There are plenty of "fun" options out there: Audi TT coupe or convertible, BMW 3-Series coupe or convertible, BMW M3 coupe or convertible, Mercedes CLK coupe or convertible, Saab 9-3 Viggen coupe or convertible. Any of these would make a 17 year old very happy and looking 'cool'.

But I can't stress enough the importance of enrolling your son in a brief driving school with your new purchase. A few days of instruction in a classroom and out on the track is a small insurance investment for someone with very little driving experience behind the wheel of a capable and expensive automobile. I can understand how you want to lavish your son with the very best that you can provide, but also send him a message that driving safely is a very adult-like responsibility, and the terms of accepting your gift ought to require a few days of professional driving instruction.

I currently drive an S type and I have had a few problems with it but nothing major. My only child, a son, is graduating from high school this June and I would like to suprise him with another car this time a Jaguar X-type but I would like to know if you think a 17 year old would look appropriate in a Jaguar. My wife and I have been looking at cars and we're hooked on the x-type or a boxster.