Looking to Buy My First Car

[pinnochio5]

Hello,

First off, I'm pretty much a total newbie when it comes to understanding cars.

I'm looking to buy my first car and am in a situation here. I don't know what to buy because I don't know what will run good. Here's some cars that I would like to have, but I have know idea if they will last. What kind of cars last long and look nice at the same time?
---------------------------------
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1998-Audi-A4-Quattro-Warranty-W0QQAdIdZ330069926

My dad says this car would just be a waste of money for me, because I would only have enough money to buy it and insure it, and I would go bankrupt maintaining it. Is he right?
------------------------------------

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1998-Volvo-S70-T5-Sport-Special-Edition-W0QQAdIdZ326177331

Does this car look like it would last long and run good? Is Volvo reliable?
-----------------------------------

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1996-Volkswagen-Jetta-Sedan-W0QQAdIdZ318965538

I hear that Volkswagen's are good for first cars. Is this true? Will this car be a good choice?
---------------------------------
Which of the above is the best choice? If there are any other cars you think I should put into consideration, what are they? I really like European and Japanese cars, but honestly I don't really care much for American cars.

Thanks!

[Shlade]

Id go with the audi

your bound to pick up bitches blasting tupac in that car

[imhungry]

No one here can tell you whether or not the car will "run good" on here unless they are the previous owner...


Once you find the car your interested in and plan to buy it, take it for an insepction. They can tell you more than what anyone here on the fourm can about whether the car will "run good" or "last long". It really just depends on the car.

I guess it's different for each person for for me high Kms are a big NO.

[pinnochio5]

Originally posted by Shlade
Id go with the audi

your bound to pick up bitches blasting tupac in that car

Uhhhh....... ok then.


Originally posted by imhungry
No one here can tell you whether or not the car will "run good" on here unless they are the previous owner...


Once you find the car your interested in and plan to buy it, take it for an insepction. They can tell you more than what anyone here on the fourm can about whether the car will "run good" or "last long". It really just depends on the car.

I guess it's different for each person for for me high Kms are a big NO.

Ok. What sort of things should I make sure I ask and watch out for while I inspect or test drive the vehicle?

[dj_rice]

For your first car. I'd go with a 92-95 Honda Civic. Cheap to buy, cheap to insure. Cheap on gas. Parts+Engines are plentiful and cheap.

[imhungry]

Originally posted by dj_rice
For your first car. I'd go with a 92-95 Honda Civic. Cheap to buy, cheap to insure. Cheap on gas. Parts+Engines are plentiful and cheap.

Agreed. Something easy to play around with yourself.

[imhungry]

Originally posted by pinnochio5


Uhhhh....... ok then.



Ok. What sort of things should I make sure I ask and watch out for while I inspect or test drive the vehicle?

Get CarProof. Are there accidents? Has it been mistreated? Are there maintainance records?

[CanmoreOrLess]

I doubt you could pick three worse "first cars" if you tried.

Your father is right, you need to put away a bit of cash (20% of the purchase price) for repairs which are coming, most used cars are sold at a time when the previous owner may just want the thing sold, he is not getting any repairs other than what you might spot pre sale. So, you need to have the car looked over by a quality mechanic, one who knows the maker. Want to buy a Honda... take it to a Honda mechanic before you hand over a dime to the seller. Consider it smart, or pay later.

Only first cars I would consider to be certain nothing (all things considered) is biting me in the ass later:

Honda
Toyota

All cars must have a full record of work done to the car from the first owner to the current. Do not buy a rebuilt car, one that was written off in an accident and repaired. All need to be OK'd by a mechanic, otherwise no sale.

Stay far away from European cars for a first car. Price out replacing oxygen sensors for an Audi (might be four or more I believe), replacing them will have you selling a kidney.

[Hage69]

It all depends on how much you have to pay for a car. IMO the best first car is probably a civic 92-2000 or even an Honda accord 1994-2002 but if you're gunna look at the 1998-2002 edition stay away from the v6 ones cause the tranny is shit unless it's been replaced and proof. Make sure to get it inspected and have fun!

[lellowrx7]

Volvos are one of the more expensive to repair
And Vws are known to have Christmas lights for dashes. Or maybe thats Volvo too? (dont buy a Volvo)
Audis gonna be expensive to maintain as well.

