First car help?

[wpotere]

You seem to be confusing "modern" cars with "cars with massive, gas guzzling engines".

This is a norm for Americans. They have to have a car with a large engine because they think a small engine can't perform. It shocks people when my MINI can hang with larger vehicles.

If I had your budget, I'd be straight down to the Ford dealer and ordering myself a Fiesta. These are great cars, with sensible engines (even if you can't get the most sensible 1.25L version in the USA) and they look really modern. They have some great features, like the power heated windscreen (frost, snow, condensation is gone from the front windscreen at the push of a button), rear parking camera and also the option of a full leather interior.


If you were in Europe, I'd also be suggesting the Volkswagen Polo:

Heck, you're lucky enough to be able to afford the Audi A1:

All great vehicles that I had the luxury to drive while living in Germany. Some of the options that you have in Europe we don't have here, but for the most part they are nice cars.

Also, in the UK the insurance companies describe what you are planning to do as "fronting" and it can invalidate the insurance completely. That is to get your parents to sign for a policy as the "main" driver and then have you as a "named" or "second" driver - even though you will be driving the car more than them and they might not drive it at all. It is a very common form of fraud and they are cracking down on it. Not sure what the rules are in the USA. Plus, if you are not the policyholder then you won't earn any no claims bonus to use in future when you get your own policy.

This is allowed in the US. I'm not sure why the UK doesn't allow this but here in the USA, the parents can put the child on their policy and it usually save some money. That being said, the first accident that happens and the parents policy will go up and a possibility of being dropped by the insurance company.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

I'm a big guy (6'2, 200 pounds) so I think a mini cooper and golf are out of the question.

You will fit just fine in a Golf or Mini. In fact, in terms of head/leg/shoulder room, the Golf's dimensions are only a couple tenths of an inch different from the 3-Series, and it has more head room than the BMW. This is true in the back seats as well as the front. So the notion that the Golf is smaller is a myth. It just has a hatch rather than a trunk. Even the Mini manages to provide very close interior dimensions to the BMW, differing mostly in width.

They do not, however, have the "image" you probably want.

 

[Alaerian]

I'm not old by any stretch of the word, but jesus flippin' christ. Kids these days are just ... I don't even know.

You're so damn preoccupied with "OMG, HOW COOL CAN I LOOK" to think about anything else.

 

[Shrink]

I'm not old by any stretch of the word, but jesus flippin' christ. Kids these days are just ... I don't even know.

You're so damn preoccupied with "OMG, HOW COOL CAN I LOOK" to think about anything else.

Agreed, and this is in no way a defense. But, think back a little (and for you that's not a long time), as an adolescent didn't you give huge importance to some things that you now consider trivial?

It's no stretch for me to use the word old, and I can still remember that kind of stuff.

 

[wpotere]

Agreed, and this is in no way a defense. But, think back a little (and for you that's not a long time), as an adolescent didn't you give huge importance to some things that you now consider trivial?

You are right, it is no different now than it was for us as far as trying to be cool is concerned. I just hate to see this guy sink his money into a car that is going to likely cost him.

As for the MINI, well let's just say you will think twice when you get smoked by a clown car.

In Germany I was on Hockenheim ring during an open track day and we had another american that with a 210+ (highly modified) mustang using NOS. We were running the same laps and he would blow by me on the straights and as he was braking for the turns I was accelerating. He never could keep up and ended up behind me and a few other MINIs. Don't even count the clown car out of the race.

 

[wordoflife]

You should definitely look around a bit more than just limit yourself to those three cars. I tend to agree with others that you should stay away with 'luxury' cars (especially German) since they require expensive maintenance.

In my opinion, this looks pretty "modern". Doesn't it?

2003-2007 Honda Accord. It's cheaper upfront and down the road.

Not sure about how much you want to spend, but those newer Nissan Maximas look pretty mean. Probably out of your price range though.

