[s-cars] Kids and cars, vol II - which vehicle dynamics course?

[Ian Duff]

Wow, am I glad I started this thread!

Here's a thought. The F-150 is for the first short while, when my daughter
is almost certain to be in some sort of fender-bender. My informal survey of
new drivers assures me that almost every new driver has a bodywork
experience within the first few weeks of driving. The Jetta she will buy to
replace the F-150 will do two things. First, it will put her into a much
safer vehicle, for both her and for those with whom she shares the road.
Second, it will get me a nice beater F-150 with which to visit Home Depot
and haul lobster pots. I'm tired of cleaning up after doing this in the S6
Avant.

Something else I'm trying to figure out is which vehicle dynamics course to
take with her. She needs to learn how to control a car, and spinning and
sliding with expert instruction is the best way to learn this. So, whose
course? Skippy? Bondurant? Jim Russell? Some other ace (although isn't "ace"
spelled with two esses?)?

So, to boil it down, the F-150 will stand her in good stead while she learns
vehicle separation and anticipation. The vehicle dynamics course will teach
her how to learn avoidance and active safety. The Jetta SHE WILL BUY WITH
HER OWN MONEY will allow her to practice these lessons, to her benefit, as
she moves fully into the automotive world.

I stand by my earlier F-150 choice. I have no budget for a Neue Beetle, nor
for a disposable Ovlov 240, when I will inherit a slightly dinged F-150 in
fairly short order, from a thankful, considerate and still healthy daughter.

-Ian Duff.