Like others have said buy something not as fancy for a first car.
NOT A HONDA omg.. :banghead:

Stick to a 4 banger and fuel efficient.
Your first car should be a junker or it won't be as much fun :p

[Ekliptix]

I'm going to suggest a honda/integra. My first car was a 1991 Integra RS and it was problem free and fun. I'd also budget for some winter tires. They'll last 4 years at least.

[dirtsniffer]

man, if a volvo is well maintained they can run forever...

[black300]

Never buy an older AUDI, they suck!

Go with Honda, Toyota Nissan and try to stay low on the kms..

[Kloubek]

As suggested, none of these are really appropriate first cars. I hated it when my parents told me that my first car should be simple, basic transportation. But they were right.

An Accord or Civic are good bets. Simple vehicles with good reputation for quality and longevity. (Though Accord transmissions are often a little suspect)

I think the worst of the three you selected would be the Audi. Common issues as they get older, and expensive to repair. A *lot* of k on the VW. Don't know much about Volvo, but I see little reason to buy one when there are better options out there for you.

[CLiVE]

First car my parents bought for me was a Toyota Celica.

First car I bought for myself was a Dodge Stealth TT.

Celica was 100x more reliable.....They were right

Since then have had quite a few cars (MINI, BMW, Land Rover, etc.) All great cars, but have had some major repair costs on all of them.

Finally got all of that out of my system and bought a Honda. :facepalm: I hate that I love it so much....:guns:

[strawberrydouch]

Id say that Volvo would be the best call there. The Jetta has ridiculous mileage, and you really are gonna go bankrupt putting various sensors into that audi.
buy a sub 1000$ japanese car to start out with, cheap hondas seem to be the best introduction to car ownership/ driving. so what if theyre not as nice theyre disposable and reliable. thats what matters in a first car.

[freshprince1]

All three of those cars will likely cost you lots of money in maintenance and repairs. They're nice...but they're higher end (well the first two) and older.

In my opinion, I'd take a look at mazda's. You get comparable quality and reliability tot he Hondas and Toyotas, but you don't have the high prices.

I've owned two Mazda's and they both ran great with no problems.

In your price range I'd look at a Protege5, a nice 4 door hatchback with some sporty options. This isn't a sports car, but it rides nice, handles great and will be very cheap to run.

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2002-Mazda-Protege-5-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ333776837

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2002-Mazda-Protege-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ333612930

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2003-Mazda-Protege-5-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ324879827

...there's a few from Kijiji.

For your first car, you want something that wont break the bank and can help you learn about owning and maintaining a vehicle.

Things you'll want to do is:

- Get a CarProof Report on the vehicle before you buy it.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection
- Look for signs of hidden-repair (i.e. body panels not lining up right, open and close all the doors a few times to make sure they seem "right".)
- Ask if they have maintenance records, the more the better.

And most importantly, do not buy it if it does not feel right. It's easy to want to car that looks the coolest or has a nice stereo...but it is far cheaper to buy a well-maintained car and do the small upgrades yourself.

Good luck. Follow your gut.

[BananaFob]

Originally posted by freshprince1
I'd take a look at mazda's. You get comparable quality and reliability tot he HOndas and Toyotas, but you don't have the high prices.

I've owned two Mazda's and they both ran great with no problems.

In your price range I'd look at a Protege5, a nice 4 door hatchback with some sporty options. This isn't a sports car, but it rides nice, handles great and will be very cheap to run.

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2002-Mazda-Protege-5-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ333776837

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2002-Mazda-Protege-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ333612930

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2003-Mazda-Protege-5-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ324879827

...there's a few from Kijiji.

For your first car, you want something that wont break the bank and can help you learn about owning and maintaining a vehicle.

Things you'll want to do is:

- Get a CarProof Report on the vehicle before you buy it.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection
- Look for signs of hidden-repair (i.e. body panels not lining up right, open and close all the doors a few times to make sure they seem "right".)
- Ask if they have maintenance records, the more the better.

And most importantly, do not buy it if it does not feel right. It's easy to want to car that looks the coolest or has a nice stereo...but it is far cheaper to buy a well-maintained car and do the small upgrades yourself.

Good luck. Follow your gut.

