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First car; suggestions?!

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brandonloos_21
Posts: 395 - Karma: 2,695
I'm 17, and have been saving up for a car. I would like something nice, my cap is like $15,000 and looking for a car with around 70,000 miles if not lower. Two cars in mind...

Used 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX hatch, 30,000 miles, around the &15,000 range(don't remember exactly)
Fully loaded, leather seats, sunroof, nav.
Or

Used 2007 BMW 335ix, (awd obviously) 4 door, around 70,000 miles, and right at $15,000. Nice car but no nav.

Which is a better choice ?

Other suggestions
Jun 13 2015 12:53AM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
plyswthsqrrlsI'm not saying all VWs are unreliable, what I'm saying is that its a well known fact that they throw a shit ton of CELs, most of which are basically nothing and are easy to wipe.

At this point I figured everyone just knew that VW was synonymous with CEL.

It's awesome that you haven't thrown a CEL yet, but literally everyone I know who owns / has owned a VW (not all German cars, mind you) has had problems with check engine lights


just put a fucking piece of electrical tape over it and you won't get another CEL again
Jun 15 2015 2:07AM
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CashmereCat
Posts: 2211 - Karma: 2,394
ShelbsshredsI'd say a Subaru or a Jeep.. I have a Jeep Patriot and its perfect for road trips because it is an suv but I get up to 30 mpg which is insane for any suv let alone a jeep. Also, it is pretty safe. It is a pretty practical car and you can always make it look more bad ass. I've blacked out my grill and all of the emblems and am getting black rims :)


No offense, but if you're getting a Jeep, get a real Jeep. My 2001 Jeep Wrangler may get shit gas milage but at 170k miles it hasn't had any issues except a coolant hose. The 4.0L straight 6 they put in that car is without a doubt the greatest engine ever put in a Jeep, paired with one of the best gear boxes in a Jeep makes my car a great first vehicle. It doesn't go fast, it's a tank for when you will hit things, and taking the top and doors off in the summer makes you the envy of your friends. It might not be the most practical car but I love it, and always will.
Jun 15 2015 2:11AM
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Titus69
Posts: 9329 - Karma: 17,816
Its a good car but as a "car guy" its not something to modify or not worth getting different suspension. Im gonna try to sell it soon.



The great thing about those cars is that they're inexpensive to fix. My dad had an '01 CRV that lasted him close to 300k miles within a range of 10 years. He put on so many miles on it due to driving from NY to VT for work, it was a great car. The first and second gen CRV's are the best IMO, and they're really safe, too, and I grew up around those cars because my parents were proud owners of an '01 and an '03 CRV.





In all seriousness, the newer civics are hard for people to turn them into ricers. I guess Honda wanted to eliminate the ricer stereotype in the newer generations (8th gen and newer). That being said, OP, you can get a newer Civic Si with some ultra high performance all-season tires with a budget like that. The only downside is that the shift boot in the newer Si's are mad narrow for a 6-speed. Also get a sedan if you decide to get an Si.[/QUOTE]



This is good, Im personally considering an ep3 Si hatchback, they run cheap now. An 8th gen Si would be a fun starter car, they look damn good and have that awesome gearbox.
Jun 15 2015 11:02AM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,297
plyswthsqrrlsI'm not saying all VWs are unreliable, what I'm saying is that its a well known fact that they throw a shit ton of CELs, most of which are basically nothing and are easy to wipe.

At this point I figured everyone just knew that VW was synonymous with CEL.

It's awesome that you haven't thrown a CEL yet, but literally everyone I know who owns / has owned a VW (not all German cars, mind you) has had problems with check engine lights


Oh I gotcha, just misunderstood what you were saying, thought you meant they have constant problems. Yeah there are so many damn sensors even dust/dirt on a rotor can cause your ABS light to come on. And yeah CEL's are common, especially when people throw cold air intakes or short rams on their car and the higher flow rate throws off the MAS.
Jun 15 2015 12:04PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,484
Id never recommend spending 15k on a first car. Id especially not recommend something fast for a first car
Jun 15 2015 12:14PM
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brandonloos_21
Posts: 395 - Karma: 2,695
cornblattNOT this. Ugh. I just finished owning one for a year. Beautiful car, awesome to drive, got lots of attention, but a huge mistake. I was so happy the day I sold it; the repairs are endless and costly. The car always ran, but always needed some little thing done to it. And this was on a mint condition car with 55000 miles on it, not a beat up high-mileage junker. I would only own one again if it was under warranty.


