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

[Korza]

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?

Have you ever driven a VTEC powered car?

 

[Murcie_LP640]

Has he ever revved one, more to the point. Even my dad's Accord Euro, as docile and quiet as it is normally, sounds pretty fabulous heading up to 8000rpm. Not even going to go into Type-Rs or the F20C.

 

[Azuremen]

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.

Given his budget, an late 90's Si isn't out of the question, nor is an Integra GS-R. A half beaten to death Integra still drives better than any model of the Cavalier/Sunbird. Refinement certainly isn't a bad thing to have in first car, if just a touch more than some of the competition.

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?

You've clearly never driven or heard a V-TEC motor. You've also deluded yourself if you think a primitive push-rod V6 that revs like tractor sounds good.

 

[05XR8]

My ex-NYPD highway patrol brother, owned a 2001 TT for 11 years. It got him to work in snowstorms, rain with no problems. He enjoyed the car. Maintenance costs were way high and a few rocks ripping the undertray off on the GWBridge and a run in with a tyre that dislodged from a semi and taking out the LHF headlight & washers costs heaps(even with getting a hook up). The car died on the freeway after he moved to Miami. So, he bought a 4-door Wrangler to go off-roading and onto the beach. I suggest getting the Ranger.

Nothing wrong with the Si. I owned a, then new, black '04 with the 5-lugs. Fuel cutoff was 7100rpm, it would rev all day and handled okay on the stock Michelins. People thought it was an electric car(until I opened some eyes on the Saw Mill Pkwy) and some said it seems like I'm driving a forklift due to the shifter location. My 19yo nephew( in the USAF) has a pristine black '02 Si he bought for $9000 in Jersey last year. He's always wanted one after the first time riding in mine.

Your budget being low, I agree with the post above. An Integra would be just fine.

 

[TanJaM92]

03 Sunfire 2.2 ecotec decent engine good reliable cheap car or late 90's Subaru Impreza TS or RS both good choices tad pricy to fix or a 00's Nissan Sentra or 03-05 Ford focus that zetec is good engine take lots of abuse and miles.

Or do what I did when I was 16 get a Datsun 240z (now I wish I had it still, good lil car clutch and trans were lil wonky but fun) LOL

 

[MiuraSV777]

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

Well, its a sports car, because its a coupe, and based on what my brother says, it has the bigger engine than other sebrings from the time... I don't know much about them, but I'm just going off of what my brother said.

Also, +1 for the 2.2 camry description

 

[Tornado]

Seconding the ES300 suggestion, with the corollary that the Toyota Avalon would be another good alternative, specifically this one:

Basically just an ES300 without the badge; which means it is an extended wheelbase V6 Camry with all the positives therein.


It's about as "sports car" as a bicycle; but they ride really nice, they were (much like the ES300) also mostly senior owned when new, they are pretty much indestructible and the inside of them is a really nice place to be; with nice seats and great audio. Also can fairly easily get a decent 20/30 mpg if you drive them calmly. Should be able to swing an earlier one with your budget without too much effort.

 

[MisterWhiskers]

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

I see rice burners all the time in Connecticut. All I hear is them talking like "Sick car, bro!" "That looks sexy, ese!" Those are the reasons why most people drive a Civic or Camry (The ones that I listed).

 

[Joey D]

I see rice burners all the time in Connecticut. All I hear is them talking like "Sick car, bro!" "That looks sexy, ese!" Those are the reasons why most people drive a Civic or Camry (The ones that I listed).

Dat subtle racism.

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

Volvo 740 Turbo wagon with manual tranny. It can take abuse, it has potential for great power, it gets good MPG, it can haul stuff, it's reliable, and nobody expects a turbo brick. And it is even more fun to drive than actual sporty hatches etc because you won't need to do 100mph in order to have a sensation of speed.

 

[Slash]

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.

Sounds better? Are you out of your mind?

 

[Joey D]

Volvo 740 Turbo wagon with manual tranny. It can take abuse, it has potential for great power, it gets good MPG, it can haul stuff, it's reliable, and nobody expects a turbo brick. And it is even more fun to drive than actual sporty hatches etc because you won't need to do 100mph in order to have a sensation of speed.

I doubt he'd be able to find one of those in Michigan. In the 80's and early 90's I would say a vast majority of cars bought in Michigan were domestic since the "buy American" mindset was still pretty strong.

