The Time Has Come...

[nismo4life]

Well in about 2 months ill be turning 18 and finally getting the freedom to drive and so the time has come to start looking for a car. I am looking for at the most of 3 grand, maybe 4, and stick only. I have compiled a list of possible canidates and i would appreciate your input or suggestions of cars. Possible choices are:

93-97 Volvo 850 GLT/854R
87-93 Celica All Trac or GT Four
89-92 MKIII Supra/Turbo
89-92 RX-7 Turbo/Non-T
Mid 90's Audi Sport Quattro's
91-95 Jetta/Passat VR6
82-94 MKI-MKIII Golf GTi
91-94 Sentra SE-R
89-91 240SX SE
90-95 Ford Taurus SHO
92-96 Prelude /4WS

If you guys ahve any suggestions feel free to post them up, i appreciate everyone talking a look in here and posting.

-Rod

 

[kennythebomb]

Out of that list I'd go for a Prelude or a Jetta/Passat.

 

[Driftster]

yeah...If this will be your first car that YOU can drive..

get the most pactical..safest...slowest car on the list..it will not only save you money for when you've got experience under your belt....

It'll keep you out of serious harms way

 

[Seanman]

What about a Camaro or a Firebird?

 

[Famine]

Well in about 2 months ill be turning 18 and finally getting the freedom to drive and so the time has come to start looking for a car. I am looking for at the most of 3 grand, maybe 4, and stick only. I have compiled a list of possible canidates and i would appreciate your input or suggestions of cars. Possible choices are:

93-97 Volvo 850 GLT/854R
87-93 Celica All Trac or GT Four
89-92 MKIII Supra/Turbo
89-92 RX-7 Turbo/Non-T
Mid 90's Audi Sport Quattro's
91-95 Jetta/Passat VR6
82-94 MKI-MKIII Golf GTi
91-94 Sentra SE-R
89-91 240SX SE
90-95 Ford Taurus SHO
92-96 Prelude /4WS

If you guys ahve any suggestions feel free to post them up, i appreciate everyone talking a look in here and posting.

-Rod

You'll probably crash all of them. The only one that you won't die in is the Volvo.

Harsh, maybe. But nearly every driver has an accident of some variety in their first 3 years - certainly enough of them to be statistically insignificantly different from 100%.

What Driftster said has merit. At least that way when you have your crash, you won't be going that fast so should escape relatively uninjured.

 

[Joey D]

I'll say the same thing I tell everyone...do you have the money for insurence? Repairs? General Upkeep?

I would suggest NOT getting the VR6, the older VR6's are known for working very long. I just say Volvo since its going to be cheaper on insurence.

 

[nismo4life]

What about a Camaro or a Firebird?

Ummm....no. Only domestic i would drive is a first gen SHO mainly because its a Yamaha engine

yeah...If this will be your first car that YOU can drive..

get the most pactical..safest...slowest car on the list..it will not only save you money for when you've got experience under your belt....

It'll keep you out of serious harms way

The fastest car on that list probably does the 1/4 mile in mid 15 seconds? and 0-60 in mid 6's? None of these are that fast and i do have some driving experience, not everyday road driving, more or less autocrossing. The reason i didn't list MKIV's, FD RX-7's, FWD or AWD DSM (Turbo Eclipse/Talon) is because I know i will wrap myself around a tree or street light.

You'll probably crash all of them. The only one that you won't die in is the Volvo.

Harsh, maybe. But nearly every driver has an accident of some variety in their first 3 years - certainly enough of them to be statistically insignificantly different from 100%.

What Driftster said has merit. At least that way when you have your crash, you won't be going that fast so should escape relatively uninjured.

I understand the point of view you guys are coming from. Trust me, I dont like to go fast unless i am on some form of closed circuit, where if i do crash, the only person that will get hurt is myself. I have heard of drivers in their first 3 years getting into accidents, i actually believe its 80% of drivers between ages 16-20 get into some form of motor vehicle accident. Either way i completely believe you on that note, hence another reason why all those cars are practically disposable.

The last thing i want to do, is end up like the kids from the Audi A3 Vs. Tree.

 

[retsmah]

Mk1 (1985-1989) MR2 You can get one for well under 3k, and IMO it'd be more fun than any of the other cars on your list.

 

[nismo4life]

I'll say the same thing I tell everyone...do you have the money for insurence? Repairs? General Upkeep?