i was thinking about getting a 328, no turbo, less on insurance, maintenance, exc
Jun 15 2015 12:35PM
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mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
CashmereCatNo offense, but if you're getting a Jeep, get a real Jeep. My 2001 Jeep Wrangler may get shit gas milage but at 170k miles it hasn't had any issues except a coolant hose. The 4.0L straight 6 they put in that car is without a doubt the greatest engine ever put in a Jeep, paired with one of the best gear boxes in a Jeep makes my car a great first vehicle. It doesn't go fast, it's a tank for when you will hit things, and taking the top and doors off in the summer makes you the envy of your friends. It might not be the most practical car but I love it, and always will.


^^^^^THIS^^^^^^
Jeeps are awesome, don't buy one newer than 10 years old though, the new ones are terrible. My dad has a 1979 V8 Wrangler that runs great.
Jun 15 2015 1:55PM
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987321654hgfd
Posts: 5133 - Karma: 5,447
plyswthsqrrlsI'm not saying all VWs are unreliable, what I'm saying is that its a well known fact that they throw a shit ton of CELs, most of which are basically nothing and are easy to wipe.


I had a mk4 Jetta for 6 years. Check engine light was on at least 50% of the time and nothing major was ever actually wrong.
Jun 15 2015 1:57PM
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onLINE
Posts: 1013 - Karma: 423
JustGoWithIt92 Volvo 240 wagon

.
Jun 15 2015 2:23PM
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Funkadelic
Posts: 1967 - Karma: 391
Of those two I'd go wrx. The BMW will destroy your bank account with maintenance.

That being said my dad used to work in the body shop of a Subaru dealership. He saw so many wrx's come through the door that teenagers wrecked the shit out of.
Jun 15 2015 3:23PM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
last_tangoYou know what happened when I was 17 in a brand new 335ix? I hit 130mph and blew the fuel pump.just go with a non turbo impreza wagon. I went fast enough with mine at 17 to have fun but walk away alive with some speeding tickets and non affordable auto insurance that I really only pay when I do massive road trips and at registration time.


buy uprgraded fuel pump internals and you won't blow them fuel pump. BMW's are NOTORIOUS for having shitty HPFP. This is horrible advice. If you knew anything about the car, you wouldn't have blow your fuel pump. The NA impreza is lightyears different from turbo WRX, the driving experience is miles apart.
Jun 15 2015 3:53PM
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YoungWookiee
Posts: 681 - Karma: 394
Granite_StateFor 15k you could easily get an mk4 r32. AWD, 240hp, hot hatch, better looking than those ugly ass wrx's, better sounding than those ugly ass wrx's, better interior, same gas mileage as wrx, 12 years "unlimited" paint warranty (for rust, something subaru doesn't have). Plus lets be honest, mk4 r32's are one of the coolest, best cars VW ever made.


I have a mk4 R32 i would get one if i were you
Jun 15 2015 6:09PM
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Shelbsshreds
Posts: 67 - Karma: 195
CashmereCatNo offense, but if you're getting a Jeep, get a real Jeep. My 2001 Jeep Wrangler may get shit gas milage but at 170k miles it hasn't had any issues except a coolant hose. The 4.0L straight 6 they put in that car is without a doubt the greatest engine ever put in a Jeep, paired with one of the best gear boxes in a Jeep makes my car a great first vehicle. It doesn't go fast, it's a tank for when you will hit things, and taking the top and doors off in the summer makes you the envy of your friends. It might not be the most practical car but I love it, and always will.


