What should be my first car, based off of my wants/needs?

[Crash]

A 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX STi. $3000 - $6000 for the price. I know a lot of people with manual Imprezas, so I don't think it would be a problem to find one like that. And it looks sexy, too!

Subaru never sold the 2002 STi in the US. 2002 was the first year of the WRX though. Also I think a $3k-6k WRX is likely to be beaten to hell and back.

 

[White & Nerdy]

Blah blah buy a Taurus

I have a friend who got a Duratec Taurus for his first car. Apparently it had some kind of larger intake on it when he got it, and he's convinced that it's some kind of illegal super upgrade that I CANNOT TELL ANYONE ABOUT lest he get a visit from the Men in Black. He also thinks a "high-performance battery" is an upgrade.

 

[Slash]

i have a friend who got a duratec taurus for his first car. Apparently it had some kind of larger intake on it when he got it, and he's convinced that it's some kind of illegal super upgrade that i cannot tell anyone about lest he get a visit from the men in black. He also thinks a "high-performance battery" is an upgrade.

lmao.

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

SA22C/FB33, MX-5, or E30.

 

[MiuraSV777]

I was just searching around my area for used car dealerships online, and look what I came up with:

1.
Mazsa Mazda3.... Kind of expensive at the moment, but I could probably find one cheaper, somewhere: http://www.kiaofcanton.com/VehicleDetails/used-2006-Mazda-Mazda3-5dr_Wgn_s_Auto-Canton-MI/1972652183

2.
Ok, in this one, there are a TON of cars that are very good. Also, to those of you who wanted the older bmw's, look at what should be #3 and #4. *NOTE* make sure the search is refined to $3000-$6000 http://www.suburbanchryslerdodgejee...0 - 6000&SBlinkedAccountId=scmichigan&start=0

 

[Tornado]

With your budget you'd be much better off looking for a final generation Protege than trying to stretch it to find a lightly-machine-gunned Mazda3 that would slot in with how much you can spend.






Certain GTP members might even argue that you'd be better off with a Protege even if you could afford a Mazda3.

 

[MiuraSV777]

With your budget you'd be much better off looking for a final generation Protege than trying to stretch it to find a lightly-machine-gunned Mazda3 that would slot in with how much you can spend.






Certain GTP members might even argue that you'd be better off with a Protege even if you could afford a Mazda3.

I know. I was just showing different vehicles i saw in my area

 

[Joey D]

You'd still probably get more car for the money if you went with a domestic car over a foreign one. We have a higher percentage of used domestic cars in Michigan because just about everyone bought one, especially in the Detroit Metro area. You'd also have more of a selection in your price range.

 

[MiuraSV777]

You'd still probably get more car for the money if you went with a domestic car over a foreign one. We have a higher percentage of used domestic cars in Michigan because just about everyone bought one, especially in the Detroit Metro area. You'd also have more of a selection in your price range.

Found this..... Pretty nice, also considering I live minutes from there, and already know where the dealership is. 'Cause im good like that

http://www.motortrend.com/ni/classi...geType=listings&numListings=20&nopaging=false

 

[Hei]

I live in your area. Winters aren't too bad.

A focus is a good idea. Dependable and cheap. If you want something a bit faster, this fits your bill.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/3732916601.html

SRT-4's are always fun.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/3676989475.html

And I never get tired of old imprezas.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/3731502533.html

 

[niky]

Certain GTP members might even argue that you'd be better off with a Protege even if you could afford a Mazda3.

Darn straight. After Mazda built the Protege, the went and done forgot how to give them there front-wheel drive thingamajiggys decent steering feel. The only new Mazda sedan after the Protege to get decent steering was the Mazda6.

Which, by the way, is an excellent car, if I do say so mahself.

Now put that suit on, boy, we is gonna have a wedding tonight!

 

[Swara]

I'd recommend looking for something like a late 90's civic. Good enough to be fun, but slow enough to be safe. You can get a manual, and FWD will really help in the winter, though winter tyres will also help. Plus, with the civicc, you get good mileage, insurance is likely cheap, and it's very reliable.