Like I said, keep looking around. You can find a nice but affordable car. A Honda will probably be out of the garage more often and the parts won't be as expensive. All you really need with the Honda is keeping the fluids/oil in check + any major things like the timing belt.

 

[renewed]

Personally go with the Camaro. Should still be in warranty.

No experience with Infiniti.

Being a BMW leaser I love them. However, maintenance is expensive. Out of warranty is a lot of money. From strictly maintaining it to synthetic oil changes it is $$$. On top of that, and this may sound weird, BMW's go through tires (hit a curb, nails, potholes) and last time I checked it was ~$400 for a new tire on my BMW 328i. I've had it a week and gone through two. Luckily I have tire and wheel. They are just made for driving and the track and with that maintaining them can be costly.

 

[r1ch4rd]

You will fit just fine in a Golf or Mini. In fact, in terms of head/leg/shoulder room, the Golf's dimensions are only a couple tenths of an inch different from the 3-Series, and it has more head room than the BMW. This is true in the back seats as well as the front. So the notion that the Golf is smaller is a myth. It just has a hatch rather than a trunk. Even the Mini manages to provide very close interior dimensions to the BMW, differing mostly in width.

They do not, however, have the "image" you probably want.

I have an Audi A3, which is essentially just a Golf with some fancy badges thrown on it. If you see them next to each other you can see the dimensions are identical. A good friend of mine is even taller than the OP and he fits in the front comfortably with good head room. He can even manage to sit in the back for short journeys.

Initially I wanted to buy a Golf, but a relative was selling their A3 and I got a favorable price. They are very good cars (both of them).

Previously, I had a Polo which was also really fun (this was my first car). The small car that has caught my eye recently is the Citroen DS3. Do they sell that in America? Might be worth a look as an alternative to the Mini.

 

[mgartner0622]

I hope this helps make your decision in regards to an import or domestic vehicle.
When I was looking for my first car I wanted a Mini or an Audi A4.
Two of my friends actually had a Mercedes and an A4, and I ended up being given a Toyota Camry, that I was not happy with at first, because it was not "Modern" or "stylish". Just a boring, everyday sedan. Through the next two years, my friend that owned the Audi ended up spending 3200$ in repairs (Not including brakes, tires, and other regular maintenance.) The friend with the Mercedes had to spend over five thousand because the vehicle's electrics completely failed.
The only thing I did to my Camry was change the oil and top off the fluids. I did end up having a minor electrical failure with the rear taillights, it was a total of $200 to repair. I'm now at 140 thousand miles.
Long story short, while my friends were spending thousands to keep up their German luxury cars, I spent very little keeping my car in working order. I'm not recommending a Camry by any means, however there are some nice Japanese/American cars that can be had for around 10k that will last you years without much money invested besides preventative maintenance. Money is important to have when you go to college, spending it all on keeping your car running is probably not what you want to do.

 

[NoSmokingBandit]

and I have no reason to show off

Yet your top criteria for the car is "modern looks." Not reliability, efficiency, comfort, long-term costs, etc.



You are more of a kid than you think. Do something responsible and when you are an adult you'll appreciate just how much you saved. Spend a ton on a flashy car you can't afford (unless your parents are going to buy it for you) and you'll regret it for the rest of your life.

But what do i know, you are 18, you know everything.

 

[senseless]

Not all 18 year old drivers are hazards, but insurance company statistics are pretty clear. The cost to insure you over a 50 year old driver is triple. Get into a fast sports car and it's astronomical.

 

[BanjoBanker]

I had a 06 330i and I loved the first 50k miles. over the next 25k I replaced all four window motors, a clutch and had to have the transmission rebuilt. It was serviced by the book the whole time I owned it. Great car, terrible long term reliability. However, I got 22.5k on trade for a Lexus GS300. I put 220k on a Mercedes 240D and had no trouble. Used BMWs are a crap shoot, you might get a good one, but I would not bet on it. For 25K buy a new Ford Focus with a stick and enjoy the hell out of it.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

In my opinion, this looks pretty "modern". Doesn't it?

