Hello everybody! Just wondering, is the A4 a good first car in your opinions? Its my favorite car on a short list, and I will purchase, including about $30,000 from my parents, in November (when I turn 16). <br>Also, what is the best chip for the A4? <br>Thanks for any advice!<br>-Kean

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<br>Many on this board will have the opinion of you being too young, inexperienced, whatever, to drive an A4 as your first car. I disagree with that. The A4 is a very forgiving car that can be great as a "learner" car. Take yourself to a couple of driving schools and you'll be much better off then classmates driving older cars. My sister bought my nephew a 99 M3 when he turned 16 as a first car. The first thing he did was to attend several high performance and defensive driving schools. And I can tell you, he is the best 16 year old driver I have ever experienced. In fact, he is a better driver than most of my co-workers. So ignore those who tell you you're too young for an A4. The A4 is an awesome car in many respects, and I'm sure you won't regret it.<p>CH - (86 Camry, 94 Civic, currently 99 1.8TQMS)<p>

When I turned 17 years old, all I wanted was a Ford Taurus SHO. That was 9 years ago for me. I would have done anything to get that car. Instead, I got the third car, a 1983 VW Rabbit GTI, which was a pocket rocket. I did not get my first new car until 2 years later, and that was a 1992 Saturn SL2. But I wanted that SHO so bad. I understand what you want because I was 17 years old and just had a license. My personal opinion on the Audi A4 1.8T and a new driver is they don't mix. The last thing a new driver needs is a 'hot car' and distractions. If your parents are giving you 30K, my best suggestion, buy a cheaper new car like a entry level Jetta, or a Saturn SL series sedan or SC coupe. Don't go for the Audi.<br>Yes the Audi may cost under 30K, but don't forget, you have to add in insurance, state taxes, which can come out to several thousand dollars over the sticker price, gas (The A4's beverage of choice is premium, and it is not that cheap these days). And once the Audi Advantage period is over, Oil Changes and stuff. And if you want that extra warrenty, it is going cost an additional couple of thousand dollars.<br>And don't forget in just a few short years you will be going to college. And trust me when I say you will wish that you did not get the Audi.<br>I do know what you are going through, but what I can say, I am glad that I did not get the SHO. And also as a new driver, your car insurance rates are going to be sky high. My best advice is you don't need a car that is a luxury car. Get a basic car right now, one that has the most important features, A/C, Airbag and ABS. Learn how to drive, you are bound to have a couple of accidents along the way. Get comfortable with driving, before you think about the A4. And if your worried that the A4 is going to go away, don't worry. Yes it may go through a redesign or two from now until the time that you buy it, but it will be worth the wait.<br>Take my advice, you don't belong in an A4 as a new driver.

A teenage and a high performance car don't mix. Yes you may say that he went through high performance driving school, but your nephew does not have defensive driving skills, and no six month class, or weekend class, can give a teen 10 years of defensive driving. My first car that I drove was a 1983 Rabbit GTI which like the M3 is NOT a forgiving car. I am familar with the M3 and I feel that I can say this confidently.<br>Teens and new drivers have a nastiy habit of making mistakes. Just a month ago in my home town, kid was killed driving a Saab 900 or 9-3. Age, 17.5 years. Parents sent the kid to a high performance driving school and claimed that he was calm and such behind the wheel. That was when his parents or parent was in the car with him. Othertimes he drove like a maniac. (I am not saying that your nephew does or doesn't. I have not seen him on the road, nor have I been in the car with him.) The day he was killed, he was going around a sharp corner at a resonable speed when he lost control of the car and went spinning into a telephone pole at 40 mph. According to the police report, he was killed on impact, and he had his seat belt on.<br>The fact is Teenages are 60 times more likely to be in an accident then anyother age group.<br>A teen does not belong behind the wheel of a Audi A4, and they certainly don't belong behind the wheel of a BMW M3. And I don't care if Michal Andretti was his teacher.