If he did want something Scandinavian, a Saab would probably be easier to find.

**I just searched AutoTrader and the nearest wagon is in Pennsylvania, has nearly 300,000 miles on it, and is an automatic. There's no listings for a manual at all anywhere in the US.

 

[White & Nerdy]

Sounds better? Are you out of your mind?

Well, he does call himself "scientist and prophet"...

 

[Tornado]

I doubt he'd be able to find one of those in Michigan. In the 80's and early 90's I would say a vast majority of cars bought in Michigan were domestic since the "buy American" mindset was still pretty strong.

Yeah, if he lived on a coast it would be different (I've seen quite a few 240s for sale around here in the past few years), but it's rare to find more "niche" brands in that section of the country.

Sounds better? Are you out of your mind?

Sounds better than the X Engines? Not particularly hard. GM made other pushrod V6s that sounded better than the 60 degree V6

 

[Slash]

Yeah, if he lived on a coast it would be different (I've seen quite a few 240s for sale around here in the past few years), but it's rare to find more "niche" brands in that section of the country.




Sounds better than the X Engines? Not particularly hard. GM made other pushrod V6s that sounded better than the 60 degree V6

That is true.

 

[Azuremen]

Sounds better? Are you out of your mind?

It has been suggested before.

Well, he does call himself "scientist and prophet"...

Which was a reference to my avatar at the time, Gaius Baltar, who is from Battlestar Galactica.

That is true.

Then why ask if I'm out of my mind? That V6, as others have mentioned, was nothing special at all. Honestly, most V6 engines don't sound particularly great to me, especially when compared to straight 6's from Japan and Europe.

 

[MisterWhiskers]

Dat subtle racism.

Oh, c'mon!

 

[ImaRobot]

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...

You have so much disrespect for Honda's and Honda engines, which is confusing because I remember reading somewhere that you drive a cavalier or sunfire, something?

Theres nothing wrong with Honda's and your ignorance is rather annoying when talking about the subject. I take it you have a V6 which would most likely be the top of the line for your car line? What I find funny is that every I4 top end engine that Honda has is literally miles better.

B16's out of the SI's are 160 hp to the crank
B16b out of the Civic Type R's(granted its a JDM engine) @ 180
B17's out of the 92 GSR @ 170
B18c's out of the next gen GSR is the same, and the C5 @ 190
H22's out of 5th Gen Preludes @ 197, while the 4th Gen @ 180

all of which range from the year 92-00 that is probably around the same gen as your V6. The newer I4's are miles better then that as well.

K20z1's out of the FG2 Si @ 197
K24Z7's from the 10th gen Si not only jumped in power @ 201 to the crank, but also torque was upped to 170/ftlb

also, the F series from the S2000, making 240~ to the crank. It has one of the best HP/liter for any 4 Cylinder that doesnt have a turbo slapped to it.

Every single one of these 4 cylinder's where beating USDM 6 cylinders, of the same generations, in practically every way.

And a Honda as a first car would make the most sense, as they are reliable, safe, comfortable, fuel efficient, and depending on the model are reasonably quick. Something that can not be said about any cavalier, or sunfire.

Your ridiculous are ridiculous

Sorry for being off topic, OP.

EDIT: to try and bring this back on topic.

My younger brother(20 now) got his car himself at the age of 19. Its the Infiniti I30(someone mentioned it on this post.) Its rather nice and at first I actually wasnt to attracted to it but over time I actually really started to enjoy its looks and ride.

Its really comfortable, and the ride is very smooth. Its also very roomy in the front and back. With electric everything it really makes you lazy in it haha. I dont think he has the Touring model, but either way it is not lacking in features. Full black leather interior, black trimming with very little wood looking trimming that is tasteful and not over used, electric rear window shade, and sunroof. The throttle responses isn't half bad either, and has enough power if you need to overtake someone driving to slow.

I'm not sure exactly how much he got for it, but hes doing payments I know that. With a minimum wage job hes able to pay his insurance and payments all on his own though, while having his project car, a small block 79 Camaro in the garage, fixing it up slowly but surely.

 

[Slash]

It has been suggested before.



Which was a reference to my avatar at the time, Gaius Baltar, who is from Battlestar Galactica.



Then why ask if I'm out of my mind? That V6, as others have mentioned, was nothing special at all. Honestly, most V6 engines don't sound particularly great to me, especially when compared to straight 6's from Japan and Europe.

