first car

[retsteel]

The time is near. I have been driving for over a year and after this summer I hope to buy my first car. Because of this I was wondering what people's first cars were... also suggestions for me! I want something used, possibly cool or unique, that can fit someone who's 6'4", decent gas mileage, and preferably, that I can get in a manual. so yeah... post your first car or suggest mine!

[net2522]

Audi avant or allroad It's my first car. try it and you will love it!!

[fohat.digs]

My first car was a 1968 Mercury Cougar that my father had bought new in 1968 and driven for 4 years. Seafoam green, black vinyl top and interior. 302 2V automatic.

Awesome ride. I was a junior in college, and drove it for 2 years. Got rear-ended by a Chevrolet Impala station wagon.

Now, I am an old man and I want 4-door sedan that is quiet and dependable. I drive a 4-cylinder Camry.

[The_Beast]

2001 Chevy Blazer 2 door with the spare tire mounted on the back with a swing arm


Still drive it errr'day

[funxion]

I've had my Audi A4 since October of 2010 and it's been a great first car.

Unfortunately, I have a really outrageous need for speed and the only way to get decent pickup with it is in sport mode or tiptronic. You're interested in a stick, so that shouldn't be too much of a problem if you ever want to open up! Anyhow, it gets you from point A to point B safely!

It's rather ironic that this thread popped up today. My mom actually backed into my car earlier and I've added a few pictures of it.





Forgot to mention: I get 23-25 MPG and I drive like a maniac...pretty sure if I drove like a sane human being, I'd be getting 28-30 MPG.

[reaper]

My first car was a used '65 Mustang.  The previous owner dropped a Gran Torino V8 in it (forgot what year the engine came from) and that thing can move!  I remember even the slightest pressure to the gas pedal and it peels. lol

Ahh.. to be young again.



Mine wasn't as good a condition as the one above but you get the idea.

[keyboardlover]

My first car was a used '65 Mustang.  The previous owner dropped a Gran Torino V8 in it (forgot what year the engine came from) and that thing can move!  I remember even the slightest pressure to the gas pedal and it peels. lol

Nice! Good friend of mine in high school's first car was his grandma's CLASSIC Ford Maverick. Damn clutch always gave out though.

My first car was a ~2000 Honda Civic.

[retsteel]

I should mention that my budget is very small... I hope to be able to say that I have spent more on my computer than my car. Dang you all have(or had) such cool cars.

[alaricljs]

My first car was a Chevy Beretta, drove to Minnesota from Fla for Thanksgiving and cracked the block.
2nd car was a '91 Honda CRX Si, after putting 8k of performance work into it some college twit hit me, totalled the car.
3rd car was a '90 Honda CRX Si, bought from some asian dude w/ everything I could ask for except the short shift kit (which I pulled out of the wreck and put into this one. yay!

Since then I've had a Honda Civic EX, Honda Passport, Honda Civic Si hatch, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Caravan... The CRX's were definitely my favorite.  Decent pick up and w/ the suspension work I got ridiculous handling.

[retsteel]

I have seriously considered a wrangler, but they are really expensive, even (heavily) used they aren't less than like 3000. also that may give a perspective of what I plan on spending...

[keyboardlover]

If you have a job, you could put WAY less money than that down on a new car.

That's what I did at your age.

[Reptile]

My first car was a 2000 Audi S4. 2.7L V6 Twin Turbo. Pretty fun car; if I found another one for a good price today I would probably buy it.

[retsteel]

I would rather get a 500$ safety hazard that I duct tape together every 100 miles.

[metafour]

I suggest a Corolla or a Civic. They don't have much power but they're reliable. Upgrade later.

[alaricljs]

And unless you know cars well do not for one moment believe that you can get away with spending less on a beater than you would on a reasonably priced used car that doesn't need work.  It'll be more expensive over time with the beater if you're not doing the work yourself AND know what you're doing.

[keyboardlover]

And unless you know cars well do not for one moment believe that you can get away with spending less on a beater than you would on a reasonably priced used car that doesn't need work.  It'll be more expensive over time with the beater if you're not doing the work yourself AND know what you're doing.

I agree. You don't want to end up spending more on maintenance than on the car itself. And remember that when it's time to move on, it probably won't be worth much as a trade in.