ALD.. what the hell are you talking about? First of all, you can't even compare an a4 to an m3. An m3 is a sports car..... and a4 is NOT! it is a sedan. <p>I agree with you in your logic about m3's not being forgiving cars. But you know what? Overall, german cars(especially bmw, and audi) are one of the safest cars to drive (side impact air bags, cultiple crumple zones). If his parents are willing to get him an a4 as his first car so be it. It's far from a sports car and it's definitely a solid safe car. There is absolutely no reason in the world as to why he should be denied an a4 if he wants it and is willing to spend lots of $$ on his first car.<p>Chris K<br>98.5 1.8TQTS Tap Stage II

Was not compairing the A4 to a M3. As for the A4, the A4 has a lot of distractions in it that could get a new driver into trouble.<br>And Side Airbags and front airbags while great, they can't always do their job. And crumple zones can only crumple so far before it starts getting into the passanger compartment. The kid in my town who was in the Saab wrapped the car around a pole, and side airbags and stuff did not help. It is easier to get over secure feeling with Airbags and stuff, but there is only so much that an airbag can do.

NT

I have a son turning 16, too.<p>I cannot afford an A4 for him, if I could I would. That does not seem an issue in your house.<p>I would get it for him for several reasons:<br> He is responsible<br> - Good grades<br> - Drug free (we test him)<br> He is involved with friends, school and family<br> He mows, does dishes and works<br> He appreciates what we are able to do for him<br> The car is safe<p><br>Good Luck! <p>no matter what car you get, drive VERY cautiously for two months<p>NOTE:<br>I lost 3 close friends in high school because of 2 car accidents (racing), and 2 friends in college (drinking).<br>Another girl was in one of those cars and lost her ankle, ending her athletic opportunities. And a close friends son got paralyzed from the neck down last year.<p><br>You may think you are, but<p> YOU ARE .. N O T .. invincible!!!!<br>

<br>If your parents are going to give you $30k, buy yourself a new Jetta, chip it, put a set of rims on and take what ever is left over and buy a good mutual fund.

If you want to grow up level-headed, unspoiled, and without a chip on your shoulder... earn the money from your own job to purchase a car.

nt<br>

My son just got his license and he gets good grades, does the lawn, etc. But we bought him a '93 Civic and kept the rest of his money in stocks and mutual funds. The car is great for a 16 year old, reliable, cheap to operate and he is having a blast with it while learning to be responsible and help out with insurance costs. I can't even get an A4 and I am waiting until next year when some stock options vest!

Kean,<br> Wow, you seemed to have generated quite the response. Let me throw in 2 cents more.<p> College is a TERRIBLE place to own a car. When I was in school 2 years ago, (Virginia Tech - Go Hokies!) I had a decent car, 1994 Civic EX in flawless condition.<br>The commuter students lot is a nightmare to get in/out of w/o getting hit. You are most defininately going to get dinged. I thought I would help take care of my car by parking far away. Trust me, there will be days when you're late to class and you just can't.<p> Also, there are great clubs/stuff to do in college, however parking at these places/events is also a nightmare. You won't believe the tight little spaces you will try to squeeze into while parking.<p> Remember, a person with a few beers in them is not going to care so much that they ding your door or not, because they are doing all they can to stay upright! :)<p> Finally, there is also another unsaid rule in college - "...the person with the nicest car - drives!" You will more than likely be chauffeur to all your friends, which is ok if you don't mind, but you will be put in more situations where something may happen to your car.<p>Please heed my advice and save the great car for college graduation. The real world is easier on cars (usually) than college.<p>I suggest an nearly new acura integra. Fantastic car, reliable, sporty...you can even get it in 4 doors if you want.<p>-Dave<br>Silver 1.8t with red "beauty mark" on passenger door (ouch)

I think some of us are a bit jealous (including me). Heck, my first car was a 9 year<br>old 1956 Chevy Belair...<p>Personally, I was never into "giving" my step kids stuff. Making them work for it made<br>them better individuals (in my opinion). I think giving your 16 year old kid $30k for a new car is ludicrous, but I don't live in that lofty world of mega-income.<p>

Not only was the Mazda cheap to insure and run, I was able to patch it upo as I had my learning 'incidents' over the first few years of my driving career. If you spend that $30k now rather than just buying a decent new or used car and saving the balance (I'd say save at least 50% of it, and probably more), you will be very sorry a few years from now. I know this sounds crazy but TRUST ME - YOU WILL BE SORRY. You'll also grow up without the appreciation of a fine car that can only come with having lived with something else first. <p>There endeth the lecture.

