Looking to get my first car.

[mattmac83]

Ok, this is actually my second car, but my parents were kind enough to let me buy a car off of them for $1.00. So this will actually be my first real car.

Like the vast majority of the people here, say...99.9%, I'm looking for a sports car. I'm looking to spend a max of $15,000. There are a couple options out there that I know of.

Honda Civic: Cheap, reliable (a friend of mine has a nice one that hasn't given him an ounce of trouble), and easy to upgrade with looks. I'm not looking for rice however, so my only question for a Civic would be how easy is it to upgrade performance parts in the engine, transmission, etc? Overall, I'm kinda leaning away from a Civic because EVERYONE and their mommy has one. But again, cheap, looks decent, and reliable.

Nissan 300Z: Preferably a 1992 model. Red, too. A red 300Z. This seems like it'd be a fun car to work with.

Toyota MR2: Another car that'd be fun to work with. But all of the ones for sale around here have a TON of miles on them (90,000+). So that's a big turn off. I can't afford a new engine or anything like that, so low mileage is important.

So based on what I've said, I hope you have a basic understanding of what I'm looking for. And with that, pleeeeease offer some suggestions. I'm sure there are great cars out there that I haven't even thought of yet.

Thanks a bunch!

EDIT: Oh, I forgot to mention that this car will be used for daily use, and I'd like to take it to the track sometimes. So it's gotta be a well-rounded car.

 

[TheCanuck]

Originally posted by mattmac83
Ok, this is actually my second car, but my parents were kind enough to let me buy a car off of them for $1.00. So this will actually be my first real car.

Like the vast majority of the people here, say...99.9%, I'm looking for a sports car. I'm looking to spend a max of $15,000. There are a couple options out there that I know of.

Honda Civic: Cheap, reliable (a friend of mine has a nice one that hasn't given him an ounce of trouble), and easy to upgrade with looks. I'm not looking for rice however, so my only question for a Civic would be how easy is it to upgrade performance parts in the engine, transmission, etc? Overall, I'm kinda leaning away from a Civic because EVERYONE and their mommy has one. But again, cheap, looks decent, and reliable.

Upgrades? You're kidding, right? The Civic's built on the Integra's platform, the twin cam engines from both the GS-R and the Type-R bolt in like they're made to be there ( because they are, actually.) and you can fit the Prelude's with relative ease too. Just pick up one of those import mags, and see for yourself just how much stuff's available! There are at least 30 different exhaust systems, a dozen of different bolt on turbo kits, etc, etc, etc. And everything that fits the Integra fits the Civic, so that's a major plus.

Nissan 300Z: Preferably a 1992 model. Red, too. A red 300Z. This seems like it'd be a fun car to work with.

Not a good idea. I don't know how old you are, but the insurance rates for these things will send you to hell and back at least 3 times. Non Turbo models are slow and gutless, and turbo ones are worth more than what you have.

Toyota MR2: Another car that'd be fun to work with. But all of the ones for sale around here have a TON of miles on them (90,000+). So that's a big turn off. I can't afford a new engine or anything like that, so low mileage is important.

Not a good idea either. They're fragile, and they cost a lot to repair. Plus, they're mid engined, and very prone to lift off oversteer when driven hard, or under rainy conditions, which, for a young driver, isn't exactly a good thing.

I'd personally go with something cheap and reliable. Like a Nissan 200SX SE-R, or a used Toyota Celica. There's always the Civic and it's brother the Integra, or even the first gen Dodge Neon. The early ones were a bit shady and poorly assembled, but those towards the end of the run were better.

 

[mattmac83]

Thanks Canuck.

So there go the 300Z and the MR2.

I have actually thought about a Celica, just didn't mention it. Again, I'm really looking for something I can work on. The most I've done on a car is change tires, change brakes, change oil, and that's it.

I'm also new to upgrades...my only experience with them is through GT3. I know what most of them are, I just have no idea what is available to what car.

 

[Frustrated Palm]

Originally posted by mattmac83
Thanks Canuck.

So there go the 300Z and the MR2.

I have actually thought about a Celica, just didn't mention it. Again, I'm really looking for something I can work on. The most I've done on a car is change tires, change brakes, change oil, and that's it.

I'm also new to upgrades...my only experience with them is through GT3. I know what most of them are, I just have no idea what is available to what car.

Me and my dad test drove a used Celica a little bit ago. He didnt like it. But that's his opinion. If your looking for some cheap speed, get a late 80's early 90's Mustang 5.0, great car. Lots of performance parts to choose from, RWD, streetable, nice looks, and fast with some mods, plus best of all, its cheap. Pretty good...

