Vehicular suggestions

[GT Pro]

In a nutshell, I'm 16, planning to get my learner's plates in the subsequent two weeks and need a vehicle that I can learn to drive in. My parent's vehicles are out of the question. Both of their main modes of transport are large 4wd's with automatic transmissions to match - the complete opposite to what I need. Learning on a manual is a must for me, a rear-wheel drive will help me to grasp more effectively vehicle dynamics and the smaller the better as decent fuel economy and agility are preferred qualities. Also, I want something that isn't like everyone else's and my price range is approximately from 15k to 25k, but I can extend to 30k if need be. This leaves room for a decent amount of choices, of which I have currently selected prime candidates:

The Honda Integra Type-R (DC5) - ~$26,000

Pros –

• Looks amazing
• Goes amazing
• Rare and stands out from the crowd
• Honda’s last true Type-R released here in Aust.
• Good fuel economy

Fiat 500 - ~$25,000

Pros-

• It's new, which adds the safety and servicing benefit
• The 1.3l JTD option is the most economical car in Aust. (4.2l/100km)
• Teriffic European quality
• Quirky and agile

Honda S2000 - ~$28,000

Pros-

• Despite approaching a decade’s celebration, still looks and feels as good as the sports cars of today
• Silver with red trim looks amazing

Cons –

• The most expensive one here
• Isn’t exactly economical
• 
  

Toyota MR-S - ~$20,000

Pros-

• The cheapest here
• It’s small 4-cyl engine proves to be very economical
• Fun, agile little car that is, again, relatively rare
  

EDIT: Damn you netcarshow...

 

[Turbo Lag]

I'd write up the car regulations for the Victorian car learners thing first. No turbo, supercharged, or more than 8cylinder cars allowed. Other than these.

 

[Vasco]

You could go a Polo GTI like Small_Fryz eventually settled on. That's a new car which is pretty zippy and it looks quite nice too. As Turbo Lag said, check your state's regulations first (and not just the learners but the provisional as well).

Also if you're going to be learning manual you might want to buy a cheaper car as your first, so you won't be too worried if you stall it a lot - and if worst comes to worst if you have an incident (even minor) it won't cost too much to fix.

 

[GT Pro]

You could go a Polo GTI like Small_Fryz eventually settled on. That's a new car which is pretty zippy and it looks quite nice too. As Turbo Lag said, check your state's regulations first (and not just the learners but the provisional as well).

GTi Lupo/Polo? I forgot about them, thanks for the mention.

 

[Sniffs]

is there such a thing as a modern RWD stick, now? they only do that with import pickups out here, and those are few and far between. the 2 doors your looking at would have astronomical premiums attached to their insurance even up here.

wish they had released the Polo in the US. if it's as good in RL as it is in game, I'd pounce right now! (there was talk of it a couple years ago, if I remember right)

 

[Bones Brigade]

I'd write up the car regulations for the Victorian car learners thing first. No turbo, supercharged, or more than 8cylinder cars allowed. Other than these.

thats ridiculous. but...they kinda overlooked a couple smaller engined cars that are just as potent as some of those 6ers on their list. Honda S2000 and Mazda RX8 for starters. anyway, a good law I suppose.

and go with the Integra.

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

I'll be seeing you in the obituaries soon enough with most of those choices.

 

[forza2.0]

you can insure these cars?

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

In cannon with 3 other perfectly harmonised voices:
Holdennnnnn Holdennnnnnnnnnn Holdennnnnnnnn Holdennnnnnnnnnnnnnn, get a Holdennnnnn.

OK, learning in one might be hard at first, but then I did fine in mine after 2 short months of driving.
Damn, your budget is freaky high for a first car, are you a rich boy?
You just know someone is about to say the MX-5.
The new model Lancer starts at $20 990 for the base model.
Mazda 2 or Mazda 3?
Oh yes, Hyundai i30, I love the look of this car, it's different to what most people have, starts at $19k, you know you want it.

