First Car - '03 Corolla
- Thread starter Joel
- 80 comments
- 6,354 views
Joel
Premium
- 8,141
- Halifax, NS
- Noob616
What's wrong with an SVT Focus? I'm not gonna put a 5.0 L V8 in it, no way I could afford it, nor do I want to kill myself...
The base model is around 170 hp, right? That doesn't seem like an obscene amount of power to me.. Although I think insurance on an SVT would be high, so it's all a hypothetical exercise.
I'm highly interested in a regular Focus because it would fit my cargo needs well, and I do think they look pretty cool as far as economy cars go.
The base model is around 170 hp, right? That doesn't seem like an obscene amount of power to me.. Although I think insurance on an SVT would be high, so it's all a hypothetical exercise.
I'm highly interested in a regular Focus because it would fit my cargo needs well, and I do think they look pretty cool as far as economy cars go.
Joel
Premium
- 8,141
- Halifax, NS
- Noob616
Cale
Insurance on an SVT Focus would certainly be higher than a base model Focus I imagine. I think if I don't get the Corolla, a base model Focus would be right up my alley. So would a Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, Civic hatch, basically any affordable econo-hatchback.
- 9,058
- Murica
- BasedAckbar
Your best bet is with some cheap used Japanese car.
My family have bought used Japanese cars over the years as our first cars, and as of yet we have had no major problems aside small problems here and there that weren't too hard to care of.
Everyone remembers their first car. Even if you're driving around in a Gallardo, when you think about your first car, you always get a smile on your face.
My family have bought used Japanese cars over the years as our first cars, and as of yet we have had no major problems aside small problems here and there that weren't too hard to care of.
Everyone remembers their first car. Even if you're driving around in a Gallardo, when you think about your first car, you always get a smile on your face.
ND4SPD
Premium
- 8,479
- Guelph ON
- JeffZ28
- Jeff C6R
Just out of curiosity, where in S. Ontario are you from? Like many suggest a cheap japanese econobox would be the safest and cheapest bet. What's wrong with a P71 Interceptor? It was technically my first real car to drive around in and it was perfectly fine.
Carlos
Premium
- 6,453
- Netherlands
A Golf mk4 or 5. Easy to stance out and are verry reliable. You could look for a GTI but I don't know if the insurance will be happy about that. Or maybe even v6 4motion if possible. My mate has a mk4 gti, lowered and 19's LeMans. Looks really good. It's little bit tuned too, pushes +- 210 bhp.
- 122
- azcccccvb
2nd on the civic. I have a 93 sedan, fun to drive, very reliable, roomy, awesome in snow, and they are a dime a dozen.
- 2,568
- we're waiting for the PS4
- fishtailrook1 (?)
don't forget, this is a Canadian. i don't know how they work the winter maintenence up there, but some Japanese cars can't take winter conditions too well unless they're well prepped.
I agree that memories of your first car always bring a smile. the problem is, my smile is at a 2900 lb sedan with rear drive and a 3 speed auto tacked on to a tuned down 3.8 that couldn't get anywhere in the winter without over 100 lbs of weight in the trunk
- 27,219
- United Kingdom
How about one of these?
Not necessarily one that new (since the little graphic says that one is $16k, and it's miles away...), but should I ever move to the States one would probably be on my shopping list. I don't know a great deal on them beyond the obvious stuff, but I'm guessing that they're cheap to own, cheap to fix, cheap to insure, fairly tough, reasonably reliable, good regardless of weather conditions and reasonable on gas.
And IMO, they look pretty good too in a no-nonsense sort of way. You can get 2.0 4cyls or 4.0 6cyls and a choice of single or extended cabs depending on your needs, and a choice of manual or auto. Seems like it'd cover most bases.
Not necessarily one that new (since the little graphic says that one is $16k, and it's miles away...), but should I ever move to the States one would probably be on my shopping list. I don't know a great deal on them beyond the obvious stuff, but I'm guessing that they're cheap to own, cheap to fix, cheap to insure, fairly tough, reasonably reliable, good regardless of weather conditions and reasonable on gas.
And IMO, they look pretty good too in a no-nonsense sort of way. You can get 2.0 4cyls or 4.0 6cyls and a choice of single or extended cabs depending on your needs, and a choice of manual or auto. Seems like it'd cover most bases.