I would suggest NOT getting the VR6, the older VR6's are known for working very long. I just say Volvo since its going to be cheaper on insurence.

Actually, most of these will be cheap seeing as my parents are rather old, have clean records, and the cars are fairly old and their value is also very low.

Mk1 (1985-1989) MR2 You can get one for well under 3k, and IMO it'd be more fun than any of the other cars on your list.

I get clostraphobic (SP?) in small cars..lol...does sound like a good idea...thanks for the suggestion

 

[E55Power]

93-97 Volvo 850 GLT/854R
Stick only?

87-93 Celica All Trac or GT Four
$4K HAHAHAH Try $9

89-92 MKIII Supra/Turbo
Price, again (unless you want a beater)

89-92 RX-7 Turbo/Non-T
Not bad, but for $4k it won't be great

Mid 90's Audi Sport Quattro's
Not a bad idea!

91-95 Jetta/Passat VR6
Don't know anything about it

82-94 MKI-MKIII Golf GTi
Good idea, especially if you're into tuning

91-94 Sentra SE-R
Don't know about it.

89-91 240SX SE
Only worthwhile with a SR20

90-95 Ford Taurus SHO
Don't know about it.

92-96 Prelude /4WS
Good idea. 4WS will run pretty high though. Not terribly fast, either, but solid.

 

[1X83Z]

Well in about 2 months ill be turning 18 and finally getting the freedom to drive and so the time has come to start looking for a car. I am looking for at the most of 3 grand, maybe 4, and stick only.

Because of the sheer volume I get for recommendations, I only make them through PM/AIM. So I'm just going to help you out here.

93-97 Volvo 850 GLT/854R

If you want stick, you must eliminate the 850R sedan and wagon; it was never sold here with a manual transmission. You must further eliminate the 1994-1996 Volvo 850 Turbo and 1997 Volvo 850 T5. Finally, you must eliminate the 1997 Volvo 850 GLT, leaving only the 1993 and 1995-1997 Volvo 850 GLT. Those vehicles carry a 168-horsepower 2.4-liter five-cylinder and, well, aren't particularly quick. I don't recommend them.

87-93 Celica All Trac or GT Four

The Celica GT-Four was never sold in the United States. The Celica All-Trac was sold for two generations: 1988-1989 and 1990-1993. The model was not sold in 1987.

89-92 MKIII Supra/Turbo

The MkIII Supra Turbo was sold from 1987 to 1992. The MkIII Supra (naturally-aspirated) debuted as a 1986.5 model, so some might be 1986s, but it's likely you'll find most MkIIIs beginning in 1987.

89-92 RX-7 Turbo/Non-T

The second-generation RX-7 was sold from 1986 to 1991. A turbocharged engine became available in 1987, and a convertible became available in 1988. The styling of the vert is to die for, but unfortunately it was a bit of a dog, as it was never available with the turbo.

Mid 90's Audi Sport Quattro's

I don't know what an Audi Sport Quattro is.

91-95 Jetta/Passat VR6

The first Passat debuted in 1991, but didn't use a V6 until 1993. It was redesigned in 1995, then again in 1998. The Jetta didn't use a V6 until its third generation, which began in 1993. The V6 arrived the following year, 1994.

82-94 MKI-MKIII Golf GTi

I believe these started in 1981. Either way, it was called the Rabbit until 1985, at which point it was redesigned and renamed Golf. The MkIII model debuted in 1993, but a GTI didn't follow until 1995, when it used the VR6. This was sold until 1999.

91-94 Sentra SE-R

Right-o.

89-91 240SX SE

You got the start year right, but this model wasn't removed from the market until 1993. A convertible was sold in 1994 pending the 1995 release of the next model.

90-95 Ford Taurus SHO

The first generation Taurus SHO was sold from 1989 to 1991 and offered only a manual transmission. The second generation model was sold from 1992 to 1995. Originally, it offered only a manual transmission, but in 1993 an automatic - and a larger engine with the same power output - became optional. One of the worst redesigns in automotive history changed the Taurus in 1996, though the SHO existed until 1999, this time with a small V8.

92-96 Prelude /4WS

1992 to 1996 are the correct start and end years for the vehicle, but four-wheel steering was only offered from 1992 to 1994 due to its complexity for maintenance and its general unpopularity. The previous Prelude also used the trick steering system from 1988 to 1991.

 

[retsmah]

As far as Hondas go I'd look at a Civic/CRX. My first car was a '91 Civic Si, I would recommend one of those too, assuming you can find one that isn't badly modified and/or way overpriced.

