First car - Input Please!

I wouldnt even consider buying that car.....sounds like shes had a rough life.

 

Really? Mileage is fairly low and she's still under warranty. Has records of maintenance which I like.

 

The motors been rebuilt and it has a rebuilt title from theft.........walk.....I mean run away from this one.

 

Ah yes good point. Averting my eyes.

 

heres a better one for you!

S2KI - S2000 Forums -> FS: 2003 S2000

 

:druling: Wish I had the funds right now without selling my stocks...must..not..sell. Gah.

 

Its a nice car. good shape. I am actually a mod on that site. been a member for over 5 years. they dont let just anyone sell on there.

 

audi would be my choice

 

It's really not a huge deal to replace the timing belt/water pump/rollers on the A4 chassis if you're mechanically inclined...

 

you know what as a kid who has been blessed enough to drive a bunch of these vehicles i'd say go wih an 06C230 with the 2.5 V6. The sport model of course. They perform great handle amazingly and ride pretty well too and with just a pair of K&N filters it'll do about 30MPG and they are very reliable cars as well

 

Oh man, I feel old. My first car was a beater old Ford.

You first car should be something you should (actually, HAVE TO) work on. Eh, Medina? Ya, scratch that. Buy what you want. I grew up dirt poor and have to remind myself that everybody doesn't have to go through the school of hard knocks. There once was a time when the well off sent their kids to boarding schools that functioned much like Paris Island in order to toughen them up to take on the responsibilities of the family "fortune".

I'd get an IS300 and do the 2JZ thing if I had 10 - 20 bones to throw at a first car.

Slumming it in Seattle, hoping to move to Mercer Island before too long!

 

Dude, I'm growing up in a rich family, and they won't pay for shit. I have to learn for myself, and earn for myself. Almost 19 and still no car.

 

You will appreciate your stuff farrrr more if you work and pay for it on your own. Making the last payment on something that you have payed for in full on your own has such a rewarding feeling.....its hard to explain.

 

Well, there goes that theory about the rich being spoiled. (j/k)

Yep, sounds like you gotta go prove to them what you can do. Honestly, I can't think of how much more of a SOB I would have been had I had things handed to me. I'm somewhat grateful I was never given anything. Don't get me wrong. I don't begrudge anybody anything for being rich, coming from a rich family, etc.

One thing I learned about earning everything I got the hard was was a profound respect for other's property. I envy Bill Gate's wealth, but I wouldn't suggest for a second that he should "share", "give" or have taken anything that's rightfully his.

Keep charging ahead and get the scratch together to get the ride you want. You'll get it.

 

I was having a bad day, I take back what I said. My apologies.

 

I re-read it and don't see the hostility there. I honestly don't have any resentment whatsoever for anybody based on their station. I favor a flat tax and feel this current wave of "social justice", soak-the-rich talk one hears these days as simply immoral. When I see a Ferrari, I don't think anything but good thoughts. No resentment for the driver at all. But, I can see that speaking of class and wealth can be dicey for some. I didn't mean to tout my "working class" background as some sort of intrinsic virtue - as it certainly isn't. If it came off like that, I apologize.

Speaking about F cars... A nice Mondial or older 308 can be had for not too much these days. Ever consider a 928 or other supercar of yesteryear? 840 or 850? All great cars, but they can be a handful and a maintenance challenge. Super bargains though.

 

i know i told you i wouldnt go with the new lancer as i have one and dislike it but seeing your budget i would suggest the rallairt version. All wheel drive and a turbo, and great gas mileage. If i had some extra $ rite now id prob trade up and get the ralliart. So if you want a newer car consider this over the scion, IMO its a way better car for the price.

 

I was at fault. I was having a terrible day that day and was not my normal self. I'm sorry for that I acted in a way that was less than professional. :booboo:

But back onto topic - I decided I will be going with the Lexus IS300 after doing some research based off of some of your reccomendations. I'll be scouring the market the next few months for the right one, and then I have some plans in mind for her :woo:. Mostly cosmetic stuff to start most likely, wheels, drop, tint, debadge ect...but eventually I definitely wanna move up to a 2jz gte swap + turbo :druling:.

 

No worries. Make sure the IS you prepare to buy has been properly serviced. If I remember right, Lexus maintains a VIN-centric database of all service performed. Since the 2J has no weak spots, all you need to concern yourself with is regular oil changes I'd guess. It's not an interference engine (double check, I'm going off memory) so even if a timing belt lets go it won't gernade the engine. Doing a timing belt is easy. I've done many 7M & 5M engines, no 2Js, but they are "all in the family". Just stick with OEM Yota parts. They're spendier than anything else, but they always fit and are not built-to-a-price. Tons of info on the drivetrain at the well-known Supra sites.

I can't believe they discontinued that engine! Well, I do know. Economics dictate that a V6 can also fit in a FWD Sienna, Camry and all the assorted sundry soul-less cars that make up Toyota's line. Can you imagine a V6 BMW?!

Can't argue with your general idea. The list of RWD "driver's cars" is small. There is a long established route for a turbo upgrade. Excited for you!

 

Update! Been looking at quite a few IS3's in the past weeks and found the search really fun and a great learning experience. I went into each showing armed with an arsenal of IPA, 2 500W Halogens, my pages upon pages of checklists, and my Dad. After looking over some great vehicles, I found one that fit not only my budget, but is a great overall deal. Here's a little teaser pic:


Went to see the car on Saturday morning, spent a good two hours with the owner going over everything, receipts, records, test drive, ect ect. I originally wanted a stock IS, but am now just planning on parting out in the future. I did not take mod price into account, and neither did he in his asking price. It's a great car, and great deal if everything works out - taking it to the mechanic for a full inspection sometime in the next week. I'll keep this updated as things progress! Here's to hoping everything is clean and checks out! :drinking: