First Car - '03 Corolla

[Joel]

It's that age-old question, what car should I be looking at as a 16 year old? I'll be getting my G2 (meaning I can drive alone) in June, so I'm starting the thought process now. I have a few options, my mom has an '03 Corolla SE in quite good condition, but she's looking at a new car because she wants something a little bigger. If she were to buy a new car, the Corolla would be "for me to drive". It wouldn't be "my car" per se, but we know how those things work out.


So basically if the Corolla situation works out that way I would probably stick with that, but there's a strong possibility it won't. In the event it doesn't, I'd want to buy a car myself. The only option that is a must for me is A/C, and automatic or standard transmission doesn't matter. The only car I can say I've flat out ruled out is a Yaris. I've driven them with driver's ed, and I'm uncomfortable driving them (seats are garbage). I'd consider another Corolla, I find my mom's comfortable and a good size, but they are really boring... I don't want to go out and buy a 350z or something and wrap it around a tree, but I'd like to maybe go a little sportier than a Corolla. A mid 90's Mustang intrigues me, but I imagine insurance would be ridiculous.

I'd really appreciate some help from people other than my friends. My friends are all either farmers (and get a farm truck from their parents), or girls with rich dads who buy them everything. I could probably get some financial help on a car, but it would be primarily my money.

If anyone has any suggestions for a relatively sporty car (as in, not completely uncool and one that would be a bit of fun), that's decent on gas (mid to high 20's mpg minimum), under 8k, and cheap to insure, they'd be very much appreciated.

 

[Punknoodle]

I'd consider another Corolla...

...not completely uncool and one that would be a bit of fun

Mate, stick with something cheap to run and in good condition - Corolla is perfect. You don't need something sporty for your first car, I know its boring, but your first car is supposed to be all about freedom - getting out and meeting chicks etc. Chicks don't care about what the car is, just that its in good condition and looks nice. Nice springs and wheels, job done.

I'm waiting on the MX-5 crowd to come in, just remember when you're young you'll have people in the car, cruising, you're going to go away for trips with luggage etc (well I'm guessing, based on my youth) and so a bit of luggage space and a couple of extra seats is handy.

Then use the money you're saving on running costs you'd be spending on something sporty (cheap sporty cars break - trust me) and save. Save for a few years and bang, you're in something special.

My first car was a Corolla, cool little car, I had a loud exhaust on it, big stereo and everyone loved it even though it wasn't fast. It was mine, never broke down and was cheap. Perfect

Doesn't have to be a Corolla of course, any economy car will do, just has to be good - you know the ones. Don't get a Getz though - they are crap!

 

[Eric.]

Sounds like your best bet is to just take the Corolla, at least for a few years. Get some experience and if you want something different, start looking when you're able to.

However, your under 8k leaves pretty good space to get something else. A Civic would fit the bill just as much as a Corolla. Down to personal preference there I guess, though if you want to modify the car at all, you're going to find a huge aftermarket for the Civic.

My first car was a 99 Grand Am GT coupe. Wasn't a bad car, but ended up having head and intake gasket issues.

 

[BrutherSuperior]

Mate, stick with something cheap to run and in good condition - Corolla is perfect.

I'd say a P71 (Ford Crown Vic) bought from a Gov't auction would be the ticket. Figure <$2000, cheap to repair/maintain, and it has a trunk that can swallow a few stinky hockey bags. Old postal fleet Cherokees can be had under $1500 too...most will be RHD though.

1st car should be a beater, but something reliable enough to take a road trip and last long enough to get you through college. If you're parents are filling the bill - great. If it's your money, spend it wisely.

 

[Punknoodle]

I'd say a P71 (Ford Crown Vic) bought from a Gov't auction would be the ticket..

Hmm, yeah actually, not being from the US / Canada I have no idea on those cars. Still, you get the idea.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Honda Civic.

Not what I would choose, but that would be my "recommendation" not my choice.

 

[WeinerSchnitzel]

 

[Sniffs]

shame on you for telling a kid to buy a Widowmaker P package crown vic!

Punknoodle: mabey down there, they don't know what the car is, but up here, the women are a lot more Savvy.
the P71 is the pursuit package for cops. the car itself was the last rear drive ford,
and surely a few old Cherokees got down there?
Bruther: i've never seen a RHD mail carrier vehicle that's not an actuall AMGeneral postal van.

noob: Kiddo, i woulda KILLED for a farm truck this year, 'cause I think we got more snow down here this year than you guys did (and i shove some of the more annoying guys into the bed, and not have to listen to them ).

actually, I'm kinda stumped on a reccomendation, 'cause my insurance finally hit the "affordable" zone, AND i'm in a Minivan atm. (stay away from Chrysler products!)

 

[Jim Prower]

Firstly, those post vans are made by Grumman...yes, the same guys who made the Tomcat...

Secondly, I don't care if it has 240hp, an old police car will (a) attract the attention of legitimate policemen, (b) is a RWD, high-torque car with no TCS, and (c) will never, ever, EVER be easy on fuel. If you're worried about things like tickets, wrapping it around trees, or fuel mileage...not for you.

and who recommended the Drift-taxed 240SX? Shame on you.

You can't really go wrong with the Corolla or Civic for a first car, especially if you want to keep out of trouble. However...there's a way you can cheat into getting an older ('90s) 'rolla.

The Prizm. The same thing...but cheaper to buy and insure. Then again, the '03 'rolla is "free," though I assume eventually you'll take over insurance for it.