[mmmty]

Chevy Monza V8 like this one. I wish I had a '65 Mustang

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[WRXChris]

My first car was a Civic.  I wanted an Integra GSR but couldn't afford it.  I got so fed up with the slow Civic that I stopped changing it's oil so that it would blow up and I would be forced to swap in a GSR motor.  I got my wish after 10k miles.  Lesson learned, for someone who enjoys the finer things in life such as pushing the limits of physics and whatnot, don't compromise in the beginning.

[sth]

80s Volvo wagon.

They call em tanks for a reason. Plus they're great cars and you can haul **** around.

[Daniel Beaver]

Mazda 3 hatchback. Super cool, practical, reliable, and affordable if you buy used (mine is seven years old, but looks new).




They hold their value, and so might be out of your price range.

[alaricljs]

My first car was a Civic.  I wanted an Integra GSR but couldn't afford it.  I got so fed up with the slow Civic that I stopped changing it's oil so that it would blow up and I would be forced to swap in a GSR motor.  I got my wish after 10k miles.  Lesson learned, for someone who enjoys the finer things in life such as pushing the limits of physics and whatnot, don't compromise in the beginning.

Really?  I went 8-13k between oil changes on my CRXs and I removed the rev limiter I hit it so much.  Never had a problem w/ the engine and the oil was clean every time.  Strangest thing that happened was an alternator broke after parking it in the driveway for 6 weeks.

[jonnybastard]

Don't know what the US is like but here in Australia buying an older Jap import is a cheap way to have some fun, forget mileage though and practically usually too.



Some of my fondest driving memories were in that car, too bad it was crashed soon after I sold it!

[hoggy]

'76 death trap mini.



Only mine wasn't as nice as this one.  Leaked so bad I often had to remove the carpets and pull out the grommets in the floor.  I don't miss it.

[Malphas]

I had a yellow MKII Golf vaguely similar to this.



I would get a pre-2000's German or Swedish car in your shoes. I'd also get a diesel since you're concerned about mileage, but you Americans don't really do diesels, I guess. You could pick up a decent pre-Chrysler merge Merc for dirt cheap, and they last basically forever, doubt you'd find a manual very easy though. Beamers are fun, but you'll go through petrol (and possibly tyres) quickly, they're also awful on snow and ice obviously. Volvos are bulletproof. VW/Audi and Saab are all rounders.

[cactux]

My lovely Citroen C3

[AKIMbO]

80s Volvo wagon.

They call em tanks for a reason. Plus they're great cars and you can haul **** around.

Ditto.  Except I had an '86 Volvo 240 D.

[mkawa]

1992 dodge grand caravan yeaaaaaaa!!!!

[boost]

First was a 86 cutlass

[Maarten]

Americans and cars.... always cracks me up!

-'Im looking for a car with decent gas-mileage'
-'This one does 25 MPG'

-'Im looking for a practical car'
-

Im a European so i wont act like i can actually suggest a car to you, but like said before you might wanna befriend a good mechanic or invest a little more $ in a car with some form of warranty so that when things go wrong (since its your first car this WILL happen sooner rather then later) you at least wont have to sell a kidney to stay mobile.

My first car was a 1980's VW polo. Small, cheap (got it for a box of beers), slow, ugly, great mileage, burns down completely in under 5 minutes (which sucked cuz it had a full tank of petrol).

My current car - Mercedes 190E 2.3-16v - does about 30mpg and the wife hates it for that cuz a tank of gas will nowadays set you back about $150 (18.5 gallon tank). However, i kinda have a weak spot for special cars so its staying

[Daniel Beaver]

-'Im looking for a car with decent gas-mileage'
-'This one does 25 MPG'

Hey now, mine gets 27!

[keyboardlover]

25 MPG is decent to ME. My car gets around 20.

[Maarten]

Well that's my point exactly... with the prices you US guys pay for gas id be fine with 20mpg as well (and so would the wife LOL). My friends/family consider anything over 40mpg to be good, 30-40 is acceptable, 25-30 sucks and anything under 25 is broken. For me, its different.. Im a car enthusiast and i can appreciate many cars despite how much fuel they use, if i want to go anywhere cheap i just grab my motorcycle (everything here is not as spread out as in the US), it still 'only' gets 45mpg but at least its a whole lot quicker than those VW blue-motion slowboats.

And besides, all our tiny european 'green' cars just would not work for you anyways. I bet if you drive a polo and get in an accident you would not stand a chance against those pieces of farming equipment you guys drive :flame: . If you're an american you should buy an american car, if youre european buy a european car, same goes for almost all countries really. Also saves you a buttload on spare-parts and labor.