A front wheel drive Corolla might be a good alternative to a Civic... personally I prefer the Civics but I've driven a 91 Corolla GT-S coupe and it was a nice car. The hatchbacks are neat too, although they seem to be pretty rare.

 

[nismo4life]

If you want stick, you must eliminate the 850R sedan and wagon; it was never sold here with a manual transmission. You must further eliminate the 1994-1996 Volvo 850 Turbo and 1997 Volvo 850 T5. Finally, you must eliminate the 1997 Volvo 850 GLT, leaving only the 1993 and 1995-1997 Volvo 850 GLT. Those vehicles carry a 168-horsepower 2.4-liter five-cylinder and, well, aren't particularly quick. I don't recommend them.

The Volvo 854 R which is sold in Canada does come with a 5 speed manual transmission. As far as the GLT goes, i was considering using the parts from a 850 Turbo engine to do a turo conversion.

The Celica GT-Four was never sold in the United States. The Celica All-Trac was sold for two generations: 1988-1989 and 1990-1993. The model was not sold in 1987.

I know the All Trac was sold in the us, I saw a GT-Four on ebay with LHD so i figured it the ST185 was sold as the GT-Four.

The MkIII Supra Turbo was sold from 1987 to 1992. The MkIII Supra (naturally-aspirated) debuted as a 1986.5 model, so some might be 1986s, but it's likely you'll find most MkIIIs beginning in 1987.

I know it began in 87, 89 is just a preferance because of slight body differences.

The second-generation RX-7 was sold from 1986 to 1991. A turbocharged engine became available in 1987, and a convertible became available in 1988. The styling of the vert is to die for, but unfortunately it was a bit of a dog, as it was never available with the turbo.

This is pretty much the same preferance as above. And that the 89-91 RX-7 Turbo's came with a little bit more horsepower. They say you shouldn't buy a car with a 13B with over 60k unless you want a rebuild but keep in mind this will be a beater car on the autocross course.

I don't know what an Audi Sport Quattro is.

Audi 90 Sport Quattro

The first Passat debuted in 1991, but didn't use a V6 until 1993. It was redesigned in 1995, then again in 1998. The Jetta didn't use a V6 until its third generation, which began in 1993. The V6 arrived the following year, 1994.

Didn't know that one.

I believe these started in 1981. Either way, it was called the Rabbit until 1985, at which point it was redesigned and renamed Golf. The MkIII model debuted in 1993, but a GTI didn't follow until 1995, when it used the VR6. This was sold until 1999.

Don't know much about VW's so i just posted years by the pictures that i've seen.

You got the start year right, but this model wasn't removed from the market until 1993. A convertible was sold in 1994 pending the 1995 release of the next model.

The S13 body style is very attractive in my eyes. I know that its useless w/o an SR20 but it is a very well balanced car and is possible to swap an RB25 into.

The first generation Taurus SHO was sold from 1989 to 1991 and offered only a manual transmission. The second generation model was sold from 1992 to 1995. Originally, it offered only a manual transmission, but in 1993 an automatic - and a larger engine with the same power output - became optional. One of the worst redesigns in automotive history changed the Taurus in 1996, though the SHO existed until 1999, this time with a small V8.

Ugly redesign on that car.

1992 to 1996 are the correct start and end years for the vehicle, but four-wheel steering was only offered from 1992 to 1994 due to its complexity for maintenance and its general unpopularity. The previous Prelude also used the trick steering system from 1988 to 1991.

Just wanted it for the looks and steering.

 

[Driftster]

You're probably not getting the responses you were expecting out of an automotive forum..

But you have to remember 2 things..

We want to ensure YOU don't die..
And we want to ensure WE don't die...

I know with the money you can probably go find a 91 mustang...and pt 2.5-3 grand into it..and run 11's..
and kill 3 people one saturday night..

Yes, with a 240SX you can put a RB25DET into it..
Then you have to relearn the cars handling entirely due to the new front end weight of the car.
Whoopidee doo sounds like fun..


So you're saying you're only going to use this car for autocross?
Or did I read what you wrote a little wrong?

 

[Dave A]

The fastest car on that list probably does the 1/4 mile in mid 15 seconds? and 0-60 in mid 6's? None of these are that fast and i do have some driving experience, not everyday road driving, more or less autocrossing. The reason i didn't list MKIV's, FD RX-7's, FWD or AWD DSM (Turbo Eclipse/Talon) is because I know i will wrap myself around a tree or street light.