2003-2007 Honda Accord. It's cheaper upfront and down the road.

The Accord has a very good reputation for reliability, and is cheap to run. But it suffers from one major flaw - it is one of the most boring cars you can own. Plus, it's huge.

Previously, I had a Polo which was also really fun (this was my first car). The small car that has caught my eye recently is the Citroen DS3. Do they sell that in America? Might be worth a look as an alternative to the Mini.

I hate the A3. Not because it isn't a good car (it is a very good car), but because the asking price is so high compared to the Golf, especially for the Quattro version.

Sadly, the DS3 is not available in the states - nor is the Polo. Our choice of good hatches is limited: the Mini and Golf are probably the best, with the Focus and Fiesta making good alternatives.

For 25K buy a new Ford Focus with a stick and enjoy the hell out of it.

It's all about brand image. Kids want to be seen in BMWs, Lexuses and Mercedes Benzes etc etc. But the Focus is a very good car.

 

[GfPQqmcRKUvP]

You seem to be confusing "modern" cars with "cars with massive, gas guzzling engines".

With the exception of the Camaro, it doesn't seem that he is.

If I had your budget, I'd be straight down to the Ford dealer and ordering myself a Fiesta. These are great cars, with sensible engines (even if you can't get the most sensible 1.25L version in the USA) and they look really modern. They have some great features, like the power heated windscreen (frost, snow, condensation is gone from the front windscreen at the push of a button), rear parking camera and also the option of a full leather interior.

The Fiesta is an excellent car. I hope they take off in the U.S. However, they're not that fast which decreases the fun a little bit. Don't get me wrong, I love the new Fiesta, but I totally understand drivers who want more of an actual driving experience instead of just using a car as transportation. A 3-series will handle far better and be quicker but don't kid yourself, it will be expensive to maintain. IT WILL BE. If you're fine with that, go ahead. I have an Audi so take a look at some of those models. They're really enjoying a brand renaissance right now.

If I were to buy a car and be limited to 20k? I'd get a Fiesta for practicality and having a nice, new car with a full warranty, a 2007 Mustang GT as your beastly choice, or a few-years-old VW GTI.

 

[cantthinkofone]

You don't need a brand new car if it's your first car. Your first car should be a way to get you from point A to point B. You need to build your way up to a new car or a car similar to the cars you listed. You won't appreciate any of those cars you listed if they are your first. Own 3-4 vehicles for at a year or so each and then get a nice car that is a year or two old.

A friend of mine has a 2010 Camero SS and only has it because he works full time, and doesn't have rent or any other bills besides his car payment. Buy a car on your own and the amount of pride you will have in it is priceless. And that pride will increase with each newer vehicle you buy.

I advise this to you as I am 24 now and started out near the bottom and worked my way up and glad I did.

With the exception of the Camaro, it doesn't seem that he is.

The SS gets about 25-29 on the highway. For a V8 thats fairly good I think. The RS gets about 30-35 on the highway. Hardly gas guzzling.

 

[fireshot91]

Yupp. Your first car should not be such a great car.

I got a Honda Civic (9 years old), and well still use it.

I've now come to the realization that spending money on cars and stuff like that is absolutely useless.

You use a car to get from here to there, in a decent amount of time. What difference does it make if your car can go 200mph, if there are speed limits?

So since there's no need, you should buy the cheapest car in the long run. By cheapest I mean up front cost + insurance + gas expenses - resell value.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

The Fiesta is an excellent car. I hope they take off in the U.S. However, they're not that fast which decreases the fun a little bit. Don't get me wrong, I love the new Fiesta, but I totally understand drivers who want more of an actual driving experience instead of just using a car as transportation.

You don't need a fast car for it to be fun to drive. A light, chuckable car with sharp handling is always more fun to drive than something that's fast in a straight line but maybe not so sharp otherwise. cf. the original (and legendary) BMC Mini.