[Gawkbasher]

If you want something unique and manual and absolutely not for the feint of heart, there's really only one choice:  1985/86 Dodge Omni GLH/GLH-T.  You can get them under $4k usually (for really nice ones) and around $2k that will need some work.  The 86 GLHS costs a bit more but is scary as hell and highly recommended you drive a GLH-T beforehand.

http://www.allpar.com/omni/GLHS.php


If you want something safe, get a Saab 9-3.  They're solid cars.

[Gawkbasher]

I actually love those ridiculously long cars...the more it looks like a pimpmobile the better.  Can you say '83 Buick Riviera, White with Red Leather interior?  I can.

[keyboardlover]

I thought it would make him look like a contract killer.

[Gawkbasher]

I wish the Citroen DS3 was here in the States.  Thing drives like a go-kart.

[alaricljs]

Buddy of mine had a Buick Wildcat, forget what year but it had some 400+ci engine with twin 4-barrel Holleys... sheer madness considering it had jello for tires/suspension.

[fohat.digs]

My aunt had a car very similar to that Wildcat, a 1966-67 Oldsmobile Starfire with the police interceptor engine, Turbo-Hydramatic 3 speed automatic. My uncle had to special-order it like that.

One night, on a long straight road, I started in "Drive" from a dead stop, and held the accelerator to the floor. It shifted from first to second at 65 mph, and from second to third at 105 mph, I kid you not. I don't know how tall the gears were in the differential, but they must have been the maximum that GM offered that year.

I chickened out at about 130 mph, but it still had A LOT left. I bet it would have done 150-160.

Probably cost $5K brand new.

[Maarten]

(but that actually is my car)

'it is no doubt the most enjoyable to drive'

.... arent those of the kind that dont really corner noticeably but just lean over alot in the opposite direction of which you turn the steering wheel?

Nah, seriously those things are brilliant for long road trips but they would not work in small cramped tight cities. For that something like a DS3 would indeed be better (eventho i would not buy a french car ever myself). I also have a street-legal go-kart btw, i gots me a little 1960's fiat 500 now THOSE are fun little things! They don't have the power to go over 60mph (and even if they did i would not go that fast in something that small) but they corner like crazy so can basically go around any corner at 35mph and you actually NEED to do that cuz if you brake it takes waaay to long to get back up to speed again! Now those are real drivers-cars!

[nthn]

My first car was a '98 Honda Civic. I've driven it now for ~5 years and it is a wonderful little car. Sure, a lot of my friends have fancy cars that are quick and look nice, but my Civ gets around 31-34mpg, it has an iPhone port and it was free from my parents. I've done my best to get properly-timed oil changes and maintenance and it has treated me right.

[Gawkbasher]

eventho i would not buy a french car ever myself

Citroen really was known for making crap cars.  :B  They sure got their **** together with this new model DS3 though.  They have a 6 month delay to order them in the UK right now.

[Maarten]

Citroen really was known for making crap cars.  :B  They sure got their **** together with this new model DS3 though.  They have a 6 month delay to order them in the UK right now.

Well, to be brutally honest the DS3 looks purdy and all, but if i ever decided to buy a car in that price range (25k for a decent model) i think id still go for a Audi A1 or maybe even a Volvo C30. The DS3 has been around for what, 2 years now? I bet they'll all start breaking down before this year is over

Oh and i bet the delay in the UK is cuz the french have to move the steering wheel over to the other side one at a time for you guys and haven't yet figured out how to do so in any timely matter xD

[Gawkbasher]

I have a mate who used to be an engineer for Nissan who says the DS3 is an incredibly solid and fun car and that if it weren't for the 6-month wait, he would have bought one.  This is a guy who owned an R34 Skyline GT-R V-Spec N1...

[didjamatic]

My first car was a 1968 Mercury Cougar that my father had bought new in 1968 and driven for 4 years. Seafoam green, black vinyl top and interior. 302 2V automatic.

Nice!  My grandfather and I spent 2 years building my first car out of a 67 Cougar and a 68 Cougar.  Mine was white.  

For a first car, get something reliable that has parts readily available.  Learn to fix it by joining a forum relevant to your car, or find a friend or relative that knows how to work on cars.

European cars are fun but expensive to fix, I've owned 7.  Japanese cars in general are more reliable and cheaper to fix.  American cars are improving but for a first car if you're going high miles I'd stick to Japanese.
Tough to go wrong with Japanese cars from a reliability perspective.