I totally agree besides if he needs something better on gas. I would die to have a rubicon but they are too expensive and I can't afford the gas :( I drive up the mountain too much I'd be paying like 30 dollars a day haha
Jun 15 2015 7:06PM
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CashmereCat
Posts: 2211 - Karma: 2,394
ShelbsshredsI totally agree besides if he needs something better on gas. I would die to have a rubicon but they are too expensive and I can't afford the gas :( I drive up the mountain too much I'd be paying like 30 dollars a day haha


Oh yeah, my car gets 15 mpg on a good tank. I tried working at the mountain this year to see if that would cover gas and it didn't. My drive was only about a half hour too.
Jun 15 2015 7:14PM
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robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959

My first car was an old 4runner, manual. Learn manual. It's handy. Don't learn manual on a nice car, it's hard on the tranny.

Then, after I had learned more and saved some money, I bought a manual WRX. Insurance sucks. But, I love the car and I'm careful. I had a stupid first week with it (drifting, asshole driving, etc) but then learned that the world isn't Fast and Furious and became a better driver. Spent time learning double clutching, heel toe, etc. Additionally, I learned valuable thing with the WRX in such a short period of time such as brake changing, wheel/tire changing, valve cover gasket replacements, brake fluid change, etc. All that can be done with any car, it's just a lot more fun when you know it's going toward something nice.

Jun 16 2015 1:26AM
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brett_fisher
Posts: 2417 - Karma: 10,494
Jun 16 2015 1:27AM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,297
YoungWookieeI have a mk4 R32 i would get one if i were you


If you actually do then I'm stoked for you. It's my favorite car VW makes with the 337 and 25th bringing up 2nd and 3rd and my 04 gti VR6 fourth. VR's are one of the best sounding motors IMO with amazing power in the upper RPM's. Plus, you build a VRT or, in the case of the r32, supercharge/twin turbo, you have an incredibly fast car for about 3 extra g's.
Jun 16 2015 11:08AM
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YoungWookiee
Posts: 681 - Karma: 394
Granite_StateIf you actually do then I'm stoked for you. It's my favorite car VW makes with the 337 and 25th bringing up 2nd and 3rd and my 04 gti VR6 fourth. VR's are one of the best sounding motors IMO with amazing power in the upper RPM's. Plus, you build a VRT or, in the case of the r32, supercharge/twin turbo, you have an incredibly fast car for about 3 extra g's.


i have a BMP R32 bagged on 3sdms 48k miles and yeah you can buy a used supercharger kit for around 3g but the cheapest turbo kit is HPA DIY kit for 5k and i agree with it being one of the best sounding motors i added an APR catback to it but i kinda want to go back to my resonator deleted stock exhaust/w flappermod
Jun 17 2015 4:43AM
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YoungWookiee
Posts: 681 - Karma: 394
Granite_StateIf you actually do then I'm stoked for you. It's my favorite car VW makes with the 337 and 25th bringing up 2nd and 3rd and my 04 gti VR6 fourth. VR's are one of the best sounding motors IMO with amazing power in the upper RPM's. Plus, you build a VRT or, in the case of the r32, supercharge/twin turbo, you have an incredibly fast car for about 3 extra g's.


i have a BMP R32 bagged on 3sdms 48k miles and yeah you can buy a used supercharger kit for around 3g but the cheapest turbo kit is HPA DIY kit for 5k and i agree with it being one of the best sounding motors i added an APR catback to it but i kinda want to go back to my resonator deleted stock exhaust/w flappermod
Jun 17 2015 4:44AM
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YoungWookiee
Posts: 681 - Karma: 394
Granite_StateIf you actually do then I'm stoked for you. It's my favorite car VW makes with the 337 and 25th bringing up 2nd and 3rd and my 04 gti VR6 fourth. VR's are one of the best sounding motors IMO with amazing power in the upper RPM's. Plus, you build a VRT or, in the case of the r32, supercharge/twin turbo, you have an incredibly fast car for about 3 extra g's.


