^^^ THANK YOU!!! I hadn't even thought of that when I replied. Next question becomes who's paying for the insurance, daddy or son? The answer to that question will likely play a major role into the chosen vehicle.

It's very interesting how many responses are stirred up by these "what to buy for my 16 year old type threads", but when the OP goes along to state "I ain't made of money", choices become even more limited.

We've all been there at some point in our lives. We want that nice bling ride to show off and maybe attract an audience, only to have our eyes opened by the high unforseen costs.

 

Whats the saying…champaign dreams on a beer bottle budget 😁
I should have chose better words, moneys not really the problem its spending it. As I age I’m feeling more and more like my parents and frequently get sticker shock very easily 🤣
All good stuff to consider and I appreciate all that added advice. This is why ask, feedback helps steer me towards the eventual right choice.

 

Another very large consideration will be how responsible your soon to be 16 year old son is. Only you know better than anyone else does. When I post my responses to threads I'm very selective about the threads I choose to respond to. And my responses are usually based on first hand experiences from I have seen through my years of being employed as a dealership technician. When I was young, I thought the world of cars and trucks. Now, I look forward to the day I won't need to be worrying about what's wrong with the ride in my bay. As for new vehicles? Meh. I don't get overly excited about too many rides anymore. Mustang GTs, Vettes, Vipers, Ford GTs, and even a couple of Porsches..... I've had my turn behind the wheel of all of them. The novelty wears off very quickly.

 

having money doesn’t mean it needs to be squandered. Diesels are expensive overall not only to purchase but to maintain, repair and upgrade.
Your son is 16. I simply can’t imagine a 16 yo needing a diesel truck. I would get him some cheap transportation a truck if that’s what’s needed otherwise it would be a sedan like a Crown Vic or a Fusion
and take the rest of the money and start a college fund or money for a trade school.

 

$0.02 here, skip buying a truck altogether for a 16yr old. Instead buy a cheap reliable car that can get him to and from a job that earns money to buy his own truck and any other wants he may have. Great opportunity to start teaching a child that you struggle to get what you want early in life and build yourself up so you don't fail later.

 

there aren’t any cheap reliable cars out there. Unless you’re getting a friend or family member hand me down most cars today are gonna run 4-5k minimum for anything remotely decent. Anything at 2-3k pretty much expect to do some expensive repairs.
even a cheap beat worn out Crown Vic is 4k these days. 6k gets you a decent one.

but I agree I would get a basic car or small pick up for transportation. I would want something safe and reliable that can last a good amount of time with minimal work. If a small pick up is needed because of location and say they are a farming/agricultural type community it makes sense. But if it’s a city suburb type meh get a sedan and keep it stock.

 

Champaign tastes on a beer budget

 

I hear what you're saying and I too remember yesterday and buying cheap cars for 2-3K, that's long gone though. A cheap reliable car is now 5k-8k and a used but still in fair enough shape 2005-2010 F250 diesel is 15k-20k. Not sure if the definition of "not made of money" has changed also, but at least to me if I can afford my 16yr old a 15k-20k truck im doing alright and have some disposable income.

 

Your way up north, but over here in the south west the trucks go for cheap, plenty of below 5k trucks (diesels, 4x4's)

 

Crazy, I’ll look everywhere. If a good deal I’m ok shipping it and I’ll get a rust free one!

 

sorry but no way you’re picking up a 4x diesel for 5 k that is is anything less than a 250.350,000 mile or more on the odometer, possibly salvaged, most likely needs a engine or transmission, needs a couple of grand in upholstery work, body work or paint been hard used towing construction hard off road use pig you tube star hey y’all watch this multiple owner “project” truck that needs less than 7-10 k in real work to make it reliable enough as a daily driver. To get you to work..

ok sure once in a while all the planets line up and a silver bullet falls in one buyers lap and is found but that’s usually a buddy or grandpa handing a truck down

you’re not buying a low mileage cream puff perfect condition crew cab loaded dually diesel for 5k.
my experience is usually the first owner takes care of a truck
sevomd owner also tends to do so maybe slightly less
third owner is usually a half azz
4th owner and on usually had “big plans”
5th and on are “restoring it”
granted there are some exceptions but usually by owner number 4 the truck is usually falling apart from neglect or financial issues.

 

In my 58 years, I bet I can count on 1 hand the # of 16 yos boys that I knew or raised, didn't trash their first ride.

 

I never did. I also realize that’s a strong possibility. Another reason I want him in something bigger, no small car or truck.

 

A very valid concern.....at the expense of fuel economy. At today's astronomical fuel prices, fuel economy should definitely be a strong consideration for anyone looking for a vehicle on a budget.

 

I took a step back and looked from a different angle. A father concerned with the safety of his soon to be driving son and im sure would love to spend quality time with him after he is able to be out and about in his own vehicle, most likely ignoring his parents like we all did at that age with our first vehicle.

I say buy that 6.4L PowerStroke diesel F250. Nothing safer than a vehicle that disables itself on a routine basis and will require much father son time repairing and creating lasting memories. Just think of all those times (very few) you see your son leave the driveway in his truck and think I hope he returns safe, no worries 6.4L PowerStroke already had a planned malfunction for 3 miles down the road that day but neither of you were aware. You get a phone call and think the worst, but it turns out he just needs a ride back home because the truck broke down. You happily pick him up enjoying your time together knowing he's safe and this becomes your routine father son time until you both decide the 6.4L belongs as a yard ornament that you can both sit in front of and share the memories of the few times it was drivable and all the time you spent together because of it.