- 2,568
- we're waiting for the PS4
- fishtailrook1 (?)
home: that particular variant is now dead as a doornail. the design of the body dates from 01, and the whole thing from a 93 rebody. even the Japanese gave up selling small trucks over here from new. when fuel prices killed the SUV for the most part, it took any new "casual use" pickups with it
besides, they sported a 2.3 four that only got 22 MPG on a good day with a manual. the 4 banger was killed before they started squeezing 20's out of V8's, i think.
besides, they sported a 2.3 four that only got 22 MPG on a good day with a manual. the 4 banger was killed before they started squeezing 20's out of V8's, i think.
- 27,219
- United Kingdom
- 21,286
- GR-MI-USA
- YSSMAN
- YSSMAN
Later versions of the MKIV were improved compared to their predecessors, particularly the '03+ versions. That being said, it is very hit and miss with the cars across the board. I wouldn't get it confused with a Corolla in terms of reliability, but on average, a Golf or Jetta won't be that bad.
- 126
- scooter1265, GTP_scooter1265
I'm thoroughly impressed with my 1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE. It's a red 2 door, and I only pay about $120 a month for insurance. I got my car for $400, but I've only had one problem with it. I had the water pump go out. No damage to any of the engine or drivetrain, but it was a $600 repair, so I'd suggest having a good cushion for any car you buy.
From teen(I'm 17, 18 in July) to teen, you really do want a front wheel drive or a four wheel drive. I've driven in some pretty nasty stuff, if I do say so myself. We had 14" of snow on our major highway, and I had to drive a mile or so in 2-3" with 10" snow drift on the highway. And torrential rainfall isn't good either. It definitely wouldn't be fun driving a rear wheel drive car on those conditions.
Also, all cars will have some problem with it. It's just a matter of time when the part breaks, and it'll most likely break when you're hard-strapped for cash, like I was.
But, driving is more than a privilege, it's a passage to manhood. When you get your first car, just rev the engine. The feeling pumps through your veins like adrenaline, and when you get on the highway, going 60-80 mph, you'll feel great. It's like driving a Miata/Civic/240 SX around High Speed Ring on that long straightaway. It liberates you.
Anyways, here's my car in summer. I've replaced both mirrors since, and I'm going to fix it up some more this year.
2.4 L 4 banger, not a tuner by any means. But it's a great first car.
Good luck on finding your first car,
Alex (scooter1265)
From teen(I'm 17, 18 in July) to teen, you really do want a front wheel drive or a four wheel drive. I've driven in some pretty nasty stuff, if I do say so myself. We had 14" of snow on our major highway, and I had to drive a mile or so in 2-3" with 10" snow drift on the highway. And torrential rainfall isn't good either. It definitely wouldn't be fun driving a rear wheel drive car on those conditions.
Also, all cars will have some problem with it. It's just a matter of time when the part breaks, and it'll most likely break when you're hard-strapped for cash, like I was.
But, driving is more than a privilege, it's a passage to manhood. When you get your first car, just rev the engine. The feeling pumps through your veins like adrenaline, and when you get on the highway, going 60-80 mph, you'll feel great. It's like driving a Miata/Civic/240 SX around High Speed Ring on that long straightaway. It liberates you.
Anyways, here's my car in summer. I've replaced both mirrors since, and I'm going to fix it up some more this year.
2.4 L 4 banger, not a tuner by any means. But it's a great first car.
Good luck on finding your first car,
Alex (scooter1265)
- 2,568
- we're waiting for the PS4
- fishtailrook1 (?)
Cale: if you can find one. at least around here, Nissans are few and far between, and I'm still seeing badly beat up Hardbodies floating around
I agree on the "tacos"...last time I looked they were 30 grand! i'd go for a Tundra instead, it's only 8 grand more for some actuall hauling capacity.
Home: the Ranger's are tainted now, and the 10 year old design and 18 year old frame doesn't hold up compared to newer trucks
I agree on the "tacos"...last time I looked they were 30 grand! i'd go for a Tundra instead, it's only 8 grand more for some actuall hauling capacity.
