Great First Cars?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Senail27
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If I repost this one more time, I'll probably get banned ;), but:

1996-2007 Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable-

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You can easily pick one up in great condition for around $1500-4000. Despite what you may have read, these cars actually handle fairly well for what they are, especially with better tires. Power is adequate with the more common Vulcan V6, plentiful with the higher output but less common Duratec V6. These cars never came with a manual transmission, only a 4-speed automatic which is a bit on the fragile side, so pay close attention to how the transmission shifts if you decide to test drive one. Other trouble spots are the factory coolant tank in the 96-02's develops cracks in it after while; OEM replacements run about $60. Don't even bother with the cheap Chinese aftermarket tank which will more than likely fail in just a few months. Also, change the coolant in the Vulcan engine at no longer of an interval than every 2 years; it is infamous for rust in the cooling system which can lead to very bad things. Finally, watch out if the rear of the car is sagging, that means the struts/springs are shot and replacement is apparently very expensive. If anybody asks why I am a strong supporter of this car, I've been the proud owner of one for over eight years with little trouble. 👍 The only non-maintenance items I've had to change out were the fuel pump (very expensive :ouch:, but I'm fairly confident the Motorcraft replacement unit is not made in China) and the mentioned coolant tank.
 
Slash
Yeah you could throw that into the mix as an option as well. Nissan made some good ones way back but finding one in good shape these days would e challenging.
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Hardboys and that sort of stuff?

Hiluxes are great. My father has one in his company and the thing is awsome and really tough. It carried lumps of steel weighing tonnes, got it stuck in a lamp post and had lots of abuse, but it goes just fine.
 
An you can rip around in one like its a sports car.
 
Slash
A 4 or 6 cylinder Ranger or S10 can be an alternative as well, plus they can carry small loads, have 4WD and extra passengers, and you can simply beat them to hell and they won't die. You should have seen what my friend did to his S10 and it wouldn't quit.
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While this is a good point, I'd avoid the 4.3L in the S-10 unless you enjoy going to a gas station all the time. When I had my Blazer I was lucky to get 18mpg and it was only 2WD. I will agree though that they are more or less indestructible and a decent choice for a first vehicle since they are cheap and easy to repair, as well as insure.

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As for what makes a good first car? Some cheap to own, cheap to repair, and something that's safe. A performance car of any kind is a terrible idea because when you turn 16, you might have a license but you won't know what in the hell you're doing...not even in the slightest. I've been driving a little over 10 years and I still do bone-headed things and have "learning experiences".

If you're worried about snow/winter, I'd look at an old Subaru like a Legacy or something or even an old Civic Wagovan (they're awesome too). If you're not worried about the snow something like a Dodge Neon Sport will be easy enough to fix and they're dirt cheap to own, plus they can still be rather fun to drive.
 
Your first car isn't about the car, it's about the freedom.
 
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ildd
Edit- wait, you're 14 (profile)? There's ZERO point in looking for a car right now. You never know what will happen in the next 1.5 years...
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Within the next few years, the supply of decent secondhand S2ks is going to dry up, leaving only poorly modified examples and "garage queens" with high price tags to choose from.

The current Miata will be going for a decent price within the next four years. The NAs are what everyone wants, but by the time you get one and are licensed, it'll be over 25 years old. That's not just old... it's, well, old. Either way, while a Miata could be your first sports car, it shouldn't be your first car.

Your first car should be something like a Honda Fit or a Mazda2. Something cheap to run, cheap to insure and cheap to fix. This gives you a reliable daily driver and allows you to save up money for a toy later down the line. A toy that you are going to race and break. When you do, you'll be happy to have a Fit/Spark/2/Mirage/whatevs in the garage to pootle around in while you save up more money to fix your toy.

 
Badasp5.0
Naturally aspirated impreza or legacy would be a good 1st car too. I DD a '96 Legacy.
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I agree. My first impreza was an RS and I still love that car. I mentioned WRX or STI because the op said they wanted an STI. The RS is indeed another great option and much cheaper too. Could even go with a Forester or an Outback.
 
I heard there was an entry level sports car Toyota was gonna realeas for about 16K, should I consider that, guys?
 
Senail27
I heard there was an entry level sports car Toyota was gonna realeas for about 16K, should I consider that, guys?
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When talking about cars, "first" and "sports" should never be in the same sentence unless there's a "never" in there. Like others have said, get something cheap, reliable, safe, and easy to maintain.
 
Senail27
I heard there was an entry level sports car Toyota was gonna realeas for about 16K, should I consider that, guys?
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The only 16k Toyota you should consider is a Camry/Corolla.
 
ildd
I liked that thread. This thread will turn into that if it continues.
@LeadFootLiam What car did you decide on anyways?
Oh, and I'm guessing S2000 insurance for a 17 year old is equal to a 40 year old driving a Gallardo

Edit- wait, you're 14 (profile)? There's ZERO point in looking for a car right now. You never know what will happen in the next 1.5 years...
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I like planning ahead... anyways, other people would wanna look for their first. Around now, it's better to know what I'm saving for.
 
Grandea GTR
My first, and still my current, is an '02 Camry LE. At first I kinda hated it because I was forced to get it by my dad (didn't trust me with a Legacy 2.5GT), but now it has grown on me and I really love the car.

Call it an appliance if you will, but it is my fun appliance.


When you get your first car, it should be something you hate at first, but will grow onto you later. Save the flashy sports cars for a later date, you can get those later.
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I was thinking about the Legacy, It's like a civilized WRX. The Camry though, I'm getting suggestions on those...
 