I'm partial to Subaru Forester XT's from 2004-2008.  They're affordable, quick stock (XT is turbo) and can be made very fast if you want to spend just a little time and money on them.  I had one that was 300HP and 330TQ but looked like a grocery wagon.  Good safety ratings, All Wheel Drive, Good Mileage for what it is and you can haul most things with it.  Gizmag or someone rated the Forester as the 2nd most reliable car of the last 10 years.  And it's fun to eat fast cars alive in a wagon.

[jwaz]

I learned on and then bought an 88 Camry. Still see tons of these on the road and they're known to get 300k all around 30MPG

[WRXChris]

Really?  I went 8-13k between oil changes on my CRXs and I removed the rev limiter I hit it so much.  Never had a problem w/ the engine and the oil was clean every time.  Strangest thing that happened was an alternator broke after parking it in the driveway for 6 weeks.

I just remembered that I was spraying nitrous at the time.  Come to think of it, the nitrous may have been what broke the valve that caused the catastrophic failure, the oil may have had nothing to do with it (though I'm sure it didn't help).

The bottom section of a connecting rod fell out of a hole in the oil pan and I kept it as a momento, lol:

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[1391401]

First car was a 1987 Volvo 240.  Graduated college, got a job, and bought a 1992 Volvo 240.

[Malphas]

My current car - Mercedes 190E 2.3-16v - does about 30mpg and the wife hates it for that cuz a tank of gas will nowadays set you back about $150 (18.5 gallon tank). However, i kinda have a weak spot for special cars so its staying

One of my favourite cars. I keep a W124 in a garage for no particular reason other than I like owning it. Also, the first thing I would do upon moving to the US would be to buy some ludicrous old American piece of crap, like a LTD Crown Vic or a Dodge Monaco or something.

[Maarten]

One of my favourite cars. I keep a W124 in a garage for no particular reason other than I like owning it. Also, the first thing I would do upon moving to the US would be to buy some ludicrous old American piece of crap, like a LTD Crown Vic or a Dodge Monaco or something.

Yeah, i love the old benzes as well. If i ever win a million bucks ill buy a 500E cuz those are SOO pricy to maintain... My little 16v is still in pretty good nick luckily;

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I dont think thats very bad for a 25+ year old car....

[smknjoe]

Nice!  My grandfather and I spent 2 years building my first car out of a 67 Cougar and a 68 Cougar.  Mine was white.

Awesome car, I had a 67 (the first model year) XR7 with a stock 289. Most people don't realize they were the luxury version of a Mustang. The chassis and drive train were identical.
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I also had a 77 F-100 Ranger with a 351 Cleavland (big block.) No one else had a pickup?
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Get something used, clean, and cheap. The older the seller, the better the condition of the car.

[retsteel]

that's a good point, (the age of the seller). I have really considered a 4 cylinder ranger with a 5 speed in it (and the extended cab), although I'm not sure about leg room in a compact truck... honestly I'm thinking about a nice crown vic, plenty of power and I could probably take a semi head on... (not really) though there goes my dream of a stick.

[smknjoe]

that's a good point, (the age of the seller). I have really considered a 4 cylinder ranger with a 5 speed in it (and the extended cab), although I'm not sure about leg room in a compact truck... honestly I'm thinking about a nice crown vic, plenty of power and I could probably take a semi head on... (not really) though there goes my dream of a stick.

You definitely don't want to buy a car that was driven by a high school or college student. Most of my friends really "ragged" their cars out. If you're 6 3 or taller the small Rangers might be too small for you. You'll figure that out when you test drive it though.

[fohat.digs]

Be careful about the headroom issue. With a car, you can always slant the seat back, but not in a pickup truck.

About the Cougar vs Mustang, the chassis was different, I believe that the Cougar wheelbase was at least 3" longer, and the ride was a lot more stable.

[smknjoe]

Be careful about the headroom issue. With a car, you can always slant the seat back, but not in a pickup truck.

About the Cougar vs Mustang, the chassis was different, I believe that the Cougar wheelbase was at least 3" longer, and the ride was a lot more stable.

I'm not positive about the chassis. So, I'll take your word for it. Isn't it a shame that they turned to sh*t after the 68?

[fohat.digs]

Back then Detroit went square/round/square/round every year or 2.

Rounding the Cougar and Mustang in 1969 was a big disappointment. They were were both much more crisp when they were square.

1968 Mustang wheelbase = 108"

1968 Cougar wheelbase = 111"

There really was a big difference in the ride. I think the front legroom and trunk also benefited.