I understand the point of view you guys are coming from. Trust me, I dont like to go fast unless i am on some form of closed circuit, where if i do crash, the only person that will get hurt is myself. I have heard of drivers in their first 3 years getting into accidents, i actually believe its 80% of drivers between ages 16-20 get into some form of motor vehicle accident. Either way i completely believe you on that note, hence another reason why all those cars are practically disposable.

The last thing i want to do, is end up like the kids from the Audi A3 Vs. Tree.

I'm sorry but since when was 6 seconds to 60 not quick? It's not Ferrari quick but that does not make it slow either. Buy a sensible car, and drive sensibly. f you plan on driving sensibly anyway you won't need a car that can do the 1/4 mile in 15 seconds. The Volvo is the best buy, it's the safest and could have you thanking it later on in life. The chances are if you have car that will feel like your doing 60 when your doing 80, you'll be driving at 80 more than you think and the chaces are you'll have a crash in the next couple of years regardess, I crashed after 4 months, my fault as well, since then I've had a car written off, but that was a female van driver (I know) hitting my car while it was parked.

 

[iceburns288]

This is a teenager asking all you car people a slightly off-topic question...

Is the current gen (sorry I don't know my Hondas too well, I just know the EK9) Civic Si too quick for a teenager to drive? It's got a 160hp engine with about 8lb-ft of torque... I was just unsure if any of yall would deem it a bit too much, or just a quick car that's not 'too' quick.

 

[Driftster]

Well it does 15.5+/- in the 1/4..

For a first car..Yeah..besides it's brand new...
You don't give a first time driver a NEW car..
that's a waste of money

 

[1X83Z]

The Volvo 854 R which is sold in Canada does come with a 5 speed manual transmission. As far as the GLT goes, i was considering using the parts from a 850 Turbo engine to do a turo conversion.

You can't - it's not a straight conversion. Remember, the 850 Turbo uses a 2.3-liter five, and the 850 GLT used a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated five in 1993 and from 1995 to 1996. The engines are wholly different.

Now, hypothetically, you could use the hardware in the 2.4-liter turbo (1997 850 GLT and various Volvos since) to make a manual turbo. Or you could go to Canada and Europe and get yourself one. All of these sound like sort of absurd ideas on your budget.

I know the All Trac was sold in the us, I saw a GT-Four on ebay with LHD so i figured it the ST185 was sold as the GT-Four.

Nope - we weren't that lucky. And good luck finding an All-Trac within your budget!

Audi 90 Sport Quattro

Could've said "Audi 90."

I'd look up "unreliable" and "slow" in a dictionary before driving or buying this hell. It doesn't handle that well either.

I do however recommend the 1990-1991 Audi Coupe Quattro. Impossible to find and just as unreliable and slow as the 90, but way rarer. 👍

Ugly redesign on that car.

The ugly redesign occurred in 1996. The 1992-1995 model is the one to go for. 1989-1991s are nice, but they have problems. 1992-1995s have problems, but less of them.

 

[1X83Z]

If you want Volvo 850 resources, by the way, here they are:

850
850 T-5R and R

What a great website! And such thorough information! A+

 

[Driftster]

omg who made that crap?
It looks like horse ass mixed with a 6th grade computer fundamentals class!...

 

[Joey D]

It's like M5's brain in a site...I wonder why

 

[iceburns288]

Well it does 15.5+/- in the 1/4..

For a first car..Yeah..besides it's brand new...
You don't give a first time driver a NEW car..
that's a waste of money

It doesn't have to be brand new...

 

[nismo4life]

93-97 Volvo 850 GLT/854R
Stick only?

Yes an 850 GLT came in 5spd and the 854R is the canadian model

87-93 Celica All Trac or GT Four
$4K HAHAHAH Try $9

Try $4k? here you go

89-91 240SX SE
Only worthwhile with a SR20

Umm...RB25Det? im not going to drift the car

 

[Ghost C]

Umm...RB25Det? im not going to drift the car

Got $5,000 to drop on a $4,000 car? I'd be willing to put my entire net worth on the line to bet that you've never performed an engine drop/install, and you can't do the swap yourself. You'd be better off using an SR20 - Less expensive, easier conversion.

You might as well pick something you like that doesn't include more than the car's value in modifications, otherwise you're going to be highly disappointed.

