First car, suggestions please

[Arkangyl]

Well, got my licence recently and I've been looking into getting a car, right now I'm looking at a price cap of $2500.

My short list at the moment has the following;
95 Pontiac Grand AM SE 100k automatic ($1800) and 130k ($1500) for mileage and price
96 Pontiac Grand Prix GTO automatic 140k miles ($2000)
97 Nissan Altima SE 5-spd man. unknown mileage ATM ($2000)
94 Dodge Intrepid ES automatic 120k miles ($1300)
93 Mazda MX6 5-spd man. 160k miles ($1000)

I've also seen some Crown Vics in the $1400-$2000 range, most need to be painted (still have the police look) and my parents are pushing a Volvo S40 to some extent.

Honestly I don't know much about cars, so far my research rates the Dodge as a very good car with the Pontiacs looking to be a bit more fun to drive. I've heard some thing that the Pontiacs dont last that long (160k miles is their end) is there any truth to that? Beyond that however, any reccomendations on what to look for? thanks

[bxa121]

for a first car after passing a test id suggest a cheap n' nasty vehicle..
why?
its well known that you are very very likely to crash your car within 1 year after passing your test.
i passed my driving test (uk) about 15 months ago, ive had LOADS of crashes and i just thank God it was with a rubbish car. cos id know itd break my heart (as well as the bank) if i smashed up a brand new car.
but this is my take on things.

[Der_KHAN]

i passed my driving test (uk) about 15 months ago, ive had LOADS of crashes and i just thank God it was with a rubbish car.

:ROTF: your saying its common in the uk to have loads of crashes right after u get ur license? :D

and Arkangyl you might want to get a car thats not run 100k+ miles, dont you?

[Kazoo]

I have a Pontiac Grand Prix -- I love it.

[Arkangyl]

I'm in the US if that makes a difference. Also I don't really mind how much mileage is on the car so long as I can expect to get 60-80k miles out of it.

Kazoo, maybe as Pontiac owner you can tell me, about how long do the Grand Prix/Am's last in terms of mileage (assuming it hasn't been abused and neglected)

thanks

[bxa121]

:ROTF: your saying its common in the uk to have loads of crashes right after u get ur license? :D

and Arkangyl you might want to get a car thats not run 100k+ miles, dont you?

hehe, maybe im just a rubbish driver.. who knows ;)
oh and my car? 180k miles! :p:

[Kazoo]

I'm in the US if that makes a difference. Also I don't really mind how much mileage is on the car so long as I can expect to get 60-80k miles out of it.

Kazoo, maybe as Pontiac owner you can tell me, about how long do the Grand Prix/Am's last in terms of mileage (assuming it hasn't been abused and neglected)

thanks

I don't know, as I lease my vehicles and get a new one every three years. Sorry!

[Der_KHAN]

I'm in the US if that makes a difference.

thats possible. we have some very bad roads in this part of germany.

[Holst]

Its true that ALLOT of first time drivers in the UK crash there cars.
Thats why our insurance is so high when you first pass.

I dont know anything about those american cars, so its hard to comment.

But the volvo is what you want if you plan to follow bxa121's example and crash your first car.

EDIT, and just for the record I passed my test at 17 and ive never had an accident.

[eshbach]

mine was a chevy astro van. it's a sweet ride.

no accidents here either :)

[trans am]

I would say the ultimate overclocker's car is a 1994 Pontiac Transport.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6386&item=4523199005&rd=1#ebayphotohosting

http://i8.ebayimg.com/03/i/03/4c/f9/c7_3.JPG

[trans am]

here's another one lol http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6763&item=7951242133&rd=1

[Arkangyl]

Wow, I'd rather just borrow the family car than that :p

http://www.star-motoring.com/pics/volvoxc.jpg
family car...

Oh, and technically I already got in my first accident, with a permet :evil: I was found 100% NOT at fault, I stopped at a yeild because there was traffic, (lighteningbolt) behind me thought it was clear enough and didn't both to look at me or break, hit me doing 30-40... the car barely showed it, gotta love Volvo...

[sjohnson]

My boy rolled my baby, a '93 Grand Prix (not his fault, he swerved to avoid a deer, should have hit it instead since there would have been much less damage).