[rknize]

1987 Plymouth Sundance coupe 2.2L Turbo 5 speed.  Crazy fun car, especially after a few tweaks.  Cheap thrills.  Been hooked on turbo Mopars ever since.

Destroyed it in the end.  Not recommended as a first car.

[JaccoW]

[...]
Destroyed it in the end.  Not recommended as a first car.

:rofl:
That had me laughing. Sounds like fun.

I haven't bought a car yet and I am not sure I ever will. Too damn expensive over here and public transport and bikes are quicker in the cities.
Do love driving though.

I learned to drive in a Hyundai H100 Satellite 9-person diesel van. I loved that car.
Underpowered but the front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout made it very manouverable and comfortable over long distances.
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[Internetlad]

My first car "should" have been an 88 Volkswagen Jetta, but my parents sold it because I waited until i was 18 to get my license (never cared much for driving)

Technically I suppose i've never PERSONALLY bought a car, but my wife owns a 2005 Dodge Stratus, so i guess that, technically.

Get yourself a pre-owned chevy cavalier and just bag drive the crap out of it. Those things never seem to die and you can pick em up dirt cheap.

BUY 'MURICAN!

[Zamorph]

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My first car was the 1984 chevy caprice.  Love that car.  Still have it because I want to some day restore it.
Edit: senior member now , as I post my senior car.

[suprsmo]

Ha.

This was pretty much my first ride (didnt leak).. without the crazy side exhausts

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And my current ride some 6 years after my ute died

has a sunroof and leaks like crazy.. oil water you name it !

still goes though!

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miss the old ute though.. she hauled everything..

grand piano one time even!

Edit, just noticed a theme with my cars.. Japanese and white..

Is the universe saying something?

[inlikeflynn]

My first car was an 92ish dodge shadow similar to this. It was a manual
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It lasted maybe a year until it got totaled out after being hit from behind in stopped traffic right in front of school

It got replaced by a 94ish Pontiac Sunbird similar to this. It was also a manual
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After college and saving up some money I got an awesome 2002 VW GTI VR6 200HP 6-speed manual similar to this (too lazy to dig out a picture).
It was sweet on the open road when there was no traffic. Or just racing around town as it was pretty much unbeatable unless you had a M3 or something with a V8 at over 2x the cost.
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Where it SUCKED was in stop and go rush hour traffic. There is nothing worse than 1-2hrs straight of stop/go traffic and a manual transmission. I put up with it at the time as the car was so sweet otherwise.

But if you're just driving a junker I sure wouldn't bother with a manual anymore these days as there is no benefit to it. The roads all over here in MN are way the hell to busy now these days, even just compared to 10 years ago....

[cheebs]

I love my 2007 Honda Fit, and the new ones have even better features.  I also really like the CR-Z, it's a hybrid with a manual transmission that has different selectable modes (i.e. econ, sport, etc.)

[harrison]

My first vehicle was a 1991 Chevy 2500, which was fairly shortlived.  My desire was to mod it, but I realized quite quickly that I just wasn't a truck person.

Second was a 1991 Isuzu Impulse.

I cut my teeth on modding and electronics on this car.  I started wiring stereos and alarms for friends, and rewired this car at least 3 times before I sold it.

Third was my first GTI, a 2001 1.8t.  This was more show than go, and was stolen on me after about a year and a half of ownership.


Fourth time around, I think I finally started to get things right.  It was a 2003 20ae GTI, but this was more go than show... and it showed well :biggrin:

final dyno was north of 275whp, which ain't to shabby for a 1.8t.

[okyup]

91-94 Geo Metro. Small, basic car, fun to drive (esp. in city), manual transmission. Costs <$2K and gets 50 MPG. It also has more head/leg room than most other cars. I'm 6'6" and have been happily driving mine for a few years.

[sth]

My Geo Metro had a Cadillac hood emblem. I wish I had pictures of it...

[okyup]

Yea lots of modding opportunities if you're into that. Personally mine is stock. I hope it will survive a long time as I can't imagine finding any good replacement.

[retsteel]

I don't know if this is getting to be too old to bring back to life, but I felt like updating this tread with the car that I am looking at buying soon. http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/cto/3174679589.html

[Asininity]

I was gifted Honda Odyssey and managed to snag a Hyundai Sonata because honestly needed with less miles.

I own a 1989 Nissan 240sx I need to finish working on. I have a running red top in there but it needs new rims, tires, exhaust, electrical issues, brakes, and so on before I can even start thinking of playing with it. I'm thinking of selling it off and buying something a little more "completed." 