Insurance for civics are actually a bit higher than accords. Yes, as profound as it sounds, that's how it is.

The cheapest car for insurance right now is the Audi A3, with a rate of 1,960 dollars.

 

[Slash]

Insurance for civics are actually a bit higher than accords. Yes, as profound as it sounds, that's how it is.

The cheapest car for insurance right now is the Audi A3, with a rate of 1,960 dollars.

That's way too much.

 

[Joey D]

I live in your area. Winters aren't too bad.

A focus is a good idea. Dependable and cheap. If you want something a bit faster, this fits your bill.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/3732916601.html

The SVT has engine issue. Everyone I've seen on the Focus forums has had major head gasket problems with their SVT. My buddy who had one changed the head gasket so much in his he got to where he could do it damn near blind folded. I like the SVT's, but I wouldn't want to maintain one.

The SVT Contour is probably a better bet, although I don't know much about them other than they are in a half-assed way an America Mondeo or something. The only thing I really know about them is the Ford doesn't like to have parts for them, so finding what you need from time to time can be tricky.

SRT-4's are always fun.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/3676989475.html

I'd be willing to bet that car is beat to hell. A good rule of thumb is don't buy an SRT-4 that was in anyway owned by someone who wasn't a little old lady. It was a hoon-mobile. People bought them to thrash them around, and when they got tired of them they sold them to young guys who thrashed them some more and put all sorts of aftermarket crap on them. A buddy of mine bought a "Stage II" SRT-4 and had the turbo let go on the freeway in a pretty entertaining fashion.

The cheapest car for insurance right now is the Audi A3, with a rate of 1,960 dollars.

Cheapest compared to what? The cheapest car for insurance right now is probably some Buick from the early 90's with just liability insurance on it.

 

[Azuremen]

The cheapest car for insurance right now is the Audi A3, with a rate of 1,960 dollars.

What kind of insurance, for what driver base, for owned or lease, etc?

Like, numbers be useless without context.

 

[RDF97]

I was wondering, do you have big engined six cylinder engines in America? Because in Australia, I've grown up with the Ford Falcon and its a very practical four door, big boot, comfy and the 4L straight six offers reasonable feul consumption and the engine when its properly maintained will do 400,000km (250,000m) before they die. The best thing about the Falcon is (if you've got them or something similar) is the older models go cheap.

Bargain based wheels mate you can't go wrong.

 

[Slash]

One of the biggest gas sixers built was a (here we go) Ford 300 I6. 4.9/5.0L however you want to look at it, 300 cubic inches that will easily chug along for 600,000 miles no problem. They are WELL known to be extremely reliable and long lasting. They never die.

Decent gas milage too depending on the vehicle. Most of them were in trucks but I've seen people race them. Made a LOT of torque just off idle.

 

[xXKingJoshXx]

One of the biggest gas sixers built was a (here we go) Ford 300 I6. 4.9/5.0L. They are WELL known to be extremely reliable and long lasting. They never die.

Big understatement right there.

 

[Slash]

Big understatement right there.

I know a guy who swapped for a 347 and the only way the 300 would die was to pour concrete down the cylinders lol.

 

[McLaren]

Insurance for civics are actually a bit higher than accords. Yes, as profound as it sounds, that's how it is.

Doesn't really change the fact that it's stupid cheap to insure a 90's Civic these days.

The cheapest car for insurance right now is the Audi A3, with a rate of 1,960 dollars.

I don't even need to know the details as to what that quote entails to know that's not true at all.

 

[MisterWhiskers]

Civics are indeed popular in Connecticut. Not sure about other states, though. I think the reasons why people buy civics are because:

They barely waste gas.

They last forever.

Cheap insurance.

Cheap parts.

Lots of parts are made, so they are easy to find.

 

[Nicksfix]

The cheapest car for insurance right now is the Audi A3, with a rate of 1,960 dollars.