Roflwaffle
How about a Honda Fit? No? I MEAN IT...
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Senail27
Jesus, as if getting that as a first car in GT6 wasn't bad enough...
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I can second this suggestion. Scoff all you like, but the USDM Fit with the 1.5 litre engine and manual gearbox is a properly well sorted car. My parents bought one in 2010, and I was a bit sceptical, but after driving a few thousand miles in it over a year and a half I can say that it is a brilliant car. The gearbox is a great Honda unit, positive and easy to use with a precise clutch, and the chassis communicates really well with you when you take it up to the limit (which is nice and easy to reach). The steering is wonderful and the engine is a gem. Above 60 MPH it's not that quick, but in first and second gear in the VTEC zone it's fairly quick and really, really lovely to use.

And if you don't want to buy it on the driving experience, buy it for 30 MPG city, 40 MPH highway (real world numbers, based on 3 years of ownership) and the fact that it'll hold 5 people or a helluva lot of stuff (they don't call it the magic seat for nothing).

It's no sports car, but it'd be a great first car for an enthusiast. After all, it has been on Car and Driver's 10Best list 7 times, putting it in the all time top 10. As you mentioned planning ahead, we've had no issues so far and being a Honda it'll likely continue to be bulletproof. Plus, resale values are quite high.

One last thing, if you don't want a manual, don't consider this car. It's pretty awful with an auto.
 
So, I'm down to a Camry, an Accord, A Fit, A NA Subie and possibly a Miata (Unless NY spontaneously turns into Siberia...). I'm not after the Civics since most guys get civics to high school. I'm being a little stubborn here but my cousin owns a Mitsubishi 3000GT that she never uses. I'm really interested on those. My family is more on the Mitsubishi side for first cars and stuff.
 
Gonna go ahead and suggest something vaguely interesting after reading two pages of Corollas and the like. The seventh generation Accord V6 sedan. They do everything respectably (acceleration, gas mileage, handling, comfort), but are now able to be had for close to $10k with lower miles. They can either be had in basic LX form, EX (includes a sunroof, mainly), or EX-L guise which most notably included leather, but could also be optioned with a navigation system. You could also get the V6 sedan with a six-speed manual, but only for 2006 and 2007.

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Senail27
So, I'm down to a Camry, an Accord, A Fit, A NA Subie and possibly a Miata (Unless NY spontaneously turns into Siberia...). I'm not after the Civics since most guys get civics to high school. I'm being a little stubborn here but my cousin owns a Mitsubishi 3000GT that she never uses. I'm really interested on those. My family is more on the Mitsubishi side for first cars and stuff.
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If you buy a 3000GT you might as well just give all your remaining money to your insurance company, and then possibly give them your kidneys too.
 
Let's consider location here, I live in upstate NY. So, winter is a pain in the ass.
 
@Senail27 -- 3000GTs are kind of known for being money pits, unfortunately (especially the turbo AWD version). I could almost guess your cousin isn't using it because it needs work.

You've got a good list going, though. Something like a Camry/Accord/Fit/Legacy might not seem very glamorous, but IMO anything with a manual transmission is a fun car. If you can get something with a 5-speed, you'll have plenty of fun times with your first ride, while checking off other boxes like good fuel economy, practicality, and affordability.
 
Wolfe
@Senail27 -- 3000GTs are kind of known for being money pits, unfortunately (especially the turbo AWD version). I could almost guess your cousin isn't using it because it needs work.

You've got a good list going, though. Something like a Camry/Accord/Fit/Legacy might not seem very glamorous, but IMO anything with a manual transmission is a fun car. If you can get something with a 5-speed, you'll have plenty of fun times with your first ride, while checking off other boxes like good fuel economy, practicality, and affordability.
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Oh, the 3000GT has like 40,000 miles on it. She didn't like it since she was so small, that she sunk in the bucket seat XD

Could you say that a 240SX is a money pit?
 
I'd say a normal Impreza. I know it may sound like I'm biased, but I'm not. The Impreza is good especially because the NY winters are harsh.
 
Joey D
If you buy a 3000GT you might as well just give all your remaining money to your insurance company, and then possibly give them your kidneys too.
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3000GT: Repairs...Repairs, everywhere. Although 40K miles is fairly low, 200+ horsepower for a rookie driver (and you will be for the first 5 years of driving, that's life) is asking for trouble.

I wouldn't say a 240SX is a money pit, but most of them are quite beaten to heck; they're all 15-25 years old. Not a bad starter car, they aren't too powerful, but the used market has driven up the cost of those cars. Don't go looking for a go-fast good time right off the bat, and in two years...it's just another 25-year-old car, like an NA Miata. Avoid anything tuned, especially if it's older than you; it probably generated its own problems that you'll now inherit.

Remember you do live in the Snow Belt. You aren't going to drive very fast in the snow; you'll probably enjoy anything with a working heater core. After the first couple of months, you'll think it's an amazing car compared to not having a car at all; you'll also have fond memories unless it was a complete pile of never-running crap. You want a car because you want to go places, have fun, and not miss out on things, so don't worry about having something unique or exotic. Unless your folks are rich, you have to insure and put money into it, and insurance isn't cheap for teenagers, and $1.10/gallon gas is history.
 
Senail27
Could you say that a 240SX is a money pit?
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Good luck finding a decent one that's affordable.

Oh, and RWD and snow isn't the greatest combination.
 
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