I'd second the chevy prizm or Corolla or Camry. Depends what size car you are looking for. And as others have suggested its as important as having it properly inspected. Yeah a crown vic is safe if in an accident but gas would be expensive if planning to do much driving. Buy as big of a car you foresee needing for your needs. I went for a Corolla because typically i drive alone or get groceries, trips and camping etc. If I want to go somewhere when I need bigger I just rent..(its been 4 years and I have not yet rented..) Cheap on gas, few to no repairs..i think most of your choices are good.
recommendations for first car?
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I normally suggest a panther (Crown vic, Grand Marquee, Marauder, Town Car, etc.) but they probably won't get the city mileage required.
I really think a first car should be everything mine weren't,(RWD, Manual trans, underpowered) if you want the kids to be better (more Competent) drivers.
if this was a few more years down the road, I'd say a Scion FR-S/Subaru BR-Z/Toyota 86.
Maybe a Miata?
I really think a first car should be everything mine weren't,(RWD, Manual trans, underpowered) if you want the kids to be better (more Competent) drivers.
if this was a few more years down the road, I'd say a Scion FR-S/Subaru BR-Z/Toyota 86.
Maybe a Miata?
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First car for a teen? What ever is cheap. Who cares what it is. It will be beaten mercilessly anyway. It would be a plus if you're familiar with that particular make/model, but not a must.
Originally Posted By: slug_bug
Odds are one of them will be involved in a little fender bender the first year. I'd go with something like the Ford Crown Vic or Grand Marquis if you want the safety of a larger car.
If reliability and fun in an easily serviced car is more important a 2000 era Miata is hard to beat.
It's funny you mention that. My step father and his dad got me a 1985 Nissan 720D pickup for my first set of wheels. Then my step dad bet me that I'd be in an accident within 1 year of driving... Yeah, I lost that bet. In 20 years of driving, that's the only one too.
Originally Posted By: slug_bug
Odds are one of them will be involved in a little fender bender the first year. I'd go with something like the Ford Crown Vic or Grand Marquis if you want the safety of a larger car.
If reliability and fun in an easily serviced car is more important a 2000 era Miata is hard to beat.
It's funny you mention that. My step father and his dad got me a 1985 Nissan 720D pickup for my first set of wheels. Then my step dad bet me that I'd be in an accident within 1 year of driving... Yeah, I lost that bet. In 20 years of driving, that's the only one too.
Originally Posted By: toneydoc
Civics and Corollas tend to run a long time.
But they also tend to be priced higher than other cars that tend to run a long time.
Mazda Protegés tend to run a long time. The automatics can be a bit dodgy but the manuals are okay.
Contour based Cougars and Protegé based Escort ZX2s with Zetec 2.0s tend to run a long time.
Cobalts, Ions, and Ecotec Cavaliers can run a long time.
Hyundai was really trying to build a reputation for durability during the early to mid 2000s and Elantras and Kia Spectras are typically cheaper than Corollas and Civics. Manual shifter feels vague and loose compared to a Civic though.
I would look into a Dodge Stratus with a 2.4. Five star frontal crash rating. He has to learn how to do a timing belt or save enough money to have it done. Gets to learn how to do regular ATF+4 changes too. Not too stylish but not hideous. Nobody ever got a date because they drove a Dodge Stratus but likewise few girls would say, "I really like him but he drives a Stratus."
Civics and Corollas tend to run a long time.
But they also tend to be priced higher than other cars that tend to run a long time.
Mazda Protegés tend to run a long time. The automatics can be a bit dodgy but the manuals are okay.
Contour based Cougars and Protegé based Escort ZX2s with Zetec 2.0s tend to run a long time.
Cobalts, Ions, and Ecotec Cavaliers can run a long time.
Hyundai was really trying to build a reputation for durability during the early to mid 2000s and Elantras and Kia Spectras are typically cheaper than Corollas and Civics. Manual shifter feels vague and loose compared to a Civic though.
I would look into a Dodge Stratus with a 2.4. Five star frontal crash rating. He has to learn how to do a timing belt or save enough money to have it done. Gets to learn how to do regular ATF+4 changes too. Not too stylish but not hideous. Nobody ever got a date because they drove a Dodge Stratus but likewise few girls would say, "I really like him but he drives a Stratus."
You sound very biased towards 'foreign' made vehicles but really these days any of the above vehicles will work just as well and for less money. The Saturns, Cobalt, Focus will run just as long as any Camry or Accord and probably do so with less maintenace expense. The idea that Japanese vehicles are more dependable was true in the 70's and 80's, but not anymore.
I have a 2000 Mazda 626 and it has been very good. I have the oil and filter changed every 5000 miles. I use only synthetic. My daughter has a 2003 Protegé and her maintenance schedule is the same as mine. We have had very good luck with our vehicles. That might be another one to consider.
Helen
Helen
Great advice given already...just to add my 2¢
Get a Corolla clone...cheaper than the high-priced sibling...