Say what !?!?!? You call that cheap ? Geez, the insurance agent rammed one up you. You really need to get out and do some insurance shopping ..... seriously. Either that, or you have a horrific MVR.



My wife and I insure 6 vehicles (4 of them with full coverage & 2 with liability only) and our insurance for a year is just under $2500.00 p/yr., that's including a 19 year old male kid on the policy as well.

 

[MiuraSV777]

Say what !?!?!? You call that cheap ? Geez, the insurance agent rammed one up you. You really need to get out and do some insurance shopping ..... seriously. Either that, or you have a horrific MVR.



My wife and I insure 6 vehicles (4 of them with full coverage & 2 with liability only) and our insurance for a year is just under $2500.00 p/yr., that's including a 19 year old male kid on the policy as well.

Ya, my brother is 16, and just got a 2002 chrysler sebring lx 2 door a couple of months ago, with a little more than 100,000 miles... Insurance considers it a SPORTS CAR, and the insurance is 1,200 a year... That audi must have no miles or be very close to new to have a 1,900 dollar insurance a year

Not trying to beat you up swara, but that is a some-what rediculous insurance bill

 

[White & Nerdy]

Civics are indeed popular in Connecticut. Not sure about other states, though. I think the reasons why people buy civics are because:

They barely waste gas.

They last forever.

Cheap insurance.

Cheap parts.

Lots of parts are made, so they are easy to find.

But too stereotypical a choice IMO. Also makes you look like a radically immature car enthusiast if you do ANYTHING at all to it.

 

[Azuremen]

But too stereotypical a choice IMO. Also makes you look like a radically immature car enthusiast if you do ANYTHING at all to it.

Because a domestic in Michigan wouldn't be stereotypical at all

And if you tastefully do anything to a Civic, most people will respect. If by do anything you mean cheap, broke ass mods like most kids do, then yes. But that applies to any car.

 

[White & Nerdy]

Because a domestic in Michigan wouldn't be stereotypical at all

And if you tastefully do anything to a Civic, most people will respect. If by do anything you mean cheap, broke ass mods like most kids do, then yes. But that applies to any car.

Hard to respect a 1.6 liter VTEC anyway, but with an engine swap it shoud be OK.

I still think four cylinder engines are to be avoided at all costs for everything, but I suppose I could make exceptions for a sufficiently powerful non-Honda engine...

 

[Azuremen]

Hard to respect a 1.6 liter VTEC anyway, but with an engine swap it shoud be OK.

Which oddly enough makes more power than your V6 that is twice the size, results in a faster car, and, you know, gets better fuel economy. Not to mention sounds better and is more refined, despite being a design that is around 20 years old as well.

And then, you know, those new turbo 4's that make over 100 HP per liter and are getting flatter torque curves and, again, better fuel economy.

But please, continue reinforcing your ignorance.

 

[White & Nerdy]

Which oddly enough makes more power than your V6 that is twice the size, results in a faster car, and, you know, gets better fuel economy. Not to mention sounds better and is more refined, despite being a design that is around 20 years old as well.

And then, you know, those new turbo 4's that make over 100 HP per liter and are getting flatter torque curves and, again, better fuel economy.

But please, continue reinforcing your ignorance.

If it's a 96-up Si, then yes, but you know for a darn sure fact he's probably going to end up with a DX/EX or an older model. Also, there you go with refinement again. Considering this is a first car thread, I doubt comfort is high on the list.

Also, did you really just say that a Honda I4 - an engine widely lampooned for soundling like a souped up blender - sounds better than a V6?

 

[Doog]

Ya, my brother is 16, and just got a 2002 chrysler sebring lx 2 door a couple of months ago, with a little more than 100,000 miles... Insurance considers it a SPORTS CAR, and the insurance is 1,200 a year...

If a Sebring is a sports car, I wonder what a 2.2 Camry is... 💡


Anyways, I might as well drop in some suggestions I've made to others in the past.