Home: the Ranger's are tainted now, and the 10 year old design and 18 year old frame doesn't hold up compared to newer trucks
- 27,219
- United Kingdom
I just like them. I can't think of a small truck I prefer the look of and from the Big Three I'll always be a Ford man so it's the one I'd have!
Cale
Premium
- 6,078
- Rochester, NY
- CaleDeRoo
From teen(I'm 17, 18 in July)
When you get your first car, just rev the engine.
2.4 L 4 banger, not a tuner by any means. But it's a great first car.
Good luck on finding your first car,
Alex (scooter1265)
Same omfg
My dad has the same motor in his Skylark (I think his had a little more power) but your car definitely isn't slow, and you got a really good deal. My dad got his Skylark for the same price and it's the same color lol.
I'm scared to rev my engine since I'm about 30-50K miles past the time the timing belt is usually supposed to be replaced.
Cale
Premium
- 6,078
- Rochester, NY
- CaleDeRoo
Cale: if you can find one. at least around here, Nissans are few and far between, and I'm still seeing badly beat up Hardbodies floating around
I agree on the "tacos"...last time I looked they were 30 grand! i'd go for a Tundra instead, it's only 8 grand more for some actuall hauling capacity.
Home: the Ranger's are tainted now, and the 10 year old design and 18 year old frame doesn't hold up compared to newer trucks
We were talking used so the Nissans are even harder to find!
Tacos hold their value so well it's crazy.
- 21,286
- GR-MI-USA
- YSSMAN
- YSSMAN
As I recall, the GTI models of the era were screwed together in Germany versus Mexico, so right off the bat he has a better chance of getting a car that has held up well than one that has not. That being said, I've gone on record multiple times here saying that I do not trust the 1.8T engines that were made 1999-2002. Issues with sludge, electronics and other nonsense makes them too tricky to approve. On an earlier MKIV GTI, you're better off going with the VR6.
But really, if you're looking for a "first car" and you want an MKIV Volkswagen, you're better off with a Jetta. The trunk is cavernous for a car of that size, you can get all
The secret with all of the MKIV cars is that the TDI ended up being the best version to get, but they're the hardest to find in good shape, or at a reasonable price.
- 283
- Houston, TX
- FireLite MS9600
yeah, they kinda do. I was about to pick up a girl in a minivan. I told her. she apparently went out with another guy who had a mustang. I never saw her after that
.
- 678
- BrutherSuperior
yeah, they kinda do. I was about to pick up a girl in a minivan. I told her. she apparently went out with another guy who had a mustang. I never saw her after that
Maybe it's you?
If you need a car to get a date, sorry, you're a loser. Things like a nice watch, expensive shoes, washed hair, and a full set of teeth are things women notice at a bar...not what car you pulled up in.
Want to turn a woman off with your car? Easy; keep it filthy. Want to lower your chances of getting laid to a statistical 0%? Talk about how much money you have and your expensive 'whip'.
If you have a job, a clean car, personality, and even the most basic hygiene; you'll get laid if you try. If you think having a 'hot car' is all you need; you'll die a virgin.
Cars getting girls is a myth.
- 306
- porkchop_7
Come on! You're definitely one of the brightest guys here in the "Cars in General" forum, and someone who's advice I usually take, but you have to admit, a nice car can take an average guy to an above average guy.
Look, women love confidence. If a nice car gives you that boost of confidence, who's a loser? My car is the wussiest car. A 2005 Chevy Aveo. Every first date with a girl has somehow ended up with her making a comment on my car... either that it's "cute" or "is this really your car?". Now, if I had a car with balls... a car with sex appeal... it's improving my hand at the card table... sure, there's other factors involved, but cars getting girls in not entirely a myth!
And I'm talking about nice cars. Not a car you throw a loud exhaust on or add a spoiler to.
There's two things a girl will always notice first on a man. The car he drives and the pair of shoes he wears.
- 678
- BrutherSuperior
I look at it this way;
If you have to tell a woman you drive a nice car in order to woo her...you have no game and are probably going home alone that night.
If you pick up a woman and you're walking to your econo-box, regardless if she teases you or not, you're getting some action as long as it isn't rusty/filthy.
This is all in the context of a 1-night/casual relationship though.
