By understanding the basic principles of balance and weight distribution. Important to driving any car, but vital with a powerful lightweight RWD car. If you don't understand these principles then you shouldn't really be driving the S.

I sense the hackles of the younger generation rising, and I sympathise to an extent; generalisations are odious. I accept that there are many younger drivers out there who approach the ownership and the driving of this car with a level head and responsible attitude. Unfortunately, as a regular road user I have to say that they are in the minority from my experience. Say to me that there are plenty of older drivers on the roads who are an absolute menace and I can only agree. Those older drivers though tend to be just the end product of insufficient initial instruction and years of bad driving practises.

The problem with very young drivers tends to be a mix of testosterone and a high performance sports car which is a lethal mix. Please don't pi$$ up my leg and tell me it's raining, I see it on the roads every day! The insurance premiums imposed on young drivers are the result of hard statistics, it's really that simple!

Good luck to those 16 or 17 year olds being bought the car by their parents, but I have to agree, that generally speaking, it's sheer lunacy, and I loved both my sons far too much to buy either of them that sort of car at that age. They're both in their 30's now, and have developed into good responsible drivers, but I wont bore you with the horn-locking episodes we had in the early years over their escapades with cars and high-powered bikes. You can't buy experience. It's a hard -won commodity.

I've been driving lots of high performance cars for about 35 years in some of the most demanding circumstances. I've never rolled a car, or put one off the road in that time and if you have, then I''m sorry, but make all the excuses you like, there's something wrong with your basic approach to your driving. Do something about that!! You can of course totally ignore this advice.. it's very easy to sit in your isolated, motorized cocoon and convince yourself you're the greatest driver ever. The perceptions of those around you are somewhat different!

The only thing worse than a young driver drawing alongside you at the traffic lights is a young driver accompanied by 3 or 4 of his mates. Guaranteed bad news... and it aint funny. Sorry if it offends but that's the way it is most of the time these days.

Sometimes methinks thou doth protest too much! Just think about it!

 

Barry

I very much like what you had to say.

For those younger people who insist upon harping on age, I don't think that is what Barry said. I think Barry spoke of experience, and I think he is absolutely correct. Experience and judgement coupled to the ability to approach the art of driving seriously and responsibly, that is the difference. Unfortunately, oftentimes these qualities only come with age. Not always, but often. Sometimes. they never come.

I'm not sure whether it matters that the car was earned or received as a gift. What matters is the mind set of the owner/driver. And yes, anyone, any age should learn something about driving this car before he or she gets into trouble with it.

On behalf of all of us oldtimers on the board, I want to thank you for saying what you said so eloquently.

 

I agree with Ufenize . My parents helped me buy this car and I work very hard to make the payment and maintain the car. I'm most humble grateful for their help.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cedric Tomkinson
[B]


The only thing worse than a young driver drawing

 

I also hate posts like these...it's as if there is a rite of passage that everyone must pass before being 'allowed' to own an S...no matter what car you start out on you have to be careful, i've never spun out with my S (thank god) but i have with a 1990 civic and i was not trying to show off or anything either...any car can go 80 mph into a turn meant for 30 mph driving...obviously anyone young will need to gain experience but you have to start somewhere...why dont we just push the driver's license age requirement to 30?...i completely agree with your 'who SHOULD have an S', but i disagree with your 'who SHOULD NOT have an S' b/c it seems more like a list comprised of attributes that are targeted at the younger owners...why not just add in something like no one older than 50 unless they pass eye/hearing tests...as for the 'What kind of a loving parent would consider fulfilling that dream?', its a case by case basis with everyone, so please do not stereotype the younger owners because its getting old...it seems as though you fail to look at any perspective besides your own, with a hint of jealousy in many of your comments as well.

 

I am 20 and I got my GP White S2000 (28k miles) in July when I was 19. I was given a Jetta VR6 when I was 16 for good grades and behavior. I was extremely lucky of course but I knew they wanted me to have a FWD sedan with 4 airbags and we were in a position where they could make something that awesome and generous happen. My biggest hobby has always been the automotive industry and that led me to want a RWD, manual sports car. I knew I had to sell the Jetta soon (3 years old) to get a decent price. I drove the S (godreau2029's) and fell in love and tried for months to find one cheap enough. I found a great deal and organized the deal but I had to keep the payments the same. I paid the 2k downpayment and gave them 3k for monthy payments. I do not pay for my whole car but at least I have some kind of thanks and knowledge of what I have compared to most.
I also never had driven stick. I drove many cars before hand and it took a good month on the S until I was good. I VTEC'd so very rarely for the first 2 months. I also went into parking lots in the rain and spun around to find its limits. The Philly Cruise Group S2k runs really helped me develope my driving and I plan to Auto-X and road race this spring.
As far as maturity goes, I own my own business and have not gotten into an accident yet and have only received 1 speeding ticket in 4 years. I drive conservatively now (more so than even 6 months ago) on a regular basis and go for spirited runs in the country or at meets like Fall Colors. I only "open it up" outside built up/residential areas because of people/cars/cops and lights. For being new to RWD, MANUAL, and something somewhat fast, I am better at controlling the car than many older and more experienced drivers that I have seen. I do know that I have a lot to learn and thsi will only happen from road racing, Auto x'ing and just getting older. I know that some people must look down on me because I am 20 but the fact remains, I am careful, an eager leaner, respectful, and aware of my limits. Happy motoring to all ages.

 

Cedric,
The only problem with your statement is in regards to your accident record. The fact that you have not gotten into an accident in 19 years is both a factor of your driving style and luck. I have not gotten into an accident but I also know I am lucky as I have avoided many that I "should" have. I attribute this to my accident avoidence skill as well as the serious attention I give the road and its drivers. Many people get into accidents but sometimes it is not their fault (sometimes excuses are fine) and that does not mean there is something with their basic approach to driving.
-Anthony

 

There isn't a 'Right Of Passage'.... but there ought to be. Just because Mom and Dad can afford to buy you this car at 16 or 17 years of age, or even if you've earned the money yourself, doesn't mean you should have it. Affluence doesn't override experience, or the need for it. Whether you like it or not, and whether you accept it or not, driving is a progressive experience. You survived your spin-out in your Civic, but you may not have done in an S. That was a valuable (if avoidable) experience.

Jealousy has nothing whatsoever to do this this btw. Times have changed out of all recognition. Where some of you younger guys lose just a little sympathy, if you don't mind me saying so, is that you seem to think that 'affordability'= eligibility"and that just because the world has turned a little, different considerations apply to you than applied to us. Taint so. Sorry!!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Anthonymv
[B]Cedric,

 

Has someone already said that the fact that I paid for mine myself makes me more careful about driving it since it's my money I'll lose?

I personally think that's *a lot* more important than age or experience...