I have to put up with the outrageous indignity & insult of drug testing at work, despite no reasonable cause and a history of awards for excellence from my employer. I'd be damned if I put up with it from my parents. There's something seriously wrong IMO If you can't raise your child in an atmosphere of trust & respect and have him/her turn out right, without the fascistic Big Brother tactics.<p>If you were my parents, I'd be a powder keg of rebellion. (BTW, lest you stereotype my reaction, I'm a successful profession for more than 20 yrs., earning 6 figures and not engaging in illegal activity, and I love my parents, in part because they didn't lay crap like this on me). My parents didn't drug test me, and helped me buy an inexpensive but reliable car (with me earning 1/2 the money before they'd help, but they sure wouldn't (nor would I) get the kid a $30k [or $20k for that matter] car.<p>Sorry for the rant, but this [drug testing your kid, then giving him an expensive car as the price] embodies much of what's wrong with this country today, IMO.

Prelude, Integra, Celica are all excellent cars and will offer better value for your money. <p>Its only when you get into Japanese 4 doors that the driving pleasure wanes.<p>

I would feel safe buying my kid an A4 just for the Quattro alone. No tail end swinging out or front end plowing under poor driving conditions, or during excessive speed in and out of corners. A serious safety blanket for an inexperienced driver. And if he doesn't chip it I wouldn't classify it as a car with too much HP for a young driver. <br>Kev<br>98 2.8QMS

This debate has taken place one hundred times at Bimmer.org. Everyone adds their .02 on how to raise children, etc. My parents offered to help me buy a car and I turned them down. I got what I wanted (a $700 Datsun 510), modified it and had a bunch of fun during high school (autocrossing, etc.). Wait until you tell your parents you want to autocross the 30k car they just bought you. How about getting a VR6 Jetta or Golf and setting it up perfectly? Will be cheaper than an A4 and won't get keyed in the parking lot at school. I know a kid that got an A6 on his 16th birthday. Kind of a boring car for a 16 year old and slooooow.<br>

It is still possible to get the Quattro to spin out. And yes, you do have a point, but the kid does not belong behind the wheel of a 30K Sport Sedan. If he wants AWD, then goto a Subaru.<br>Yes, I'll admit that Quatrro is good, but remember zero traction on 4 wheels in an AWD car is the same as a Front Wheel or Rear Wheel drive car. The kid should not be driving something that expensive, whether it has quattro or not. The A4 has to many destractions for a new driver.

Why should you buy your kid a car because he behaves himself? I have heard this point of view before and it truly shocked me. Aren't they supposed to get good grades? Isn't getting into a good school enough of a reason? I mowed, did dishes and cleaned my room because I was told to. My parents generation (they are about 70) was infinitely better at raising their kids than many boomers are today. Yeah, I know it is a generalization. I coach soccer and almost all the parents are between 40-50 and I have seen some amazing things which would have had severe consequences for me at that age. I usually get more respect from the players than they give their parents. <p>KJK

Oh, and Kean, take all of the advice above. It seems anything goes when parking around colleges. I drove a Toyota 4x4 pickup and did not really worry about it.

I drove a 65 Mustang (289 challenger motor) and damn near killed myself a million times. I learned a ton about cars, but almost wrecked badly in many races... at least the A4 is stable and handles and stops with the best of them. <br>my $.02<br>Conker 98 1.8TS-tip TAP .8

(NT)<br>

(nt)

actually testing was mostly his idea.<p>He was being approached by a lot kids to try pot, uppers and drop acid. He came and talked to us about it.<p>So WE decided,<br>we'll test you 'for real', then you can tell your friends you are being tested. The consequence of a positive test is NO DRIVING any of our cars.<p>In addition, we're giving him $100 at the end of each school year. And if he is clean through all of High School another $1000.<p>He also knows that I did do drugs in college. And I express the responsibility and consequences of making those choices. We are very frank and open.<p>The choice is his.<p>FYI, we have a lot of fun together.<p><p><br>Also note, I would not buy an expensive car. But if parents have the kind of money I am guessing this family has, what does it matter. Have you ever been to Plano, TX...

