Dagger's New First Car Thread.

[Slash]

1: I intend to do zero hooning.
2: I need reliability and practicality with this car. It's just a daily. Doesn't have to be exciting.

That said, I would totally mod the hell out of it eventually.

Then there you go then. Plus it's somewhat sporty looking. Basic platform that does exactly what you want and has the potential to be something better in the future.

 

[Dagger311]

Then there you go then. Plus it's somewhat sporty looking. Basic platform that does exactly what you want and has the potential to be something better in the future.

It's still got some rough competition. Hard to pass up on a car known for its reliability like a Camry or Volvo.

And that Focus is looking nicer and nicer... Definitely great on gas. That's more money to put back for the "Dream" car. Plus, it's a modern American non-GM car, just like your Mustang.

There's too many choices. Where's a 20-sided die when you need one???

 

[Slash]

It's still got some rough competition. Hard to pass up on a car known for its reliability like a Camry or Volvo.

2.3L's are known to be extremely bulletproof.

And that Focus is looking nicer and nicer... Definitely great on gas. That's more money to put back for the "Dream" car. Plus, it's a modern American non-GM car, just like your Mustang.

Or you could already start with something that can turn into one of your dream cars without having to buy more than one vehicle. Financially that does not make sense. Why buy one car when all your going to do is waste money on one thing and then have to start saving up AGAIN for another car when you can just buy one car in the first place. Sounds like your trying to waste money.

 

[Bopop4]

And that Focus is looking nicer and nicer... Definitely great on gas. That's more money to put back for the "Dream" car. Plus, it's a modern American non-GM car, just like your Mustang.

Mmmmm...

Blue...

SES trim has heated seats, heated mirrors, sunroof, and if you want to change the radio deck it takes 2 seconds to take off the centre dash with a pocketknife.

 

[Dagger311]

2.3L's are known to be extremely bulletproof.



Or you could already start with something that can turn into one of your dream cars without having to buy more than one vehicle. Financially that does not make sense. Why buy one car when all your going to do is waste money on one thing and then have to start saving up AGAIN for another car when you can just buy one car in the first place. Sounds like your trying to waste money.

A Fox body is far from my ideal dream car .

Dream car in the not so distant future: Smog era Camaro.
Dream Car within an affordable pricerange, if I save money till I'm 40-50: 1969 Camaro. (Alternate: Could get it well before 40, 1965 Impala)
Dream Car, period: 1969 Z/28 Camaro.

The Fox is a nice car, but it's not the car I want as a cruiser. Never cared for that body style in the first place, actually. The notchbacks are alright, though.

And as a daily, I have to weigh it in with the ten other cars offered to me as options.

Mmmmm...

Blue...

My favorite color.. Seriously.

 

[Slash]

Then why don't you start with a late V6 third gen? Or a 4th gen

 

[Leggy1]

Petrol only or considering diesel? Small diesel market in North America though.

Focuses are okay cars, but not great quality especially interior-wise. It's a shame most VWs for the US aren't on par with the Euro versions. A Golf would be ideal.

 

[Dagger311]

Then why don't you start with a late V6 third gen? Or a 4th gen

Camaro? Or Mustang?

@Leggy1 Gasoline only please. Much cheaper here than diesel. It'd be hard to justify paying more money to put gas in a car, when all the others could do it for cheaper.

 

[Slash]

Camaro? Or Mustang?

@Leggy1 Gasoline only please. Much cheaper here than diesel. It'd be hard to justify paying more money to put gas in a car, when all the others could do it for cheaper.

Camaro

 

[Leggy1]

Camaro? Or Mustang?

@Leggy1 Gasoline only please. Much cheaper here than diesel. It'd be hard to justify paying more money to put gas in a car, when all the others could do it for cheaper.

That's a shame, the torque is great, as is the economy.

 

[Slash]

That's a shame, the torque is great, as is the economy.

The only thing you see deisel go into here is big ass pickup trucks.

 

[Dagger311]

Camaro

I don't know. Maybe. I'd love a V8 second gen, but only as a second car. The third gens are nice though, especially the earlier ones.

That's a shame, the torque is great, as is the economy.

Seriously, it's really high here in GA. I'm trying to avoid diesel at all costs .

The only thing you see deisel go into here is big ass pickup trucks.

And those Jettas.

 

[Slash]

I've never seen a diesel Jetta.

In fact for every 6-8 gas pumps I see I see one diesel unless they all operate off the same stand.

 

[Dagger311]

The new ones have that TDI clean diesel thing.

 

[Leggy1]

The only thing you see deisel go into here is big ass pickup trucks.

Almost everything can have a diesel here, even city cars like the Fiat Panda.

Seriously, it's really high here in GA. I'm trying to avoid diesel at all costs .


And those Jettas.

The purchase price of diesel cars or the actual fuel cost? Jettas are decent cars, have a look for German cars that aren't built cheaply in Mexico.

 

[Dagger311]

The fuel cost. And the car itself, actually.

