My 16 year old's first car!

[Electronic M]

If the trans is all that it really needs to be useful to him then he ought to just save/pay up for it or go ahead and work on it...Unless he does not really like it or what he could do with it.

If you bought a car to love as a classic then you gotta put the sweat and or money in to keep it on the road. If you buy a car to flip then knowing what your getting into and knowing when and where to quit are essential. If you buy a car for it to be low maintenance you either have to pony up on a classic (for a great original or for restoration before or after you buy it), or get something recent and make sure there are no problems before you buy it.

I feel I was fairly practical in choosing my first car (for wanting something old, cool, and oomphy). I bought something already road worthy, in presentable, but less than perfect shape, and have done basically all the work to keep it moving without resorting to having repair shops do it.
My second I was too cheap/broke and rushed on, but I may make it good enough to be happy with it yet....If not I have the horse sense to cut my losses.

[Kamakiri]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

If the trans is all that it really needs to be useful to him then he ought to just save/pay up for it or go ahead and work on it...Unless he does not really like it or what he could do with it.

To make it *driveable*, the thing just needs the trans, and some taillight wiring. The seats are vinyl and are torn to shreds, plus the paint and bodywork. Unless you've done worse (which I have), it looks like a long row to hoe.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by Kamakiri

To make it *driveable*, the thing just needs the trans, and some taillight wiring. The seats are vinyl and are torn to shreds, plus the paint and bodywork. Unless you've done worse (which I have), it looks like a long row to hoe.

It is best to pick your battles and know how to space work out. In his shoes I'd fix the trans and lights, search the junk yards for one with good seats to swap in, then gradually start the other ~4/5 of the body work/paint.

Granted given that it is winter and your in the north this is not a time most sane people want to work on cars....Unless you are one of the lucky few with a heated garage.