I am now thankful that I had to drive a Dodge Shadow for 4 years, simply because<br>I never ever had the urge to floor it. The gas pedal was so unresponsive that I had<br>to just drive normally, unlike 90% of my teenage friends who were always racing against time or each other, and who were always angry at everybody else for being so damn slow.<br>3 months after I got my A4 I got into an accident (other driver was 100% at fault) that in my opinion wouldn't have happened had I been driving the Dodge. I was doing about 40mph on a crowded street simply because you don't really feel speed in the A4. Had I been going at 30mph (which would have felt perfectly natural in the Dodge), I could have stopped before hitting the fellow obliviously exiting his driveway w/o checking traffic. <br>Fact is, it's hard to control the numerous urges to floor a car like the A4, or to appreciate its handling in corners, whereas that never even entered my mind in the Shadow :). I feel that these four 4 years of prudent, moderate driving have made me a more mature driver than most other carbuffs.<p>GusS

<br>Take $10K of the 30 and buy yourself a nice used car, something reliable with ABS and airbags. Take the other 20K and have your dad take you to his financial planner and get yourself in the stock market with that money. Learn about investing and how to make more money from this generous gift your parents have given you. <p>Don't be the spoiled little rich kid who cruises around his high school in an Audi or BMW, a car you just aren't ready to own or appreciate. Your parents will be impressed with your maturity and you will feel better about yourself. Even if you come from money, you should test your own wings.<p>Good luck.<p>BDW '99 1.8Tqms

Why is it that so many parents these days feel that "good parenting" means throwing money at their children. This seems to get worse with each generation. Parents spend more time at work and less time with their children so they can buy them "the best".<p>This 16 year old kid should spend more quality time with his parents, the memories of the time they spend together will last a lot longer than a fancy car.

This'll turn into 40-60K and you can buy an S6 or M5 when you get out of school.<p>For now, take the 10K and get something muscle bound. An A4 in high school would be a drag. Get yourself a monster Camaro or Mustang. Or get a convertible GTO or Cutlass.<br>

I have driven go carts that were more exciting than the A4.<p>If I was 16 and had $ 30K, I would purchase a used 911. I saw a nice 90 Rag top with a tail the other day for right at 30K. Forget 944 or 928 as they are too high maintenance.<p>I would also consider a nice M3 or a Bimmer Rag top.<p>If parents were footing the bill for insurance and maintenance, I would also consider a 90 or 91 Esprit.<p>Why a sedan at 16. I had a coupe with a back bench seat at 16. I drove my parents' Sedans or SUVs when I needed a big vehicle.<p>Screw investing at 16. Have fun and live life. You will have plenty of time to worry about money later.<p>BTW, screw all those jealous idiots with negative comments. They are likely the ones who really have their identities wrapped-up in a vehicle. Otherwise, they would care less whether you had a nice car.

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The fact that anyonne would even give their 16 year old that kind of money and suggest they use it for a car shows how &#$@%ed up our society has become and why most of America has to worry about welfare!<p>

Get a Subaru 2.5 RS or a Turbo Beetle. Its a little less "conspicuous consumption." Maybe a little more "cool" factor too. Believe me, I got a lot of crap from my friends just for getting an Escort GT when I went to college (from my dead Grandma's inheritance!) so I can only imagine that a new A4 would bring you ten times as much grief. I knew people in high school who would key such a nice car just to punish the owner. In sum, DON'T DO IT!<p>JohnO<br>

<br>nt

nt<br>

A 1991 M5. It has performance beyond most new cars being sold today and is one of the best perf. bargains out there right now. My buddy just bought a 1991 Carrera 2 for $26k plus $5k for some modifcations and has a real sports car. These types of cars are always best purchased 4-6 years old. People will be picking up perfectly maintained A4's for $15k in a few years. Would you rather buy a new Civic? Please.

Just the fact that you responded the way that you did shows that you could have used some more parenting and less money...think about it.

If he's clean and can stay clean he doesn't need testing. He's submitting himself to the fascistic mentality sweeping the country. I never got paid to get good grades, and he shouldn't necessarily be either. I also didn't get paid to not do drugs in H.S., but I didn't.<p>As to the last comment, I don't care about what anyone else does in Plano or elsewhere. Just because I can afford to get a kid a $30k car doesn't mean he's going to get one. I'm not swayed by what the Joneses or the Smiths do for their spoiled kid.<p>I'm glad though that you have fun w/ your kid. That's important. If he were mine I'd also be talking a lot about freedom from unwarranted intrusions on personal privacy based on less than reasonable suspicion. If you have no rational or objective/behavioral suggestions of drug use, then testing only reinforces the lack of trust and respect for privacy, IMO.