 

[Bopop4]

My favorite color.. Seriously.

Petrol only or considering diesel? Small diesel market in North America though.

Focuses are okay cars, but not great quality especially interior-wise. It's a shame most VWs for the US aren't on par with the Euro versions. A Golf would be ideal.

All the newish VW's over here are made in Mexico rather than Germany. Some problems with the electronics on those cars, especially the ABS.

Dad had a German made Golf that was great, but that was over 20 years ago.

True, I can't defend the outside door handles on the Focus, but at least they work well.

 

[Leggy1]

The fuel cost. And the car itself, actually.

Only about 3-4% more here fuel wise. You would have to do a lot of miles to justify the extra premium.

@Bopop4 It's unfortunate for the US market, VW is a quality option in Europe. The Focus does drive very well though.

 

[Slash]

Mmmmm...

Blue...

SES trim has heated seats, heated mirrors, sunroof, and if you want to change the radio deck it takes 2 seconds to take off the centre dash with a pocketknife.

Hey I know that car

It likes dirt roads

Almost everything can have a diesel here, even city cars like the Fiat Panda.

The purchase price of diesel cars or the actual fuel cost? Jettas are decent cars, have a look for German cars that aren't built cheaply in Mexico.

You're looking at roughly $1 to $1.30 more per gallon than regular unleaded gasoline.

Only about 3-4% more here fuel wise. You would have to do a lot of miles to justify the extra premium.

Exactly why it's not worth it.

 

[Dagger311]

Only about 3-4% more here fuel wise. You would have to do a lot of miles to justify the extra premium.

Here it's about... 25-ish percent more.

 

[Slash]

especially the ABS.

How 'bout that ABS light huh

 

[Leggy1]

You're looking at roughly $1 to $1.30 more per gallon than regular unleaded gasoline.



Exactly why it's not worth it.

Here it's about... 25-ish percent more.

That's a huge difference, no wonder nobody drives diesels.

 

[Bopop4]

How 'bout that ABS light huh

On a totally unrelated note.

1: I intend to do zero hooning.

If the ABS light ever comes on after a spin, just turn the car off and on again.

 

[Slash]

On a totally unrelated note.

Don't give him any ideas!

 

[Kent]

Insurance on small cars is high? Never knew that. The Wrangler is an exception though, according to Forbes. Probably because most people don't daily those.


We've had bad experiences with a 2004 Accord, but it could've just been a faulty model or something.

But anyway, the 2.2s leak oil? Never would've guessed that. Any fixes for it? Putty?

I owned a 2.2 as my first car that wasn't coming from my parents...
Ran it for well over 150,000 miles without ever seeing an oil leak of any kind (or any kind of leak for that matter).
Never heard of the 2.2 leaking oil.
Might be wrong but just thought I should weigh in...

That said, it looks like you want a focus and so I wish you the best of luck, try finding one an older person owned so you don't get one with a burnt out engine and suspension (lots of kids think the focus is a sports car and drive it as such).

 

[Dagger311]

I owned a 2.2 as my first car that wasn't coming from my parents...
Ran it for well over 150,000 miles without ever seeing an oil leak of any kind (or any kind of leak for that matter).
Never heard of the 2.2 leaking oil.
Might be wrong but just thought I should weigh in...

That said, it looks like you want a focus and so I wish you the best of luck, try finding one an older person owned so you don't get one with a burnt out engine and suspension (lots of kids think the focus is a sports car and drive it as such).

It's definitely a common problem, judging by how many people on the Toyota forum are asking how to pull their engines and fix it...

Currently, it's between the Focus and the Accord I think. Both are nice, and both will do everything I need them to. Leaning towards the Focus, because 'Murica.

Just kidding. I like the styling better, and since we have a member who owns one, I' m sure I could get some help if needed.

 

[Slash]

My mom has an automatic Focus. 2009 SE model.

It's peppy if you punch it but the motor doesn't come alive until 3,000rpm. The ride quality sucks, the handling is decent, and the interior materials are garbage.

 

[Dagger311]

I'd like luxury, but to be honest, reliability and gas mileage are much more important. And the Focus delivers in droves.

Worst comes to worst, cushy seat covers.

 

[Bopop4]

(lots of kids think the focus is a sports car and drive it as such).

But it handles so well.


To OP, honestly you'd be happy with either a Focus or Camry/Accord.

Get the one in best condition with the lowest mileage for the best price.

Edit:

My mom has an automatic Focus. 2009 SE model.

It's peppy if you punch it but the motor doesn't come alive until 3,000rpm. The ride quality sucks, the handling is decent, and the interior materials are garbage.

Is it any different from mine?
I've never had an issue with the ride or handling.

 

[Dagger311]

But it handles so well.


To OP, honestly you'd be happy with either a Focus or Camry/Accord.

Get the one in best condition with the lowest mileage for the best price.

Edit:


Is it any different from mine?
I've never had an issue with the ride or handling.

I think I've made up my mind then. A Focus, or a Camry/Corolla.