The less you're spending on the car the more you need to take it to a mechanic and give that shop $50-100 to let you know if you're looking at a dog...no offense to dogs meant...and how much you will have to put into it to get it into top shape....and what you can let slide...take it to a body shop if you think it had been hit and the mechanic can't help you in that area...
I gave the same advice to my neighbor who didn't and spent $1K over the $2k they paid for their car...as they say, you can take the horses' owners to water but you can't make 'em drink, or think...I let it go even as they complained about the car...
Still...I felt bad for these (really old, older than even me!) snowbirds a month later when the passenger side got slammed and got repaired leaving the rest of the car looking terrible that I took out my buffer to shine that sucker up just the other day before these few days of rain...at least it shines now and beads nicely...they're happy now...
Get a Corolla clone...cheaper than the high-priced sibling...
The less you're spending on the car the more you need to take it to a mechanic and give that shop $50-100 to let you know if you're looking at a dog...no offense to dogs meant...and how much you will have to put into it to get it into top shape....and what you can let slide...take it to a body shop if you think it had been hit and the mechanic can't help you in that area...
I gave the same advice to my neighbor who didn't and spent $1K over the $2k they paid for their car...as they say, you can take the horses' owners to water but you can't make 'em drink, or think...I let it go even as they complained about the car...
Still...I felt bad for these (really old, older than even me!) snowbirds a month later when the passenger side got slammed and got repaired leaving the rest of the car looking terrible that I took out my buffer to shine that sucker up just the other day before these few days of rain...at least it shines now and beads nicely...they're happy now...
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Stepdaughter had been using our spare 03 Forester. Already hit 2 people.
They really need to make the road test harder because people are passing these things without having any [censored] clue how to drive.
They really need to make the road test harder because people are passing these things without having any [censored] clue how to drive.
Originally Posted By: Subdued
Stepdaughter had been using our spare 03 Forester. Already hit 2 people.
They really need to make the road test harder because people are passing these things without having any [censored] clue how to drive.
...this bring to mind another thought...1st vehicle should be a short truck...with no back seat...fewer distractions from back there...
Stepdaughter had been using our spare 03 Forester. Already hit 2 people.
They really need to make the road test harder because people are passing these things without having any [censored] clue how to drive.
...this bring to mind another thought...1st vehicle should be a short truck...with no back seat...fewer distractions from back there...
94-97 Geo Prizm
The Camry would be a good choice, obviously. I'd say the 1 upside over the Accord is that the Camry's handling characteristics won't allow the (new) driver to do anything stupid....
Originally Posted By: gregk24
My brothers will be of age (driving age that is) very soon so they will be looking for there first car. My help has been enlisted in finding them one. Dont have an exact price limit yet but it probably wont be over $3000. I am partial to Japanese makes, they are just more trouble free as the miles add up. Top of my list now would be a clean 1994-1997 Accord, 1997-2001 Camry, 1998-2002 Accord (manual only), maybe an older Maxima. Any recommendations? Needs to be reliable, and preferably have a mpg of 20+ city. My first car was a 1996 Accord V6 with an auto. Parents purchased it for $1500 with 214K. Replaced an O2 sensor, and gave it a paint job after it got in a fender bender (not my fault). Traded it when the transmission started to slip and the engine burned some oil, albeit very little on both. Wish I would have found this site then because I would have kept it knowing what I know now. Had leather and a sunroof...and a 6 disc CD changer. Loved that car, anyway recommendations?
The Camry would be a good choice, obviously. I'd say the 1 upside over the Accord is that the Camry's handling characteristics won't allow the (new) driver to do anything stupid....
Originally Posted By: gregk24
My brothers will be of age (driving age that is) very soon so they will be looking for there first car. My help has been enlisted in finding them one. Dont have an exact price limit yet but it probably wont be over $3000. I am partial to Japanese makes, they are just more trouble free as the miles add up. Top of my list now would be a clean 1994-1997 Accord, 1997-2001 Camry, 1998-2002 Accord (manual only), maybe an older Maxima. Any recommendations? Needs to be reliable, and preferably have a mpg of 20+ city. My first car was a 1996 Accord V6 with an auto. Parents purchased it for $1500 with 214K. Replaced an O2 sensor, and gave it a paint job after it got in a fender bender (not my fault). Traded it when the transmission started to slip and the engine burned some oil, albeit very little on both. Wish I would have found this site then because I would have kept it knowing what I know now. Had leather and a sunroof...and a 6 disc CD changer. Loved that car, anyway recommendations?
Does FL have inspections and whatnot? I'm wondering if a $500 beater will do the trick with the intention of throwing away if any repair costs more than say $500. Vehicle can be beat upon and repaired minimally as necessary.