A real sleeper, though I bought it used it was ordered for some Pontiac exec. I used to love running controlled four-wheel drifts and doing 60-70 mph through the one-lane roads in the woods of western New Jersey :D

It had over 140,000 miles on its 3.1 V6, 24 or so mpg, great compression still and no oil use.

[Elisha]

i have an infiniti J30 but a little too expensive to maintain.
get a car thats cheap and parts available at your disposabel.

[Judaeus Apella]

Um.... what exactly causes all these crashes? Reaction timing, poor hand eye coordination, bad sight, getting distracted, driving too fast or recklessly? What is causing you to beat the hell out of your car so baddly? Improving your driving skills may be reletively easy, depending on whats causing it.

[LBJGH]

Avoid the GM's they have problem with head gaskets (4cyl) and lower intake gasket (V6) problems.


Well, got my licence recently and I've been looking into getting a car, right now I'm looking at a price cap of $2500.

My short list at the moment has the following;
95 Pontiac Grand AM SE 100k automatic ($1800) and 130k ($1500) for mileage and price
96 Pontiac Grand Prix GTO automatic 140k miles ($2000)
97 Nissan Altima SE 5-spd man. unknown mileage ATM ($2000)
94 Dodge Intrepid ES automatic 120k miles ($1300)
93 Mazda MX6 5-spd man. 160k miles ($1000)

I've also seen some Crown Vics in the $1400-$2000 range, most need to be painted (still have the police look) and my parents are pushing a Volvo S40 to some extent.

Honestly I don't know much about cars, so far my research rates the Dodge as a very good car with the Pontiacs looking to be a bit more fun to drive. I've heard some thing that the Pontiacs dont last that long (160k miles is their end) is there any truth to that? Beyond that however, any reccomendations on what to look for? thanks

[trans am]

Avoid the GM's they have problem with head gaskets (4cyl) and lower intake gasket (V6) problems.

Yeah, but imagine all the ladies you'll be able to pick up in the Transport!

[LBJGH]

I wish I was 18 again and dating... mom and pop's minivan would be great for shagging in. :) ... minivan... for soccer moms and screwing teenagers. hahaha :bananal:


Yeah, but imagine all the ladies you'll be able to pick up in the Transport!

[bxa121]

Um.... what exactly causes all these crashes? Reaction timing, poor hand eye coordination, bad sight, getting distracted, driving too fast or recklessly? What is causing you to beat the hell out of your car so baddly? Improving your driving skills may be reletively easy, depending on whats causing it.

the majority of crashes occour simply due to lack of experence from the newly fledged driver.
new drivers also drive too fast and always challenge the etiquettes of the road.
simply put.

i on the other hand, had a banger from the start!
i had a rubbish car and i did all the above things also.
not giving way, not being nice, :stick:
but i have changed,
i have mellowed!
im nice now,
i let people go by and stuff. it feels that you get to where you wanna go faster that way some how :confused:
ive alsways had a rubbish car and most of the bumps and scratches that were put on my car were simply cos i didnt give a damn about my vehicle .. i like it with all its noises..
it gives it character ;), trust me m8, you have a pontiac or any other new car and youll be heartbroken if you bust it up (most liely) when you are first starting out break a few bumpers and tailgaits, smash up a few headlights and do it with a trashy car, you wont give a damn, and its a cool vehicle, yeah the chicks love my car with its drill holes in the dashboard :p:
i love it, its like the car from hell and i tamed it! :banana:

[Arkangyl]

bxa, there's no way in hell I'll have a new car, I'm talking 10 years used and 100k miles on them :)

[zoom314]

Well, got my licence recently and I've been looking into getting a car, right now I'm looking at a price cap of $2500.

My short list at the moment has the following;
95 Pontiac Grand AM SE 100k automatic ($1800) and 130k ($1500) for mileage and price
96 Pontiac Grand Prix GTO automatic 140k miles ($2000)
97 Nissan Altima SE 5-spd man. unknown mileage ATM ($2000)
94 Dodge Intrepid ES automatic 120k miles ($1300)
93 Mazda MX6 5-spd man. 160k miles ($1000)

I've also seen some Crown Vics in the $1400-$2000 range, most need to be painted (still have the police look) and my parents are pushing a Volvo S40 to some extent.