Protege5 is probably one of the only mazdas I'd stay away from of that era. They have horrible rust problems.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Type_S1]

Buy a 92-95 civic. They run forever and if anything goes wrong they are the cheapest car to fix and need very little skill to fix them.

[nixrx8]

Run and hide from the Audi.

Honda/Toyota FTW

[pinnochio5]

Ok. Which Honda is best? I see Civic seems to be somewhat of a favorite. I know its all about reliability, but still I'd like my car to look nice, not for others but for myself. Civic just looks to common for me, idk. Maybe I have no idea of what i'm talking about, and end up buying a civic.

[R!zz0]

Very simple:

Wanna lose weight? Stop eating fatty foods.

Wanna buy a reliable car that's gonna last? Honda or toyota.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[n1zm0]

^ by the kijiji ads he picked in his first post, $4k looks like his max budget imo.

when learning to drive and being younger, you WILL encounter the times when you do some stupid ass shit in a car, you WILL break stuff in your car just because that's what happens with your first car, so as most ppl say, early-late 90s econobox Honda/toyota are great paths to take, there's tons of parts for both, their mechanical simplicity is what makes them efficient imo, even better if you are the type that wants to start tinkering with cars is they're extremely straight forward with DIY projects for the most part. by econobox tho i don't specifically mean tercels and civics, but 2nd gen integras, celicas. most of those early-late 90s J-VIN'd japanese cars are tanks.

there's also lots of these types of cars for around ~$4k-5k in the marketplace here just fyi.

[CapnCrunch]

Originally posted by CanmoreOrLess
I doubt you could pick three worse "first cars" if you tried.



No doubt. :rofl:
Civic, Corolla, Camry, Accord, get something reliable.

[msommers]

Don't bother with stuff in early 90's. Get something 2000+. Don't forgot that still is 11-12 years old already. You want something cheap but at the same time, not something with crazy high mileage.

Biggest thing to take away from this thread, get an inspection!

[Arash Boodagh]

Acura Legend
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/219/038nz.jpg
/end thread :D

[ExtraSlow]

Acura Vigor is also excellent. Unique name too, nobody else uses that word for anything auto related . . .

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by pinnochio5
Ok. Which Honda is best? I see Civic seems to be somewhat of a favorite. I know its all about reliability, but still I'd like my car to look nice, not for others but for myself. Civic just looks to common for me, idk. Maybe I have no idea of what i'm talking about, and end up buying a civic.

Civic is the best. Older Accords have their tranny problems, but I think the Civics were pretty much exempt from most of those.

Yes, a Civic is very common. But there is a reason for that - they are excellent cars. Not to mention the gas mileage will be far and away better than the others.

For 4G you can get a very respectable Civic, and there is a slew of aftermarket out there if you want to customize it. (Hopefully without going TOO ricey). An Si doesn't have a lot of torque, but makes the car a lot more fun to drive.

Trust me man - higher end cars or sports cars are going to cost you a ton. Even if they don't break down, parts that always need to be replaced like tires and brakes cost soooo much more.

[KO22]

DO NOT BUY THAT YEAR OF AUDI!

I bought an 98 a4 as my first car like 4 years ago or so.. man SO MANYYYYYYY PROBLEMS was @ the dealership to many times to recall :nut:

[n1zm0]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
Acura Vigor is also excellent. Unique name too, nobody else uses that word for anything auto related . . .

on a srs note, this has the worst engine ever (and the 2.5L TL with the same engine). when that 5 cyl dies be prepared to 'cry, cry again'

[2Legit2Quit]

What's going on here? It's his first car people...

That being said, you need something with NOS or atleast 3 turbos.

[Anton]

Originally posted by pinnochio5
Ok. Which Honda is best? I see Civic seems to be somewhat of a favorite. I know its all about reliability, but still I'd like my car to look nice, not for others but for myself. Civic just looks to common for me, idk. Maybe I have no idea of what i'm talking about, and end up buying a civic.

If you want something that looks nice I still think integras and preludes look pretty good!

My 1996 Prelude was one of my favourite cars.

Edit: I'm sure you already know this but just in case... Acura = Honda so Acura Integra is a Honda.

[Toyota Racing]

Originally posted by 2Legit2Quit
What's going on here? It's his first car people...

