what would be a good first car

[franman187]

Hey whats up guys im new to this but i was just wondering if you guys could help me pick out a car. Im a teenager and i dont really know what type of car to get. any suggestions ? (something around a teenagers budget)

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

80's volvo

[Infinitiguy19]

1991-1995 Infiniti Q45a (Active Suspension)...Just kidding!

[Jesda]

Anything with a manual transmission. Consider a Miata.

[Rogue One]

Google: Buying first car
Read everything.

This is something you'll have to work out yourself. You already have an idea what your likes/dislikes are, otherwise you wouldn't be posting here. We can't choose for you, but we can help you make the most out of whatever you decide upon.

Or just get a Delorean

[Bubba1]

Google: Buying first car
Read everything.

This is something you'll have to work out yourself. You already have an idea what your likes/dislikes are, otherwise you wouldn't be posting here. We can't choose for you, but we can help you make the most out of whatever you decide upon.

Agree ^. As a first car for a teenager with limited funds, it should be old cheap, safe, and economical because odds are you're gonna have an accident with it. that's why teen male insurance rates are the highest. It really doesn't need to be a sports car or be flashy. It just needs to start and get you from point a to B cheaply and pass inspection.

IT's hard to go wrong with the major Japanese makes like , Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Mazda. When my son was 16 with a freshly minted drivers license, his first car was a hand me down 2002 4 cyl Altima. It didn't matter that it was a family sedan, it started reliably, held everything he put in it, the a/c blew cold and got 30 mpg.

[krash]

1991-1994 Sentra. Available in coupe or sedan, looks decent (can look pretty darn nice with some money into it), handles well, somewhat peppy, cheap insurance, good gas mileage. Its a fun car and a very good starter.

[gwoods]

Mazda Protege
Mazda 3
Mazda 6
Mazda miata

Not in this order

I also love 1999-2001 Toyota corollas and Nissan Altima

[nissangirl74]

Everything the guys suggested: Sentras, Corollas, Civics, and any of the 4 cyl Mazdas. Stay away from american cars, IMO. Most are problematic in some form or fashion and the Japanese cars will be much more reliable / easier to fix when they do break / better on gas.

[Jesda]

Also, some of Mazda's automatics (Jatco or Ford) from the 90s can be iffy. Stick with a manual and you'll see 200k+ trouble-free miles.

[Rogue One]

Also, some of Mazda's automatics (Jatco or Ford) from the 90s can be iffy. Stick with a manual and you'll see 200k+ trouble-free miles.

I knew it! We've been infiltrated by Mazda insurgents!

[nissangirl74]

ZOOM-ZOOM

[franman187]

do you guys think a 240z datsun would be good or no?

[Jesda]

You're not going to find an affordable one that doesn't need major restoration.

[franman187]

would it be the same for a 280z?

[franman187]

aright i found a nissan sentra on craigslist and im barely learning more about cars so i need help on whether everything it has is good

i have a nissan sentra with a healthy running bluebird sr20det swap.3rd gear just went out on the car n i cant afford to fix it right now thats why the car is so cheap. car has complete jdm sunny front end. HID headlights jvc stereo deck with good speakers n aux cord. greddy blow off valve, front mount intercooler, on stock boost wich is 10 pounds, car has defi boost gauge, air/fuel monitor, nismo steering wheel, hks shift knob, corbeau bucket seat, energy suspension poly bushings thruout the whole car, kyb agx struts with H and R drop springs, 14 inch wheels not sure what brand, ACT stage 3 clutch with 9 pound flywheel, original ser very few were made without sunroofs like mine look it up for yourself, car doesnt burn or leak oil at all, motor runs very well, 80000 miles on motor, 168000 on odometer. clean title pink in hand with registration up to date 2014 tags. this car is fast n fun to drive and i need it gone as soon as possible. i need a daily driver . my name is christian call or txt six6one 7five0 nine44six

[Jesda]

When it comes to used cars, I suggest buying one that's clean, adult-owned, and hasn't been modified.

[themadscientist]

Dodge Dart
.....With a slant six

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyc5Gy1HP5w[/youtube]

[Bubba1]

When it comes to used cars, I suggest buying one that's clean, adult-owned, and hasn't been modified.

Yep.^ Your thread title implies you're seeking a DD, but your suggestions sound like you actually want a performance project. Big difference. When you're talking 30+ yr old sports car, you're talking project, not DD. And projects can get very expensive. And while mods might seem cool to a teen, they are actually a big warning sign for harder than normal use, which is not what you want for a reliable DD.


Don't get me wrong, old Z's are great, and you'd certainly impress your friends being seen in one. But as a first car for a teen driver, I think there are wiser choices out there.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

91-2001 (AKA the golden years of Japanese cars) Civic, Sentra, Accord, Altima, Maxima, corolla, celica (if you're looking for a little sportiness, although its kinda girly), Mazda 323, 626.

From that list, check the things for sale in your area. Pick the one that is in the nicest condition/leaks the least amount of fluids for not a lot of money (best bang for the buck). Bonus points for manual trans like Jesda said.

What is your budget? Do you have any close friends/relatives that are mechanics? Do you own any tools?

[Looneybomber]

'89-92 Ford ranger, 5spd, 2.3L, 4x4. Half the body will be rusted away, but only the bad half. The rest of the vehicle will keep running and you'll never miss a day of school due to bad weather.

[franman187]

[quote="PapaSmurf2k3"]91-2001 (AKA the golden years of Japanese cars) Civic, Sentra, Accord, Altima, Maxima, corolla, celica (if you're looking for a little sportiness, although its kinda girly), Mazda 323, 626.

From that list, check the things for sale in your area. Pick the one that is in the nicest condition/leaks the least amount of fluids for not a lot of money (best bang for the buck). Bonus points for manual trans like Jesda said.

What is your budget? Do you have any close friends/relatives that are mechanics? Do you own any tools?



my budget is around 5k but ill have 6k by next month, and yea my dad is a mechanic and he has many tools.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

What is your location? Do you have to deal with snow?

[audtatious]

We picked up a Kia Rio sedan for the 18yo daughter. Less than 50k miles and only 4500 bux. Thus far a good buy.

I refuse to drive it or be seen in that poverty-mobile

[franman187]

I live in cali so no i dont deal with snow.

[Bubba1]

I live in cali so no i dont deal with snow.

Have you consulted your father? As a mechanic, he's in a good position to help you. For example, My mechanic recently bought a solid old Toyota from a good long time customer (for a first car for his own son) and paid very little for it. Food for thought.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Agreed. Your father might have a preferred brand that he likes to work on. Assuming he's going to be doing the majority of the work on the car (while you help and learn), it might be in your best interests to consult him as well.

Being that you don't have to worry about snow, you can also look into some RWD vehicles for daily driving. 240sx, miata, MR2 spyder are all worth a look at.
Ultimately, you should take our suggestions and go test drive some of them. At the end of the day, you're the one buying the car that you have to live with, so get something that you don't hate.

[Looneybomber]

I think if I had a miata, MR2, Camaro, etc... as a first car, I would have wrecked it. My '84 Bronco II topped out around 70mph, maybe 75. Pretty much impossible to break the tires loose and thus making it hard to wreck it.

[franman187]

ok thanks for all the advice you guys have for me its really helping.

[franman187]

i have one more question. Why is stick better than automatic?