What is a good first car?

[CMQuickfireTK 751]

Ima driving a Ford f150... expensive junker to drive!

 

 

it's not this exact vehicle, but very very similar anyways

Edited December 15, 2013 by z77

[Scootalove 10,689]

Maybe the Skoda Superb could be a good first car to try out, if you wanted to.

 

[TorqueEffect 112]

To be honest, driving anything bigger than a Ranger or S10 as a daily driver is idiotic.

 

No Offense z77.

 

If it was a handmedown from a parent or relative, or you got it real cheap, then I could understand. But unless you are towing big trailers, or hailing big stuff around, a Ranger or S10 is good enough. Any other reason is just having it to compensate for something, whether it be your ego, self esteem, or you know what.

Too many people in America buy big pickups and SUVs, then complain when gas prices go up.

 

I laugh at all of you with my 40MPG, and $30 fillups that last for weeks. lol

Also 5-speed Manual, with Gokart like handling that is very fun to drive.

[CMQuickfireTK 751]

To be honest, driving anything bigger than a Ranger or S10 as a daily driver is idiotic.

 

No Offense z77.

 

I take HUGE offense of that :angry:

 

lol jk   or am I?

 

I have a legit need for it currently... But Eventually I'll want something smaller... like a honda.

Edited December 15, 2013 by z77

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

This is going to sound stupid, but a automatic 2001 Ford Focus, you would not believe the gas mileage those things get, my friend had one and we drove around a decent sized town, from corner to corner, side to side, and end to end for hours straight on around $20.  

To be honest, driving anything bigger than a Ranger or S10 as a daily driver is idiotic.

 

No Offense z77.

 

If it was a handmedown from a parent or relative, or you got it real cheap, then I could understand. But unless you are towing big trailers, or hailing big stuff around, a Ranger or S10 is good enough. Any other reason is just having it to compensate for something, whether it be your ego, self esteem, or you know what.

Too many people in America buy big pickups and SUVs, then complain when gas prices go up.

 

I laugh at all of you with my 40MPG, and $30 fillups that last for weeks. lol

Also 5-speed Manual, with Gokart like handling that is very fun to drive.

 

I can attest to Rangers being tanks, my stepdad has a Franken-Ranger(94' engine in a 89') and it can run on fumes and still works despite being abused to hell and back, looking like a rust-bucket, and us hauling loads so heavy we could feel the truck dogging in it across town, repeatedly. All that it only cost us like $800

Edited December 15, 2013 by Shoboni

[Fluttershyfan94 5,742]

You have a price range, that's the first thing you'll need.

 

I'll just tell you how it is, you seem like the guy that likes cars it's obvious since you mention the Nissan 180sx so you should get a fun car. You have a price range and since the 180sx is within that range I would recommend that you get one. It's all about getting a car that represents your personality, you have to connect with the car that is why I can't really tell you what car you should buy.

 

Personally I know that the Nissan owners have had some problems but since you live in Australia Japan is rather close and there are probably many 180sx in your country. That's important since the parts need to be rather cheap and the car has to be rather simple.

 

That is why I recommend Japanese cars, they're reliable, fun to drive, powerful and usually cheap compared to many other cars they're up against. Also, buy a car with a manual transmission it's just so much fun. Fuel consumption is also rather important when it comes to cars you need to be able to afford driving it, so take that into account as well.

 

Anyway, I'd say that any Honda is a good option. They're cheap, reliable and let's just stop all the hate honda engines are some of the best engines out there. The problem is that usually they're ruined by their owners. Then Toyota, they're very good cars but may not seem too much fun but if you get a nice one I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Nissan, though I'm not too fond of most Nissan's if there is any possibility of getting a 180sx then take it. Mitsubishi, very good cars I'd recommend Mitsubishi not to mention that there are some models that are very powerful. Mazda are good cars as well, though if you'll get one with a rotary engine then they aren't really too reliable but very fun cars. All I'm going to say is that Japanese cars are a good option.

 

So Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan and many other Japanese cars are good.

 

But like I say, it's all about finding a car that represents you so don't concentrate on one thing more then the other. Follow your heart, since that's what matters. If you want a Nissan 180sx then you buy a Nissan 180sx.

Besides, those cars look very good.

 

 

That 180sx.. It looks a lot like Mazda RX7 FC3S

 

http://www.rx7club.com/attachments/2nd-generation-non-technical-pictures-198/420659d1298230562-pics-request-fc-rpf1s-rx7_hks-jpg

 

Wow, they're almost exactly the same anyway that's my advice go for the dream. Follow your heart, buy a Nissan 180sx.

Edited December 15, 2013 by Fluttershyfan94

[lomk 20,663]

Ah what the heck? I'm gonna post my IRL car. Because she's a beauty

 

 

She also needs to be washed. Badly. Anyway, this is really my second car. My first was a 1981 Toyota LandCruiser It actually only had 123,000 miles on it, which was great for a 28 year old vehicle! 

 

But really, as a commuter car with decent mileage that won't cost you an absolute fortune, you can't go wrong with a Honda. Unless the previous owner was an idiot and never changed the oil or something like that. 