[mistakemistake]

My first car: 1994 Maroon Ford Taurus station wagon.

[daerid]

First car was a 1970 350 VG Pontiac Thunderbird, black.

POS, but man did that things have balls.

Honestly my next car is probably going to be a Kia Optima. O_o

[DaClownie]

Nothing says pure sex like a 1985.5 Ford Escort.

Mine was smoke gray, with maroon cloth interior, coupe model. I let all the kids in high school key their signatures into it as a giant mural to celebrate our graduation instead of doing the yearbook signings. This girl Shantelle keyed her name across the entire hood, with rainbows, butterflies, and stars. God it was so gay and awesome. LOL

[retsteel]

I went and looked at that jeep I posted a link to above... I was test-driving it on the freeway when I noticed there was no floor under a good portion of the carpet! still considering it, though that would bring the price down a lot. Thoughts anyone? get the car with no floors or not?

[MadScientist46]

My first car was a Volkswagen Golf from the 80's, like this one:



Only difference was mine was rusty as hell....  There was a hole with a diameter of 2cm in the floor behind the driver seat.
Lastet for a year and a half. Not exactly a chick-magnet, but it was cheap and fun to drive.

[DaClownie]

I went and looked at that jeep I posted a link to above... I was test-driving it on the freeway when I noticed there was no floor under a good portion of the carpet! still considering it, though that would bring the price down a lot. Thoughts anyone? get the car with no floors or not?

If it was just a small patch of missing floor it's an easy fix... if it's missing a LARGE portion of it, you've got some serious rot concerns on your hands. I'd probably steer clear... but that's just me.

[oTurtlez]

My first car was a 2000 Jeep Wrangler, Gets less than 13MPG but there's nothing quite like a Jeep.

[Lanx]

civic, still drive it, share a suburu imprezza with fiance' i think all our new cars from now on will be suburu's that AWD is just too awesome.
quick search on cars.com shows that used 2001-2003ish subaru outbacks are like 5-8k range. (most of them seem to be automatic, they do come in manual)

[boost]

civic, still drive it, share a suburu imprezza with fiance' i think all our new cars from now on will be suburu's that AWD is just too awesome.
quick search on cars.com shows that used 2001-2003ish subaru outbacks are like 5-8k range. (most of them seem to be automatic, they do come in manual)

Sti with bigger turbo = MOAR BARS

[f4d3]

I'm 20 and my first was a 02 wrx, crashed it, fixed it, then sold it. I've owned 4 cars already and I only had my license for 3 years. Right now I'm driving a 11 Honda civic because my dad bought it for me. I plan to buy a s2000, 350z, g35, or sti hatchback (paying with my own money). Some might consider me spoiled because my parents bought me all my cars.

[oTurtlez]

civic, still drive it, share a suburu imprezza with fiance' i think all our new cars from now on will be suburu's that AWD is just too awesome.
quick search on cars.com shows that used 2001-2003ish subaru outbacks are like 5-8k range. (most of them seem to be automatic, they do come in manual)

Sti with bigger turbo = MOAR BARS

Gotta love an STi, so pretty, so powerful. <3

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

My first vehicle was (and still kinda is) a 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 Sport pickup. I finally got it on the road and drove it for a whole two days and then it died on me. It's been sitting in the lawn ever since, and I no longer have my own vehicle to drive. I am looking into a 1999 Honda Civic EX Coupe that a friend of mine has for sale. It would make a nice looking commuting vehicle.

[retsteel]

If it was just a small patch of missing floor it's an easy fix... if it's missing a LARGE portion of it, you've got some serious rot concerns on your hands. I'd probably steer clear... but that's just me.

it is a couple fairly big holes but there's still enough around it to get away with just slicing sheet metal and spot welding it in (I could even pop-rivet it and not have to take it to a shop...)

however NOW I am in talks with a guy with a 1987 bmw 325, 50000 less miles than the jeep and quite a cool car if I say so myself. And then of course there's the buick that my dad wants me to buy, nothing wrong with it but who want to drive a boat...

[DaClownie]

If it was just a small patch of missing floor it's an easy fix... if it's missing a LARGE portion of it, you've got some serious rot concerns on your hands. I'd probably steer clear... but that's just me.

it is a couple fairly big holes but there's still enough around it to get away with just slicing sheet metal and spot welding it in (I could even pop-rivet it and not have to take it to a shop...)

however NOW I am in talks with a guy with a 1987 bmw 325, 50000 less miles than the jeep and quite a cool car if I say so myself. And then of course there's the buick that my dad wants me to buy, nothing wrong with it but who want to drive a boat...

