I drive a 1978 f150 4x4 equipped with a 351m. Gas is really hurting me. The truck is one of a kind, it was a steal when I bought it last year, it has been restored respectively but not show quality...... a good daily driver head turner. I use this truck daily and also use it to snow plow and haul my motorcycles on the weekends. The truck gets about 8-10 mpg. I am 17 and insured through my family's plan and it is at the cheapest possible rate. I am paying $40 a week which actually isn't bad at all compared to the gas fees on this truck. I refuse to sell it to get a more practical vehicle. My plan was to transfer the plates to my new purchase of a car or little truck, and get antique plates for the 78 and only drive it on occasions. Will this kill my insurence? I want to spend less than 1500 on a little mini 2wd 4cyl truck or a little import 4cyl car. Looking through local ads, the price limit I have is acceptable for what I'm looking for. Is it pretty un-common for a 17 year old to own 2 vehicles? It's not only the gas prices that are persuading me to buy cheaper transportation, the truck in general really isn't practical. The truck is ultra reliable but it is rather big and not great for transporting other passengers. But like I said, I refuse to sell this classic.

 

I had 2 cars when I was 17, but my 67 mustang was rarely driven, and my 83 F-100 was the DD. I would do it if you can find a way to make it cheaper. IF you are cutting down the mileage on the truck, the insurance company will usually lower the rate, but how far back up will it go with the addition of another vehicle. Try to figure if you will save enough money on gas with a smaller vehicle to possibly offset the cost of the insurance as well. I was driving my F-250 to work everyday, but managed to score a free 85 New yorker with a turbo 2.3, that had an overheating problem. Turned out to be a plugged heater core. Now I get 23mpg on my way to work instead of the 7-10 my truck gets. WHen I add my mustang to my insurance in the summer, it only goes up about $10-$15 because I only put about 3k miles on it each year. Good luck.

 

I had a 17yo freind who owned 4 cars at once, 3 were licienced, none were worth more than 1500

 

Have you considered a small motorcycle for your second vehicle. I had a 90cc Suzuki, and later a 175cc Honda, to commute to school. It served me well during the 1973 oil embargo.

Jim

 

I have a friend who's 19, and owns two cars. One of them is a 1930 Model A pickup. The other is a 2000 Cadillac Deville. (A nutty purchase, but he practically stole it from a VW dealership.)

The insurance on the Ford is very little, since it has antique plates. However, in Massachusetts, those plates do not allow the vehicle to be driven except on Sundays, in parades, club events, and maybe a few other exceptions. (Doesn't stop him from drving it whenever and wherever he wants, but I don't think that's terribly smart.)

If you've looked at the numbers and can afford it, and you have room to store two vehicles, I'd say go for it. Just make sure that your numbers are realistic, so you don't get a nasty surprise sometime.

Another thing- I don't know if you plan to go to college, but if you do, you might want to think about what to do about vehicles then. I'd love to pick up a fixer-upper to play with and drive when the Ranger needs work, but I don't have anywhere to put one at school, and certainly nowhere to work on it. (Lemme tell ya, parking lot repairs in the Maine winter are NOT fun.)

 

Call and get your insurance quotes. The smaller newer vehicles can be $300 more during a six month period then an older truck. Shop by what the insurance will cost you and probable repairs.

Most used cars will need brakes, alternator, starter, and tuneup within the first 12 months you own it. Many times an automatic transmission too. With some of the smaller overseas cars, there can be a huge difference in cost between them or an Escort or Ranger. Especially on starters, alternators, and rebuilt automatic transmissions.

 

I remember way back then... I had a Honda CB750 to get around, odd and even gas rationing and all.....

 

I had two cars when i was 17 a 1967 Buick Skylark and a 1972 Gran Torino Sport Fastback, so no it's not uncommon!

 

I have considered this. I ride motocross and love motorcycles. The problem is parking it. My school parking lot is full of thieves. It would be great for commuting to work and other areas though so it actually may be a very good idea.

 

This is what comp insurance is for .

 

If you are going to use it for ocassional use, you might check into collector insurance. Haggerty is one but there are others. They do have some restrictions. I am sure they have a web site. Good luck.

 

At 17 I had a Car and Motorcycle so you could say it was to cars. My adive would be to buy something like a 250 enduro that would work for back and forth to work and job and a great bike to put in the back of the truck for weekend get aways in the mountains. Of course always wear the proper riding gear and take a safety class.

 

Whats with this small truck, or IMPORT CAR, don't you think americans can build a small car? One of the finest small cars I've driven lately has been a ford zx2. The zetec engine is a performer, very quick, it gets allmost 40 mpg, handle's well, it's a good looking car, and very dependable. These cars can be had these days for a very reasonable price.

 

The insurance on the second vehicle would be a little cheaper if it was listed as a secondary vehicle. Full coverage on my 1994 Bronco was $41 dollars a month when it was listed as a secondary vehicle.

 

i have FIVE cars (well, 2 cars, 3 trucks) i have full coverage on one - comp and liability on the 2nd, and liability on the other 3. My insurance is $200 per month. Newest vehicle is a 1992. Car 5 got added for same reason as you, gas prices. I made it my primary driver. I actually do drive all of 'em, though the RV doesn't get driven often, but all of them are tagged, titled and insured. It's not bad when they are older! But it'll be even better when YOU are older!