 

[wordoflife]

The Accord has a very good reputation for reliability, and is cheap to run. But it suffers from one major flaw - it is one of the most boring cars you can own. Plus, it's huge

I don't understand - what's "boring" about it?
Is that even a major concern for a cheap and reliable first car?

 

[Lagmonster]

I wouldnt go with RWD in a first car unless you have been a kart racer or something since age 12 or live where the weather is always perfect. Lots of learning to do.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

I don't understand - what's "boring" about it?
Is that even a major concern for a cheap and reliable first car?

The Accord is a compromise car, a jack-of-all-trades. By many quantifiers it's a great car, and millions of people tootle around in them happily every day. The current version's V6 is very powerful, there's plenty of room, the 4 cylinder offers decent fuel economy for the class and the styling is inoffensive. But it is not an exciting car.

I wouldnt go with RWD in a first car unless you have been a kart racer or something since age 12 or live where the weather is always perfect. Lots of learning to do.

The idea that RWD cars are especially difficult to drive is a myth - it's more a question of power-to-weight ratios. A powerful car, regardless of drivetrain layout, can be difficult to control, especially if driven aggressively or on low traction surfaces.

 

[wordoflife]

The Accord is a compromise car, a jack-of-all-trades. By many quantifiers it's a great car, and millions of people tootle around in them happily every day. The current version's V6 is very powerful, there's plenty of room, the 4 cylinder offers decent fuel economy for the class and the styling is inoffensive. But it is not an exciting car.

I see.
Still a good car though. I personally love how the 04 Accord looks. The newer ones doesn't have character.

Does anyone know anything about the newer Ford (Focus')? Are they reliable? My family has never owned a Ford so I don't know how they are, but they look nice. All we've owned were Japanese cars and a Volvo.

 

[GfPQqmcRKUvP]

You don't need a brand new car if it's your first car. Your first car should be a way to get you from point A to point B.

Some of us think of cars as more than just transportation.

You need to build your way up to a new car or a car similar to the cars you listed. You won't appreciate any of those cars you listed if they are your first.

Maybe YOU wouldn't appreciate any of those cars if they were your first, but it's a pretty big leap to tell someone you don't know what he would appreciate.

The SS gets about 25-29 on the highway. For a V8 thats fairly good I think. The RS gets about 30-35 on the highway. Hardly gas guzzling.

I wasn't aware of that. I always assumed that their weight would bring down the mileage lower than that.

Yupp. Your first car should not be such a great car.

Why?

I got a Honda Civic (9 years old), and well still use it.

Oh. Next you're probably going to say that cars are only transportation and not worth spending money on...

I've now come to the realization that spending money on cars and stuff like that is absolutely useless.

And spending money on whatever you find "worth it" to spend money on could be entirely useless to me. See how people have different preferences/priorities?

So since there's no need, you should buy the cheapest car in the long run. By cheapest I mean up front cost + insurance + gas expenses - resell value.

No. He should buy whatever car he wants as long as he has accurate information of what the totality of the car ownership experience is (includes the actual driving, reliability, practicality, etc). You seem to think the cheapest car is the best because it's just transportation. That's certainly a valid opinion, but it's NOT the only way people think.

You don't need a fast car for it to be fun to drive. A light, chuckable car with sharp handling is always more fun to drive than something that's fast in a straight line but maybe not so sharp otherwise. cf. the original (and legendary) BMC Mini.

Yes, you're right. I really think a GTI would be a great car for the above reasons.

The idea that RWD cars are especially difficult to drive is a myth - it's more a question of power-to-weight ratios. A powerful car, regardless of drivetrain layout, can be difficult to control, especially if driven aggressively or on low traction surfaces.

I feel safer in RWD cars than FWD. I've never even heard of this myth but it seems counter-intuitive to me. I'd much rather be able to flick the tail around with some throttle than horrendous, uncontrollable understeer.

 

[cantthinkofone]

Rabble Rabble

Let me explain. Say your a 16 year old kid and your mommy and daddy go out and buy you a BMW M5, or a Mercedes S class, or a GT500. Your very first car. Are you going to appreciate that car for what it is? Not just transportation. No you wouldn't. Because that person is too young to understand what they have. It sets the standard right then and there.

What else does a 18 year old need when buying a vehicle besides something that will get him where he or she needs to go safely? I drove clunkers from when I got my first car when I was 19 that had my name and my name only on the title until last winter when I was finally able to buy a vehicle that most consider to be a nice vehicle. I believe this taught me many many things. For example....My second vehicle was a 91 Nissan Hardbody, 4x4, extended cab, manual, power windows, 6 inch body lift, with 33" tires. What did this vehicle teach me? It taught me how to drive a manual. It taught me about vehicle maintenance and what happens when you abuse your only means of transportation and have to fix it on your dime. This vehicle taught me how to wrench on cars and trucks.

My point is simple I believe. Start out with something simple, like a Honda Accord like some have mentioned. It will teach you how to own a vehicle on your own with out breaking the bank on lease or loan payments. Insurance is going to be expensive enough. I cannot wait to turn 25 this winter.

Honestly I believe if my parents bought me a brand new vehicle when I was 16 or 18 I don't think I would have appreciated it. I think doing things on your own is one of the best life lessons you can learn at a early age. And by the time your 24-30 and have a career and can afford a nice vehicle it will be no sweat.

The Accord has a very good reputation for reliability, and is cheap to run. But it suffers from one major flaw - it is one of the most boring cars you can own. Plus, it's huge.

Obviously you have never driven a Toyota Camry or a Avalon

It's all about brand image. Kids want to be seen in BMWs, Lexuses and Mercedes Benzes etc etc. But the Focus is a very good car.

Maybe in the UK the F*cus is a good car, but they are disgusting here in the states.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

I feel safer in RWD cars than FWD. I've never even heard of this myth but it seems counter-intuitive to me. I'd much rather be able to flick the tail around with some throttle than horrendous, uncontrollable understeer.

Any competently-designed car can be safe to drive whether it be RWD, FWD, AWD or 4WD. FWD is popularly perceived to be safer because it is generally more difficult to spin - but that doesn't necessarily mean you're less likely to crash.

 

[GfPQqmcRKUvP]

Let me explain. Say your a 16 year old kid and your mommy and daddy go out and buy you a BMW M5, or a Mercedes S class, or a GT500. Your very first car. Are you going to appreciate that car for what it is? Not just transportation. No you wouldn't. Because that person is too young to understand what they have.

I got a Mustang GT. I grew up a huge Ford fan, a lover of Mustangs, and most of all, a lover of cars. Who are you to say that I didn't appreciate the car? I took care of it, I detailed it every week (no exaggeration), and never got in any accidents or any tickets. Getting that car meant more to me than almost anything, it was incredible.

What else does a 18 year old need when buying a vehicle besides something that will get him where he or she needs to go safely? I drove clunkers from when I got my first car when I was 19 that had my name and my name only on the title until last winter when I was finally able to buy a vehicle that most consider to be a nice vehicle. I believe this taught me many many things. For example....My second vehicle was a 91 Nissan Hardbody, 4x4, extended cab, manual, power windows, 6 inch body lift, with 33" tires. What did this vehicle teach me? It taught me how to drive a manual. It taught me about vehicle maintenance and what happens when you abuse your only means of transportation and have to fix it on your dime.

My Mustang taught me how to drive a manual. I didn't need to be taught a lesson on abusing my only means of transportation because I appreciated what I had immediately.

Honestly I believe if my parents bought me a brand new vehicle when I was 16 or 18 I don't think I would have appreciated it.

You may be right, but I don't know you. But please, stop thinking you know how every other person at that age would react to something.

I think doing things on your own is one of the best life lessons you can learn at a early age.

We're in agreement here. I can only speak for myself, but just because I was given a car doesn't mean I didn't know how good it felt to do things on my own.