I see a post about once a week in the E46 board like "Is a 328 a good first car?" Most of the replies are "Yea, it's a great car", or "My first car was a BMW also".<p>I'm happy to be associated with people here because the replies are a lot more down to earth. I come from a very wealthy community and my first car was a beat up Honda Accord because my parents refused to buy me anything. I waorked my a$$ off bagging groceries and mowing lawns at 16 to pay for it.<p>A few years of working out of college and I was able to purchase a nice motorcycle. A couple more years and I was able to get my A4. You don't know how much better it feels, and how much more you'll care for it if you paid for it out of your own pocket.<p>Just my 2 cents.<br>

..and no I do not ride around with him all the time so maybe he does drive like a mad man. But, from my experience a person (no matter what age) is going to drive the way they drive no matter what the car or age for that matter. I don't understand how anyone can say that a teenage driver is a bad one just because of his/her age. An older driver having several years of driving experience does not mean they are better drivers. I can think of at least 5 of my coworkers that are twice my age who are absolutely POOR drivers. But based on the "more is better" theory, they would be more capable in an M3 than my nephew. Pardon me but that would be narrow-minded BS. <br>

I'd say quite the opposite. By buying an expensive product he is contributing to the economy far more than a guy tinkering with used part for an old beater in his own garage. <p>Sounds like the green eyed monster of envy is welling up from deep within.<p>I do like the NB turbo suggestion. Great car and the quintessencial college vehicle. Smart, fun but not overly showie. Driving an A4 at your age would look like you're borrowing your mom's car.

I thought this was America where any person with enough intiative can live the American Dream!? I have been exposed to enough rags to riches people that I believe in that dream. I find equating a well to do family giving their kid a safe, reliable car being the cause for pople on welfare absolutey absurd. I firmly believe you can make whatever you want of yourself in life. If your relaxed working the 9-5 for someone else, fine. If not, go to night school and start your own company or be an invaluable part of your current company. If someone makes $500K a year, buying a $30K car for their kid is similar to a $60K family chipping in $3.6K for their kids car purchase. Next you'll be saying no one should be able to buy a million dollar house because that is too much money for a house. PLEASE. Move to China and give Communism a throw!<p>Kev the Capitolist <br>98 2.8QMS

<br>Let me start off by saying that I am not pointing any fingers or singling anyone out. But all of this "you'll enjoy it more if you pay for it yourself", "you're too young", and "you don't deserve a $30k" comments boil down to one thing. Jealousy. Why shouldn't he drive a $30k car? Because you didn't? Come on that's a pretty lame reason. I don't need to go into the merits of an A4 on this board. So why not just support this guy and try to sway him to "our" side?<p>Look, if his parents have the ability to buy him such a nice car I don't think they are hurting too much financially. Like someone posted below its just a lifestyle. Imagine being driven around in BMWs, limos, etc. growing up. If so you will not know anything else but expensive. If your parents are driving around in 70k + cars you will probably expect to get something a little bit more than a 86 beater. Wheather you deserve it or not is something for your parents to decide.<p><p>

Give me a break! 30K wouldn't touch one of those "OLD USED CARS," but I damn sure give 30K for one. With sports cars, age does not correlate with class, elegance, or performance. Moreover, my 87 911 with a KKK 29 and a Borla Exhaust is one of the absolute tightest and most mechanically dependable cars I have ever owned.

How can you say I'm jealous when you don't even know my situation? Let's just put it this way, upon graduation from college, a BMW, Audi (A4 wansn't around then), or whatever could have been mine if I wanted. Guess what I bought? Nothing. I took shares instead of a flashy car. As a business major I knew what to do with my money.<p>I had friends in high school who drove Porches, Bimmers, and Mercedes to school. Guess what? One of them got drunk and went hot dogging around in his parents 911 and lost his head when it flipped and smashed into a stone wall. I bet his parents were really happy they let him drive his friends to the party in the Porche that night.<p>Two things happened to these kids since high school.<p>1) The majority of them flunked out of college because they never learned to do anything for themselves.<p>2) All of us our on our own now and realize that<br>it will be years (if ever) before we can have that kind of lifestyle (unless of course the parents are still paying for everything).<p>How about teaching your kid what it feels like to not have anything he wants, and earn something for yourself?<p>As a side note, Paul Newman's kid grew up in the town next to me, drove around a beat up rabbit, and was forced to work at hours at one of his stores. How's that for teaching your kid responsibility?<br>

