a reason they have such low insurance rates. Rather get her a JK then a Sports car. I disagree with many about getting clunkers because that what we got when we were young and have to work for a better one. I remember several times my first car breaking down and walking home. My daughter isn't getting a clunker. The world isn't what it used to be. I will buy her a relatively new to new car when she's old enough. She will have to work for her insurance and her next vehicle in the future but her first one will be reliable. I lost my wife and son already and my daughter is all I have left so she will get the best.

Jeep for my daughter??

Lou Bunn

Trenty

xcoaste

rfortune

kramer2k

jkjeeper06

KittyPrawn

CMA_Rider

SullyRock71

Lou Bunn

panthermark

hbgirl

CMA_Rider

sinbob

-JC-

CMA_Rider

yellowtailfan

3JKs1H1

richb

rics1997

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities