First Car Help! UPDATE: Celica Vs. Eclipse!

[TrackpadUser]

Most cars on that list aren't super great as first cars.

They are more good choices as project/for fun cars.

Yes, exactly. Get something small, manual, and FWD or AWD. Unless you buy a truck, which can be RWD without any problems.

In the states the manual part is recommended but IMHO not absolutely necessary. Especially since automatics are more common, although more expensive.

[Spitfire599]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I've created a somewhat logical list of good first cars.

Ford Focus

Toyota Camry

Subaru SVX (No.)

Nissan Maxima

Oldsmobile Aurora

Pontiac Aztek (I'm not joking)

Pontiac Grand Prix

Still sticking with the Cavalier idea

Volkswagen Golf

Dodge Dakota

Ford Taurus SHO (Probably not)

Cadillac Eldorado

[Leonardo9613]

Here goes my opinion and what I think of the cars.

I would get rid of the sedans. They are dull, boring, just no. Maybe the SHO, it is the least boring of them.
Aztek?? That is deeply uncool. It is only acceptable with you are bald and work with meth.
I don't like pick-ups, so that is the Dakota out.
Pontiac Grand Prix isn't the 90s one, the Opel Kadett/Vauxhall Astra, right? That car is terrible, avoid at all costs. If it is the 70s-80s coupe, it is pretty nice.
The US-spec Golf has a history of being unreliable, it was built in Mexico and quality control wasn't their forte, nor VWs.

After all, I would get the Focus. I think it looks good, it handles well, is economical, spaceous enough. It is a nice car overall.

[TrackpadUser]

I seriously recommend against getting a Cavalier or Golf for reasons mentioned above. They aren't known for their reliability.

If you want a sportyish compact get a 2-door civic. It's going to be much more reliable and just as fun to drive.

Also, if you want a cheap pick-up, I reccomend getting a Ranger/Mazda B-Series. The design is dated but from what I heard they are fairly reliable.

Apart from that, the sedans can be decent choices if you can get them cheap, but I don't see much point to get those instead of a more compact car.

[adamd]

Just be careful going looking at Corollas. I'd guess the era you'd be looking at had the 1ZZ, which is gonna get very oil burny if it hasn't been meticulously maintained. On that note however, how much do Celicas go for there?

If you don't need the practicality so much, it's at least got a bit more about it than something like a Corolla, and they handle beautifully. You can have a good bit of fun with them, but they're still a "safe" setup.

[Spitfire599]

But what about the SVX?

[Spitfire599]

Here's my method of whittling down the list (Updated):

My brain says:
First out is the Focus. My parents hate it. I personally see nothing wrong with it, but if it's under $4,000, it's probably not going to be any good. The Golf can be expensive, since it's a Volkswagen. Same story with the Subaru. I'd immediately go for the Aztek, if it wasn't so hideous, so that's that out. The Cavalier is too unreliable, as is the Grand Prix. The Cadillac... I don't think anyone could see me in a Cadillac. The Dakota is just a too little boring looking. Same with the Camry. The Taurus would be a good car, but seriously, the one I'm looking at is the '99. That one gets a bad reputation. So what we have left is the Nissan and the Olds. The Nissan is an incredibly great car. It's fast, reasonably priced, and basically without fault. But I've always thought it a little bit... plain. So by that basis, the Oldsmobile is the unlikely winner! (In my mind.) Call me Grandpa, but it's luxurious, good looking, fast, and cheap. Why not?

My heart says:

A Cavalier? Really? Where's the prestige in that? That's out right away! So's the Olds... What am I, 80? The Aztek is butt-ugly, and that Subaru's an accident waiting to happen. At this point, I have to tell you a secret. In my opinion, the best car in the world is the Toyota Camry. But where's the fun in that? Where would I go if I play it safe all the time? Same thing with the Nissan. The Taurus, now that's awesome. A Taurus, but a Taurus that can compete with an M3. I'm also sold on the Golf. The Golf is the epitome of cool, teenager cars. James May agrees. For that reason, it's out. (I'm not being completely serious.) The Focus is stylish, and cool. But it kind of lacks the get up and go that I'd want in a car. So what we have left is: the Pickup, the Taurus, the Grand Prix, and the Caddy. The only Taurus SHO near me that I'd even consider buying looks like it needs quite a few repairs. The Eldorado looks brand new, despite being almost 20 years old, so it's not out yet. Neither is the Grand Prix - I found one that is in mint condition, and at a great price! (I know you people say that the 90's one is a nightmare, but I'm still going with it. I haven't heard any horror stories yet.) Finally, we come to the Dakota. What can I say? It's got a HEMI! It's the winner!

The final list: 12 means no, 1 means YES!!!

12. Camry

11. Taurus

10. Subaru

9. Cavalier

8. Golf

7. Oldsmobile

6. Cadillac

5. Nissan

4. Ford

3. Grand Prix

2. Dakota

1. Azte-- Woah, woah woah. Hold the phone. HOLD. THE. PHONE. An Aztek? Really? I can hear the Automation community collectively groaning. But let me finish, and then you can tell me if I'm right or not. The Aztec is regarded by many people as the worst car in the world. Why? Why do so many people think it's so bad? Is it the reliability? No... Is it the practicality? No, certainly not.. In fact, it's safe to say that it's more practical than most vans. Is it the dull performance? Kinda. It's not slow, it's just not fast. It's average. So what is it then, that makes it "such a bad car?" It's the styling! There's no denying that this is a very ugly car, but why would that put many potential buyers off? I mean, it's a head-turner! Not necessarily for the right reasons, but it DOES turn heads rather well! Everyone's saying: It's not the looks, it's the personality that counts. If loads of people agree with that, then why do they hate the Aztek? Let's not forget that this car came with a drink cooler in the center console (GENIUS), its own tent! (I don't like camping much, but I'd definitely camp in that!) It also has many other options, like a package for cycling. I do own a bicycle, and ride it frequently, so I could find some use for that. All around, I think it's the perfect first car. Let the internet war begin!

[TrackpadUser]

I don't know but IIRC the Alero is not known for it's quality.

Like a few said many times, why not a Civic/Corolla?

[partario]

The Olds Aurora will probably end up being being very expensive to maintain. If you're looking for a decent sedan with a bit luxury, what about a Lexus ES? It's pretty much all the reliability of the Camry in a slightly more attractive looking shell.

What is more important for you, luxury/comfort, or fun to drive? If latter, I'd suggest something smaller.

What about a Mazda Protege5? The early-model Mazda6 and Mazda3's are also going for pretty cheap these days. Watch out for rust, though.

[oppositelock]

What's your parents problem with the Focus? It's a great first car. Or in my case, sixth.

[nialloftara]

I'd avoid the aurora, they were good cars but all those computers don't age well, plus both the engines are based off the north star and will suffer the same head gasket problems.

You want a 4 door Japanese sedan. If you want some sport look for the 04-05 corolla xrs, matrix xrs or Pontiac vibe gt all come with a 2zz 1.8 and a 6speed. Any lx or ex civic will have vtec and be plenty fun for a first car. 01-03 sentra ser or ser spec-v would be lots of fun. If you really want a domestic car try and score a 2003 ford zx2, they were way better then the early focus.if you really want a Grand Prix make sure it's at least a 2004 or newer, the 3800 series 2 had a bunch of issues. One more not on your list is a Volvo s40, they were pretty solid cars for cheap, 02-03 should be in your price range.

Couple things to remember, try and get the last few years of a model generation, they tend to have less problems, have any car you like checked out by a independent mechanic unless you buy from a reliable dealership. Expect to flush all fluids after buying to be safe, transmission, coolant, brakes, and oil.

[Spitfire599]

One more not on your list is a Volvo s40, they were pretty solid cars for cheap, 02-03 should be in your price range.

The only Volvo I'd go near is one with an "R" badge, but I'll look into it.

[conan]

Get some regular car.


Black Honda Fit

[nialloftara]

One more not on your list is a Volvo s40, they were pretty solid cars for cheap, 02-03 should be in your price range.

The only Volvo I'd go near is one with an "R" badge, but I'll look into it.

Well there no S40R but there was a T5 AWD in 04-08, and T5 is another badge you should look at in volvos.

[Octan2013]

I recommend you to get a Honda Civic..