On the fence - first vehicle for a teenager

[FL4XE]

As the title states I am on the fence with getting the slate. We know we want an electric vehicle as a first car for our teen (much less maintenance, no missed oil changes, driving without oil and blowing up the engine, and all the other mechanical things that go along with ICE). We really like the customizations and DIY aspect of the Slate. However we keep getting feedback that he may be better off with a vehicle that has a screen and power windows to lessen picking up the phone and distractions. Looking at what is out there in this price range leads us to the Bolt or the Leaf (but nearby the cheapest is $37K). So at this point our deadline to put the extra $250 to keep our delivery date (which works perfectly) is coming up but we are still debating the Bolt vs Slate. Anyone in a similar situation and any thoughts? The Slate is a two seater so that would also prevent a whole bunch of teens in the car causing distractions but may limit car pooling.

 

[EV Trek]

A used Bolt is a better deal for a teenager. Most of the ones older than 2019 have gotten new batteries and battery warranties back in 2021-22. So the warranty should be good for 8 years and 100,000 miles from the date the battery was replaced. Any Chevy dealer can check the warranty with the ViN number.

 

[KevinRS]

Don't know how power windows would limit picking up the phone. A screen is itself a distraction.
Got to decide if you want multiple teens in the car or limited carpooling, they are opposites.

 

[FL4XE]

A used Bolt is a better deal for a teenager. Most of the ones older than 2019 have gotten new batteries and battery warranties back in 2021-22. So the warranty should be good for 8 years and 100,000 miles from the date the battery was replaced. Any Chevy dealer can check the warranty with the ViN number.

Considered that. The best deal I have seen is for a 2023 with 21K miles for $18,500 and then a $2000 dealer fee which they will not budge on. There don't seem to be many used on sale in this area. So it ends up not too far off from a new one with a full warranty which can be had for just under $27K with the Costco deal including fees and taxes.

 

[AZFox]

Used market is tight right now, for EVs in particular.

A pickup limits your teen to a single passenger, which some consider an advantage.

 

[FL4XE]

Don't know how power windows would limit picking up the phone. A screen is itself a distraction.
Got to decide if you want multiple teens in the car or limited carpooling, they are opposites.

I worded it poorly. It would limit the distraction potential of I am just going to lean over and roll down this other window. The screen could both be a distraction but could also cut down on picking up the phone to change music, look at directions, etc.

 

[tubes]

Gotcha. 50 years ago when we cruised around, kids would come to the driver's window to chat. These days, everyone assumes you can open the passenger side, including the cops.

Not sure in the grand scheme of things how much that is a factor . Depends how social the teen is, I suppose.

They'll use AC more than windows for air. That's what teens know

 

[Doctors Do Little]

I worded it poorly. It would limit the distraction potential of I am just going to lean over and roll down this other window. The screen could both be a distraction but could also cut down on picking up the phone to change music, look at directions, etc.

I’m thinking of cutting my 16 year old loose with a slate as a high school grad present if she manages to get a free ride to college…she’s not so sure about that, so I told her to study for SAT like her life depends on it—then she has options!

 

[Johnologue]

As the title states I am on the fence with getting the slate. We know we want an electric vehicle as a first car for our teen (much less maintenance, no missed oil changes, driving without oil and blowing up the engine, and all the other mechanical things that go along with ICE). We really like the customizations and DIY aspect of the Slate. However we keep getting feedback that he may be better off with a vehicle that has a screen and power windows to lessen picking up the phone and distractions.

I think the phone mount will be less distracting if used properly (and, if used improperly, the screen can be more distracting as well), from experience dealing with a somewhat old Android Auto screen, and just looking at still images of the screens in those new EVs. I don't think crank windows are a distraction - it's the sort of thing you do a simple unconscious motion for, if you do it while in motion at all.

I also suggest that the Slate will be MUCH better for a teen for another reason: Parking.

Higher profile tires = less curb rash. Composite body means scratches or even dents aren't as much a problem. I am definitely not speaking from experience, I made no parking mistakes as a teen. Purely theory.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

Wanna be a hero. Buy that kid a used Miata for $15,000. And build memories for a lifetime. And two seats. And incredible visibility. And Miatas are bulletproof sewing machines. I owned three. Then wait two years and buy the kid a used Slate for $15,000. And you broke even.

 

[Frozen North]

As the title states I am on the fence with getting the slate. We know we want an electric vehicle as a first car for our teen (much less maintenance, no missed oil changes, driving without oil and blowing up the engine, and all the other mechanical things that go along with ICE). We really like the customizations and DIY aspect of the Slate. However we keep getting feedback that he may be better off with a vehicle that has a screen and power windows to lessen picking up the phone and distractions. Looking at what is out there in this price range leads us to the Bolt or the Leaf (but nearby the cheapest is $37K). So at this point our deadline to put the extra $250 to keep our delivery date (which works perfectly) is coming up but we are still debating the Bolt vs Slate. Anyone in a similar situation and any thoughts? The Slate is a two seater so that would also prevent a whole bunch of teens in the car causing distractions but may limit car pooling.

I have 2 kiddos at that age. I gave one a Ranger, which soon died, and a Rav4 to replace it. I won't spend this much on a first car, but if I did, they would probably both get a Slate.
Because...
1. 2 seats is a huge bonus to keep teenage dumbassitude to a minimum. More kids open up more opportunities for bad ideas.
2. Hopefully they are accurate and it aces all the safety tests and gets a very high rating.
3. Simple, inexpensive to buy, cheap to operate, and likely reliable.
4. The cheap and easy options for customizability.
5. Most kids would love likely being the only one with a truck like this.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

Wanna be a hero. Buy that kid a used Miata for $15,000. And build memories for a lifetime. And two seats. And incredible visibility. And Miatas are bulletproof sewing machines. I owned three. Then wait two years and buy the kid a used Slate for $15,000. And you broke even.

I have 6 kids…3 already out of the house. Lots of time and options. I’m thinking the Slate might be safer than the Miata though.

 

[EV Trek]

I have my son a Hand me down 1989 Chevy pickup, you don’t want to give them something new, also make them pay for any repairs needed. Gives them a idea of what things cost and hopefully they will treat it better.

 

[AZFox]

Wanna be a hero. Buy that kid a used Miata for $15,000. And build memories for a lifetime. And two seats. And incredible visibility. And Miatas are bulletproof sewing machines. I owned three. Then wait two years and buy the kid a used Slate for $15,000. And you broke even.

Good suggestion!

My first car looked almost exactly like this and it was a hoot:

 

[gnarly180]

Back when I was a teen we just got whatever old vehicle a family member had sitting around (my favorites were my 1983 Chevy S-10 Tahoe and my 1991 Honda Civic hatchback). No air conditioning, no airbags, no power windows, just a single DIN radio with a cassette player (CD player if you were lucky). Now, modern safety features really make a difference, but all the rest are just luxuries. I agree with the suggestion of getting a used Bolt if you can find one for a good price. But if you can't find a Bolt the Blank Slate might be a good option. I've never really liked the Idea of giving a teen a brand new car. With the Blank Slate though they start out with a bear bones, safe, drivable vehicle and they can save up their allowance or get a part time job to purchase their own upgrades. I think that builds more character than just giving them a new car packed with luxuries. Also, the slate will be a lot easier to repair for when they hit a light pole base that came out of nowhere in the Walmart parking lot.