Looking for a First Car

[Vinyl Scratch]

Now, this is not immediate, we have about a year or somewhat less to find it.

My budget:
~$2000, but some of that needs to go to fixing whatever it needs if it needs anything.

I'm looking for a nice, small-ish car that will not be expensive to insure. Little and kinda sporty, but not too sporty. I'm in Central Texas, so it doesn't need to be snow-capable or anything. It also needs to be something insignificant, so it doesn't really matter if it gets wrecked, and isn't a cop magnet. Hondas are a better bet because my dad's the parts guy at a dealership. It also must have a manual transmission, power locks are ok, but not power windows. My dad can do most of the things a mechanic can, too, so repairs are mostly just the cost of the part.

Cars I've been looking for:
2003-04 Honda Civic Si (if I can find one that cheap, but not likely)
90's Subaru Legacy, Impreza, Outback (they're built so well, these things will probably still be around in 30 years)
Late 90's Honda Civic or Accord
83-88 Toyota Corolla GTS (AE86, hatch)
Pontiac Fiero
1st gen Toyota MR2
S13 or S14 Nissan 240SX

I'd like suggestions on what to look for in these, and any other cheap cars similar to those to look for too.

I know most of these are rare for under $2000, but I'll be looking on eBay, Craigslist, local stuff, and (seems like hundreds) my father's old buddies for a while.

 

[WrxScooby]

GO FOR THE SUBARU!!! haha

I love both of mine, and the only trouble they have ever given me was because of something I did wrong, which happens when you modify so not really something to consider. They are great cars perfect for any type of weather, you'll lose a bit on mpg but its worth it imo. If your looking older like 90's I would try to find late 90's the 98-00 where awesome or should I say awdsome.

I did own a 2003 Honda Accord (My first Car) which was a very nice little car too, better gas mileage, and they NEVER BREAK! I jumped mine a few times and drove it like a typical high schooler, and it never gave me a single problem. They are usually cheaper to when you compare dates, aswell they are cheap to maintain in the long run.

Good luck man sounds like it will be a fun first car judging by your list, what ever you decide. Just don't jump the gun, do your homework on the car test drive a few find friends with similar cars to try them out too.

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

First car? Can't go wrong with old RWD Volvo. They're robust, get decent MPG, don't need much maintenance wise and can haul ton of stuff if you get a wagon. They also come with variety of motors from 2.0 110bhp 4-banger to 2.9 204bhp inline six, and there's also 2l/2.3l turbos in the lineup if boost is your thing. And you don't need to be afraid of high miles, one of Volvo P1800's holds the highest mileage record in the book of Guinness, and it's still counting!

 

[Murcie_LP640]

As far as the late 90s Accord goes (mine is a 1994 CD5 EX/VTi, though), it's not really that much fun unless you rev the 🤬 out of it and it has manual (though correct me if I'm wrong but USDM got the V6 which eliminates most of the acceleration downsides of the F22B1, not sure if they came in manual?). But on the plus side, they're very reliable, cheap, frugal and plentiful.

The other one I'd suggest is the Subaru Legacy. The Impreza is smaller and lighter but it feels a lot cheaper than the Legacy and the EJ20 in base form isn't that gutsy. A Legacy with an EJ22 or EJ25 would be sweet.

Any chance of an Integra or Prelude for that sort of budget?

 

[edawg456]

I recommend a old Volvo. I have a 1986 Volvo 240 and I can say its worth buying. The only real problems with old Volvos is that the fuel pump and water pump can go out. But their easy to replace.