 

What I love most about this car is that it's not very common. Other than my car, there is only one other Prelude in my town. It's black. I like to think of that one as the Yin to my Yang

 

This car isn't really fast or anything like that. But it has something that those Mustangs and Camaros don't have: you don't see a Prelude every day. Seriously, in my parking lot, there are at least 3 Mustangs. And I walk by about half a dozen every day when I go to class. Seems like everyone and their mother has a Mustang. When I see one, I'm like, "Oh, you got a Mustang. Bet that took some real thought." But I guess I'm a tad hipster like that

[Fluttershyfan94 5,742]

This car isn't really fast or anything like that. But it has something that those Mustangs and Camaros don't have: you don't see a Prelude every day. Seriously, in my parking lot, there are at least 3 Mustangs. And I walk by about half a dozen every day when I go to class. Seems like everyone and their mother has a Mustang. When I see one, I'm like, "Oh, you got a Mustang. Bet that took some real thought." But I guess I'm a tad hipster like that

It's funny that it's actually true, it's a lot more fun driving around in a unique vehicle. Often I feel like everyone has a Mustang but then again they're popular cars and their engines are good but it's still more fun driving around in a car that only few have. Though to be honest, you can't go wrong when buying a Mustang it's a chick magnet.

[lomk 20,663]

 

 

Though to be honest, you can't go wrong when buying a Mustang it's a chick magnet

 

Well I guess it's a good thing that I don't want a girlfriend right now They cost too much

 

If I'm gonna drive a Mustang, it'd better be a classic car. I'm talking about a Shelby Mustang GT-350. I would make that car look as original as I possibly could. Of course, it doesn't make a good first car since it's hard to find one for under $50,000!

 

 

But that right there. Rare and beautiful. If I ever see one in real life, that'd be amazing. To own one...My life would be complete. 

[TorqueEffect 112]

Japanese is always a good choice. Mazda FTW!

 

Also I heard Australia will no longer have thier own car industy in 2017. Both Ford, and General Motors are pulling out of the country. So soon there will be no more new Falcons and Commodores. Heck the Chevy brand is being pulled out of Europe as a whole.

[Retro*Derpy 3,197]

Honestly, I would go with a jeep liberty or a wrangler. Both are great for driving, and phenomenal parkers. Not to expensive either, especially used.

[A Blithering Div 247]

Get a Honda accord or something like that with a stick shift. Yes they're boring as all hell, but you'll have good gas mileage, good reliability and cheap insurance. Also, because you live in Australia, make sure it'll pass inspection with little to no issue. The DMV ain't got nothing on your system.

[TorqueEffect 112]

Ahh hell. It may not be a pretty car, but I love this damn car.

 

Here is a pic of my own personal car. Sorry the lighting was crap when I took this pic.  I was fortunate enough to take this picture a few weeks ago, before they started salting the roads.

 

 

312k miles on that body. Engine has about 140k Miles.

 

Since buying it for $400, I have added Honda Prelude Seats with custom mount tabs, power mirrors, rear hatch wiper, Instrument cluster with tachometer and trip meter, Civic shortshifter, added larger and wider 13" wheels and tires from a Geo Metro, A/C, replaced the 4" factory Dash speakers with 6 1/2" Pioneer Speakers in the doors, and added JVC 4" Speakers in the stock rear locations, power windows, and wireless power door locks, replaced the electric seatbelts with manual ones from an older model, upgraded trim level console with aftermarket shifter boot, and shift knob from a Escort GT, and a Steering wheel from a Probe GT, front struts replaced with stiffer lower mileage ones off a Kia Rio, Energy Suspension sway bar bushings. Ummm.... What else, I am sure I am forgetting something. lol

 

All that doesn't include maintenance stuff, like brakes, valve stem seals, replacement gas tank, exhaust system, rear wheel bearings, but all that was simple stuff. Also doesn't include everything that I have painted on the car as well.

 

 

EDIT: Forgot the most important thing of all!!!

 

Rainbow Dash decal!!!

 

Edited December 17, 2013 by TorqueEffect

[lomk 20,663]

@@TorqueEffect, I have respect for a guy who can work on his car to that level. I lack the tools and skills (though I'm sure I have the aptitude) to do that kind of work on my own car.

 

Also, I love the seats in my Prelude. Those are the most comfortable things ever! I think the seats in my car are more comfy than the ones in my mom's Mercedes!  

 

Agreed, it isn't pretty. It's probably not entirely safe either. But I respect it because it has your name written all over it. It seems like the more work you put into something, the more attached you become to it. Even if the rest of the world will look at it like a piece of utter crap, it's still your baby

[TorqueEffect 112]

@@TorqueEffect, I have respect for a guy who can work on his car to that level. I lack the tools and skills (though I'm sure I have the aptitude) to do that kind of work on my own car.

 

Also, I love the seats in my Prelude. Those are the most comfortable things ever! I think the seats in my car are more comfy than the ones in my mom's Mercedes!

