First real job, looking for my first self purchased car. Any suggestions?
- Thread starter phillgt2002
- 78 comments
- 3,988 views
- 19,728
- Alabamamania
You live in the Bay Area, right?
Against:
- Traffic everywhere, only solution is install more ramp meters
- Low speed limits and insane traffic fines
- High Gas Prices (you're in the first region to see gas prices rise for any reason, and probably highest overall)
- Smog testing can rule out several older cars (possible reason for sale are future expenses?)
For:
- Working A/C not necessary (it's rarely hot there)
- Older California cars mysteriously last forever
- Scenery and stuff, convertible isn't a bad idea
- Huge automotive aftermarket available
Based on these things, I wouldn't go crazy on horsepower for a daily driver, either.
Against:
- Traffic everywhere, only solution is install more ramp meters
- Low speed limits and insane traffic fines
- High Gas Prices (you're in the first region to see gas prices rise for any reason, and probably highest overall)
- Smog testing can rule out several older cars (possible reason for sale are future expenses?)
For:
- Working A/C not necessary (it's rarely hot there)
- Older California cars mysteriously last forever
- Scenery and stuff, convertible isn't a bad idea
- Huge automotive aftermarket available
Based on these things, I wouldn't go crazy on horsepower for a daily driver, either.
- 4,165
- United States
Yeah, traffic is a problem in some spots of the Bay Area. I've driven a bit here and I have to say, highway patrol isn't too active.. either it's that, or I just haven't seen them much to say that. CA Highway Patrol uses a different way of tracking speeding cars as apposed to other states. Everyone I've seen on the highway are either doing 65-80 MPH.
Convertible? I'm fine. Generally, convertibles add more weight to a car. I love California for the aftermarket availability and the huge car scene out here. Any car I get, I'm pretty sure I won't have much of a problem getting parts locally. Gas prices are ****ing expensive. It's $1.80 where I used to live, it's now $2.80 here.
I'm definitely going to make sure the car(s) I get are smogged.
I'm not really interested in Fords. I know they're reliable (my friend owns a F150 and it sat in his yard for a couple years before he fixed it), but I just don't like the body-style.
- 5,065
- Fort Worth
- That_sneaky_azN
If gas prices are rising, why not get something rather fuel efficient while being sporty? Like a Mini?
- 34,949
- Indian Falls, NY
- slashfan7964
Which body are you thinking of?
The later 90s are horrible and you should stay away from those at all costs. 92-96 is what I'm getting at. But I can understand why someone wouldn't want one.
- 4,165
- United States
If I'm going to get something light and sporty, I may as well get a Miata.
It's just body style, mainly. It just screams grandpa to me. I'm really only interested in the older Toyotas and Nissans. A Dodge may be okay, but it would have to be the short bed ones.
- 34,949
- Indian Falls, NY
- slashfan7964
- 3,770
- Manning, SC
While it's neither RWD or equipped with a LSD, it is a car that will give you years of reliable service:
1996-2007 Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable-
You can easily pick one up in great condition for around $1500-4000. Despite what you may have read, these cars actually handle fairly well for what they are, especially with better tires. Power is adequate with the more common Vulcan V6, plentiful with the higher output but less common Duratec V6. These cars never came with a manual transmission, only a 4-speed automatic which is a bit on the fragile side, so pay close attention to how the transmission shifts if you decide to test drive one. Other trouble spots are the factory coolant tank in the 96-02's develops cracks in it after while; OEM replacements run about $60. Don't even bother with the cheap Chinese aftermarket tank which will more than likely fail in just a few months. Also, change the coolant in the Vulcan engine at no longer of an interval than every 2 years; it is infamous for rust in the cooling system which can lead to very bad things. Finally, watch out if the rear of the car is sagging, that means the struts/springs are shot and replacement is apparently very expensive. If anybody asks why I am a strong supporter of this car, I've been the proud owner of one for nine years with little trouble. 👍 The only non-maintenance items I've had to change out were the fuel pump (very expensive
, but I'm fairly confident the Motorcraft replacement unit is not made in China) and the mentioned coolant tank. Replacement parts are readily available and reasonably priced. Also, insurance rates should not be any issue considering it's a family sedan.
1996-2007 Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable-
You can easily pick one up in great condition for around $1500-4000. Despite what you may have read, these cars actually handle fairly well for what they are, especially with better tires. Power is adequate with the more common Vulcan V6, plentiful with the higher output but less common Duratec V6. These cars never came with a manual transmission, only a 4-speed automatic which is a bit on the fragile side, so pay close attention to how the transmission shifts if you decide to test drive one. Other trouble spots are the factory coolant tank in the 96-02's develops cracks in it after while; OEM replacements run about $60. Don't even bother with the cheap Chinese aftermarket tank which will more than likely fail in just a few months. Also, change the coolant in the Vulcan engine at no longer of an interval than every 2 years; it is infamous for rust in the cooling system which can lead to very bad things. Finally, watch out if the rear of the car is sagging, that means the struts/springs are shot and replacement is apparently very expensive. If anybody asks why I am a strong supporter of this car, I've been the proud owner of one for nine years with little trouble. 👍 The only non-maintenance items I've had to change out were the fuel pump (very expensive
, but I'm fairly confident the Motorcraft replacement unit is not made in China) and the mentioned coolant tank. Replacement parts are readily available and reasonably priced. Also, insurance rates should not be any issue considering it's a family sedan.