Honestly I don't know much about cars, so far my research rates the Dodge as a very good car with the Pontiacs looking to be a bit more fun to drive. I've heard some thing that the Pontiacs dont last that long (160k miles is their end) is there any truth to that? Beyond that however, any reccomendations on what to look for? thanks

Well considering the problem the Crown Victoria has with It's Fuel Tank, If that was Your choice, I'd have the collision insurance on It as in a crash It has been known to have a ruptured gas tank due to Its location between the Bumper and the Rear Axle, Can You say Death Trap? I can.... And Ford has never wanted to Fix It either.

Me I have an '88 Ford Escort LX that I'm slowly fixing and working on, I'd get a car like that, As It gets great mileage and accelerates just fine.
:2cents: :up: :up:

[Tirlista]

I always think its best to learn to drive and get the feel of driving with other vehicles in something fairly underpowered (and reliable).

Normal reccommendation is to get a toyota corolla. Cheap to run, cheap to repair. Economical etc etc.

Put up with the sedate shopping trolley performance for a year or two - that way you can save for what you really want.

[Stewie007]

I have a Pontiac Grand Prix -- I love it.

Same here. 2000 GT ^_^

Anyways, to make a comment on that crash stat.

I've been in one crash. Some kid rear ended me because he was driving too fast in the snow. I was turning into my driveway. That happened 4 years after I got my license. Of course THAT kid probably just got his.

Kids usually get into accidents because they weren't taught how to drive properly. A kid either is paying more attention to his friends, or in a hurry to get to the red light. :p:

Of course I obviously mean that figuratively. Because I find that my patience always comes back to haunt them. You know it pisses them off when I pass them by moments after they gunned it to get by me in their Honda with a fart pipe. They think it sounds hot too. They're always cutting people off, changing lanes with a cars length without signaling.

So no need to wonder why they get into accidents and that statistics are so high. :lol: :banana: :rocker:

[JSU]

I had a 1995 deville as my first car. it had somethign like 120k miles on it and was basicaly in the shop ALOT. I dont think i put a scratch on that car :D . You might want to go for a japenese car. those things run forever. People are still driving around their 1970 toyota celicas with like 500k miles on em.

[zoom314]

My first car was a Red '84 Pontiac Fiero I4 engine w/an auto trans, Horsepower wise It sucked, But boy did It handle real well(Power asisted steering would have been nice, But that's GM, It didn't know what type of car It was sports or secretary), All It needed was a supercharger, bigger gas tank with mods to the car to allow It to fit and much better improved cooling for the motor. :(

What a waste..... :stick:

[conrad.maranan]

DELETED

[Magnj]

i drive a 96 Chrysler Cirrus ( dodge Stratus), It's been good to me. It's slow...and fat but easy on gas...kinda. Ok it sucks but it was cheap and it fits everyone i nti

[zoom314]

i drive a 96 Chrysler Cirrus ( dodge Stratus), It's been good to me. It's slow...and fat but easy on gas...kinda. Ok it sucks but it was cheap and it fits everyone i nti

Like How Cheap was It to Buy? Mine was $500.00 and I've sunk $770.58 into My '88 ford Escort and I've owned It for like 8 months, And Yeah It does deliver great mileage.

[Stewie007]

My motto is, "Dodge that Dodge" when it comes to looking at and buying cars :p

[zoom314]

My motto is, "Dodge that Dodge" when it comes to looking at and buying cars :p

Well I'm glad It works, As It still has about a dozen repairs or so to go including but not limited to New Paint.

But Hey I can get 32 miles per gallon anytime I want, Although I limit Myself to a 260 mile range as I still don't have a working Gas Gauge or a working Radio, Although I do have the Fuel pump(the sender on the current one is broken most likely as I was told most of the time Fords Senders which are built in and are non replaceable(You need a new Fuel pump to replace It) for the Gas Gauge are at fault 90% of the time, You can Guess what the other 10% is. Hint: italics) I just lack the $200.00 to install It right now, Besides next month I plan on getting My washer repaired and that will cost Me about $70.00 or so. Right now all I can manage is a $40.00 install for the Radio install for a stock radio that I bought a couple of months back to replace the broken radio that came with the car, All It does is raise and lower the volume and glow green and turn off and on. Real useful isn't It?