i have a BMP R32 bagged on 3sdms 48k miles and yeah you can buy a used supercharger kit for around 3g but the cheapest turbo kit is HPA DIY kit for 5k and i agree with it being one of the best sounding motors i added an APR catback to it but i kinda want to go back to my resonator deleted stock exhaust/w flappermod
Jun 17 2015 4:46AM
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YoungWookiee
Posts: 681 - Karma: 394
Granite_StateIf you actually do then I'm stoked for you. It's my favorite car VW makes with the 337 and 25th bringing up 2nd and 3rd and my 04 gti VR6 fourth. VR's are one of the best sounding motors IMO with amazing power in the upper RPM's. Plus, you build a VRT or, in the case of the r32, supercharge/twin turbo, you have an incredibly fast car for about 3 extra g's.


i have a BMP R32 bagged on 3sdms 48k miles and yeah you can buy a used supercharger kit for around 3g but the cheapest turbo kit is HPA DIY kit for 5k and i agree with it being one of the best sounding motors i added an APR catback to it but i kinda want to go back to my resonator deleted stock exhaust/w flappermod
Jun 17 2015 4:48AM
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
S.J.Wdon't go all out on your first car. Unless you're an amazing driver and responsible your first car should be a shit box.


.FryWhy would he buy a shitty car if his limit is $15k? Use your head dumbfuck.


S.J.WBecause there's no point in buying a good car. Your chances are much higher of getting in a car accident from 17-24 and unless you can afford good insurance which most young adults can't, you're going to ride off your car and waste 15k on a car that lasts you like 4 years. Hence why I said unless you're responsible and a good driver. Use your head dumb cunt


.FryYou're actually retarded. He's 17 and obviously not paying for his own insurance. Also $15k is really good for a car with low miles like what he is looking at. Also the whole 17-24 statistic doesn't mean he is going to crash his car.

this, who are the dumb fuck down voting this??

S.J.WLol, you're literally disagreeing for the sake of disagreeing. You're like 16 anyways? The fuck would you know about cars anyways? Go stall your mums car


No, he is disagreeing with you because you are fucking stupid lol

SJW: you're posts here are actually the most retarded I have ever read, you say he is going to crash so he should get a shit car? What the actual fuck? that's like not buying body armour coz you are new to downhill mountain biking - fucking retarded, if you are going to crash a lot, buy a good car, coz your life/body is probably more important than the car, please never ever give someone advice for their first car ever again.
Jun 17 2015 7:10AM
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
brandonloos_21Used 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX hatch, 30,000 miles, around the &15,000 range(don't remember exactly)
Fully loaded, leather seats, sunroof, nav.

Other suggestions


Great car. Do it.
I don't know what your driving experience/skills are and I'm guessing neither does anyone in this thread, but assuming you are relatively new to driving (based purely on your age), be safe, WRXs have a reputation for a reason, they are fucking fast.
Jun 17 2015 7:16AM
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4798 - Karma: -673
Today I just picked up the new ski whip. A 2014 Kia Sorento pretty happy with the size nice and big and roomy feels like a midsize SUV even though only a 4 cylinder engine glad I picked it over a Forester.
Jun 17 2015 3:14PM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,297
YoungWookieei have a BMP R32 bagged on 3sdms 48k miles and yeah you can buy a used supercharger kit for around 3g but the cheapest turbo kit is HPA DIY kit for 5k and i agree with it being one of the best sounding motors i added an APR catback to it but i kinda want to go back to my resonator deleted stock exhaust/w flappermod


Yeah the stock exhaust is already so good. And the flapper mod is dope, you pretty much just pinch/clog a vac line that connects to the valve right? I heard its really easy. APR is good shit, personally like the sounds of my magnaflow catback a little better though.

Turbo wise I was talking like big turbo for a 1.8t or building a VRT which you can source all the parts for around 3k. It's my dream but its not practical, especially with my car closing in on 200k.

Just curious where do you live? Does the thing see any snow, salt, or sand? Hope not, its sucks knowing theres a finite amount of them slowly whithering away. I saw a RS R32 with its front bumper cracked and with parts of it missing, rust all over the rear hatch, and curbed wheels. I think I shed a few tears.

My real dream besides swapping a Cummins into a 2dr tdi is a r36 swap into an r32. If only I had more monies...
Jun 17 2015 3:52PM
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robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959
MCsugarcatToday I just picked up the new ski whip. A 2014 Kia Sorento pretty happy with the size nice and big and roomy feels like a midsize SUV even though only a 4 cylinder engine glad I picked it over a Forester.