When I turned 16 way back in 1995, my parents bought me a used 1987 BMW 325es. 121 horsepower, 174 lb/ft of torque. I loved that car. Many exciting nights were spent with females on the soft leather seats :) Anyways, back to my point. That car cost $6000. Could I have gotten a better car? Sure, but I don't think I would have been a happier person if I had spent more money on a car. Back then I really wanted a Ford Probe GT, but I can tell you the excitement of a new car wears off a lot with time. My girlfriend has a '94 Ford Probe SE and I now find that car pretty crappy compared to my 1.8T. When I was rolling around high school with my used BMW, my buddies has Ferraris, Porsches, M3s, Mercedes, NSXs, Vipers, etc. Awesome cars. But now their cars are sitting back at home while they're going to school at MIT, Berkeley, Germany, UCLA, USC, Duke, etc. In two years when you go to college, chances are you'll have to leave your car at home. That sucks. A lot of universities don't offer freshman parking. I think you should definitely buy a nice used car and invest the rest of the money. If you're lucky, your used car will hold a lot of it's value and that combined with your invested cash will allow you to buy a much nicer car years from now when your future outlook is clearer and your situation is more set. Trust me, you'll want a nice car when you're trying to impress all the sorority girls on campus. ANd also, get a two door sports coupe. Have some fun. Get an Integra GS-R, Mustang GT, or something. SOmething fast. Leave the sedans for when you get older and wiser :)<p>An "older and wiser" IronMike

<br>nt

just because your stupid friend got drunk and smashed a Porsche that everyone else would in the same situation? Your friend could have just as easily smashed up a beater so what exactly is your point?

Can't wait for that slap of reality when he realizes that no one else is going to spoonfeed him.

NT

The "point" had not so much to do with the friend crashing a Porsche, but more with the fact that a lot of parents give their kids pretty much whatever they want. A big reason for this is the parent thinking, "Well, I can afford to give my kid the things I never got when I was young." The result is what Lazlo said: they "flunked out of college because they never learned to do anything for themselves."<p>Ya know, my ex-wife used to do the same thing you did in your post. Instead of conceding what is obvious to reasonable and rational people, you picked a specific piece that could be argued while ignoring the main point. Lazlo, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he was the Porsche incident as an example, not as them ain point. If the kid was in a beater, he probably wouldn't have crashed because he probably wouldn't have been showing off for his friends.<p>BTW, Way to go, Paul Newman!! A LOT more parents need to do what he did, FOR their kids (as opposed to TO their kids, as some will claim).<p>Flame away...

I guess I don't understand the point. Because every (and I mean EVERY) kid that I know personally who was "spoiled" by his wealthy parents with and expensive (>$20k) went on to college. Some have graduated, some are trying to get their MBA, and the others are only Sophmores or Juniors. But none of them "flunked out of college because they never learned to do anything for themselves." <p><p><br>

I grew-up with and ran with some pretty spoiled brats. I actually dated a girl who father purchased a Mittsibushi Diamond-Jet to transport her and her family between their home and her college. My best friend got a Ferrari for his 16th birthday. Both are now very successful and own their own businesses.<p>For me personally, I strived harder to achieve because I knew what it was like to have nicer things and I wanted to maintain a standard of living. I could have worked for a family business. I, however, received both a BA and a JD/MBA from Ivy League schools. Most of my friends accomplished similar goals. I believe that the predisposition to fail or end-up addicted to drugs will be comparable regardless of class. I, however, do believe that children from an affluent family will be availed to more opportunities and more likely to succeed in life.<p>Spoiling children, however, does not make or break the child. Quality time, family values, and instilling the importance of a good education is what matters.<p>Kids are going to kill themselves in cars and on motorcycles regardless of the price of the vehicle. The fact remains that kids will take risks and are going to drive fast. I would rather have my children in a car which is well built and stable at high speeds than a piece of **** that loses a wheel at 65 mph.<p>The problem with "psych" minors (besides being a BS degree) is that you guys live in a theoretical world and try to understand and rationalize that which you have not experienced. I live in reality.