I disagree. I think they sound bad. 6 banger engines from overseas sound considerably worse to me though. I can't stand them. This is my opinion though.

 

[ImaRobot]

I disagree. I think they sound bad. 6 banger engines from overseas sound considerably worse to me though. I can't stand them. This is my opinion though.

I disagree with you. There are plenty of lovely sounds that come from s2000's, current Si's, and 8th Gen Si's. My favorite would be the 2001 Integra Type-R usdm or other wise. Hell I've even heard EG's that sounds damn fine.

Because of the fact that they are cheap to buy you are going to run into alot more people that half ass everything, rather then people that are actual enthusiast and get things done right.

 

[Tornado]

Theres nothing wrong with Honda's and your ignorance is rather annoying when talking about the subject. I take it you have a V6 which would most likely be the top of the line for your car line? What I find funny is that every I4 top end engine that Honda has is literally miles better.

B16's out of the SI's are 160 hp to the crank
B16b out of the Civic Type R's(granted its a JDM engine) @ 180
B17's out of the 92 GSR @ 170
B18c's out of the next gen GSR is the same, and the C5 @ 190
H22's out of 5th Gen Preludes @ 197, while the 4th Gen @ 180

I don't think the Civic got the B16 until long after the J Bodies had already switched to the Quad-4. Si Civics in America were D16s until then, which was long past 1992; and the Prelude was a lot more expensive than the Cavalier.


Though the Integra comparison is true, I suppose.

 

[ImaRobot]

I don't think the Civic got the B16 until long after the J Bodies had already switched to the Quad-4. Si Civics in America were D16s until then; which was long past 1992.


Though the Integra comparison is true, I suppose.

Yeah, after I wrote that I went to check out the different generations of Cavaliers. Mostly wrote all that about the hate comment though, So I guess my comment is mostly geared at the hate that the guy had about Honda engines.

EDIT: doing a quick search on it shows a Del Sol with a b16 at 94-95 Which is in the same year that the cavalier were moving to the next gen. Or am I thinking about the wrong generation of the Cav haha

 

[White & Nerdy]

I don't think the Civic got the B16 until long after the J Bodies had already switched to the Quad-4. Si Civics in America were D16s until then, which was long past 1992; and the Prelude was a lot more expensive than the Cavalier.


Though the Integra comparison is true, I suppose.

True, though they all sound like farts to me. Also, VTEC = peaky without expensive tuning.

 

[xXKingJoshXx]

I forget, were we trying to help someone decide what car to get as a first car or were we arguing about what engines were good or not?

 

[White & Nerdy]

Both?

 

[xXKingJoshXx]

True, but what should we be doing?

 

[ImaRobot]

True, though they all sound like farts to me. Also, VTEC = peaky without expensive tuning.

What do you mean by peaky? Don't really understand the last part.

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

I doubt he'd be able to find one of those in Michigan. In the 80's and early 90's I would say a vast majority of cars bought in Michigan were domestic since the "buy American" mindset was still pretty strong.

If he did want something Scandinavian, a Saab would probably be easier to find.

**I just searched AutoTrader and the nearest wagon is in Pennsylvania, has nearly 300,000 miles on it, and is an automatic. There's no listings for a manual at all anywhere in the US.

Well, there's always 9xx and S/V90.

 

[White & Nerdy]

What do you mean by peaky? Don't really understand the last part.

Peaky = produces very little horsepower/torque except in one small area of the rev range, usually high RPM. A common trait of small four cylinder engines, and turbo engines in general (in the latter case, turbo lag is often the culprit, and may also cause problems at higher RPM if you lift of the throttle momentarily for whatever reason). Many Hondas, for example, lack any sort of power or torque until VTEC kicks in (because of low displacement and conservative, "refined" low-mid RPM tuning).

 

[Joey D]

Well, there's always 9xx and S/V90.

Still, the likelihood of finding those in Michigan are pretty slim, especially where MiuraSV777 is located. He's right outside of Detroit, which is the most domestic happy place in the entire country. And the likelihood of a 16 year old traveling much more than about 20-30 miles for a car is pretty slim as well.

Looking through AutoTrader there's two 960's available and both are on my side of the state, some 140 miles away.

There are Volvo's for sale near Canton, but they are all much newer and almost all from when Ford owned Volvo (this is because everyone who was a Ford employee all of a sudden got an employee discount on them, same reason GM-era Saab's are common).