Aren't most subies still a flat 4 though? I could be mistaken.
Jun 17 2015 8:08PM
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Titus69
Posts: 9329 - Karma: 17,816
robotdnaAren't most subies still a flat 4 though? I could be mistaken.


most are the flat four but the tribeca and legacy 3.6r have a flat 6 and some older versions of outbacks.
Jun 17 2015 8:10PM
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robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959
Titus69most are the flat four but the tribeca and legacy 3.6r have a flat 6 and some older versions of outbacks.


Ah. Thank you.
Jun 17 2015 8:13PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
BenWhitbuy uprgraded fuel pump internals and you won't blow them fuel pump. BMW's are NOTORIOUS for having shitty HPFP. This is horrible advice. If you knew anything about the car, you wouldn't have blow your fuel pump. The NA impreza is lightyears different from turbo WRX, the driving experience is miles apart.

Not my car and it had a recall on the pump. I mention the na because it's all the power you need. When I got pulled over in the na I still own in New Hampshire the Nashua cop said my na was pulling away from him.I don't think a novice drive needs anything more powerful than that.
Jun 17 2015 8:43PM
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
Skiingsnowthis, who are the dumb fuck down voting this??



No, he is disagreeing with you because you are fucking stupid lol

SJW: you're posts here are actually the most retarded I have ever read, you say he is going to crash so he should get a shit car? What the actual fuck? that's like not buying body armour coz you are new to downhill mountain biking - fucking retarded, if you are going to crash a lot, buy a good car, coz your life/body is probably more important than the car, please never ever give someone advice for their first car ever again.


I agree with SJW's posts. I don't think the OP should blow all his savings on his first car.
I think the OP should get something cheap, because chances are that he will beat the shit out of it or crash it.
Jun 17 2015 10:12PM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,297
Caucasian_AsianI agree with SJW's posts. I don't think the OP should blow all his savings on his first car.
I think the OP should get something cheap, because chances are that he will beat the shit out of it or crash it.


I think I disagree with you and sjw and anyone else who says your first car should be a shit one. Shit Ive never been in an accident, and there are plenty of people in the same boat. My first "car" was an early 2000's Chevy 1500HD (expensive), never crashed it. My second car was a 2003 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI (expensive), never crashed it. My third car was my current 2004 GTi VR6 (new expensive, used not so much), never crashed it. Some kids are good at driving, some kids suck. IDK why there is this stigma that all newby/first time drivers crash their cars, its just not true. Im sure someone will throw some stat at me saying it happens all the time but how can you assume it applies to this kid?

At the end of the day do what makes you happy. If dropping 15k on a car is what does it, good for you. Drive it careful and be weary of insurance but fuck anyone that says your first car has to be shit, most likely they had a shitty car growing up anyways.
Jun 17 2015 10:42PM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
last_tangoNot my car and it had a recall on the pump. I mention the na because it's all the power you need. When I got pulled over in the na I still own in New Hampshire the Nashua cop said my na was pulling away from him.I don't think a novice drive needs anything more powerful than that.


It's not even about top-end speed. I learned to drive on a Mustang GT, which happens to be a very slow car (slow being a relative term), but I became a vastly better driver and learned far more driving a car that; A. had a lot of bark and some bite & B. could get the back-end loose now and then. Now, I drive an MS3 that is an absolute fucking blast. The driving experience is about pinning it on those back roads thru second and third, not about going 130 on the highway. my grandma's Buick goes 130 given enough space. There are very few NA cars that can put a shit-eating grin on your face like a late model WRX/MS3/GTI etc. If I had a $15K budget, you won't find me buying a toyota corolla.
Jun 17 2015 10:42PM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,297
BenWhit/GTI etc.


Tehe talk about pull. I know I know I've saturated this thread with my drooling over the VR6/R32 but honestly its an amazing N/A vehicle. Nothing like instant power. Plus, at least with my VR, 4th has a 20mph-80/90mph range with the powerband right around 3500-4000rpm. Tis fucking awesome
Jun 17 2015 11:08PM
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whoa-dere
Posts: 10596 - Karma: 7,103
Jun 17 2015 11:39PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
NS has really disapointed me here. The only option is...