And here's my 2 cents:<p>The car is a safe car compared to camaros or mustangs that he might buy instead. If his parents are footing 30K, money is obviously not an issue.<p>I don't see why the guy should "wait to own such a luxury car" - it is a good car, he can afford it, go for it - I do resent that I had to scratch together all my spare moola at the age of 31 to get tha same thing - but cet la vie...<p>98.5 2.8QMS

Dont you all agree that the A4 is a very safe car? Since my family has money, don't you think its a good idea for my parents to want me to be safe, and then also have a good loking car. Its not like the A4 has too much power for me, i.e. the 0-60 time sucks comapred to the other cars we have. The A4 has good handling, a very strong frame, and the Quattro system. All of these things make the A4 very, very safe. Along with the loads of airbags in the thing. If you guys had the money at my age, I think you, and your parents, would want you to get this car. Also, its not like I'm not paying for any of it. I've worked nights, and summers for about four years so far, I'm going to work this summer, and the next and the next. All, well most, of the money I make will go to paying for the car. All I meant by saying that my parents were going to give me $30,000 was that they are gong to give me as much as I need after I put the money I've made toward the car. <br>In my opinion, all of the safety features, and the looks of the car, make up for the beefy price tag. If I were to get an old POS car, my chances of crashing and getting seriously injured would go way up. I think that since my family does have money, his is a very good first car.

Just a question, what the hell are you talking about? How can you say that I dont spend time with my parents just because they want me to drive a really safe car? Also, where are these stupid questions coming from that say, jsut becasue I get an expensive car means that I'll be a screw-up later in life? My parents care so much about my future that they put me through private high school. The percent of people that go on to college from this school is 95%. I think that shows that because you get a good car, doesnt mean you wont succeed. All you people are messed up that think this.

To people saying that I'll wreck my car, just because you guys know I'm in high school, go screw yourselves. I havent touched one bit of alcohol my whole life, and I havent even seen a drug in person. Call me sheltered, but isnt that better than killing yourself by driving drunk?

(nt)

Ignore the petty comments and jealousies in this thread. Buy the car you can afford to purchase and maintain and enjoy it. Drive safely. Have consideration for others on the road, they have as much right to be there as you. Remember that you are responsible for the lives of your passengers too so act accordingly. <p>...and always remember to wear sunscreen ;-).... I hate that song but it seemed approriately preachie.......

THANK YOU!!!! I'm glad that people are starting to see my point.

but I think your parents will advise you strongly not to blow all that money you've earned and saved on a car.... and they'd be right to do so. I think you will realize that spending all your savings on a car is not that wise at any stage of your life - but this too will be a good learning experience.

Hey, how about an S4? What can you jerks come up with if I were to ask that?

..while you are ahead. Posts like this diminish your credability, and shows immaturity.<p>BB<p>ps The S4 is overrated

(nt)

Geesh! The board sure seems to be in a ferver these days. Anyway, my $0.02<p>Stats: first car: 1973 BMW 2002 (a car that was purchased by my parents 3 months before I was born), currently driving a 96 2.8 QM.<p>I feel pretty strongly that you should not get such a car. Main reasons. <br>- a lot of people both your age and mine will resent you (for right and wrong reasons)<br>- you will have to buy a Porsche 996 at 20 to feel you are progressing in life.<p>I hope your parents are offering based on their belief that a newer, and more advanced car is safer. I can not fathom how they think such an automobile is otherwise necessary. I could jealously rant for a while...<p>My suggestion: get a classic, very old, sports car and restore it. You will appreciate what fine cars are about. You will have invested your time into it (something you have more than money right now). And you will have a lot to be proud of. Cars I would consider: BMW 3.0 (1972-1975), any Lotus Elan, etc..., Audi UR quattro.<p>Good luck.

Examine the lives of your friends. If you can spot what "Must be Rough" is referring to in your friends, you are right to defend yourself (it was a generalization that does happen to be true from time to time, maybe not in your case). <p>However, if you don't observe what we call "spoiling" then it is a good chance that YOU are the one being spoiled.

Just to let you all know, it isnt very out of the ordinary to see BMW's, Porsches, Range/Land rovers, and other very expensive atuomobiles at my school. It is in Pebble Beach, CA., and for those of you who know, it is very upscale. That means a lot of kids with great cars. It also means that almost everyone out of a 125 student class, will go on to college. Maybe 2 dont go. Just letting y'all know.

My friends have audi's, Porsches, BMW's, Mercedes (spelling?), and other such cars. Our parents have done pretty well in life. That doesnt mean we're spoiled. Spoiled means getting things you dont work for. we all work for what we have. Please dont generalize and preconceive. Thank you.

My fist car was a third hand 8 valve Audi 80