 

[KosmikFool]

You get an used Eclipse. The 1997 models were probably their best model. My buddy's bro has one with a Turbocharged V6 pushing 300-something horses. If you spend some time with them, you'll like them.

 

[68 Cuda]

get a TT stealth, a 1st gen, get a 93, they had the beefefd up 5 speed 25 spline getrag tranny.

you could find one for probably about 9-11 grand in awesome shape with decent miles, and then spend the rest on mods, downpipe, catback, maybe different turbo compressors (15G's), and larger injectors. there is soooo much you can do to these cars, i own a 93 n/a, and its pretty damn fast, but i wish i had a TT, buit insurance would own me.

oh yeah, they can get into the low 12's with about 5 grand of work into them, and some good tuning

 

[300ZX_lover]

GET THE Z!! I've had mine for 1 month w/ not one problem. awesome car and soooooo fun to drive. get one(like you said) after 1990 b/c the ones after had some minor yet important improvments. btw make sure you get a manual tranny cause thats fun too. mine has 100,000+ miles and drives more like 50,000. really well made car that, like you said, is going to be fun to work with.

 

[MazKid]

Wait, you said that you want a sports car, and then 2 sentences later you say "Civic". Haha.

May I suggest the following:
'88-92 MX-6/Probe GT
'93-97 MX-6 LS/Probe GT
'92-'97 MX-3 GS

These cars can be had for as little as 2K, they are sporty, and shouldn't make your insurence go up too much. They are also very reliable.

 

[mattmac83]

Originally posted by MazKid
Wait, you said that you want a sports car, and then 2 sentences later you say "Civic". Haha.

Someone had to say it eventually.

Thanks for the heads up on the MX-3 GS. I took a gander at the MX-6, but wasn't too impressed. The MX-3 looks for "fun." Now that you've recommended them, could you also tell me what kind of upgrades I can expect to find for them?

 

[skylineGTR_guy]

If you do get the 300ZX make it a 96 thats the best year. The MR2 is a great car but kinda too cutsie for my tastes but its up to you....What about a 3000 GT? really awsome cars too! The VR4 will rape you on insurance but even a standard 3000GT looks good. If your looking at honda get the ACCORD EX....yeah people laugh OOO accord=show car...yeah who gives a crap! atleat the 4 cyl version comes with 2.2L vtec compared to the civics what 1.7? I used to want a civic but got an accord and I was happy after I drove it...hell I;m crusing around in a 4 door automatic with leather and killer sound system that sounds better stock than most modified systems and I can still beat that striped out manual civic at the light..about the only thing that could take me stock would be the newer SI's but still...They also made a 2 door version of the accord you could ge that..If not get a prelude but the older ones have tons of miles...
Get a 1995 Honda Accord EX special edition...the one with the gold emblems...that will cost you anywhere from 7-9 thousand..buy from old people they pamper their cars....then go out and but a turbo kit Intake headers and exhaust maybee some FI pistons but leave the outside stock...well if you want to...and you'll have on hell of a sleeper under that hood...I mean Cmon do you know how embarasing it is to get your ass whooped by a four door family sedan?

 

[Quattro]

get a honda prelude... they're the best

 

[Joey D]

The MR2 is a sweet car. My girlfriend has one. She's only ever done minor maintinece on it and its pushing 100k miles. Damn fast and the turbo is sound.

But you want something fast and cheap...get a truck. I tell you a S-10, Ranger, the japanese things. There all good and have more power for less money. There all easy to mod as well. Plus you live in Virgina and the truck would be nice for winters. Just my opinion

 

[1X83Z]

I happily recommend the following:

1994-2001 Acura Integra sedan
1995 Audi S6
1994-1998 Audi Cabriolet
1989-1991 Chrysler TC Maserati
1990-1994 Eagle Talon TSi AWD
1990-1992 Infiniti M30
1992-2000 Lexus SC400
1986-1992 Mazda RX-7
1995-1998 Nissan 240SX
1986-1997 Saab 9000 Aero
1992-1994 Volkswagen Corrado SLC (VR6)
1996-1997 Volvo 850R
1995-1996 Volvo 850 T-5R

All these vehicles kick ass. I also happily recommend the following, but have a feeling you would hate them:

1994-1996 Chevrolet Impala SS
1989-1995 Ford Taurus SHO
1993-1997 Infiniti J30

👍

 

[retsmah]

