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YACT: (Cheap) First car recommendations

A

agnitrate

Diamond Member
Yes, I know YACT. However, unlike the gentleman yesterday, I don't have 30k to spend on a car. I am looking at $5000 as the absolute most I can plunk down for this. I would really prefer that it is a manual since I would like to learn how to do it and there's no better time than the present. I would also prefer that it is a V6, but if it is a relatively powerful 4, I wouldn't really mind too much.

I've mostly been looking at the 92-94 Nissan Maxima SEs as a viable option. They're not terribly expensive (usually around $4k) and pretty easy to find with 5-spd manual.

I really don't know too much about cars (except the ones that I dislike) so I really am unsure how to compare them. I've also been looking at Nissan 240s, Ford Tauruses, any Chevy deals floating around, etc.

I searched and read through my car threads but it isn't terribly applicable since I don't have the ability to finance a $20,000 car.

Recap:
[*] < $5,000
[*] Preferably easily found with manual transmission
[*] V6

Also, does anybody know a comprehensive web site that will compare performances between vehicles with separate manufacturers? It's fairly annoying to have to google it every time even when the only difference is the year.

TIA!

-silver
 
Originally posted by: agnitrate
Yes, I know YACT. However, unlike the gentleman yesterday, I don't have 30k to spend on a car. I am looking at $5000 as the absolute most I can plunk down for this. I would really prefer that it is a manual since I would like to learn how to do it and there's no better time than the present. I would also prefer that it is a V6, but if it is a relatively powerful 4, I wouldn't really mind too much.

I've mostly been looking at the 92-94 Nissan Maxima SEs as a viable option. They're not terribly expensive (usually around $4k) and pretty easy to find with 5-spd manual.

I really don't know too much about cars (except the ones that I dislike) so I really am unsure how to compare them. I've also been looking at Nissan 240s, Ford Tauruses, any Chevy deals floating around, etc.

I searched and read through my car threads but it isn't terribly applicable since I don't have the ability to finance a $20,000 car.

Recap:
[*] < $5,000
[*] Preferably easily found with manual transmission
[*] V6

Also, does anybody know a comprehensive web site that will compare performances between vehicles with separate manufacturers? It's fairly annoying to have to google it every time even when the only difference is the year.

TIA!

-silver
Click to expand...

Ok a Nissan 240SX isnt' a V6. It is slower than a 95+ Maxima, but it is more fun to drive than a Maxima too.

Check out Maxima.org Forums for specific info.
 
87-93 mustang

Easily had for 5k. Manuals readily available. Parts out the wazoo.

Find one with a solid engine and tranny and it'll give you a good run for the money.

Sorry if a V8 is to much for you 😛
 
Originally posted by: Ladies Man
87-93 mustang

Easily had for 5k. Manuals readily available. Parts out the wazoo.

Find one with a solid engine and tranny and it'll give you a good run for the money.
Click to expand...

I'm kinda partial against the Mustangs but thanks for reminding me about them!

My roommate who is helping me with the search is partial against Ford in general so he is steering me away from them 😉

-silver
 
Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN


Ok a Nissan 240SX isnt' a V6. It is slower than a 95+ Maxima, but it is more fun to drive than a Maxima too.

Check out Maxima.org Forums for specific info.
Click to expand...

Ah, very true. I forgot to mention that. That's why I was looking at the Maxima over the 240SX. I'm also not too big a fan of the hatchback because I want this to last me for a while and would like the car to be semi-spacious.

Thanks for the link!

-silver

 
Originally posted by: agnitrate

My roommate who is helping me with the search is partial against Ford in general so he is steering me away from them 😉
Click to expand...

Is he a chevy guy or an "all american cars suck and always have and always will" dumbass?
 
Originally posted by: notfred
Originally posted by: agnitrate

My roommate who is helping me with the search is partial against Ford in general so he is steering me away from them 😉
Click to expand...

Is he a chevy guy or an "all american cars suck and always have and always will" dumbass?
Click to expand...

Chevy 😉
 
e36 bmw (3 series).
Or even an e30.
The 318's i4 get decent power, and with a manual it shouldnt feel underpowered.
The 325's straight 6 will last forever and will give you loads of torque.
on top of that, you get a RWD car 😀
 
Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
lol I don't drive a gremlin, you should know, you're always feet up in the backseat of it...
Click to expand...

🙁 That's only because it's the smallest POS ever and my knees are on my chin due to the lack of legroom.


Back on topic:

Is the insurance much more expensive on a BMW? I always thought the repair work on a BMW if you needed to take it to a dealer was more expensive than something along the lines of a Chevy.