That being said, you need something with NOS or atleast 3 turbos.
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[GT4rally]

You know what guys... as much as I agree with all of you that Civics are reliable, easy to work on, and parts are readily available, I just can't recommend one for a young driver simply because they have very negative stereotypes associated with them. If I was 18 again, you couldn't pay me enough to drive an older Civic!

I'd look at:

-'91 to '98 Toyota Celica (Reliable, tough and fun to drive)
-'00 to '04 Ford Focus ZX3/ZX5 (EXTREMELY fun to drive--these have great driving dynamics, reliable, modern interior, and cheap to fix)
-'03 and up Hyundai Tiburon (Reasonably reliable, very fun and good deals to be had)
-If you need 4-wheel drive, I'd go for a '97 and up Nissan Pathfinder (Reliable, durable, good resale--although finding an inexpensive low km unit might prove difficult)

If the OP must have a 4-door, I'd go for the ZX5.

I speak from experience with the Celica and ZX3. Both cars had almost 300,000kms on them when I sold them, and they were still running like champs! One of my favorites was an '02 ZX3 SVT--that was a blast! But, likely out of the OP's price range.
I've never owned a Tiburon, but been very impressed every time I've driven one.


For the record, I've owned 5 Audi's and 3 Volvo's, including a '98 Audi A6 and a '98 Volvo S70. The Audi was a bit of a money pit, but the S70 (non-turbo) was bullet-proof... but I'd stay far away from a high mileage turbo S70 T5 for a first car.

[Gibson]

Originally posted by GT4rally

I'd look at:

-'91 to '98 Toyota Celica (Reliable, tough and fun to drive)
-'00 to '04 Ford Focus ZX3/ZX5 (EXTREMELY fun to drive--these have great driving dynamics, reliable, modern interior, and cheap to fix)

If the OP must have a 4-door, I'd go for the ZX5.


I beg to differ. I pretty much fall asleep every time I drive my ZX5, but I can see an SVT being a fun car.

I agree with whoever said your first car should be a very basic, but cheap to maintain, junker.

[GT4rally]

Originally posted by Gibson


I beg to differ. I pretty much fall asleep every time I drive my ZX5, but I can see an SVT being a fun car.


If it's an auto, I wouldn't blame you for falling asleep; but the 5-speed is a very fun car... SVT or not. Although, I did install Eibach springs and struts on my ZX3, which made it handle like a go-cart :burnout:

I also had very minimal mechanical issues with the ZX3 over the 90,000kms I owned it. The most major being a cracked plastic overflow tank at 280,000kms that gave way in spectacular fashion in rush-hour traffic.

That being said, the ZX3 was fun, but I wish I never sold the SVT!

[Sugarphreak]

...

[dirtsniffer]

I had a 90 celica GTS. was great to me until some old bitch ran me off the road. Currently I have a 98 escort zx2. awesome car, i have had zero issues, it has variable valve timing too. I paid 2300 for mine with 165000 kms.
My gf bought a 2000 civic for 5 grand with 160000 km. runs great with no issues.

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2000-Ford-Escort-ZX2-Coupe-W0QQAdIdZ333279782

[pinnochio5]

I actually really like how the 1991-1993 Toyota Celicas look (Not the 1995 Celicas, cause if you cut out the inner 2 headlights they look like a Dodge Neon, which also serves as the world's ugliest car IMO). And apparently a lot of guys are saying they run good, not to mention I can tweak it (If I ever learn and get into that).

Particularly This Kind:
http://www.cars-directory.net/pics/toyota/celica/1993/toyota_celica_2676609_2.jpg

--------------------------------

Are these cars good on gas? Are they easier to fix myself? Can I learn a few things about cars with the Celica?

