Thinking about first car....

  • Thread starter Thread starter socomplayer2
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The MKI models were pretty good, but as far as diesel Rabbits are concerned, many of them had problems. If you can find a really cheap carbuerated MKI model, by all means go for it, but I think you'd be a lot happier with the MKII models. They were screwed together a bit better, overall were a bit more "safe," and had a bit more power to play with. Late-model MKII models with the 16V engine are a blast, and a lot of people were very upset when they ditched the 1.8L 16V. But even then, the standard 1.8 8V had a torque curve as flat as Nevada.

Poke around for the MKII Jetta and I think you'd be quite happy. They were given a five-star crash rating back then, and matched with the right engine (most likely the 105 BHP 1.8L 8V), well over 33 MPG is achievable on the highway. Just make sure you grab a stick if you can find one, as performance with the slush box is unbearable...

The overall question will be about whats available to you in Jersey. VW has quite the cult following here in Michigan, so cars and parts are easy to find. I'm sure it would be pretty strong there as well (Waterfest!), but it varies all over the place.

Have a look for a GL or a GLS model and I think you'd be quite happy.
 
socomplayer2
opinions on this idea anyone?
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I honestly believe the XL-7 is the single worst SUV ever manufactured. It's underpowered and overpriced, it's got a cheap interior and an extremely rough ride, it's uncomfortable, it handles horribly, and even in full spec it lacked major necessities like side airbags. In fact, I can't think of a single positive aspect about the vehicle aside from the fact that it was the cheapest SUV with three rows of seats - though you already said yours doesn't have it.

Tell him to get out while he can.

This only applies to the old XL-7, by the way.
 
Toronado
If you want a diesel VW, stay away from anything older than a Mark III.
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In some cases, its better to even upgrade to the MKIV model. Sure, they've got a loyal following, but the later models lasted a lot longer, and had a fair bit of technology behind them to make them a lot better. Post-'96 would be a start, but good luck finding many diesel models for anywhere less than $7000 in some cases.
 
You really can't go wrong with Volvo's being as their not TERRIBLY unreliable, the insurance is fair, and they're not enormous. So you could consider an 850 or something, maybe even a 740 if it's in good shape.

Oh and another thing. Where are you in Jersey? I'm in Ho-Ho-Kus and just bought myself a car as well. So if you have any questions about any E36 BMW's I should be somewhat helpful. I just got myself a 1994 325is for $3,500 in FANTASTIC condition.
 
If you're gonna pick up any Townie, pick one up from '81-'84, they look the best IMO. :)
 
STLbarcelona5
You really can't go wrong with Volvo's being as their not TERRIBLY unreliable, the insurance is fair, and they're not enormous. So you could consider an 850 or something, maybe even a 740 if it's in good shape.
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I and a friend had 850s and they were the single worst vehicles I have ever owned. Our combined ownership period was less than three years yet our combined running costs topped $20,000. Mostly that was due to turbocharging, but I would never recommend ANY 850.
 
MK2 GTI. Great car. I wish I kept mine and Ill buy another. Works great in snow too.
snowmk2.jpg

MK3s are great too.

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I'd fair a guess and say that MKIIs are easier to work on, but you're going to have an easier time finding MKIII models for sale, not to mention parts that are still being made for them. IMO, they're the best-looking of the Jetta/Golf siblings.
 
socomplayer2
Well it is a good deal but my dad wants about $5,000 for it + insurance, Thats at least $9,000. Im not sure I can do that on an Dairy Queen (dont laugh) budget.
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Mmmm, Dairy Queen is the shiznit.

High-Test
Steer away from ANYTHING with a 305.
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Why? My Camaro w/the 305ci V8 has 240,1xx original miles and still runs like it did @ 140k miles. The 305/350 Chevy has to be the most reliabile engine in history of history.

But socomplayer2 if you have $5k to spend on a car a Crown Victoria is probably overall your best bet. I had a P71 and it was a great car. VERY cheap insurance too. Your only problem is gas mileage. You HAVE to stay out of the throttle to get anything more than 16mpg. Getting 20mpg in the Police Cruiser (or Taxi cabs up there) is impossible. Plus, most municipalities use Royal Purple sythetic oil in their P71 Police Interceptors--which is very expensive. Expect $75-100 oil changes with this oil. All the negativity aside, YOU need a regular non-P71 Police cruiser Crown Vic. They are surprisingly comfy and still can be some fun when you start bolting on the Mustang GT performance stuff. Exhaust adds over 30bhp alone over the stock LX model. If you can find it grab an LX Sport with the Marauder center console and bucket seats + dual exhaust.

