What Should I Get?

ildd
And a barely restored '67 Mustang is worth much more than your e36 M3... what's your point?
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Dropping 6 grand on a project car as your first car is pretty much a guarantee to kiss that 6 grand good bye. Because he pretty much will get into an accident. Plus winters in Canada. And outside of being a collectible, it isn't a lot of car compared to anything newer for that kind of money.
 
Azuremen
Because he pretty much will get into an accident.
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And you know this how?

Azuremen
Plus winters in Canada.
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Work and save up some money for a $500 beater for winter. Garage the Mustang.


Azuremen
And outside of being a collectible, it isn't a lot of car compared to anything newer for that kind of money.
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It's plenty of car. Especially for a first time driver.
 
Azuremen
Dropping 6 grand on a project car as your first car is pretty much a guarantee to kiss that 6 grand good bye. Because he pretty much will get into an accident. Plus winters in Canada. And outside of being a collectible, it isn't a lot of car compared to anything newer for that kind of money.
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That's kinda why I'm a little reluctant myself. But I feel like it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.
 
I'd do it. Quick before someone else jumps on it.
 
Slash
And you know this how?
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It is pretty much going to happen by statistics. Plus sticking a young man into a torquey RWD car is an invitation to do something stupid - most of us didn't even need 100 HP to drive like hooligans growing up.

Or a simple lack of experience leading to a poor judgement call at a less than great intersection. It doesn't have to be his fault entirely, as experience plays a lot into avoiding other idiots on the road.

Slash
Work and save up some money for a $500 beater for winter. Garage the Mustang.
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Insuring two cars, taxes on two cars. Maintaining two cars.

Not the greatest on the budget of youth.

mustang fanatic
That's kinda why I'm a little reluctant myself. But I feel like it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.
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Depends on how comfortable you are working on cars. Body work is a hassle and skill set of its own, and then tracking down parts on whatever budget you'll have left. I understand the appeal (especially given your name) but it doesn't give you much leeway on a car that could become a hassle to keep on the road. And learning how to work on a car on your daily driver is extremely stressful and irritating, as you may just find yourself stranded randomly. Or stuck at home waiting on parts and trying to figure out what the problem is.

If you're set on it, check it out but if you're feeling unsure on it I'd wager you'll end up reconsidering. Your first car doesn't have to be your dream car, and taste changes over the years as well.
 
Azuremen
Depends on how comfortable you are working on cars. Body work is a hassle and skill set of its own, and then tracking down parts on whatever budget you'll have left. I understand the appeal (especially given your name) but it doesn't give you much leeway on a car that could become a hassle to keep on the road. And learning how to work on a car on your daily driver is extremely stressful and irritating, as you may just find yourself stranded randomly. Or stuck at home waiting on parts and trying to figure out what the problem is.

If you're set on it, check it out but if you're feeling unsure on it I'd wager you'll end up reconsidering. Your first car doesn't have to be your dream car, and taste changes over the years as well.
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True. I'm worried about any hidden rust. Last thing I want is to find holes in the floor after I buy the car. I'll email the guy for some more pictures tomorrow, and if it looks alright, maybe convince my parents to check it out.
 
Azuremen
It is pretty much going to happen by statistics. Plus sticking a young man into a torquey RWD car is an invitation to do something stupid - most of us didn't even need 100 HP to drive like hooligans growing up.

Or a simple lack of experience leading to a poor judgement call at a less than great intersection. It doesn't have to be his fault entirely, as experience plays a lot into avoiding other idiots on the road.
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Statistics are great and all, but that doesn't mean it will happen to him.



Azuremen
Insuring two cars, taxes on two cars. Maintaining two cars.

Not the greatest on the budget of youth.
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I know many of my friends do it. It's entirely doable.
 
mustang fanatic
True. I'm worried about any hidden rust. Last thing I want is to find holes in the floor after I buy the car. I'll email the guy for some more pictures tomorrow, and if it looks alright, maybe convince my parents to check it out.
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If there is mention of body work being needed, I'd imagine rust exists on the car in various places. The hidden rust can make something go from being an alright find to just sobbing into your arms :p

Slash
Statistics are great and all, but that doesn't mean it will happen to him.
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Naw, but the odds certainly aren't in his favor.

Slash
I know many of my friends do it. It's entirely doable.
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Well no duh it is doable. I've done it, plenty of people do it. But given the criteria he laid down at the start, the mention of wanting something reliable, and some concerns expressed about burning money, I don't imagine paying running costs on two cars is in his interest.

You really need to work on considering perspectives beyond your own. The limited approach to things gets tiresome and makes discussion with you very difficult.
 
The situation is a tad similar though. Similar budget , just a cheaper cars. Find a good job and its doable. It might not be easy however.
 