[n1zm0]

there's tons of those in PnP so it's a good starting platform, keep in mind i'm sure when most of these guys talking about celicas as first cars/winter beaters they mean the CDM FWD one, not a JDM GT4 like the one you have pictured, or an All-trac

idk what the 5S-FE is like for modifying but if youre bent on toyota and simplicity, try looking at a CDM AE92 GT-S (also tons of those @ PnP), 4age is a reliable and simple engine to beat on/learn with, somewhat modified suspension on an AE92 has huge potential too.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[pinnochio5]

Originally posted by n1zm0
there's tons of those in PnP so it's a good starting platform, keep in mind i'm sure when most of these guys talking about celicas as first cars/winter beaters they mean the CDM FWD one, not a JDM GT4 like the one you have pictured, or an All-trac

idk what the 5S-FE is like for modifying but if youre bent on toyota and simplicity, try looking at a CDM AE92 GT-S (also tons of those @ PnP), 4age is a reliable and simple engine to beat on/learn with, somewhat modified suspension on an AE92 has huge potential too.

what's PnP? :confused:

[seany99119]

Originally posted by pinnochio5


what's PnP? :confused:


Pick and Pull

[clem24]

Originally posted by pinnochio5
I actually really like how the 1991-1993 Toyota Celicas look (Not the 1995 Celicas, cause if you cut out the inner 2 headlights they look like a Dodge Neon, which also serves as the world's ugliest car IMO).

Looks are one thing, but driving dynamics are another. The ST184 (1990 - 1993) couldn't be any more different than the ST204 (1994 - 1999).

If sporty and tossable and fun is what you're after, the ST204 is very hard to beat. The ST204 GTS only weighed in at 2,500 lbs, excellent shifter with short throws and was tuned remarkably well. I would still love to find a really low mileage/non-beat up example. The only downside, is that even with winters, they suck shit in the snow.

The ST184 on the other side, is basically a Camry with 2 doors. It's just not very.. Fun. Suspension was floaty, tons of body roll (seriously my wife's Honda Odyssey handled better than this thing), super long shift throws, you get the idea. But they are a dime a dozen, and cheap as hell. The one I had leaked oil like there was no tomorrow but started and ran like a champ. For instance, it was parked at my parents place for 6 MONTHS. Completely dry. Went to start it up and it started up on the very first crank. They are definitely the definition of bullet proof.

[A3GTiVR6SC]

4cyl Toyota/Honda FTW for a first car:
1- Slow = Less speeding tickets
2- Reliable/cheap on gas = More $ saved = better next car.
3- Will easily start in our winters if properly maintained.
4- FWD is easier for a n00b in winter.
5- 13-15" OEM wheels with common tire sizes because i would highly recommend winter tires to a new driver.. I don't want to get hit because you couldn't stop.

[CLiVE]

Originally posted by n1zm0
there's tons of those in PnP so it's a good starting platform, keep in mind i'm sure when most of these guys talking about celicas as first cars/winter beaters they mean the CDM FWD one, not a JDM GT4 like the one you have pictured, or an All-trac


I agree. My celica was a 1988 FWD GT. Super reliable, and slow. Exactly what I needed in a first car.

Stick to the FWD Celicas, and not a GT4. Maintenance on the GT4 (clutch, etc.) gets pricey, and not an easy job.

[dirtsniffer]

OP, you should look at the escort, solid first car, atleast 5 years newer and way less km for the same price

[PartyintheKorea]

Originally posted by n1zm0
there's tons of those in PnP so it's a good starting platform, keep in mind i'm sure when most of these guys talking about celicas as first cars/winter beaters they mean the CDM FWD one, not a JDM GT4 like the one you have pictured, or an All-trac

idk what the 5S-FE is like for modifying but if youre bent on toyota and simplicity, try looking at a CDM AE92 GT-S (also tons of those @ PnP), 4age is a reliable and simple engine to beat on/learn with, somewhat modified suspension on an AE92 has huge potential too.

i wish i could sell my ae92 gt-s to this guy but i hit a curb and fked up a lot of the left front suspension parts. im not selling it for much tho $600 and you can get everything fixed for a grand if ur good friends with a mechanic 1500 tops.

/back on topic.

as other people have said already something between 88-03 is pretty much the sweetspot for a first car. budget for insurance and take into consideration how fuel efficient the car is and what octane fuel it needs. 91 octane and anything worse than 10L/100km will screw any first car buyer's wallet in the long run. again civic, corolla, celica, integra, tiburon, or a small 4-door that gets good mileage like an aerio, 1.6el or protege5. you don't need a bigger/heavier car like an accord or prelude unless you are constantly driving extra people.