 

Agreed, it isn't pretty. It's probably not entirely safe either. But I respect it because it has your name written all over it. It seems like the more work you put into something, the more attached you become to it. Even if the rest of the world will look at it like a piece of utter crap, it's still your baby

 

I love 80s Hatchbacks, lots of people think they are completely ugly things, but I think they are all beautiful. Though the Festiva is a late 80s Early 90s car, It was designed in the 80s so it still counts. lol. Would love to have a 80s VW Golf, or any number of other European and Japanese Hatchbacks, especially the ones we never got here in the states.

 

But yes she is indeed my baby, she may not be a beauty queen but she has a heart of gold. I have pretty much learned everything I know about working on cars from her. Though with quite a bit of help from the nice people at the Ford Festiva Forums.

 

To think before I bought it, I didn't know how to do anything besides change the oil.

 

As for safety, these cars are so light, they just get tossed around in a wreck with another vehicle, they don't really crumple. Think of it like a pingpong ball, since there is really no mass to them, they don't smash with smacked, just go flying.

 

Also the seats are out of a early fourth generation Prelude, yours is a fifth generation, I am not sure how much different the seats are from the 4th generation models. But they are more comfortable, and hold me better than the stock Festiva seats.

Edited December 17, 2013 by TorqueEffect

[lomk 20,663]

 

 

To think before I bought it, I didn't know how to do anything besides change the oil

 

That's pretty impressive. And I agree. I love the hatchbacks from the 80s. When I was a kid, we had a 1984 Toyota Celica. I think by the time the motor died, it had in the ballpark of 360,000 miles on it. Well that's what I was told lol

 

This isn't the car, but it looks exactly like the one we had when I was a kid. It's my goal in life to acquire one of these. I think it's funny how the Celica and Supra looked nearly identical in the 80s and how far apart they diverged into the 90s.  

 

[firetorn 187]

as far as reliability and gas mileage, not to mention cheap, you cant go wrong with a honda civic or toyota camry/corolla

[TorqueEffect 112]

as far as reliability and gas mileage, not to mention cheap, you cant go wrong with a honda civic or toyota camry/corolla

Can't really argue with that.

 

Just a bit "common" though, but that makes for cheaper repairs if something does go wrong.

[lomk 20,663]

Also the seats are out of a early fourth generation Prelude, yours is a fifth generation, I am not sure how much different the seats are from the 4th generation models. But they are more comfortable, and hold me better than the stock Festiva seats.

 

I'm pretty sure they're pretty similar. Either way, bucket seats are just amazing. Especially in tight corners! I don't care too much for leather, though. I'm more of a put the windows down and open the damn sunroof kind of guy!  And it gets hot where I live so leather just gets sticky...

 

I'm also loving that RD decal.

Edited December 17, 2013 by ~Sadistic Luna~

[Stormbringer 346]

You know what you REALLY need? This would make you BAD ASS. Get a 1973 XB GT Ford Falcon coupe.

[Damonater 70]

Ahh hell. It may not be a pretty car, but I love this damn car.

 

Here is a pic of my own personal car. Sorry the lighting was crap when I took this pic.  I was fortunate enough to take this picture a few weeks ago, before they started salting the roads.

 

 

312k miles on that body. Engine has about 140k Miles.

 

Since buying it for $400, I have added Honda Prelude Seats with custom mount tabs, power mirrors, rear hatch wiper, Instrument cluster with tachometer and trip meter, Civic shortshifter, added larger and wider 13" wheels and tires from a Geo Metro, A/C, replaced the 4" factory Dash speakers with 6 1/2" Pioneer Speakers in the doors, and added JVC 4" Speakers in the stock rear locations, power windows, and wireless power door locks, replaced the electric seatbelts with manual ones from an older model, upgraded trim level console with aftermarket shifter boot, and shift knob from a Escort GT, and a Steering wheel from a Probe GT, front struts replaced with stiffer lower mileage ones off a Kia Rio, Energy Suspension sway bar bushings. Ummm.... What else, I am sure I am forgetting something. lol

 

All that doesn't include maintenance stuff, like brakes, valve stem seals, replacement gas tank, exhaust system, rear wheel bearings, but all that was simple stuff. Also doesn't include everything that I have painted on the car as well.

 

 

EDIT: Forgot the most important thing of all!!!

 

Rainbow Dash decal!!!

 

 

Say.... Where did you get that decal from? I might put AJ on my window lol

[TorqueEffect 112]

@Damonater

 

This is the guy I got them from. Very very reasonable prices.

 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/osu4ev/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

 

He does have one Applejack.

[Damonater 70]

@Damonater

 

This is the guy I got them from. Very very reasonable prices.

 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/osu4ev/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

 

He does have one Applejack.

Thanks man! I shall bookmark this site for future reference! /)

[Tech Pony 64]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-SV-2007-suzuki-sv-1000-s-sv-1000-sv-1000-w-warranty-/201003192285?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2eccb94fdd&item=201003192285&pt=US_motorcycles

 

 

Got all sorts of cool factor, cheap to insure, cheap to drive. What more could you want?

 

Also brilliantly fun.

Edited December 17, 2013 by Tech Pony

[TorqueEffect 112]

Thanks man! I shall bookmark this site for future reference! /)

 

No prob. (\

 

 

Dammit the stupid 20 character minimum on posts.