Mmm, I wish I had $15,000 to spend on a sports car

I don't think a Civic would be such a bad idea. You could get something like a 4th gen (1988-1991) Civic hatchback for a couple thousand, even less if you can find one in good condition other than a blown motor. Then you can put pretty much anything you want in it, from a 160hp B16 up to a 200hp H22, and that's just if you put a stock Honda motor in it. You could have a good car, and plenty of money left over. Only problem is that would be a lot of work (although probably very easy as far as engine swaps go), fun but as a person with money you probably also have a job of some sort, so finding the time might be hard

I'm looking at getting an MK1 MR2 as my second car, although my first car lasted about 7 months before someone ran into it, so it's almost my first car. They look like fun, I'm test driving one in a couple days, maybe I'll have more opinions on them by then.

One of the newer Civic Sis, the coupes, might be fun, although finding one that hasn't been ruined will be hard. Shouldn't have any problems with reliability, but again only if you find one that hasn't been screwed up.

Oooh, you could look at a Subaru 2.5RS, those are really cool A nice blue one with gold wheels...

You could get an older Corvette, although I don't really know anything about those.

Mmm, there's a lot of other cars out there, just browse autotraders, you might get some good ideas there.

 

[Zrow]

Oooh, you'd like a Corrado VR6. The VW community is huge, so aftermarket parts wouldn't be a problem. Quick cars, and they look nice too. You could probably also get a new Tiburon GT if I'm not mistaken.

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by Zrow
Oooh, you'd like a Corrado VR6. The VW community is huge, so aftermarket parts wouldn't be a problem. Quick cars, and they look nice too. You could probably also get a new Tiburon GT if I'm not mistaken.

You are, but barely - they start at $17,999. I'd have one if I was looking in the segment; they're cheap, reliable, fun, quick, and loaded - leather, Infinity CD, keyless entry, side airbags. Free ABS if you get cloth upholstery, too - good stuff. 👍

 

[///M-Spec]

I'm suprised no one has mentioned the Miata. $15k will put you into a very nice '99 or '00. The very essense of a sports car. Cheap to own and run... great fun, huge enthusiast and aftermarket.


///M-Spec

 

[1X83Z]

Yeah - is this $15k plus maintenance, insurance, etc, or is it $15k including all that?

 

[-Fred-]

Originally posted by KosmikFool
You get an used Eclipse. The 1997 models were probably their best model. My buddy's bro has one with a Turbocharged V6 pushing 300-something horses. If you spend some time with them, you'll like them.

Err, any Eclipse built before 2000 has an I4 engine, pretty much the same engine as in the EVOs.

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by PunkRock
Err, any Eclipse built before 2001 has an I4 engine, pretty much the same engine as in the EVOs.

2000 wasn't a V6 year?

 

[-Fred-]

Originally posted by M5Power
2000 wasn't a V6 year?

Correct, my mistake.

 

[mattmac83]

Wow...lots of ideas. Thanks guys. Now I have too many options. I think I was a bit too optimistic with $15,000, but all of the cars you've mentioned still work out.

 

[Dark Skyline]

get a nissan 300z.

 

[skylineGTR_guy]

a 1996 thats the best year!

 

[mattmac83]

Mazda MX-5's look good...cheap. I like cheap...more money to spend on upgrades.

 

[300ZX_lover]

hmmmm.... '94 wasn't a bad year either.......

 

[skylineGTR_guy]

yeah but not a 96 becasue they dropped the variable valve timing...also 1994 was the year that they changed the HICAS system from a electro-hydraulic one to an electric rear rack which makes the car slightly lighter....however in 1995 the windshield washer reservoir was moved to under the hood from the trunk and the front facia became body colored and makes the car look better....a 95 will run you 12-13 thousand...make sure the timing belt is changed and the alternator! this is a must on a turboed 300Z since this part is known as the achilles heel of the Z anything earlier than 94 has some small technical issues that can be annoying.

 

[mayorbill11]

15 grand will put you in a decent C4 vette, like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2430152727&category=6168

 

[300ZX_lover]

aye...just checked my service records and they show both a timing belt and alternator change at around 70000...though mines not turboed...oh well. the mid 90s toyota MR-2 is a nice car for your price, Mid-engine rwd 4cylinder 16v turbo producing 200hp from the factory. less beefy than the 300turbo but you could put some serious aftermarket parts on it w/ $15,000....not that you want to spend ALL your money...
Mattmac, do you mean Mazda MX-6 or do you really mean the miata.....?
Let us know if you feel particularly drawn to a specific car so the rest of us can stop filling up your thread w/ useless posts about cars that you don't like.