The time has come!

M

MongooseGA

New member
To get my first set of wheels. After some new negotiations within my family, I'm on the hunt.



I think I've considered about everything that I want. This car has to take me through college so a POS beater isn't an option.



My parents went out shopping today and came back with some items that I wasn't displeased with, but let's say I wasn't extatic.



Does anyone know of a good, solid, reliable car that can be fun to drive? My parent's criteria (more important) is as follows:



-Under 15K U.S.

-Lowest miles possible, unless it's something bullet proof (IE Toyota) that isn't as affected by higher miles.

-Safe.

-Insurance needs to be as reasonable as possible.



My *wanted* criteria as follows:



-I would *prefer*(Since I have some input in this):

-A car (not a truck or SUV), but would consider either of the latter.

- Huge emphasis on a manual transmission.

-Slight emphasis on something other than FWD.

-Fun to drive. I'd like to be able to take this to an Auto-X event occasisionally, to have fun with it safely. It doesn't need to be a 10 second monster, but I would *like* it to be built for "spirited driving".

- Preferrably something comfortable to drive.No stripped down cars. Since we're buying used, a BMW or Lexus level car is not out of the question.

-Must be able to detail out of it. Since several members here are able to detail out of their RSX's and Integras, I think anything with a useable trunk might do.

-Decent gas mileage (coming from a Jeep Wrangler, most things over 13 MPG are efficient :D )



Just an aside, I am extremely grateful that my parents are buying a car for me. I have matured quite a bit over the last few years, and don't consider myself a spoiled brat. While others might consider me spoiled, "brat" offends me.



I've looked into everything from E36 M3's to my uncle's '70 Camaro.



Any ideas?
 
miata for auto-x and it'll be under 15k.



an old celica or prelude or teg would be nice also.



these are options.
 
Used FX's are still selling for 30k. About double the budget I've been given.



I'll look into the RSX. Seems to be a nice car and, it's a Honda. It'll never die.
 
Your best bets would probably be something like a Celica, RSX, Jetta, Impreza, or MINI. All can be found with spirited engine choices, take well to upgrades, and can be found at reasonable prices. They all also last the test of time when properly maintained, make sure maintaince records are all complete right down to the oil changes. Good luck!!!
 
hhmm well a little more than 15K but look into maybe a stock ws6 or SS camero.. or.. you could do a 240sx, put an sr20 in it with some turbo mods and you are lookin at a twelve second car that is practicly bulletproof.



Vernon
 
vdog0531 said:
hhmm well a little more than 15K but look into maybe a stock ws6 or SS camero.. or.. you could do a 240sx, put an sr20 in it with some turbo mods and you are lookin at a twelve second car that is practicly bulletproof.



Vernon
Click to expand...



I recently checked out the LS1 cars. I love them, but I don't know how durable they are compared to the German/Japanese cars.



240 is an excellent idea, but the parents will never allow a swap to a turbo motor... atleast not while I live under their roof.



It's looking like FWD seems to own this class of vehicle. I guess my priorities need to get a little more realistic.
 
MongooseGA said:
I recently checked out the LS1 cars. I love them, but I don't know how durable they are compared to the German/Japanese cars.



240 is an excellent idea, but the parents will never allow a swap to a turbo motor... atleast not while I live under their roof.



It's looking like FWD seems to own this class of vehicle. I guess my priorities need to get a little more realistic.
Click to expand...



buy one with a swap already completed, they won't know the difference





Vernon:)
 
MongooseGA said:
.... This car has to take me through college so a POS beater isn't an option. ...
Click to expand...
Geez! What is it with kids today? Why, when I was in college I had to push my car 15 miles up hill, both ways, in the snow to get to 8:00am lectures!

:sosad





PC.
 
the other pc said:
Geez! What is it with kids today? Why, when I was in college I had to push my car 15 miles up hill, both ways, in the snow to get to 8:00am lectures!

:sosad





PC.
Click to expand...



With square wheels, no less!



Honestly, I'm lucky enough to have parents willing to buy me a nice car. While it's not going to be brand new, it will be something that is worth appreciating and driving. It does need to last for a while, though.



I'm trying to think of a way to save up enough cash (besides detailing) to try to pay for my own insurance. Obviously, mods (if any were to be allowed) would be on me. Maintenance probably would be, too.



Vernon, good idea ;)
 
The Other PC

I thought the same thing when I read this...



My budget for a car for college was $600 - of course, that was the $600 I saved up from working all Summer!!!\



Sweet deal though Mongoose! I'd go used Muscle car myself - of course I'm partial to Camaros - but used Mustang GT's can be had for a pretty good price and the aftermarket selection is HUGE for bolt on performance parts..



Ebay Mustang
 
I paid slightly over 15 for my 2004 grand prix. But it's fwd, auto...lots of things you don't want right now...but I had a truck through college and it sucked because if it was cold we could only fit 3 people in it instead of the 12 or 15 in the summer
 
Patrick: :bow: This is probably the perfect vehicle. Plenty of space, AWD, turbo motor, and a manual. My parents were actually at that dealership today and saw it, and apparently my dad said something like "eh, he won't want a wagon". If I could find one just a little cheaper (Driver's World policy isno haggling) I could be all over it.
 
I've got a first gen RX-7 you could talk me out of.



-Under 15K U.S.

a small fraction of that.



-Lowest miles possible

Well, it's pretty darn low miles for an '85.



-Safe.

Haven't been killed in it yet!



-Insurance needs to be as reasonable as possible.

It's cheap for me (a.k.a. an old f**t).



-A car

Sure is.



- Huge emphasis on a manual transmission.

Huge emphasis on the 5-sp.



-Slight emphasis on something other than FWD.

Hugely rear wheel drive.



-Fun to drive. I'd like to be able to take this to an Auto-X event occasisionally...

I've squiggled the cones with it.



- Preferrably something comfortable to drive.

Quite comfy on a six hour drive to the mountains (assuming your passenger is skinny enough to fit in it with two pairs of skis diagonally across the co-pilot's seat).



-Must be able to detail out of it

I wouldn't try to stop you. It's not like you need to carry a 15gal Shop Vac (or more than five bottles bigger than 16oz.) right?



-Decent gas mileage

If you consider a 19mpg sewing machine decent.
 
Mongoose,



I was in the same hole as you 6 years ago. I had no clue what to get. I am now 22 and when I was 16 my parents bought me a Volvo 850 turbo with 71,000 miles on it.

I still have that car with 150,000 and have yet to have any problems at all. Basic upkeep and its a good extremely safe and very quick car. You can also do a few things to it. Although they are older now if your interested maybe checking out an S70 or C70?
 
given the price limit, i would also suggest older muscle cars like the mustang or camaro. but if you have to drive in the snow, i'd say get a '99 and up stang with traction control.



maybe you can find a used mazda 3s. nice suspension, 160-hp 2.3L 4-banger.

or nissan sentra se-r spec-v. i think certain years came with limited-slip differentials and when it first came out, car mags talked about how it seemed to be geared for autocross, well, compared to other cars in its class.

mazda protege5.
 
take a look at maximas, sounds like a grocery getter but there good fast fun to drive cars, check out maxima.org for more info
 
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