[pinnochio5]

Alright,

So I've begun the search for the Celica. I'll probably just buy it now, and have it garaged (heated garage, hopefully keep it in good shape) for 2-3 months till I get more cashflow going.

So, I'm taking what you guys taught me into account while searching, like; FWD, Check Carfax, low miles, preferrably no JDM models, no oil leakage, good condition, etc.

I hope the heaters on the Celica works good, cause judging from today looks like its gonna be a long and interesting winter.

I have one bad thought though. You when in winter you stop, then you try to accelerate, but the wheels just keep spinning and theres no acceleration because the Force of friction is shit and inertia is ass-whooping the force applied? Is this gonna happen a lot with the Celica?

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by pinnochio5
I have one bad thought though. You when in winter you stop, then you try to accelerate, but the wheels just keep spinning and theres no acceleration because the Force of friction is shit and inertia is ass-whooping the force applied? Is this gonna happen a lot with the Celica?

Yes - your tires will spin in the winter if you stomp on the gas. Get winter tires and drive safely, and you'll be fine.

[n1zm0]

^ :werd:

and if you are absolutely stuck on pure ice at a stop light even with great winter tires and can't go anywhere at all, try 2nd gear start, put down more torque to get going or just some magic precision clutch footwork in first.

[CLiVE]

Originally posted by n1zm0
^ :werd:

and if you are absolutely stuck on pure ice at a stop light even with great winter tires and can't go anywhere at all, try 2nd gear start, put down more torque to get going or just some magic precision clutch footwork in first.

And remember...When taking off from a complete stop, while on pure ice, you can turn the steering side to side a bit

....rather than spinning the wheels in one place like you see so often.

[pinnochio5]

Guys, I've done some more research, and I've come across the term "Sleeper". A car that comes across as somewhat regular from the outside, but is a beast on the inside.

Particularly I REALLY have taken I liking to the 03'-04' Mercury Marauder. It looks amazing, plus most of them are really low on mileage, like 20000-50000. But they are a little more expensive, like 10000$. I also like the Mitsubishi Galant.

Would it be a good idea to get one of these cars? They seem like they would be quite reliable and tough. Some of the marauders have like 400HP.

http://www.alternativeauto.com/images/marauder-05.jpg

[PartyintheKorea]

Originally posted by pinnochio5
Guys, I've done some more research, and I've come across the term "Sleeper". A car that comes across as somewhat regular from the outside, but is a beast on the inside.

Particularly I REALLY have taken I liking to the 03'-04' Mercury Marauder. It looks amazing, plus most of them are really low on mileage, like 20000-50000. But they are a little more expensive, like 10000$. I also like the Mitsubishi Galant.

Would it be a good idea to get one of these cars? They seem like they would be quite reliable and tough. Some of the marauders have like 400HP.

http://www.alternativeauto.com/images/marauder-05.jpg

do you have the money to keep one? as i said, consider fuel, maintenance and insurance. with a 4k budget i don't see how this will work.

[r3ccOs]

Originally posted by PartyintheKorea


do you have the money to keep one? as i said, consider fuel, maintenance and insurance. with a 4k budget i don't see how this will work.

well... total cost of ownership is what everyone should look at when purchasing a vehicle

With the Maurader, I think its a cool car... modular 4.6, but is a gas guzzling V8

however if its in good condition, those cars, like its sibling the Crown Vics, are quite durable... body on frame design, with solid rear axel and strong transmission.

that being said, why not just get a used interceptor? they're even cheaper... you can find for low k, beefed up suspension, lsd rear end, transmission and a high output engine

there are auctions where you can find them for dirt... and even if they have high k, they usually were well maintained by police services and parts are easy to come by.

the bad?
Bad on gas
Too much power for you ;)
RWD, but hey its the right way to drive

[pinnochio5]

Originally posted by PartyintheKorea


do you have the money to keep one? as i said, consider fuel, maintenance and insurance. with a 4k budget i don't see how this will work.

Well I could always save money a bit longer.

[CapnCrunch]

Originally posted by n1zm0
^ :werd:

and if you are absolutely stuck on pure ice at a stop light even with great winter tires and can't go anywhere at all, try 2nd gear start, put down more torque to get going or just some magic precision clutch footwork in first.

You mean less torque?