 

[nismo4life]

It doesn't have to be brand new...

I'm not stupid enough to buy a new freakin car. It would be nice but i know that it will somehow get damaged.

You're probably not getting the responses you were expecting out of an automotive forum..

But you have to remember 2 things..

We want to ensure YOU don't die..
And we want to ensure WE don't die...

I know with the money you can probably go find a 91 mustang...and pt 2.5-3 grand into it..and run 11's..
and kill 3 people one saturday night..

Yes, with a 240SX you can put a RB25DET into it..
Then you have to relearn the cars handling entirely due to the new front end weight of the car.
Whoopidee doo sounds like fun..


So you're saying you're only going to use this car for autocross?
Or did I read what you wrote a little wrong?

1.) I'm not going to die...and if i do it wont be because of speeding or driving like an idiot. Like i stated before if im going to get on it, it will be on a close circuit or track, or an empty parking lot with cones and timers

2.) I would never spend money on a mustang..im sorry but i perfer cornering over power in most cases...soo...no

3.) I made the comment about the RB25 because of the comment made earlier about the 240sx being basically useless unless you put an SR20 into it. The SR20 is overrated. Its a great engine, but all the Japanese fanboys talk about it. And everyone and their cousin has one around here. If i did get an RB25 swapped into a 240, then i would go as far as to do an S15 front end conversion with HID's, new paint job, a nice set of gram lights, and paint job, aside from all the custom parts that would need to be built for the swap alone...but i dont have 10 grand lying around plus another 3 or 4 for the car.

I'm sorry but since when was 6 seconds to 60 not quick? It's not Ferrari quick but that does not make it slow either. Buy a sensible car, and drive sensibly. f you plan on driving sensibly anyway you won't need a car that can do the 1/4 mile in 15 seconds. The Volvo is the best buy, it's the safest and could have you thanking it later on in life. The chances are if you have car that will feel like your doing 60 when your doing 80, you'll be driving at 80 more than you think and the chaces are you'll have a crash in the next couple of years regardess, I crashed after 4 months, my fault as well, since then I've had a car written off, but that was a female van driver (I know) hitting my car while it was parked.

In my personal opinion, i really dont think a car that gets 15 second 1/4 miles is that fast. You dont need a ferrari to run fast. Stock evo's have been recorded running 12.9. That is all driver skills. IMO, once you start breaking into the low 14's high 13's...thats fast....waaaay to fast for me.

Honestly, if it was about 5 years older, i think the perfect car would be a Lancer Ralliart. too bad its new

 

[nismo4life]

Got $5,000 to drop on a $4,000 car? I'd be willing to put my entire net worth on the line to bet that you've never performed an engine drop/install, and you can't do the swap yourself. You'd be better off using an SR20 - Less expensive, easier conversion.

You might as well pick something you like that doesn't include more than the car's value in modifications, otherwise you're going to be highly disappointed.

No, but i have a friend that is doing the swap to his 240 next summer, and he is doing the complete swap himself with the help of another friend that owns a garage. I think he said after the engine, parts for the engine, turbo upgrade, body kit, wheels, S15 conversion, paint and a few custom parts he would be pushing close to $9,000 dollars

 

[iceburns288]

I'm not stupid enough to buy a new freakin car. It would be nice but i know that it will somehow get damaged.

I know. Drifster was saying that I shouldn't try for a Civic Si because it's brand new, which is just silly because you [i[can[/i] buy them used, which was my point.

 

[nismo4life]

I know. Drifster was saying that I shouldn't try for a Civic Si because it's brand new, which is just silly because you [i[can[/i] buy them used, which was my point.

i think what he ment was that is a newer car...the price for one is a good 16k for a used one...i wouldnt spend that on an si, i rather get a rex

 

[Driftster]

ACtually the SR20 is a very very good engine..

Not good to the point that "japanese fan boys" hold it at....

But the main fault in putting a SR20DET into a 240....
Is the 240..

Not only is it heavy, but it's rear axle is crap..which is why it takes 400+ HP out of that engine to get decent "track times"....

You can always put a SR20DET in your 240 and then an Impreza RS's rear end in the back and it'll be like a whole nother car.

Or just get a new gears

 

[1X83Z]

omg who made that crap?
It looks like horse ass mixed with a 6th grade computer fundamentals class!...

I'll dispute the horse ass part, but you'll get no argument from me about the sixth-grade computer fundamentals class...