And Ranman, I'd recommend a Nissan 240SX, the tried and true first sporty car for quite a few. They're one of the cheapest ways to get into rear wheel drive and sporty cars altogether, but you're also getting a Nissan, so it's going to last forever. Personally I'd stay away from an early 00s Tiburon; it comes from a transitional period when Hyundai went from making cheap, bad cars to making affordable, but still not exceptional cars. There's also the fact that they're fugly. Another one I quite like is the Acura Integra, which if you can find one that hasn't been molested beyond repair, is one of the best front wheel drive cars of its time. If you do get one, get a good alarm system, or at least keep it in a garage, they tend to get stolen constantly.
On the complete other end of the spectrum, assuming your budget is $5k, you can get a pretty decent early 90s Lexus LS400, and those will run forever. Seriously, look at the Lexus forums, there's an SC400 with 665k miles if I recall correctly. Back when these cars were introduced they set a new standard for refinement and quietness, just seamless cars in general. Noise, vibration and hardness in these cars are very low. Basing my knowledge off the LS430, they're really not all that bad to drive. They're comfortable, quiet, and have pretty good power but because they're big old sedans, insurance is not ridiculous. They're heavier cars, but are just as fast as any other sporty car within your budget, save for V8 Mustangs and Camaros. Finding a decent one for $5k or less is entirely possible, you just have to find one that wasn't owned by an aspiring gangsta. Thankfully, senior-owned examples in good condition still aren't rare. Seriously give these cars a look. 👍

My cousin had an early 00s Passat. Pretty nice car inside and out and it was pretty comfortable, but the problem is they're just so unreliable. After a year of regular electrical gremlins and faults they finally sold the car and got a Mazda 6.
Speaking of cousins, another one of mine used to have a Maxima that had 200k miles on it. Was fairly comfortable (albeit it was on cheapo tires) and roomy, and it's just a little more upmarket than a Camry or Accord. You should be able to find one within your price range, and it should last you forever.

Get a 3rd generation ES300. They're old enough that you can find a good one for cheap, and a large majority of them are senior owned, so most haven't been too ripped up. They're quite reliable, have a good amount of equipment, and are very nice to ride in. They're very comfortable, have decent power, and great reliability. Your sister might appreciate a luxury badge on the front as well.

The Infiniti I30's another car to consider. Based off the Nissan Maxima, it shares all the good mechanical bits, and Maximas are known to last forever. Offers the same amount of luxury as the ES300, but with more modern styling. The Infiniti badge on the front means it depreciates faster, so finding a good low mileage example should be no problem, though it was never as popular as its competitors.

Well, if you really want to attract the ladies and outrun all the other cars on the road, you gotta get a 2.2 Camry. You see, when Toyota was developing the redesigned Camry for '97, they knew they had to be a step ahead of the competition. So they went to Toyota Racing Development and gave them a billion dollars to develop an engine that would not be surpassed by any other production engine. What they came out with was the 2.2 Camry. Now, being an enthusiast, you're gonna want a manual, but you should be warned. Toyota only produced a small number of manual 2.2s, because they knew only a small number of the public would be able to handle this beast of an engine. Since this is your first car, you're best off with an automatic. It's programmed to shift at all the right times, and shifts faster than any human can. Now, of course, people are aware of the 2.2's power, and you'll have to resist the temptation of others wanting to race you at each stoplight. If you can resist the temptation and keep a low profile, the 2.2 will be your best friend. Do you step up to the challenge?

If it's a 96-up Si, then yes, but you know for a darn sure fact he's probably going to end up with a DX/EX or an older model. Also, there you go with refinement again. Considering this is a first car thread, I doubt comfort is high on the list.

Also, did you really just say that a Honda I4 - an engine widely lampooned for soundling like a souped up blender - sounds better than a V6?

Japanese cars for the past three decades have tended to have this thing called refinement that most American cars at the time didn't. The 90s were a time when Honda were really ahead of the curve as far as engineering prowess for mainstream cars go.

 

[GTMail]

+1 For the SC300 and 400.