 

[DKLion3s]

^.... Hey JP, the GEO Prizm '90 was my first car, nice little machine, however parts were hard to come by because it was discontinued so quickly. lol


I would say go with a Civic, due to a better steering feel & handling characteristics over the Corolla and the plant hasn't changed much over the last 20 years, so parts are somewhat interchangeable & maintenance is very low.

If you're lucky to come across one with decent mileage, you've struck "gold" so to speak, it will last for a considerable length of time without major repairs. Regular proactive & preventative care keeps them running efficiently for years.

If you're a DIYer type, then it's also a decent platform to learn from. The fringe benefit being you will be able to keep decent track of the vehicles performance over time.

Ofcourse, the general fringe benefits are low running costs (fuel & tyres), low insurance and a very recognizeable and accepted body style.

 

[Joel]

Yeah, I'm not gonna buy an old cop car. Like I said in the original post, if my Mom buys a new car and I get a "free" '03 Corolla with just over 100,000 km, I'm gonna stick with that. I just meant what to look into if she keeps her car. I like the suggestion of a Civic, I guess I'm probably being a little greedy as far as wanting a sportier car, but I'm open to anything.

 

[Cale]

LP640.

But really. SVT Focus. Fun, frugal, quick etc. And once you get the money you can buy a RWD/V8 swap kit from Ford.

 

[astrosdude91]

Get a late 80's Toyota Pickup. They're not exactly "sporty", but they're loads of fun when you off-road them. And they last forever. Top Gear proved just that.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Just noticed you're in Canada. How about a Subaru? Great in bad weather and they last forever.

 

[lbsf1]

I know this is a british website so no point getting something from there but here are some idea's.

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2326198.htm

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2500178.htm

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2346986.htm

However, insurance for those things will be over the roof. My personal suggestion would be either to stay with your mums corrola (its not a bad car) or go for something like a Toyota Aygo, or Ford Fiesta, the insurance for them won't be as bonkers and then after a couple of years of (hopefully) prang free motoring the insurance will go down abit and you can get your first decent car.

Or as someone suggested a couple of post ago suggested.
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2496063.htm

 

[Murcie_LP640]

Honda Integra or Prelude? They may be a bit more costly than a Civic to insure but they're a bit sportier.

 

[homeforsummer]

I know this is a british website so no point getting something from there but here are some idea's.

If you know that Pistonheads is a UK site and that the OP lives in Canada, why suggest a bunch of cars he can't possibly buy, like the Fiat Coupe, Evo 6, Aygo, Fiesta etc...?

And then, why post them in the first place if "insurance for those things will be over the roof"? If you're to start suggesting first cars to people overseas, I should think the first two things you should do are not suggest cars that aren't even available, and then not suggest cars he can't afford anyway...

 

[Dan_]

Just noticed you're in Canada. How about a Subaru? Great in bad weather and they last forever.

Seconded.

Subies are great value for the money, and used Imprezas are cheap as hell.

You'll lose a bit on Comfort but win in all other aspects. Winter, mud and tarmac car, perfect choice. 👍

 

[Joey D]

It's Canada, I wasn't aware anything other then GM's, Ford's and Chrysler's were actually bought there. Maybe it's just the Windsor/Essex area that's like that. Either way, maybe and S-10 pickup or Blazer, you'll get through the weather and they should both be cheap.

 

[Joel]

I like the suggestion of a Subaru, I'll look into insurance on one. I live in South Ontario so the snow isn't too bad, but 4WD would be nice. I also like the Focus, that'd be pretty cool. Really, I'm most likely to get my mom's Toyota, but I'm trying to put together a plan in case she keeps it. I'm partial to hatchbacks because I'm a goalie and goalie bags are huge. Thanks for your input guys, it's really very much appreciated.

 

[Cale]

If you go the Subaru route get one with a 5spd. I have a Subaru with 4sp auto and the only time it's fun is when there is snow on the roads. It was free though so I can't complain. If you can find and Impreza 2.5RS (GC or GD) with a 5 speed that'd be awesome.

 

[Dan_]

Don't know about your guys, but to me, almost every car with a manual is fun to drive.

You know, traffic is a 🤬, and driving for 3 hours straight in monday traffic isn't any fun, but you get the deserved rewards when you're gliding through a countryside road.

 

[Alex.]

LP640.

But really. SVT Focus. Fun, frugal, quick etc. And once you get the money you can buy a RWD/V8 swap kit from Ford.

Why would you put a V8 in a Focus Money spent on that could be much better spent elsewhere surely.

 

[Cale]

Because a RWD V8 Focus is badass.

 

[deadcell96]

Because a RWD V8 Focus is badass.

Seems kinda stupid and piontless to me.

 

[YSSMAN]

We even have a thread about it.

 

[Jim Prower]

You'd be surprised how well it'd work...though I'm not the biggest fan of the setup.

and no, yss. I wouldn't trust a learner driver who doesn't trust himself with that car.

 

[Tornado]

Why would you put a V8 in a Focus

Why wouldn't you put a V8 in a Focus?

 

[YSSMAN]

and no, yss. I wouldn't trust a learner driver who doesn't trust himself with that car.

It won't kill you. Easily, anyway. It would be a wonderful car to learn how to mend yourself, the insurance rates aren't half bad (even for a learner), and ultimately the actual performance of the car is nowhere near enough to get you in any serious kind of trouble.

 

[Joel]

I'm a goalie, take a look at my avatar to see how much gear they wear. A miata would be fun for sure, but not anywhere near the space I'd need. If I wouldn't be driving to hockey with it, A miata would be ideal.


...If only my dad was giving me his Buick Enclave instead