[jinu117]

Get something cheap to maintain. More oc'ing money to spend instead on car. It might not be bad idea to lease something really cheap. I see a lot of $100-$150 a month lease available on cars that will be reliable during lease term at least. You don't really want to start off with car that is too expensive to maintain or costly to repair. It also gives good habit of preparing some money ahead for future car related cost as you will know that there always are unexpected cost involved with owning a car at manufacturer's expense. (as well as start building your credit) Only con I can see is higher insurance premuim due to it being new but it's better that way from what I can see for first driver. (Accidents don't cost as much as actually buying car as lease starts at set amount of depreciation as long as it has been repaired reasonably :P)

[zoom314]

Me I bought a used/abused 1988 Ford Escort LX(9 months ago), I've spent $1,430.00 on It so far, This includes the Cars cost of $500.00 to buy It, I've spent $778.65 on repairs/maintenance so far and on the 1st I'm going to spend another $80.00 on Servicing the Tranny(3-spd Automatic), Soon I'll have to buy 4-new tires 185/65*14(Walmart) and Install a Fuel Pump as the sender for the gas gauge is broken(I have the new pump, I just lack the $200.00, bummer). :( :( But then after the Tranny is worked on I have to repair a clothes washer and a 27" TV(I'm currently using a 27" TV borrowed from My Nephew and I know He'd like It back soon, Like before November of this Year).

[calcal]

1990 and up acura integra

[Arkangyl]

Well... for what it's worth my dad more or less does all his own car work so whatever I end up with ought naught possess any major issues. Leaseing is out because I dont want to deal with that crap and would rather get a used car and see how much I can get off of it then pay 100-150 per month for 48 months + $2k down. When all's said & done getting the used car will work the best.

but thanks for the advice guys

[Tibu]

You don't even want to know the types of engine you can shoehorn in the engine bay of a Fiero...

Let me try to find the pics I had.

[Crownie]

I drive a 1991 Toyota Corolla. I've had no major problems what so ever.

[zoom314]

Me I bought a used/abused 1988 Ford Escort LX(9 months ago), I've spent $1,430.00 on It so far, This includes the Cars cost of $500.00 to buy It, I've spent $778.65 on repairs/maintenance so far and on the 1st I'm going to spend another $80.00 on Servicing the Tranny(3-spd Automatic), Soon I'll have to buy 4-new tires 185/65*14(Walmart) and Install a Fuel Pump as the sender for the gas gauge is broken(I have the new pump, I just lack the $200.00, bummer). :( :( But then after the Tranny is worked on I have to repair a clothes washer and a 27" TV(I'm currently using a 27" TV borrowed from My Nephew and I know He'd like It back soon, Like before November of this Year).

Clothes Washer has been fixed and I just poured $101.78 on Servicing the Automatic Transmission(Cost went up/\), Friday I'm dropping $152.00 on fixing part of the Electric system in the car(Backup lights, Trunk light and seatbelt warning beeper(Goes off all the time even when belted in)), TVs fixed and Friday I'll pick It up after the car is been fixed and dump another $49.00($20.00 deposit before that) which totals about $69.00, Buying a Grill and a Mirror for the car at about $42.00(Includes shipping too). For the moment I've used up My budget though, But My Bank account is healthy for a change at least.

[sinister1st]

83 caddy on gold d's :cool:

[Tibu]

My first car was a 1992 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT. Yes, I got laid in High School because of my car... :bananal:

[lilsi]

well hus learnin and I gotta old mini, instead of one of those crap BMW 1's, def individual... will be hard to find over there thogh... difficult over the pond here

[CaTalyst.X]

Get a 89-93 Nissan 240SX :) Can upgrade/mod and all that stuff just like you do with comps :P

-CaT

[Arkangyl]

haha, that's what I was pushin for CaT but my dad knew about the 'mods' and that I would do them :banana:

Needless to say that went out the door fast. Looks like Corolla, Altima/Maxima, Accord or maybe a cheap Acura.

