It's now 1990, and we're looking for a first car for a new 16-year-old driver. The requirements are going to be the same as 1985: $20,000 or less in 2025 dollars (which means an $8,100 budget this time around), and our hypothetical driver was born in 1974.
NHTSA crash testing has been out for 11 years now, so there are plentiful choices for vehicles that do well in this test. As a result, we'll keep the 20% or lower risk of severe injury (4 or 5 star) requirement for the NHTSA full frontal test. Heating, A/C and an AM/FM radio are still required.
Airbags are still a rarity, except on the very newest cars. The only vehicle available within our budget with a driver airbag is a brand-new 1990 Dodge Omni, starting at $6,995. However, the Omni's curb weight of about 2,100 lbs. and vintage-1978 design do not inspire confidence, so it is not listed in the recommendations.
This time, I'm giving 5 recommendations instead of 3.
Ford Taurus (1988) - The Taurus, with its sleek, futuristic design, would have been among the best looking vehicles in the high school parking lot in 1990. Avoid the 1986-1987 models, which had a 2-star front crash test rating for the driver; the 1988 and later models earned a high-end 4 stars on both sides, with a very solid structure for the time. A lower-spec L or GL example (but still with the optional A/C) with about 30,000 miles should slip just under the $8,100 threshold, and there's plenty of examples to choose from.
Honda Accord (1986 or newer) - By 1989, the Accord was the best selling new car in the USA for good reason. Sleek, efficient design, bulletproof reliability, and strong safety (4-star) made it appeal to buyers of all ages. The 3rd generation Accord, released for the 1986 model year, did have slightly worse crash test ratings on paper than the 2nd generation (1982-1985), but its added weight and stronger body meant it would be just as safe, if not safer, in the real world. A 1986 LX sedan started at $12,536, but after four years on the road would have fallen below the $8,100 mark. The fact that the 4th generation Accord had released in late 1989 would have made 3rd generation models somewhat cheaper, as well.
Ford Mustang (1987 or newer, non-GT) - Mustangs have always appealed to teenagers, and the 1987-1989 model came with a 5-star crash test rating. (The 1990 was 4 stars due to an overaggressive driver airbag, but starting at $9,753, it's outside the budget anyway). With 90 horsepower, it's unlikely to get them in trouble - even with the lower traffic speeds of 1990.
Chevy Celebrity - The venerable and highly practical Celebrity, introduced in 1982, was still a good choice 8 years after its introduction, earning consistent 5-star crash test ratings through its production run. With such a long history and very high production numbers (the Celebrity was America's best-selling car for 1986), you'll have no trouble finding a good used example under $8,100 with reasonable mileage and your pick of option packages. You'll probably be best served by an example from the middle years (1985-1987); early examples will be less reliable, while the newest examples will be out of the budget (base price of $12,845).
Toyota Corolla / Chevy Nova (1984-1987 Corolla, 1985-1988 Nova) - The 5th generation Corolla, introduced for the 1984 model year, was the first that was truly a good choice as a first car. A California-built version of the Corolla, known as the Nova, went on sale the next year. This generation of Corolla, besides offering bulletproof reliability, strong fuel economy, and crisp styling, also offered a borderline 4/5-star crash test rating, with a very well-designed structure for a mid-1980s compact. Many Japanese automakers began to put serious attention to safety in the early-mid 1980s, and Toyota was no exception. A Nova will be slightly cheaper than a Corolla, but may be harder to find. For a sportier option, there's a coupe (yes, the Hachi-Roku was a great choice for a first car!) All will easily clear the $8,100 mark.
Comments
Post a Comment