Otherwise I'd recommend a 1995-1999 Nissan Maxima SE or GLE. Perfect car for a new driver. Safe, more comfy than even some of TODAYS new cars, ecomical enough, cool, and can tuned when you get out of high school to get some mega power.
 
Thanks for all your opinions I am going to look some more into the mkII & mkIII's. Also I wouldn't mind an old beetle.:)

JCE3000GT- I really like the maxima's:drool: and If I had the cash I would go for one. The only way I would get one is if my grandpa gives me his 04 maxima 3.5 SE since he doesn't really drive much and he is a danger to society:p.

The Crown Vic is a good choice for insurance (non interceptor) but If I was going to go for a base Crown Vic I might as well for a Lincoln town car (I like them:tup:)
 
So where do I begin...

Today me and my friend Mike go board and walked around all the used car dealerships within a mile or so of our area (about 7) and found a lot of good cars but none that really stood out to me. As we were walking home I noticed a lone 1991 Chevy Camaro RS for sale in a parking lot, it was so nice! It is an automatic and a t-tops . The body and paint in mint condition for its age (one tiny door ding and some paint nicks on the front). I called up the number to check the price and to see if it was the 3.1 v6 or the optional 5.0 v8 (doesn't matter to me). This would be an awesome first car for me, I am going to show it to my dad tomorrow and see he thinks of it. Honestly I wouldn't mind it being v6 because of gas, insurance and a new driver can only get into trouble with a v8.

Ok, here are the positive aspects of it....

1. Its a y car that is in sweet condition.
2. It has the removable glass top above the drivers area, not sure if its a t-tops but it does have the open top that isn't a convertible.
3. If I keep it in ok condition it may still hold its value.
4. It is a nice car for a respectable project.

This is EXACTLY what is looks like...



But with something good there always is a few issues....

1. Just the name "Camaro" will annihilate any chance of a cheap insurance bill especially if it is a v8.
2. My parents aren't completely sold on the whole idea of me having a car until I am 18 and more responsible. (Even though I will be paying for the car and insurance).
3. I still have just under 3 months until I get my licence, so I can only drive it with a parent.
4. Not to much driveway space but I could leave it at my grandparents house a few miles away if needed.
5. Its an auto.
 
socomplayer2
So where do I begin...

Today me and my friend Mike go board and walked around all the used car dealerships within a mile or so of our area (about 7) and found a lot of good cars but none that really stood out to me. As we were walking home I noticed a lone 1991 Chevy Camaro RS for sale in a parking lot, it was so nice! It is an automatic and a t-tops . The body and paint in mint condition for its age (one tiny door ding and some paint nicks on the front). I called up the number to check the price and to see if it was the 3.1 v6 or the optional 5.0 v8 (doesn't matter to me). This would be an awesome first car for me, I am going to show it to my dad tomorrow and see he thinks of it. Honestly I wouldn't mind it being v6 because of gas, insurance and a new driver can only get into trouble with a v8.

Ok, here are the positive aspects of it....

1. Its a y car that is in sweet condition.
2. It has the removable glass top above the drivers area, not sure if its a t-tops but it does have the open top that isn't a convertible.
3. If I keep it in ok condition it may still hold its value.
4. It is a nice car for a respectable project.

This is EXACTLY what is looks like...



But with something good there always is a few issues....

1. Just the name "Camaro" will annihilate any chance of a cheap insurance bill especially if it is a v8.
2. My parents aren't completely sold on the whole idea of me having a car until I am 18 and more responsible. (Even though I will be paying for the car and insurance).
3. I still have just under 3 months until I get my licence, so I can only drive it with a parent.
4. Not to much driveway space but I could leave it at my grandparents house a few miles away if needed.
5. Its an auto.
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Quite a good looking Camaro. Let me break off some wisdom to you as a Camaro owner myself. I'll address the issues you numbered above.

1) The V8 or V6 won't matter a bit when getting insurance--your age will.
2) I agree in theory with your parents. However, if you choose to goto work to pay your own bills and the like a car is perfect for you. Just NEVER give your friends a ride, drive solo for at least a year before taking on passengers. You need the first year or so to learn how to drive--and I don't like driver's education taught these days either.
5) Nothing wrong with it being an automatic. Infact I prefer to have kids learn to drive on an automatic for the first year before they start learning a manual transmission. You need the least number of distractions and things to do while driving so you can focus on the ACT of driving.

And the last piece of information/wisdom I have is don't even use the following words for at least 2 years:
  • mod
  • project
  • faster
  • bolt-ons
  • intake
  • exhaust
  • turbo
  • nos
  • supercharger
  • k&n
  • bigger engine
  • more power
  • race
  • dyno
  • swap
  • 0-60
  • ¼mi
  • or anything that has to do with changing your car in anyway that doesn't involve fixing whats mechanically wrong or racing it
 
When I mean project I mean like kind of restoring it, cleaning it taking care of it replacing parts mabey a set of new tires (not rims). A better word for it is a responsibility I can take upon myself.
 