- 38,977
- Application hell
- MP-Omnis
Stay away from anything Hyundai. My grandpa had a 2013 Sonata until the lease ran out. Then my dad bought it to commute 100 miles a day. In less than a year, everything in the car is falling apart. My dad drives hard but is religious about maintenance. Regardless, it seems like the car has 20 years of wear in just 10-11 months.
- 4,165
- United States
Currently looking at BMWs.
I have the 318ti in mind, as well as the BMW Z3 2.8I
Are those good choices?
Also, I'm in the middle of hiring at a BMW dealership, so I may get discounted service when I'm working.
My brother bought a Mini, and let me borrow it while he was out of state. The car is a ton of fun, and I love the shooting brake look of the Clubman. I found myself driving it more than I should have been driving it. I took it through the coastal highway of California for a second.. So much fun.
If I were to buy a Mini, I would probably buy one that has the facelift.
I have the 318ti in mind, as well as the BMW Z3 2.8I
Are those good choices?
Also, I'm in the middle of hiring at a BMW dealership, so I may get discounted service when I'm working.
My brother bought a Mini, and let me borrow it while he was out of state. The car is a ton of fun, and I love the shooting brake look of the Clubman. I found myself driving it more than I should have been driving it. I took it through the coastal highway of California for a second.. So much fun.
If I were to buy a Mini, I would probably buy one that has the facelift.
Last edited:
- 5,303
- Riverside, Ca
- GTP_Leonidae_MFT
318Ti and Z3 are excellent choices as their aftermarket is even wider than regular E36's due to Z3 having the rear suspension arrangement from E30. Only downside of 318Ti would be the puny 1.8l.. or was it 1.9l? But, having driven E36, you simply cannot go wrong with these. Especially with manual. Also, Turner Motorsport provides wide range of aftermarket goodies for reasonable price.
- 4,165
- United States
Time to start my death-sled dream build. I've never heard of Turner until now. Thanks.
For me to go towards BMW is pretty damn safe. Their engines are just tanks.
- 5,303
- Riverside, Ca
- GTP_Leonidae_MFT
Time to start my death-sled dream build. I've never heard of Turner until now. Thanks.
For me to go towards BMW is pretty damn safe. Their engines are just tanks.
No problem
E36 BMW has been one of my options for a long time, and I've done some research regarding the aftermarket.. Also, if you need LSD but don't want to go aftermarket, look up specialized BMW salvageyards. They might have stock LSD's for reasonable price in cars that have been damaged beyond insurance companies desire to pay for the repair.
MoparMan69
(Banned)
- 39
- Texas
- Ask
Aww he didnt get anything american.. ;(
- 6,092
- Phoenix, AZ
He didn't get anything yet. lol
- 5,204
- Finland
I guess that's because he didn't want anything 🤬.
MINIs are quite expensive though, even an R50 could go up to 9,000$ (yes I checked), you can get an R53 (the supercharged one) for similar money as the non-S R56 which can go down to similar money as the highest priced R50s, but finding one that fits to your budget, could be extremely hard, and the later turbocharged S is absolutely out of the price range at the moment.
- 4,165
- United States
Argh, the craving for a vehicle is coming along, but now I'm now focused on something different than what I initially wanted.
Subaru Forester, yes, a Subaru Forester. I want to build one into a go anywhere anytime kind of vehicle.
I've been looking at pack-mule cars as well.
This is what I would want mine to look like.
I know that is a good amount of money to put in, but it should be plausible. (Actually, I don't want the snorkel/sealed engine.)
Mainly, I want one for getting to trails and somewhat rugged terrain. I would intend on tearing up the upholstery in the back and switching it out with some kind of polymer lining for easy cleaning. In addition, I want to make it livable, so I would have to fabricate some kind of bedding system for the inside.
I love these things.
Does anyone here own one of these or have experience with them?
More inspiration:
I'm not limiting my search to just Subarus, but I want something that has a similar body style (High roof etc.)
Subaru Forester, yes, a Subaru Forester. I want to build one into a go anywhere anytime kind of vehicle.
I've been looking at pack-mule cars as well.
This is what I would want mine to look like.
I know that is a good amount of money to put in, but it should be plausible. (Actually, I don't want the snorkel/sealed engine.)
Mainly, I want one for getting to trails and somewhat rugged terrain. I would intend on tearing up the upholstery in the back and switching it out with some kind of polymer lining for easy cleaning. In addition, I want to make it livable, so I would have to fabricate some kind of bedding system for the inside.
I love these things.
Does anyone here own one of these or have experience with them?
More inspiration:
I'm not limiting my search to just Subarus, but I want something that has a similar body style (High roof etc.)
