==================================KuroNekko wrote:Obviously, they aren't the best vehicles on-road, but they aren't absolutely terrible either. I've spent a lot of time in a Samurai, on and off the road.murcod wrote:Yep, they weren't designed with on road use being any sort of priority....
Also, keep in mind that they were designed to be used at relatively low speeds around Japan while offering true 4x4 capabilities. While they have many shortcomings as an on-road vehicle (as with many traditional SUVs), they outperform most vehicles offroad short of other dedicated true 4x4s like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, etc.
What's great about them is that they are cheap and fuel efficient. The JDM Jimny with the 660cc engine is rated at 35 MPG. Not bad for something that can also get you through the unpaved world.
I'd personally love to have something like a Jimny as a 2nd car for offroad adventures.
I guess the UK and the US is very different when it comes to vehicles. The Kizashi's powerplant is nothing exceptional and is totally in the range of a car suited for a teenage driver here. Keep in mind many teenagers drive hand-me-downs from family members and many of those are vehicles like the Camry, Accord, Malibu, etc. in the US. They all have base engines comparable to the Kizashi's. In fact, most offer a more powerful V6 option or more recently, a turbo engine.paininthenuts wrote:Sorry, but I have to say this. Who in their right mind would let a teenager drive a car with a 2.4 engine and 180 BHP engine. I know things may be different in the UK, but a teenager trying to get insurance on a car with a bigger engine than a 1200cc would fine it almost impossible.
Some rich kids even get sports cars/muscle cars. This is where one can get into trouble from the lack of experience and bad judgment.
I knew of a guy who had a Mustang GT in high school and did 150 MPH runs on public roads at night. He himself said he couldn't believe he lived through that phase. He's now much more mature and attends a top law school.
It was a bad car for a teenager because teens often make bad judgment calls.
So, in the US, something like a 2.4 liter engine in a midsize is totally normal for a first car. Something like a V8 muscle car or a turbocharged hot hatch is a bad choice for the most part and high insurance rates reflect that.
As a matter of interest, what would a teenager pay for a years insurance on a Kizi for a year in the States