Jun 17 2015 11:47PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
theBearJewNS has really disapointed me here. The only option is...




Jun 17 2015 11:50PM
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
Caucasian_AsianI agree with SJW's posts. I don't think the OP should blow all his savings on his first car.
I think the OP should get something cheap, because chances are that he will beat the shit out of it or crash it.


that's why he should get a good car, because he as a person is worth more than a car.

I'd rather waste $1 million dollars than my own body
Jun 18 2015 8:02AM
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
Skiingsnowthat's why he should get a good car, because he as a person is worth more than a car.

I'd rather waste $1 million dollars than my own body


I'm not saying he should go out and buy a $500 Kia or Chevette.

I'm saying that I don't think he should drop his entire budget on his first car. He could easily get a safe, reliable, inexpensive car for $10k. That would give him some money for tires and maintenance down the road.
Jun 18 2015 9:59AM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
Caucasian_AsianI'm not saying he should go out and buy a $500 Kia or Chevette.

I'm saying that I don't think he should drop his entire budget on his first car. He could easily get a safe, reliable, inexpensive car for $10k. That would give him some money for tires and maintenance down the road.


i bought my 2009 mazdaspeed3 with three sets of wheels & tires for $8500. 5DR hatch, practical. Most interior space of any car in its class, comfortable. 2.3L 4-cylinder turbo targeting 19.5 psi boost, fun.
Jun 18 2015 10:09AM
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ianrich511
Posts: 511 - Karma: 723
If you are buying a used car, do NOT buy a Volkswagen, or any turbo'd car for that matter. I had a Mk 4 Jetta 1.8T, constantly in the shop for issues. The CEL will never go off, it might for a day, but don't get excited, it's coming back. Turbo cars are fun, what with the pshhhh and all, but they are high maintenance.

Do not buy a BMW at 17, you can't afford it, and your parents will be pissed when they are paying for the repairs. I have a 2006 325i. I had the water pump replaced last year at 75K miles. It was $1100. The thing with BMW is their factory warranty expires right at the time when major maintenance is due, so finding one at 70K miles means, your are up for some expensive repairs.

Buy what you want, you will spend a lot of time in there. My only advice is this.

1. Buy a naturally aspirated car.
2. DO NOT BUY a foreign car unless under a warranty(a REAL warranty).
Jun 18 2015 10:34AM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
BenWhitIt's not even about top-end speed. I learned to drive on a Mustang GT, which happens to be a very slow car (slow being a relative term), but I became a vastly better driver and learned far more driving a car that; A. had a lot of bark and some bite & B. could get the back-end loose now and then. Now, I drive an MS3 that is an absolute fucking blast. The driving experience is about pinning it on those back roads thru second and third, not about going 130 on the highway. my grandma's Buick goes 130 given enough space. There are very few NA cars that can put a shit-eating grin on your face like a late model WRX/MS3/GTI etc. If I had a $15K budget, you won't find me buying a toyota corolla.

But if you are a novice driver you kinda want less power to prevent yourself from getting in trouble. You do not need more power than the na. The only thing it needs is a suspension tune to stop the car from pushing (understeer) so hard
Jun 18 2015 11:12AM
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,256
last_tangoBut if you are a novice driver you kinda want less power to prevent yourself from getting in trouble. You do not need more power than the na. The only thing it needs is a suspension tune to stop the car from pushing (understeer) so hard


who are you to say what a novice driver needs, though? That's what I don't understand. I was fully capable of driving a n/a V8 manual at the age of 16 and it put me miles ahead of the everyday driver on the road, in terms of driving skill, no pun intended. you're basing your judgment of what a driver needs on the one time you felt you HAD to go 130mph on the highway, and I can tell you I have never felt compelled to do that. Novice driver of seasoned track pro, if you're not a fucking moron, you won't get yourself in trouble. And, believe me, it's not that hard to not drive like a fucking moron. So, every 16yr old should drive a 4cyl Kia, beacuse it's slow and reliable. And you won't feel compelled to go 130+ on the highway.
Jun 18 2015 11:25AM
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Titus69
Posts: 9329 - Karma: 17,816
Caucasian_AsianI'm not saying he should go out and buy a $500 Kia or Chevette.