The simple fact is this. If you have never bought a car before, it is not wise in any shape or form to buy one & immediately start considering buying another as a backup. That's not spending money wisely if you're a budget & shows you should have considered the first car more appropriately.
 
Slash
The situation is a tad similar though. Similar budget , just a cheaper cars. Find a good job and its doable. It might not be easy however.
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That leads to another question. Does OP have a source of income or is his parents covering it all?
 
RVDNuT374
If I repost this one more time, I'll probably get banned ;), but:

1996-2007 Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable-

1998%20mercury%20sable.jpg

800px-2004-2006_Ford_Taurus_Sedan.jpg


You can easily pick one up in great condition for around US $1500-4000. Despite what you may have read, these cars actually handle fairly well for what they are, especially with better tires. Power is adequate with the more common Vulcan V6, plentiful with the higher output but less common Duratec V6. These cars never came with a manual transmission, only a 4-speed automatic which is a bit on the fragile side, so pay close attention to how the transmission shifts if you decide to test drive one. Other trouble spots are the factory coolant tank in the 96-02's develops cracks in it after while; OEM replacements run about $60. Don't even bother with the cheap Chinese aftermarket tank which will more than likely fail in just a few months. Also, change the coolant in the Vulcan engine at no longer of an interval than every 2 years; it is infamous for rust in the cooling system which can lead to very bad things. Finally, watch out if the rear of the car is sagging, that means the struts/springs are shot and replacement is apparently very expensive. If anybody asks why I am a strong supporter of this car, I've been the proud owner of one for over eight years with little trouble. 👍 The only non-maintenance items I've had to change out were the fuel pump (very expensive :ouch:, but I'm fairly confident the Motorcraft replacement unit is not made in China) and the mentioned coolant tank.
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As someone who owned this car for their last car, I wouldn't ever go back and I'd rather pick something else if I were the OP. I actually have first hand experience owning the thing for two and half to three years, before that was my Tacoma which I would recommend over this. Only con to the truck is it got 3 mpg less on city when I use to monitor the range.

After a heat sink failure, and predicted internal engine lock up due to water leaking issues, starter and ignition replacement as well as alternator replacement and a few fuses...was too much. Worst issue I had with the Tacoma was the tensioner pulley getting loose and the tires it came with being awful.

Anyways not sure why people bother with this threads, if it isn't this or W&N or someone else not being rational with the amount of money they have it's something else. In the end they don't take anyone's advice and as @McLaren put it they're more so trying to get consensus and validation for what they already decided they wanted before making the thread. Even if their financial situation isn't viable for it.
 
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McLaren
The simple fact is this. If you have never bought a car before, it is not wise in any shape or form to buy one & immediately start considering buying another as a backup. That's not spending money wisely if you're a budget & shows you should have considered the first car more appropriately.
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I suppose your right.
 
Harry6784
That leads to another question. Does OP have a source of income or is his parents covering it all?
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I'll probably have a job by next year, so I'll have something to work off of (not much at this point), so I'll have to be careful what I spend. And no, my parents would not cover it all.

That means I might not be able to buy the Mustang, or any classic car, given that the insurance is so high. That means I might have to look for something newer. Probably 1990s or newer to be safe.
 
mustang fanatic
I'll probably have a job by next year, so I'll have something to work off of (not much at this point), so I'll have to be careful what I spend. And no, my parents would not cover it all.

That means I might not be able to buy the Mustang, or any classic car, given that the insurance is so high. That means I might have to look for something newer. Probably 1990s or newer to be safe.
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Well in that case I think something like a Honda Civic, Accord or a Subaru Impreza would be a fantastic first car. I imagine your parents would agree as well and if they're helping you pay for any of it at all I think it would be wise to listen to them.
 
Hi. I own a 1967 Mustang. If you buy one on your budget you will hate your life.

Notice how there are two distinct camps in this thread. There are people who have owned several cars, and there are people who have owned one or maybe two cars and are teenagers.

Hmmm....

But hey if you want to take the YOLO approach to a first car, do you. The classic car market thrives off of grabbing steals from people who got in over their heads. My car was one of them.
 
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mustang fanatic
I'll probably have a job by next year, so I'll have something to work off of (not much at this point), so I'll have to be careful what I spend. And no, my parents would not cover it all.

That means I might not be able to buy the Mustang, or any classic car, given that the insurance is so high. That means I might have to look for something newer. Probably 1990s or newer to be safe.
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If you don't have a stable source of income, you should play it safe and stay as far away as possible from anything that might end up being a huge money pit, such as a classic car, unfortunately.

Think about it, how do you think your parents will feel about spending their money to get your car constantly repaired? Even the most understanding and loving parent won't tolerate it for long.
 

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