Ah, a restoration job is commendable--and frankly sweet. If you get it don't forget to post up some pics! :D

Oh, and if it has a removable top it is a T-Tops model.
 
I will post up pictures tomorrow but I have been talking to my parents and they (mom) are steadfast with the whole 18 thing.:grumpy: I'm sure they have they're reasons. But yea it is a t-tops then.👍
 
lol i would never get an explorer. did you know that they have the common nickname of "Exploder"? my friend got one about a year ago and it's the crappiest thing running. my mom had to give him a jump and the next time he tried to turn it on it refused all encouragment.
 
Dang... well the some of the cars in my 1st post are kind of outdated on my list I update it with newer ones I am looking at.
 
my brother got a chrysler sebring LXi coupe, leather interior, loaded, 130,000 miles. it gets really good gas mileage, the interior is really nice, looks good from the outside, for 4,700 (tax and tags included). the car was really worth about 4,200, but the guy who sold it would not drop the price. good luck and keep an eye out for one of these.
 
Well, if you've got no intention of driving anything exciting, the Sebring pretty much fits the bill. They're pretty safe, moderately "nice," and are pretty cheap to operate. IMO, that isn't a horrible way to start a kid off with their first car.

...As we know, most times you lose your first car in an accident, or poor maintainence, or whatever, so figured I'd put that out there...

I have my doubts on an F-Body because of insurance, and furthermore, how much a car like that could easily get a young kid in trouble. Thats not saying that something crappy, like say a Chrysler New Yorker, couldn't get you in trouble... But its much easier in a Camaro.

IMO: There is nothing wrong with a "nice, normal car." Problem is, the degree of "normality" in a vehicle can be pretty big, and when its too normal, it can be quite boring.
 
socomplayer2
Well it is a good deal but my dad wants about $5,000 for it + insurance, Thats at least $9,000. Im not sure I can do that on an Dairy Queen (dont laugh) budget.
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^ Who say's I'm laughing? I feel ya dude, DQ budget is kinda tough for a 9K (I used to work at a gift shop and bought a 8K '92 'Teg GS-R). But hey its a newer ride, and I'm sure that your dad will hook you up for installment basis, and insurance won't be that much of a problem. Even with your age, the Camaro and the Golf will make you go bald compared to the XL-7. :)
 
You're in New Jersey...

Look around for a volvo 240 of some sort. 123 horses is well under Insurance radar, and the car's a tank. Parts may be pricy, IF it breaks. Plus, the 4cylinder is pretty good on gas. Most 240s on the market are on the east coast.

A W201 mercedes is slow, reliable, and tanklike as well. Go for a sedan, insurance companies are evil. Anything with 2 doors will cost an arm and a leg to insure.
 
I have been looking at the 240's and the mercs. Only problem is the mercs are out of my price range and the volvo's (at least around me) are hard to come by in stick.
 
Mkay so the Camaro didn't work out, but there is another local car being sold I am looking at. Its a 1993 Chevy Caprice SS with the Impala logos and stuff (probably an impersonator). Its the Purple you see a lot on those cars and it looks pretty clean. As much as I disagree with "DUBS" this car has 20' chrome rims, even though it does complement the car nicely. I will get more info and possibly a pic later.
 
As much as I disagree with "DUBS" this car has 20' chrome rims
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You just made the same mistake as Spinal Tap. 20 foot rims?

It's an old Chevy. Something will break.

BUT

It's a huge tub, but insurance shouldn't be too bad. You might want to stray from the car due to the wheels, as they could make the car a thieves target.
 
High-Test
You just made the same mistake as Spinal Tap. 20 foot rims?
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I loled.

High-Test
It's an old Chevy. Something will break.
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It's a final generation Chevrolet Caprice with a 5.0L (more than likely) small block V8 and a T-H 700R4. It is the W124 of Chevrolets. Nothing will break. Ever.


Its a shame it isn't a year newer, though. Then it would have had the 260 horse 5.7 or the 200 horse 4.3 with the 4L60 tranny.
 
Ah. Good point as always, Toronado. I didn't take into account that GM pretty much got everything right in the last generation.

New grille, wheels and LT1.. poof! I dub thee Impala SS!

a 5.0L (more than likely) small block V8
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305? Oh dear...

I personally loathe the 305, but that's another story.

The rest of the car is probably even more bulletproof than my W124. Maybe I just had a bad apple. (Although I could get a Caprice SS for the price of an A/C evaporator:sick: )
 

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