In the General RX-8 forum there is a thread in which many, it seems, Rex owners claim to be , say between 16 and 20 years old. The thrust of the thread is that posters who claim to be youths wonder why an oldster might have an RX-8. Are parents buying these cars for teenagers? Or otherwise giving kids access? Should they?

I wonder the opposite; whether young drivers SHOULD have an RX-8 or any other high performance auto. There seems to be an epidemic of young drivers here (CT), especially, and notably young women, having horrific one car crashes in hot cars, generally by losing control at high speed. Kids are getting maimed and killed, Occasionally an innocent oncoming vehicle is involved. Kids, it seems, are demonstrating either lack of self-control or responsibility, or lack of driving skill appropriate for such vehicles. The local politicians, as a result, debate and threaten legislation to limit teen driving in various ways.

So, what is the group wisdom on this?

 

hahahahah, they wish... the lobbyist for automobile industries will like... totally not allow that.

 

I think that younger (16-21) year olds shouldnt drive high powered sports cars. Unless of course, they can afford it themselves. This shows the kid has a decent Job and is probably mature enough to take care of the car. I dont think parents should be buying thier kids any car for that matter... sports car or not.... then the kid doesnt learn to appreciate what he/she has.

 

The group wisdom on this matter?
Go here, I think you'll enjoy this: www.car-and-driver.com/auto/teandrivers

 

funny how "car-and-driver'' cant spell "teen" correctly...

 

Yeah, Car-and-Driver always tend to mis-spell things like that.

 

"Rx8 owners are confident, techno savy, open minded buyers who have a passionate appreciation for uniqueness and style. They are typically professionals in their late 30's to early 40s married with young children but still enjoying an active lifestyle and social life. As progressive thinkers, they want to stand out from the crowd with a distinct blend of young at heart fun and the practicality that is required to their daily lives."

 

Im sorry im an amazing driver and have never been involved in an accident with my rx-8 like some school boy bitch. I dont see why i cant have an rx-8 at 18 (got it at 17). Its not my fault my parents got an education and can afford to provide me with the lavish life i live. They also trust me A LOT.

 

Youre 18, and just because youve never gotten into an accident, doesnt mean youre an 'amazing' driver... good driving skills comes with experiance, whether it be at daily driving or taking specialized courses. And i dont think anyone said that age shoudl be the only factor in if you get an rx8 or not... i said that yu should only drive what you can afford to buy on your own... it creates a sense of respect for your belongings and in turn, you will most likely take better care of it.

 

+1

I was once told I was "a great" driver by a female passenger (and I told her she was right!). 15 minutes later, I totaled the car with her and my best friend in it. Luckily, no one was hurt or killed.

I was 16 and full of confidence and stupidity. Don't let the "I'm an amazing driver" get to your head. Sometimes it's not your driving that will decide your fate on the road. Respect for vehicles comes with time and experience. I'm not saying that anyone under (x-# of years) is a good or bad driver and should or should not drive a type of car. Just realize what you and the vehicle that you are driving are capable of and what the consequences of your actions may actually be...life, insurance claims, speeding tickets, embarassment, etc.

If you are prepared to pay (financially and emotionally) for these things, please proceed with caution. I must say that I do not drive the same way I did when I was a teen, thankfully. I will also place unlimited amounts of money on the fact that my kids (once I have them) will NOT have a "fast or flashy" car. They can pay for those luxuries by themselves as they are much more likely to respect and cherish those things.

Don't abuse the fact that your parents are very gracious. Two parents graduating from college is not a strange thing nowadays.

good luck

 

lol @ the old having rx8

that was me, yes, but I was just messin with some of the members :D

besides, most teen rx8 owners on this site are pretty mature and dont do stupid stuff, ofcourse their are occasional craps this and that, but they usually get booted real quick or die

which is a good thing

 

I believe everyones first car should be a crappy honda accord with a dead cylinder. Not only because it wont have enough power to get you into serious trouble, but also when (not if) you do hit that fence post or mailbox or curb, you're going to care a whole lot less because its a beater.

 

Age and driving ability are correlated just like maturity and driving ability; However, in neither case does one necessarily mean the other, they're merely correlated.

Case by case scenario, some can handle it and some may not be able to...

 

I agree with Socket7 (and others). However, NO NEW DRIVERS are 'great' out of the gate. Driving on the street and on the track is about skill (learned over time) and anticipation and judgment.