Me.

[kurplop]

How many knots will she do?

[retsteel]

I suppose now that I have it I should post my first car. A 1987 BMW 325. straight six and five speed VROOOM

[Trent]

The time is near. I have been driving for over a year and after this summer I hope to buy my first car. Because of this I was wondering what people's first cars were... also suggestions for me! I want something used, possibly cool or unique, that can fit someone who's 6'4", decent gas mileage, and preferably, that I can get in a manual. so yeah... post your first car or suggest mine!

I drove a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS -- V6, 14MPG, worst car ever.  After 8 months of owning it and putting approximately half as much as I paid for the car into repairs I was fed up.  Had it fully inspected and the repairman said and I quote "ABANDON SHIP!"  I sold it, and got my 2nd car which I am now very happy with, a 2005 Hyundai Tucson, V4, 26MPG, approximately $300 worth of repairs and maintenance for the span of 1.5 years, which is pretty good.  And I paid for it in full so no lousy car payments.

I've never driven manual cars before, but I can offer the advice that it is smart to only purchase a car you can pay for outright as car payments add significant interest to your investment.

[tgujay]

My first car was and is a 2000 Cadillac STS.  I love the thing, even with 226,000 miles it still has quite a bit of power, fun to drive and meh on gas mileage, bout 20ish.

[ra7c7er]

My first car was a 89 325is BMW. I found it in a junk yard when I was 13 and it became my first obsession. I quit every hobby I had and even sold the furniture in my room to try and save enough money for the car. I finally bought it when I was 15 and it sat in my parents yard while I learned how to work on it. I redid everything on it. from the engine to the interior. It has sat since 92 in the yard rained on and buried in the mud. I would limp the car to the local BMW dealership so much I became friends with most everyone there. They would help me with things or loan me specific tools. It took me nearly 2 years to get it running and within 3 days I lost my license. while the car sat for a year I started doing upgrades to it. Chip, boost, M20B25 engine, Basket weave wheels, sway bars, Drivers side sport evolution seat. Just to name the easy ones. Raced it in several BMWCCA events and scca events. Sadly it was stolen in 2005 and parts of it have been found as far away as New York and Mexico City. I still have the keys to it and hope to one day buy another and fix it up again. Of course the value of that car has nearly quadrupled since I bought it.

[tipo33]

84 Lada 2107.  The previous owner said I could have it if I got it out of their yard.  You could see the road through certain parts of the floorpan,  when it rained - it rained inside the car.  The only gauge that worked was the oil pressure, but it moved, turned and all the lights worked   I LOVED it.

[tgujay]

How did all of you get your cars stolen? Where do you live that cars are stolen?

[ra7c7er]

84 Lada 2107.  The previous owner said I could have it if I got it out of their yard.  You could see the road through certain parts of the floorpan,  when it rained - it rained inside the car.  The only gauge that worked was the oil pressure, but it moved, turned and all the lights worked   I LOVED it.

My car was stolen from North St. Louis Where I worked. It's a nutorious area for crime. the parking lot of my work was closed so they could repave it so everyone had to park on local streets. My car wasn't the only one stolen.

[Trent]

North St. Louis

Nuff said.

[Redndwhite]

80s Volvo wagon.

They call em tanks for a reason. Plus they're great cars and you can haul **** around.

Ditto.  Except I had an '86 Volvo 240 D.

You mean something like this?



This was my first car, a 1986 Volvo 245 (The loser cruiser, laggin wagon, I preferred Batman's other car). Did not have a turbo, did not have AC, did not have power windows, but did have 366,000km (227,000 miles) on the odo and was held together with duck tape, mud, and hope. Lots and lots of hope. And I could get it to slide around corners, on ice. It died after an unknown electrical failure that I did not want to spend $1XXX.XX to try and troubleshoot, so I sold it for 500 bucks.

Now, I drive an older GF4 Impreza. It as well does not have AC, power windows, or a turbo, but does have AWD and a five speed. And it can move (well, in comparison to the Volvo). Only issue I've had with it is it's not made for 6'5'' peoples. So says my friend.

[SmallFry]

I'm driving a '96 Pontiac Grand Am, heh. Glad that the car is as old as I am. Needs a new head unit since the display is gone out.

