Opinion needed: Leasing a Volt for new teenage driver?

[Charge]

I've owned (leased) a Volt for the past 6 months and love it (5600 miles - 6.1 Gal of gas used). My friends daughter just started driving and she's looking for a car for her. I've been talking up the Volt (and the attractive leases) and she is contemplating it and likes the enviro aspect as well as not having to shell out gas money every month to her daughter. She's also looking at a base Beetle and a Jetta. She's a little concerned about a 16 year old driving a $40K car, even though it does have a 5 star crash rating.

Anyone want to chime in on the pluses and minuses of leasing a Volt for new driver in the house? See has two years of high school left and will commute to school (~ 14 miles each way) as well as where ever else teenagers drive. I have no idea how many miles a year she will put on the car so it's hard to suggest which lease makes the most sense.

Thanks,

PS My daughter is 12 and I was contemplating buying out my lease when she starts driving.

[saghost]

Aside from the initial or lease cost, I think the only real downside is that it's such a smooth quiet car. That is, it can likely get away from an inexperienced or distracted driver (going much faster than they realized - there are no gear shifts or engine noises, and only slight increases in wind/tire noise that are likely drowned out by the stereo.)

[BeechBoy]

I have two teenage sons and they would LOVE to have Volts. The oldest one fell for a used Saab and realizes the cost of fuel is significant so he cannot afford to drive it as much as he wants.

Obviously, the Volt is more expensive to buy/lease but the operational costs are so low that it clearly makes more sense in the long run than a traditional ICE car.

[sgtpokey]

Aside from the initial or lease cost, I think the only real downside is that it's such a smooth quiet car. That is, it can likely get away from an inexperienced or distracted driver (going much faster than they realized - there are no gear shifts or engine noises, and only slight increases in wind/tire noise that are likely drowned out by the stereo.)

I actually think this is a major issue for a first time driver. Even experienced drivers sometimes do not notice bicyclists, pedestrians, dogs, etc. If you drive a quiet car then you have the combination of a (potentially) unaware driver and a (potentially) unaware pedestrian. Not a good combo.

[KyleH]

You may want to check the insurance aspect for a young driver. It may not be much of an issue after girls turn 18, but boys under 25 inspires the highest rates.

Higher risk means higher premiums. And, higher premiums on a $45k car may mean higher insurance payments. Something that may not be worth it. If security is a risk, perhaps a used, big, sturdy truck / suv is better. Also, making teenage earn their gas money may not be a bad thing--gives them less reason to go joy riding.

I do not think it is any riskier if the kid got a bmw or mercedes. Just make sure that the parent understands that he is giving a young driver a bmw car equivalent--a premium that some parents rather not spoil their kids.

Unfortunately, the Volt does zip and giving that power to a young driver may encourage reckless behaviors. If that is an issue, you and your friend may reconsider giving them a used gas guzzler that is big and sturdy and has 4 cylinders--the slower acceleration may encourage safer driving.

-KyleH

[focher]

I like the quote I read from another thread ... you could always consider getting the kid a Nissan Leash.

[DonC]

Late model cars are better for younger drivers because they have more safety equipment and younger drivers are more likely to put the vehicle into a tree. Another big advantage of the Volt is the lack of a fifth seat -- keeps the numbers down. Finally you can also track the car, which is a big advantage.

[tboult]

I actually think this is a major issue for a first time driver. Even experienced drivers sometimes do not notice bicyclists, pedestrians, dogs, etc. If you drive a quiet car then you have the combination of a (potentially) unaware driver and a (potentially) unaware pedestrian. Not a good combo.

Actually I think it would be good for a new driver. They can actually hear more.. experienced drivers have hears of training where engine noise was related to what they were doing. A novice driver would not have those habits and would likly quickly learn to use the speedometer and may visual cues to drive it. And at low speed they would hear, if the stereo was not loud, just as well -- but in reality they will likely have the radio loud enough that the lack of engine noise will not matter.

With a 28 mile school commute the would have a few miles of EV fun and then you'd know they went too far. Sign them up for Voltstats and its not really snooping but you'll know when they go too far.

Another issue not mentioned is also how long/expensive it will be if needs repairs. Volt parts can take a while to get it fix for even a minor impact.

But for the coolness factor, and the quality, the daughter would probably love it. A bit of spoiling in my book but if they are thinking of buying their 16year old a 40K car, money is probably not a issue and not something to which I could relate. (my parents never gave me a car, or paid for college).

[Jedi2155]

I too worry about giving an inexperienced driver a complex vehicle such as the Volt. The amount of amenities on the Volt is EXTREMELY distracting. As I myself was a former test driver where I was constantly managing data logging from various equipment while driving, I find the Volt just as distraction if not more so on the road with all its touch buttons and dials. While I always keep myself prioritized on the road first, I've found myself more than once realizing that I've spent too much time on a screen or searching for a button (especially in the first few weeks of driving).

This would prove especially hazardous for a young teenager trying to utilize the new features. I could recommend it if they already had 3-5 years of experience, but until you know they're safe with cars in general I would not recommend it.

[CarZin]

I understand the financials behind it, but I think giving any kid a 40k new car to drive is just asking for trouble. A high percentage get into wrecks. The parts on this car are NOT cheap. Not to mention the car has some visibility issues that would likely give an inexperienced driver more exposure to accidents. As noted above, the gadgets in the car are a HUGE distraction. I would be looking for a car that is used, inexpensive, and has good visibility and few blind spots. I'd be putting my kids in a used Honda Civic, and call it a day.

But, you know, if money isn't an issue, and you can afford to pay the higher rates if/when they get into an accident, there are far worse cars out there for them to drive than an electric. They'll likely inspire other kids to consider electric, and GM couldn't ask for better marketing.