[pinnochio5]

Damn, I hate how frequently my decision changes! Now I'm looking at 06'-07' Mitsubishi Galants.

It seems as if I'll never make up my mind!

BTW, my max budget for just the car is 10K.

[Kloubek]

Dude. It is your first car. Do you really think a 400hp Maurauder is a good choice? There is plenty of time in your life to get a muscle car.

Now is not the time. Stick with your Celica idea.

[G-ZUS]

Originally posted by Kloubek
Dude. It is your first car. Do you really think a 400hp Maurauder is a good choice? There is plenty of time in your life to get a muscle car.

Now is not the time. Stick with your Celica idea.


:werd:

[blitz]

400 HP for your first car is a good way to die early. Stick with your $4k range of Honda/Toyota.

Another thing to consider is you will eventually sell it and you'll take a bigger loss on the 10k car than you will on a 4k car.

[n1zm0]

Originally posted by blitz
400 HP for your first car is a good way to die early.

or look like a fool, all those kiddies who get their parents to buy them JDM Z32TTs/R32 GT-Ss and then come winter they have no money for winters or a winter beater.

i wish i had 10k to spend on my first car... yeah right, the amount of crap i put my first car through and the type of driving i did with it not to mention the experiences in it (especially for ex: taking it on road trips that it wasn't supposed to have survived now that i think of it, but i did it anyways), i'm happy it was a beater, a reliable beater too, besides being cheap and simple, the greatest thing you can get out of a 'not so technologically advanced' car is the barebones feel for what driving really is, in the summer you try and figure out how to get the most power out of the powerplant and its performance limits, in the winter you learn what kind of input makes the car most efficient in shitty weather.

IMO what you are able to learn with your first car will almost dictate how you will drive for the rest of your life - skill wise and knowledge wise, again just my opinion.


Originally posted by CapnCrunch


You mean less torque?

oops yes, less lol

[PartyintheKorea]

Originally posted by pinnochio5
Damn, I hate how frequently my decision changes! Now I'm looking at 06'-07' Mitsubishi Galants.

It seems as if I'll never make up my mind!

BTW, my max budget for just the car is 10K.

simple, spend 6k on the car and save the other 4k for gas.

[pinnochio5]

Originally posted by n1zm0


or look like a fool, all those kiddies who get their parents to buy them JDM Z32TTs/R32 GT-Ss and then come winter they have no money for winters or a winter beater.


Yea, that's definitely not me. My parents have made it very clear for a few years now that they will not be paying a penny in anything related to me obtaining a vehicle and driving it.

[Gibson]

Originally posted by GT4rally


If it's an auto, I wouldn't blame you for falling asleep; but the 5-speed is a very fun car... SVT or not. Although, I did install Eibach springs and struts on my ZX3, which made it handle like a go-cart :burnout:

I also had very minimal mechanical issues with the ZX3 over the 90,000kms I owned it. The most major being a cracked plastic overflow tank at 280,000kms that gave way in spectacular fashion in rush-hour traffic.

That being said, the ZX3 was fun, but I wish I never sold the SVT!

Alright, it's not so bad, but I have been kind of spoiled. I had a Skyline then a Sentra SE-R Spec V and both were hilariously fun to drive. To me, the Focus was just something to kick around town in and it's done its job well but I never actually look forward to driving it. I suppose it could be worse though.


Originally posted by pinnochio5
Damn, I hate how frequently my decision changes! Now I'm looking at 06'-07' Mitsubishi Galants.

It seems as if I'll never make up my mind!

BTW, my max budget for just the car is 10K.

Man, a $10K budget for a first car is insane. But your insurance will probably be through the roof on a car worth that much, because you'll want full coverage so you don't suddenly lose all the cash in the event of an accident.

[calgaryamzy]

i own a 1998 Volvo s70 t5 and its a great car, works year round and a great car to make a sleeper, right now its pushing over 300hp and is running strong, if you wanna keep a car running long you cant skip out or cheap out on maintenance, and there very well equipped and for a 98 have features some card today don't have, ex: telescopic steering, side airbags, heated seats, duel climate. one problem is the fuel economy after fitting in the stage 2 turbo 3 inch exhaust, ipd performance stage 2 ecu i get about 600 km on a 70 liter tank of premium, just thought i would share my input on the Volvo

take care