But that was a sicc pitch for the Mustang... time to see if I can find one :toast:

[CaTalyst.X]

thats bull sh|t dude...tell him to buy you a 240SX :P

-CaT

[R.Rabbit]

ditto on the 240sx, :toast: , im getting one as soon as a get a job, i've already had a toyota corolla 2(only in japan) toyota town ace van(very pimp) and my first fast car was a 1990 honda prelude, for only having a 2litre engine, these cars kick ass, if you can find one super cheap in SI form this may be a good first car, they handle superbly, i got to 130ish in mine racing against a supra :D, also they drift really good for a fwd(front wheel drive)
oh yeah and speaking of wrecks
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=28451&stc=1

[craig588]

If you want a car that will survive a wreak bolt and weld an I beam to your frame in place of both the front and rear bumper. With enough power behind it you could probably knock down trees with it in that state.

[R.Rabbit]

yes assuming that the I beam wouldn't just rip every thing out of the car

[NickS]

OK, I saw some of yer choices. I'd go the Miata. :slobber:

[jjcom]

This is how I look at a brand
Found
On
Roadside
Dead
Fix
Or
Repair
Daily
Forty-sixth
On
Race
Day
:lol:
After saying this, you might have a hard time believeing this, but I know someone, first car an 85 Ford pickup. Its not too bad. :up: Just a cheapo car with 100k miles and not in the best of shape, but not too horrible.

jjcom

[zoom314]

This is how I look at a brand
Found
On
Roadside
Dead
Fix
Or
Repair
Daily
Forty-sixth
On
Race
Day
:lol:
After saying this, you might have a hard time believeing this, but I know someone, first car an 85 Ford pickup. Its not too bad. :up: Just a cheapo car with 100k miles and not in the best of shape, but not too horrible.

jjcom


Question is do You know who started Cadillac?

Answer: Henry Ford, He was later bought out by those who later formed GM.

[nanashi]

1990 and up acura integra

ditto on this suggestion, there's a wealth of parts and info out there about these platforms(if youre so inclined you can basically fix literally anything on these 90 and up teg to 88 and up civic). I could write a book on why you should go with a jap car(specfically the ones I just mentioned) as your first, but I'll list a few right here.

1)rear disc brakes(integras come with them, but you can always swap them onto civics)
2)wealth of parts
3)you're an oc'er, there's a wealth of simple in-expensive little known things you can do(no I'm not talking about swapping B-series engines, but for example you could go to a junk yard and get a D16Z head off a wrecked civic ex and swap that onto your D15 block, and bam you now have instant 15-20 hp with some wiring mods depending on your civic), not to mention parts are really cheap and available despite what people say.
4)fuel economy, 4 bangers dont use a lot of gas, gas isnt cheap, insurance is expensive, insurance on a civic or an old integra isnt expensive, trust me, I know, especially if youre gonna have this automobile in your name.

[geforce man]

mazda mx6 5 speed, my bro has a 2000 mazda 626, amazing car. (doesn't hold a candle to my 94 accord vtech tho :) )

[Jamo]

Its true that ALLOT of first time drivers in the UK crash there cars.
Thats why our insurance is so high when you first pass.

I dont know anything about those american cars, so its hard to comment.

But the volvo is what you want if you plan to follow bxa121's example and crash your first car.

EDIT, and just for the record I passed my test at 17 and ive never had an accident.

exactly this is SO dam annoying, i passed at 17 and havnt had an accident in 3 years yet my premium is still sky high i'm currently insured on a rover coupe 1.6 for £1600, i could have a 1.1 fiesta but thats still nearly a grand thats why i've payed the extra to get a car thats way more fun, its just wrong, theres a kid i know and hes written off 4 cars in a year, if u ask me he shouldn't be on the road, hes just posing a major risk to others, in my opinion if you have 3 accidents in a year thats your fault your licence should be revoked and you should have to do your test again

my 2p

[FROG]

68 Mustang GT 390CUI big block engine.. replaced with a 427 side oiler 505HP fun car @ 17

[Jamo]

jeez, thats just insane, i wouldnt be able to afford that with 5 years no claims :(

[nanashi]

jeez, thats just insane, i wouldnt be able to afford that with 5 years no claims :(


actually it's mildly possible...depends if he has a custom insurance for it, and wether or not he's just listed as an occasional driver on his parents insurance(often this is best if youre a teen and you're going to buy a decent car and you trust your folks, just put the car's title in their name on their insurance and have yourself listed as an occasional driver....yeah I know it's lame and somewhat shady, but if you're a good driver and don't plan on getting in any accidents its worth it).