I'm not saying that a teenager can't be entrusted with something nice; not saying that the responsibility can't be encouraged. I'd just be mad if I bought something nice and it promptly got all stove up. Even if he's 18 he still has schooling ahead of him, and he might as well not be spending money on a vehicle (gas, hot rodding, tires, cruising). IMO something that can be safely neglected, or can withstand the petty vandalism that can occur at high school and college, might work best.
I'm not saying that a teenager can't be entrusted with something nice; not saying that the responsibility can't be encouraged. I'd just be mad if I bought something nice and it promptly got all stove up. Even if he's 18 he still has schooling ahead of him, and he might as well not be spending money on a vehicle (gas, hot rodding, tires, cruising). IMO something that can be safely neglected, or can withstand the petty vandalism that can occur at high school and college, might work best.
You live in FL, go up to the Villages and find a nice older Buick.
Unlike the Japanese cars for $3k you might be able to score one without spaceship mileage, and parts are super cheap. Plus they tend to get better mileage than that vintage of Japanese car.
Around here anything used Honda or Toyota is priced as if its made of solid gold, so they are very poor buys. Insurance companies also charge accordingly because young drivers smash them up and they are frequently stolen.
Unlike the Japanese cars for $3k you might be able to score one without spaceship mileage, and parts are super cheap. Plus they tend to get better mileage than that vintage of Japanese car.
Around here anything used Honda or Toyota is priced as if its made of solid gold, so they are very poor buys. Insurance companies also charge accordingly because young drivers smash them up and they are frequently stolen.
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Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
You live in FL, go up to the Villages and find a nice older Buick.
Unlike the Japanese cars for $3k you might be able to score one without spaceship mileage, and parts are super cheap. Plus they tend to get better mileage than that vintage of Japanese car.
Yup...my neighbor's "new" $2+$1k car is an '03 Buick Century
You live in FL, go up to the Villages and find a nice older Buick.
Unlike the Japanese cars for $3k you might be able to score one without spaceship mileage, and parts are super cheap. Plus they tend to get better mileage than that vintage of Japanese car.
Yup...my neighbor's "new" $2+$1k car is an '03 Buick Century
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
My vote is for a Camry, I get 25 commuting around and 35 on the highway. In AZ most Corollas are beat hard on CL and all Hondas are completely rice-rocketed out with [censored] cans and spoilers and racing stripes. Although once again, this is AZ, were awfully close to the border on the south...
Originally Posted By: KitaCam
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
You live in FL, go up to the Villages and find a nice older Buick.
Unlike the Japanese cars for $3k you might be able to score one without spaceship mileage, and parts are super cheap. Plus they tend to get better mileage than that vintage of Japanese car.
Yup...my neighbor's "new" $2+$1k car is an '03 Buick Century
That's a better car than any Honda you can get for $3k, probably has under 100k on it as well.
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
You live in FL, go up to the Villages and find a nice older Buick.
Unlike the Japanese cars for $3k you might be able to score one without spaceship mileage, and parts are super cheap. Plus they tend to get better mileage than that vintage of Japanese car.
Yup...my neighbor's "new" $2+$1k car is an '03 Buick Century
That's a better car than any Honda you can get for $3k, probably has under 100k on it as well.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
Originally Posted By: KitaCam
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
You live in FL, go up to the Villages and find a nice older Buick.
Unlike the Japanese cars for $3k you might be able to score one without spaceship mileage, and parts are super cheap. Plus they tend to get better mileage than that vintage of Japanese car.
Yup...my neighbor's "new" $2+$1k car is an '03 Buick Century
That's a better car than any Honda you can get for $3k, probably has under 100k on it as well.
Yeah but a Buick Century has a 3.1L V6...
Originally Posted By: KitaCam
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
You live in FL, go up to the Villages and find a nice older Buick.
Unlike the Japanese cars for $3k you might be able to score one without spaceship mileage, and parts are super cheap. Plus they tend to get better mileage than that vintage of Japanese car.
Yup...my neighbor's "new" $2+$1k car is an '03 Buick Century
That's a better car than any Honda you can get for $3k, probably has under 100k on it as well.
Yeah but a Buick Century has a 3.1L V6...
Against the advice of all the hand-wringing bedwetters my son's first car was a 1975 2002. He drove it for over a year with no tickets and no accidents, whereupon I let him "upgrade" to my 2004 X3. At 19 he still has no tickets and his one accident involved backing into a friend's car on a dark rural driveway.
I credit his good driving history to his attending the two day BMW Performance Center Teen School as well as the one day Street Survival course.
I credit his good driving history to his attending the two day BMW Performance Center Teen School as well as the one day Street Survival course.
Originally Posted By: MCompact
Against the advice of all the hand-wringing bedwetters my son's first car was a 1975 2002.
Loved that car...I had a '72 2002 in Chamonix white....a wonderful car....
Against the advice of all the hand-wringing bedwetters my son's first car was a 1975 2002.
Loved that car...I had a '72 2002 in Chamonix white....a wonderful car....
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