Help me pick my first car...

[Actaeon]

Hello... I'm kinda out of ideas, all the cars I want aren't in my price range, so I need people to help me pick out a future car! Go to Autotrader, and find me a car!

Zip Code - 34743
Distance - 50 Miles
Price - Not much more than $3000!

I know the price is pretty restrictive, but I'm 17, and my mom is going to get me a car around that price range. I'm not going to rice out the car at all, but I'm either looking for something nice and sporty to keep for a while, or something Economical, good gas mileage and looks decent, and probally sell within a year or two.

Either that, or just recommend me decent used car, and I'll try and search for it!

Thanks

 

[halik]

if oyu want something that has a potential of going fast:
first generation DSM (eclipse/talon/laser) AWD turbo
early 90s mustang 5.0 (ugly imho)
240sx ... you could swap the engine if oyu get some cash

 

[Eli]

Here, I'll narrow it down for you a little.

Honda, Toyota, Nissan, or Subaru.

 

[Actaeon]

I was really interested in a Nissan 300ZX, but I can't find one for near my price range. Those are such nice looking cars! Not really fast, but it has 200+ hp, suits my needs fine.

I really have no plan on going fast with this car. I have no plans on ricing it out. I just want a car that looks nice stock.

 

[StageLeft]

Given that price range and your age might I recommend a civic/sentra/corolla, etc. Something cheap and economical. You should probably forget the idea of anything that looks fast or is fast unless you want something unreliable at that price. Plus insurance is a consideration at your age.

 

[Cyberian]

$3000/ nice looking / fast is a pretty tough combination.
If you can settle for basic transportation, look into a '95 - '96 Geo Prism (a.k.a Toyota Corolla)

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: Actaeon
I was really interested in a Nissan 300ZX, but I can't find one for near my price range. Those are such nice looking cars! Not really fast, but it has 200+ hp, suits my needs fine. I really have no plan on going fast with this car. I have no plans on ricing it out. I just want a car that looks nice stock.

1989-1994 Nissan Maxima

 

[gnuel3]

92 Civic. Very reliable, looks sorta nice, and save $$ on gas!

 

[KokomoGST]

Originally posted by: halik
if oyu want something that has a potential of going fast:
first generation DSM (eclipse/talon/laser) AWD turbo
early 90s mustang 5.0 (ugly imho)
240sx ... you could swap the engine if oyu get some cash

No, no, and no...
Even though I love my DSM... it should NOT be someone's first car... most likely bad stuff will be done to it and it will be wrecked into oblivion. Same deal with the 5.0 & even the 240SX. RWD and AWD cars are not good idea for 1st time drivers imho. Overaggressive tendencies will result in damage to car or injury.

No matter how much you THINK you are a good driver... you are NOT. "Oh, I'm awesome on the backroads" blahblahblah... well, lets put it this way... one mistake even puts Michael Schumacher into a wall.

Start with something with a manual and good handling that should keep you more than happy... and hopefully safe! Dodge Neon ACR/Sport or Nissan SE-R both fit that bill. My first car... Honda Civic... heck, even a CRX would be a good bet too.

 

[isekii]

I dont think you should get your first car that is RWD

especially a 300zx. youl'l end up wrapping yourself around a tree.

Just start out with a Civic or a Corolla or something those are awesome cars.

I started out in a 91 Corolla DX I still think that car is awesome.
The only problem I had with it was when I locked my keys in the car and the cop slim jimmy'd the driver side and fvck'd up the locking mechanism

 

[Actaeon]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Given that price range and your age might I recommend a civic/sentra/corolla, etc. Something cheap and economical. You should probably forget the idea of anything that looks fast or is fast unless you want something unreliable at that price. Plus insurance is a consideration at your age.

I've been considering an older Civic coupe, its economical, looks decent, and get me where I need to go...

 

[Brutuskend]

Get a VW Bug.

And you can learn how to keep it running. Important IMO .

 

[Actaeon]

Originally posted by: isekii
I dont think you should get your first car that is RWD

especially a 300zx. youl'l end up wrapping yourself around a tree.

Just start out with a Civic or a Corolla or something those are awesome cars.

I started out in a 91 Corolla DX I still think that car is awesome.
The only problem I had with it was when I locked my keys in the car and the cop slim jimmy'd the driver side and fvck'd up the locking mechanism

Well, I really have no intentions on speeding/racing. I think I could be a responsible driver? Unless you're talking about lack of control/experience with RWDs cars.... then that could be a possiblity.

 

[Ryan]

No, you're still missing the obvious choice: 3rd Generation Nissan Maxima!!!

 

[LordMaul]

Originally posted by: rbloedow
<a class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://members.csinet.net/tisch/maxima/" target=blank>No, you're still missing the obvious choice: 3rd Generation Nissan Maxima!!!</A>

This man knows his sh!t!

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: Actaeon

Originally posted by: isekii
I dont think you should get your first car that is RWD

especially a 300zx. youl'l end up wrapping yourself around a tree.

Just start out with a Civic or a Corolla or something those are awesome cars.

I started out in a 91 Corolla DX I still think that car is awesome.
The only problem I had with it was when I locked my keys in the car and the cop slim jimmy'd the driver side and fvck'd up the locking mechanism

Well, I really have no intentions on speeding/racing. I think I could be a responsible driver? Unless you're talking about lack of control/experience with RWDs cars.... then that could be a possiblity.

You should talk to people who have driven RWD starting out. I started out last august. It's easy to fish tail even when the road is nice and dry.
I guess you just have to get use to it. It's fun when the road is clear and you can control it... but in the rain when you go in for a turn and suddenly the rear kicks out.. that's no fun at all.
If you do decide to go RWD then becareful with it.

 

[slackerinabox]

Geo Prism.. Best bang for your buck IMHO..Also, ford contours are nice - but I've heard that they're not too reliable