[Input Nirvana]

First ride (also had a motorcycle) I was a lifeguard, carried 3 days of grub so I could split at anytime, anywhere, for any reason....





Learned a lot about car repair, girls, life, and responsibility.
Yea, those were the days...fa sho!

Had a bench that converted to a bed, a fold out table, a rear facing seat, refrigerator and sink, all big storage/packing closets, pop-top with screened windows and a cot upstairs, side crank out windows, side attaching tent and screens for everything.

[jwaz]

damn, what happened to it?

[Input Nirvana]

Buddy, I eventually sold it after YEARS....someone wanted to restore it because it had all the original stuff. Honestly, it was very cool-city. It became a third car I only drove once a week kinda deal (weekends at the beach or taking my dogs places. You can't believe what I did in that ride. Like spinning brodies ON the wet grass at Torrey Pines golf course in San Diego with another guy and 3 topless girls and 2 cases of beer, bottle of Cuervo....

My next car was an RX-7 I had modified by the Mazda Racing Division. I got a speeding 'ticket' for going 157mph on radar flying past Palm Springs on Valentines day. That was expensive.

Un. Flipping. Believable. 

[sth]

cars shmars, i just got a hell of a deal on a 1980 puch maxi (maybe newport)! will post pic this weekend after getting it cleaned up a bit and tuned.

[Input Nirvana]

Are those street legal anymore?

[sth]

not when i'm finished with it

but yeah, they are. they require a one time registration (plus title transfer fees if you sell it). you need a driver's license but under 49cc you don't need a motorcycle endorsement... so don't tell anyone about the hop up kit and big pipe I plan on putting on it! also I think you need insurance in CA for them, which I'll be looking into soon.

[Input Nirvana]

Need insurance for EVERYTHING here...

I bet it will take you 60 miles on a gallon..of course it'l take you a couple hours....lol

[sth]

as is, it'll do about 75 or so per gallon (.8 tank so your estimate is pretty good). probably closer to 50-60 after modding i imagine.

its all about enjoying the ride

[Input Nirvana]

as is, it'll do about 75 or so per gallon (.8 tank so your estimate is pretty good). probably closer to 50-60 after modding i imagine.

its all about enjoying the ride

Tell me about it...you see what I have driven

As for fuel, due to changing vehicles, I'm thrilled that as of last month I'm now getting 16-18 instead of 10-14.

[sth]

my mom drove herself and me across the country in a VW bus when I was 6. i have great memories of those!

[Input Nirvana]

I'm not your daddy, kid, so don't go there.

[sth]

haha my dad was/is always an econoline man. build a loft and you got a touring punk band's RV!

[Input Nirvana]

****, I think I know your mom AND dad.

I hung with a group called Fight For Freedom in LA back in the formative days. We spat with Suicidal Tendencies and a few other notables. Great times, but it was more of an experience than a lifestyle for me. I went to Cal and became an attorney. Like THAT lasted about the same amount of time...

[sth]

haha nope. pacific northwest born and bred! much better moped weather down here though.

[jwaz]

RIP Tomos Targa LX & Peugeot 

[sth]

jwaz when are you gonna join the eastbay buzzzzzards (it's just me and my friend right now)?! need to get some italian action going... maybe that garelli?

[jwaz]

Maybe I'll man up and get another Tomos...

[sth]

'man up' and get a project bike

[jwaz]

Don't think for a second I'm going to swoop some french POS that doesn't run

Puch or Tomos, need those parts yo!


*Thread successfully derailed...

[sth]

eh, peds are more fun than cars anyway.
sachs stuff is a little easier to find these days.
i think i want a hobbit next. japanese engineered!
oh yeah - i'm gonna get these grips too:

[Lenfried]

BMW e21

[posthaste]

My first car resembled this:

[Input Nirvana]

My first car resembled this:

I already spend too much time thinking about death....your pic just might push me over the edge.

[Internetlad]

any VW. You know the german's make good stuff. I found a late 80's Sirroco in a junkyard and the smell sent me home. Nothing smells like a VW.

[jwaz]

My dad just picked up a Karmann Ghia from a junk yard, stoked to see it restored in a year or so.

[Input Nirvana]

Ghias are bad little rides. I saw one at a car show I was in (I had a '61 red convertible I bought off someone that had 91 original miles on it in the late 80's). Anyhow this Ghia was a burgundy metallic with something like 20 coats, excellent blinding chrome and these killer spyder stile rims, slick interior, uber-clean. One of the raddest rides I've ever seen to this day.