Re: Crossfire as a unique option for new driver?
IMHO, it's not a good winter driver (if there's snow on the road), so a back up truck is perfect. If he plays sports and has to drag gear around, be aware there is not a lot of trunk room.
Otherwise mine has been a very reliable car. I do mostly highway driving and get 27-30 mpg.
With no back seat, it takes some risk away when he dates. I can speak from experience, it's not easy to mess around in a Crossfire (of course, I'm not as motivated as a teen ager).
My son (17) always begs to drive mine and I have let him occasionally. But he doesn't get to take it on his own because he is careless and I'm keeping this baby ding-free.