-silver
 
Hmm .. How about a Honda Civic? or Accord? They last a while, good gas mileage .. ??? V6 available and they are cheap depending on yr and model...

Just a thought 🙂

(PLS DONT FLAME ME Criticism hurts 😛)
 
1987-1992 Camaro
Comes in V6 and V8 displacements in either standard or auto; convertible, ttopped or hardtop!

For just under $5k you can get a fully loaded Z28 or IROC with under 80k miles easily.
 
Originally posted by: LiLxJohnny
Hmm .. How about a Honda Civic? or Accord? They last a while, good gas mileage .. ??? V6 available and they are cheap depending on yr and model...

Just a thought 🙂

(PLS DONT FLAME ME Criticism hurts 😛)
Click to expand...

Despite being a die-hard Bowtie guy this was one of my first suggestions. For what he wants they are perfect. Honda makes great cars, NOT RACE CARS!, but good cars. I don't think they are as cheep as you might think but we are loking into it.


-Cit
 
Originally posted by: LiLxJohnny
Hmm .. How about a Honda Civic? or Accord? They last a while, good gas mileage .. ??? V6 available and they are cheap depending on yr and model...

Just a thought 🙂

(PLS DONT FLAME ME Criticism hurts 😛)
Click to expand...

I have been looking at Civics. They are very gas efficient and that is a major plus. The only thing is that they don't have a whole lot of power behind it whereas the Maxima (from what I've read) is pretty good in that department compared to the others of it's time.

The other bad part is that I've been unable to find a V6 Civic/Accord in my area w/ manual. Civics are definitely on my list of things to check out. Thanks for the input!

-silver
 
Originally posted by: RegaPlanet
1987-1992 Camaro
Comes in V6 and V8 displacements in either standard or auto; convertible, ttopped or hardtop!

For just under $5k you can get a fully loaded Z28 or IROC with under 80k miles easily.
Click to expand...

Camaros are a bit much of a gas guzzler for my needs, although they're not too bad. I will definitely check them out to see what my area has to offer.

-silver
 
Camaros are a bit much of a gas guzzler for my needs, although they're not too bad. I will definitely check them out to see what my area has to offer.
Click to expand...

Get one with a TBI 305 V8 or any V6 and you'll get over 30mpg on the highway easy.
 
Originally posted by: RegaPlanet
Camaros are a bit much of a gas guzzler for my needs, although they're not too bad. I will definitely check them out to see what my area has to offer.
Click to expand...

Get one with a TBI 305 V8 or any V6 and you'll get over 30mpg on the highway easy.
Click to expand...

Very nice 😎

I checked out www.fueleconomy.gov and a 90 Camaro stated 17/29 street/hwy. 29 is very good but 17 is just slightly lower than I was hoping for.

-silver
 
Originally posted by: RegaPlanet
Camaros are a bit much of a gas guzzler for my needs, although they're not too bad. I will definitely check them out to see what my area has to offer.
Click to expand...

Get one with a TBI 305 V8 or any V6 and you'll get over 30mpg on the highway easy.
Click to expand...

305??? boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo booooo boooo booo. who gets a 305 ? really? has to be 350+, actually only a 502/502 will do.

-Cit
 
Originally posted by: agnitrate
Is the insurance much more expensive on a BMW? I always thought the repair work on a BMW if you needed to take it to a dealer was more expensive than something along the lines of a Chevy.
-silver
Click to expand...

I'm 21, 2 tickets, no accidents. 110/mo on a 91 735i. my quote for a 95 325 is $115/mo.
Quite reasonable I think... Theyre very safe cars (e36 should have dual airbags and 4 wheel ABS standard, not to mention bigger brake rotors than the other cars youre looking at), and they dont get stolen much.
If you drive one, you'll never go back... It is after all, the ultimate driving machine.

The maintainance is insane if you take it to a real BMW dealer. They wanted $450 to replace my passenger door lock actuator ($50 part that I can change myself in 15min). It's important to find a good 3rd party shop to work on your car.

I drove my parent's toyota camry in high school, and now i own my 735i. Between the two, the repairs on the 7 are about 15% more expensive. The catch is that the 7 needs maintainance far less often than the camry. The 7 has never broken down on me.

BMW's are actually quite easy to work on yourself. I was a car novice a year ago, and now I do things here and there on my car. Being a (well designed) straight 6, everything is easy to get to and there is plenty of room to work.

I think you should seriously look at the e36. Its a fun car to drive, has good power, easy to find in manual, affordable, good luxury, and safe (this is your first car!).
I think that if you give one a test drive, you'll love it.
 
lol, its just an ongoing joke they have. nm. But while were on the subject, not to derail silvers thread here but, know any really good domestic car forums?

-Cit
 
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