Is a Ford Bronco a good first car? - 1

I'm 16 and I'm thinking about buying a car. I really want an SUV. I'm used to driving mid-sized SUVs and full size pickup trucks. I'm thinking about getting a 1996 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer. Is it a good car? I like them because I don't really see them that much. Does it handle well in the snow? Also, could I find one in a 4 door?

It is a big gas hog.

It can do well in snow with 4wd, but have to remember that is still will stop just as fast as a 2wd vehicle. There's a reason why there are always tons of SUVs in the ditch, they give a false sense of security. Bronco has been 2 door as long as I can remember.

You don't see them that often because most were scrapped years ago.

What is your weekly mileage? When new, they got 12-17 miles per gallon. So figure 9-14 with 18 years of wear and tear.

Say you drive 150 miles a week and get 14mpg, at $3.40 a gallong, that is over $36 a week/$145 a month, just for gas.

I've got a few pieces of advice for you. One. If you're in high school and working part time like me. Don't get a gas hog if you plan on driving often. I drive an '89 chevy 1500 with a 5.7L V8 in it. I get around 10-12 in town and 15-17 on the highway. Similar to what a '96 Full Sized Bronco would get. After paying for insurance $190/month, my phone bill $50/month, and filling up my 30 gallon tank to last me until next
pay day(about $110). There goes my whole paycheck. So you're broke for half the month. That's just the financial part. Two. Find a good running vehicle with minor issues that's easy to work on. My chevy is incredibly roomy and I can replace about anything without having to take it to a shop. You can learn a lot! I would recommend a 4.9l f150. They made them in the late 80s through the mid 90s. They're great engines that are quite large for a 6 cylinder and still get good gas mileage.

Many yrs of B's had poor reliability.

one that old likely to need much in repairs.

Don't' buy anything w/o reading CR.
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http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/about
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http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/how-w%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%A6
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"Consumer Reports is a nonprofit, expert, independent organization" that tests a wide range of products and services in detail and publishes the results in a monthly mag avail @ many bookstores and website; fee for full access.
http://www.vehiclehistory.gov/...index.html title

Broncos are 2 door. Explorers are 4 door.

As for it being a good first car. That would be subjective as to how well you can learn about how height can cause many problems on curvy roads. Personally, I think it would be a great first car for someone who is willing to take their time getting somewhere and if you live in a rural area. It would make a terrible city car. Gas mileage in town is likely going to be in the low 10's or maybe even in the single digits. I'm guessing 8-12 mpg depending on what engine is in it. Highway you may be 17mpg.

One thing about those Broncos the mpg drops like a stone after you get over 50 mph. So you have to drive it slow if you want to make it to the next gas station.