 

[peeweegary]

Astra VXR...You can learn how to control torque steer!!

welll would a miata float your boat, or possibly a celica.

wait, are you just considering new cars or both new and used?

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

Astra VXR...You can learn how to control torque steer!!

welll would a miata float your boat, or possibly a celica.

wait, are you just considering new cars or both new and used?

A VXR is waaaay out of his price range, even 2nd hand.
Miata? Celica? He said he wants something not like everyone else's. (Kind of makes his personal picks a little wierd then).

 

[Muzaffar]

Get a Proton.

Cheap to insure, maintenance is cheap and its not something you see everyday. Could be modified to your liking as well. But if that is not your taste, maybe try getting a cheap Impreza or Lancer maybe? Even an older generation FC RX-7?

 

[Jim Prower]

Get something you can afford to learn in. Forget these new cars: the first fender-bender you get into, (and they will happen) your premium will skyrocket, and it'll cost a good bit to get fixed. I'd hold-off on the fancy new car 'till you're at least 18...if you're not paying your way through school...

 

[Moglet]

Get something you can afford to learn in. Forget these new cars: the first fender-bender you get into, (and they will happen) your premium will skyrocket, and it'll cost a good bit to get fixed. I'd hold-off on the fancy new car 'till you're at least 18...if you're not paying your way through school...

I'm going to agree with this. Not only will you get stung for insurance no matter what the car is due to your age, but any scrapes can just be either ignored or bashed out. It's also a good idea to get an older car to learn about cars themselves and just learn how other people on the roads act so you can react better when you finally do get a new car.

As for the new car suggestions, you don't even have to ask me.

 

[Turbo Lag]

thats ridiculous. but...they kinda overlooked a couple smaller engined cars that are just as potent as some of those 6ers on their list. Honda S2000 and Mazda RX8 for starters. anyway, a good law I suppose.

and go with the Integra.

The law's so called purpose is ok, the law itself is flawed.

Damn, your budget is freaky high for a first car, are you a rich boy?

I'm probably getting a Legacy late this year or early next. (Ofcourse I can't drive it).

 

[Joey D]

I had a new car shortly after I started driving, so it's not an uncommon thing really. Some people just have the means to do it. Although I wouldn't recommend a new car right out of the gate. To echo others get something you can beat up and not really care all that much. Something small and fuel efficient would be the way to go.

Apparently the Aussie's got the Ford Contour, which is a Mondeo (or at least for us it was). There is also the Ford Puma, which always looked like a fun little car although we never got it. I don't know if you get the Focus either, but that's never a bad decision.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

I had a new car shortly after I started driving, so it's not an uncommon thing really. Some people just have the means to do it. Although I wouldn't recommend a new car right out of the gate. To echo others get something you can beat up and not really care all that much. Something small and fuel efficient would be the way to go.

Apparently the Aussie's got the Ford Contour, which is a Mondeo (or at least for us it was). There is also the Ford Puma, which always looked like a fun little car although we never got it. I don't know if you get the Focus either, but that's never a bad decision.

We got the Contour as a Mondeo.
We didn't get the Puma (it's not in our parts catalogue, so unless all parts must be exclusively imported through someone other than Ford).
The Focus would be a good decision, they seem to be fairly reliable. (Yes, I remind you once more I work at a Ford dealer).

 

[Perfect Balance]

I would say to get an older gen Type R. A rwd is nice, but the first time you get a little loose in the wrong place at the wrong time, things get hairy quick.

And older gen Integra R is an awesome car, and you end up with a lot of money to tune it if you so please, and the FWD layout make for an easy and confident inspiring drive, yet the fact that it's one of the best out there mean it's still going to be blazingly fast.

With a newer more expensive car, you are more afraid of scratching it or denting it, ragging on it much.