[MightyOne]

1981 (or younger) Porsche 924 would be my first choice ... at least in the US, gas prices here in Germany would kill you.

Pro:
Cheap
Fully galvanized chassis
uses Audi/Volkswagen parts (cheaper than Porsche)
4cyl 2.0l Audi engine, can take a beating
125hp (ought to be enough at first)

Contra:
only 23mpg
needs 98 octane fuel

[nanashi]

98 octane is pretty damn hard to get in the states unless you live close to a station that sells racegas, or a small aircraft refueling station and dont mind a bit of lead in the fuel for 100+ octane gas(me and a buddy used to steal this from a small airport alot, but I ran it in a ford explorer that ironically still runs with 243k miles).

[R.Rabbit]

125hp at 2.0l and 98 octane!!! sounds a bit low, especially for a porche

[MightyOne]

Audi engine, not Porsche ... :(


The 924 originated as a contract design by Porsche for Volkswagen, based mainly on readily available parts from the VW parts bin. The car was to be the VW Type 477, also known by the code name EA435. However, VW chose to cancel plans late in the project for financial reasons. Porsche then bought the rights to the design for $60 million ($10 million less than the cost of development) and produced the car, having VW assemble the cars at its Audi plant in Neckarsulm. Initial configuration was a 2.0L inline-4 SOHC engine producing 125hp in the ROW (Rest of World) configuration, 95hp in the US, mated to a 4-speed transmission, with solid front disc and rear drum brakes.

In Germany this car is known as the Housewive's Porsche - as most drivers of "real" Porsches don't take it seriously ... but because of that image, they're really cheap to get (considering that it's a Porsche, I wouldn't pay as much for a VW of the same age), yet still have that awesome Porsche quality.

[Arkangyl]

For what it's worth I finally got a car, 1996 Honda Accord EX (V6) with 119k miles, just under $4k. Gotta love the auto auctions; just needs new wiper blades, a CD player (has crappy radio) and one of the back doors isnt connected to the electic locking system. Pretty minor stuff though. The car also came with new brakes and new tires (yokohama 430).

[nanashi]

heh, you'll enjoy it. It'll last you a long time.

[calcal]

For what it's worth I finally got a car, 1996 Honda Accord EX (V6) with 119k miles, just under $4k. Gotta love the auto auctions; just needs new wiper blades, a CD player (has crappy radio) and one of the back doors isnt connected to the electic locking system. Pretty minor stuff though. The car also came with new brakes and new tires (yokohama 430).

ahhhhhhhh i love those accords, i have wanted to get one of those also

yours is pretty quick and powerful

take pics!!!!!!

[Jayw28]

good choice on a car, i have a friend with an accord that has 200k miles on it and it still runs perfect.

[jjcom]

For a first car...mmm...hopefully mine will be a 1989 Chevy Z-24 cavalier. 2 Door 2.8L engine. Not sure how many horse....but it's loud (and sounds good) And it can go fast, so maybe that's a bad thing... This car would be my mom's old car, I just have to buy it back from who it was sold to.

jjcom

[bfx]

All things considered I'd suggest going with a Volvo for now.

In general they're reliable and seem to run forever.

Might not be the sexiest but they have potential to stand out.

Having said that I've owned some Crown Vickies - they had between 128.000 and 145,000 miles on them when I bought them and ran past 275,000 before needing major work.

All were forner highway patrol interceptor/pursuit vehicles so they had the supercharger and really good suspension setup. Painted them solid black and left more or less stock apppeaing.

After market smog legal fuel cell fixed any worries about the fuel tank.

But - believe me - this is way more car than you need until you become a more experienced driver.

Whatever you decide on have it checked over by a good mechanic before closing the deal. It'll cost a few books but could save you from buying a rolling piece of trash.

bfx