One very important thing is that if your first (couple of) cars aren't perfect, then you must LEARN to drive using your eyes and judgment rather than relying on the car to save you.

For example, in a older economy-minded car, the brakes are probably a little spongy and not so good - so you compensate by using your vision and anticipating what might happen a bit further down the road. In another example, in an economy car, the tires will squeal long before giving up in a steady state corner (and then understeer). This will let you know the limits (yours and the car's) without hitting or hurting anything.

Please, please, please take performance driving classes - whatever your age and experience. You will learn the fine line between happiness and *crash* in a safe environment.

I have found that after I started racing, I realized just how much there was to learn, and that the learning never stops - every session.

{end rant}

 

I'm 21 and just recently bought my RX8. I also bought my house last year. I might be young, but I've done it without the help of anyone else. I'm a firm believer of earning things on your own. Hard work truly does give you a different kind of appreciated for what you have (and what you don't, lol).

 

I am not a stupid driver, i don't half the dumb stuff some of the people on this forum do. Yes i have 1 speeding ticket, but it was because there was a gunman at my college campus and i was rushing to pick up a friend who was there. I am FULLY aware of what my car is capable of and i don't underestimate it. I am also fully aware of the consequences of my actions on the road. Speed safe. I appreciate my RX-8 and take EXTREMELY good care of her. Wash her twice a week, check oil every 2 weeks, maintain it, clear carbon build up, etc.

What im trying to say is; you dont know me, so dont judge me just by my age. I speak for everyone on this forum when i say that. Just because teens in your town are involved in most of the accidents doesnt mean all teens are bad drivers. I have out maneuvered my way out of multiple situations which would have been accidents, this doesnt make me the Stig but i sure as hell thank the RX-8's superb handling when i was in those situations.

end rant.

 

i would just edit out ur old post about having educated parents and blessed etc. those are like asking to be flamed.

and also, don't call urself amazing driver, remember that the weakest dog bark the loudest.

our national champion autocrosser won't even call themselves "amazing" drivers.

 

I don't see anyone judging you personally... However, what I said above is what I believe to be true. Since you are in college, you probably agree with me that education is a good thing.

That's all that I'm selling - education and experience. I dare ya (and everyone else of any age for that matter) to take a two or three day car control class. Post your results.

 

You guys are misinterpreting what im saying. When i say im an "amazing driver" i mean to say i havent been in a wreck or gotten a serious ticket since ive had my license for almost 3 years now. To some of you older guys 3 years is nothing lol, but i drivin in all kind of traffic conditions starting from day 1 of getting my PERMIT. I drove from florida to new jersey only 6 months after getting my permit, no tickets, no problems. Did it again last christmas but thats 2 years after getting my license. when i was in Cali, and didnt know how to drive stick, my uncle took me out on a saturday afternoon in BUSY *** traffic. Let me tell you, i was FAWKING SCARED!!! But i drove through town without a problem, stalling only twice at a light. Like i said i only mean to say i have drivin through a lot of traffic conditions and probably have a "little" bit more experience then some of the other people my age on this forum.

Go ahead and flame me for my parents being educated. My dad came to this country from India in 81' with only $8 bucks in his pocket, today he is a self made millionaire. Why would anyone flame a man for such a great accomplishment?? Jealousy, envy?

 

Im not arguing or anything, I'm just simply defending the small % of teens who take responsibility in driving and taking care of their cars. Some teens deserve the nice cars they drive. With a great car comes great responsibility.

 

Dshiznit1489 You seem upset. Life is a journey. This is teh interWebz. Relax.

What about my dare? I now, officially, double-dog-dare-ya.

 

Im not upset lol, im just annoyed at all the older people who think ALL teenagers suck at driving. I enjoy driving, i LOVE it...especially in the 8. I would take up your dare, but i am currently swamped with classes for spring B and summer A-B so idk lol.

 

I have taken those classes.... nd let me tell you, it was a humbling experiance

 

After i got my 8, I spent about a week still using my old accord before i finally sold it. Whenever i drove the thing It felt like a deathtrap because the pedal would sink so much farther compared to the 8. I was honestly afraid of it, and it made me realize how much more cautious a driver you become when driving a POS.

 

BTW i drove a 99' Civic EX (lulz) for about a year before i got the 8