 

[Keef]

Gran Turismo helps, but just because you can jam a video game doesn't mean you know anything about actually driving. So please don't get a Type R anything. You're gonna wreck it, and I'll be mad when you wreck something that's as valuable now as it was ten years ago when it was new. Get a lower model Integra. Something slow. Something you'll actually be able to learn in, as opposed to being overwhelmed by the cars ability, and realizing the car can do it better than you can after you hit your first cactus or roadrunner. Everybody that says they want to learn how to control a car--including me--is doing it wrong by driving a car. Get yourself a go-kart and race it. That's how you learn how to control a car. Lewis Hamilton didn't start out in a slammed Integra with a shocker sticker on his windshield.

 

[GT Pro]

Get yourself a go-kart and race it. That's how you learn how to control a car. Lewis Hamilton didn't start out in a slammed Integra with a shocker sticker on his windshield.

I already do race go-karts though. 👍

Analysing the above comments, it seems that the general consensus is that I drive a beater, and then get a decent car when I turn-over 18. Problem is, this may be the only time I will be able to acquire a decent car, as by the time I hit 18 university fees will suddenly hit my parents and they won't be so willing to buy me a first car. In order to avoid that risk a decent car now is the only way to go, but I appreciate the fact that driving said good cars around at such a young age can lead, and most of the time will lead, to expensive repairs and insurance premiums going upwards.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

Come on, look at it:

It'd be a great learner car, and is more than affordable. Plus Hyundais are quite reliable nowadays, and it's fuel efficient.

 

[forza2.0]

I already do race go-karts though. 👍

Analysing the above comments, it seems that the general consensus is that I drive a beater, and then get a decent car when I turn-over 18. Problem is, this may be the only time I will be able to acquire a decent car, as by the time I hit 18 university fees will suddenly hit my parents and they won't be so willing to buy me a first car. In order to avoid that risk a decent car now is the only way to go, but I appreciate the fact that driving said good cars around at such a young age can lead, and most of the time will lead, to expensive repairs and insurance premiums going upwards.

Get the integra.

Might aswell get a fast car ASAP, cause it aint gonna get any cheaper the longer you wait. The future for perfomance cars isnt too bright.

 

[homeforsummer]

I wouldn't suggest getting the Integra straight off as a first car unless you really know you can insure it, afford to run it, and know you won't overdrive it.

If the Integra appeals, how about one of the more friendly VTEC Hondas, like an older Civic VTi, Prelude or Integra? Still quick enough to have fun but not quite as mental and uncompromising, and not too dull that you'll regret it a few years down the line and wish you'd bought something better. Should also be much more insurable than the Type-R variants.

Click for links:

 

[Jondot]

I already do race go-karts though. 👍

Analysing the above comments, it seems that the general consensus is that I drive a beater, and then get a decent car when I turn-over 18. Problem is, this may be the only time I will be able to acquire a decent car, as by the time I hit 18 university fees will suddenly hit my parents and they won't be so willing to buy me a first car. In order to avoid that risk a decent car now is the only way to go, but I appreciate the fact that driving said good cars around at such a young age can lead, and most of the time will lead, to expensive repairs and insurance premiums going upwards.

Then I'd ask them to stick the cash in a savings account for you. That would be the sensible option, anyway. Well more sensible than buying a new car and seeing it depreciate like old milk in the first year of ownership. I've got... some amount of money sitting in a savings account myself. Enough to buy a decent spec brand new car, put it that way, but I'm not letting myself spend more than £4k because I'll just crash it. Not that I consider myself a bad driver, but it does happen. In fact I'm more veering off to spending around £1500 for something like a Mondeo and then upgrading in a year or so's time when I've had my year of risky driving and the bumpers are cracked beyond repair (which actually happens to Mondeo bumpers anyway...).

Come on, look at it:

It'd be a great learner car, and is more than affordable. Plus Hyundais are quite reliable nowadays, and it's fuel efficient.

I really like the new i30. I quite like the i10 too, actually, except the way the steering wheel acts like a pumice stone against your hands.