I'm saying that I don't think he should drop his entire budget on his first car. He could easily get a safe, reliable, inexpensive car for $10k. That would give him some money for tires and maintenance down the road.



Seriously, I have seen some kids in my area with fairly new wrx's that are roughly my age (18) that were gunning it in traffic weaving in and out shifting like an idiot. Id say OP should get something like a civic si or a normal impreza, sure it would be sweet to show up to school in a nice wrx but it wouldnt be nice being onconcious in a totaled one when you tried to ken block it. Money cant buy skills, Im not saying OP doesnt have skills but hes a new driver and insurance will pee in his butt.
Jun 18 2015 11:48AM
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whiteboi
Posts: 477 - Karma: 1,228
I bought my first whip last year, a 1972 Chevy 350 Custom pickup for $3,000. Yes it's beat to shit, but it runs great. Trucks and cars in general that are from 1972 or older are never a bad choice, bombproof, reliable because they don't have any computers in them, and they look absolutely bad ass. But the Impreza doesn't sound bad either
Jun 18 2015 3:28PM
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Nikolaus
Posts: 863 - Karma: 995
get the subaru
Jun 18 2015 3:55PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
To each their own. If you want something nice for your first car and you have the means to pay for it and maintain it, awesome. If not, buy something cheaper and save your money for something else or another car down the road.

As for driving skills? Again, everyone is going to be different. I grew up on an acreage with about 10-15km of gravel roads and another 20ishkm of highway in Saskatchewan (ie - tons of ice, snow, drifts, mud, variable gravel conditions, etc). I had a lot of fun on those roads, but it also exposed me to a ton of 'extreme' driving conditions and I feel I'm a better driver for it. I won't say growing up out in the country makes me a better driver than city kids, but I think it exposed me to lots of situations kids who grow up in an urban setting won't get.

Bombing around on loose and dry or wet and muddy gravel roads with my 85' Civic was awesome. (almost exactly like mine, but different wheels. Also only cost $1500 and was bomproof)

Jun 18 2015 4:00PM
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Anathema
Posts: 21048 - Karma: 5,061
an older acura

thing will last you forever. no maintenance required. they're monsters.
Jun 18 2015 4:01PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
BenWhitwho are you to say what a novice driver needs, though? That's what I don't understand. I was fully capable of driving a n/a V8 manual at the age of 16 and it put me miles ahead of the everyday driver on the road, in terms of driving skill, no pun intended. you're basing your judgment of what a driver needs on the one time you felt you HAD to go 130mph on the highway, and I can tell you I have never felt compelled to do that. Novice driver of seasoned track pro, if you're not a fucking moron, you won't get yourself in trouble. And, believe me, it's not that hard to not drive like a fucking moron. So, every 16yr old should drive a 4cyl Kia, beacuse it's slow and reliable. And you won't feel compelled to go 130+ on the highway.

Most kids at 16 are dumb. I can't trust that op is gonna be able to wield a v8 like you did. I can't even as a adult drive a new a4 Quattro without getting in trouble with the law. That car just wants to go fast and it's so comfortable at speed you tend to drive at speed all the time. You speed you get tickets or end up in jail. Unless you live somewhere in Montana where there are pretty much no cops you are going to get caught eventually.
Jun 18 2015 4:04PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6890 - Karma: 24,544
Don't spend more than 10 Gs. Also remember cops can't help profiling cars. Get a sleeper.
Jun 18 2015 4:09PM
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Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,661
Im in the market for a car and will be buying within the next few months.


Im really liking like a mid 2000s 4runner probably looking at an 06-08.


Im moving to SLC in around november and i want something that will take me up to alta and the bird without any issues. Anything else i should look at besides the 4runner? Id like a truck but for what i want its way out of my price range
Jun 18 2015 4:31PM
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