First car - Input Please!

very nice. looks tastefully modded from the outside at least. color is similar to my cars. bet u cant wait to detail this baby. just look at that exhaust :gross:

 

Save a bit more and get yourself a new car. Don't inherit someone else' problems.

 

I don't think I'll ever buy a new car, the hit you take from just driving it off the lot is too much to make me want a new one

 

Oooh nice vehicle, I like those Lexus IS very sharp looking vehicles if you ask me...better then the new stuff Lexus is selling but that's just my :2cents:

 

Whoa, that interior is horrible haha. Do you plan on keeping it that way?

 

I'll probably repaint it back to the stock black. I agree with you, the blue is terrible.

I have alot in store for her first week with me if I end up getting it:applause2:

 

Pontiac G8 GT 365 hp rwd seats four has 4 doors and looks good.

 

Been busy with school, work, and the SAT...gross. But here's an update:
The car I previously posted was sold to some impulsive buyer - saw the car, test drove it, and payed the seller's asking price same day. All while I was in the process of scheduling a mechanic to give it a look over. All is good though, since then I have expanded my search to 2004.5+ Volvo S40's, as my parent's are safety nuts and one of the safest cars would put my mom's mind at rest. I'm actually viewing two cars this saturday and maybe things will work out. I'm not looking at the S40 T5 unfourtunately, simply because at my age, a turbo would make insurance prices for me nearly double - and I can't afford that.

 

sry to hear that. the newer volvos are nice looking cars. look for the awd model if they make it and yeh the turbo will make your insurance go up.

Dunno if its legal or not but just have the volvo under your moms insurance and even if its a turbo it will be cheap. I recently changed to Allstate and my 08 Lancer is now under my moms name and her 4Runner is under mine. For full coverage were paying under $100 a month for each one
Before i was paying $300 a month for the same coverage and it was under my name.

 

+1!!! Depending on what you are willing to spend, you can likely get an S Line!!? The Charger is just cheesy and the Cherokee is too...????

The Audi for sure!!!! QUOTE=slanguage;164671]get the audi A4. 'nuff said.[/QUOTE]

 

My car is under my moms name for this reason... as long as you tell the insurance you are the primary driver it is 100% legal, on my insurance I just have to be a full time student to be on the parents plan after turning 18...

 

Im a little surprised that you are worrying about gas mileage for your first car and you are looking primarily at german cars...? The cost to fix any problems will kick your value system to the curb...out of warranty costs on BMW's and MB's is very very high. And in all honesty, neither brands offer anything Id want in the last few years, unless youre buying a special model. The C-class's of those gen's have horrible interiors and handle pretty poorly... If youre gonnna buy german and inherit the expensive problems someone else allready had, at least buy the 3, since its fun to drive at any level...You could even look at a E39 5. Ive owned a 540iT and theyre really nice cars if you get the full leather interior, 10 spkr sound system, and sport suspension.

Im not sure what your price range is (I probably just overlooked it), but it would seem its around 15k? Id be looking for a nicely used 2004 CTS-V...theyre getting closer to that price now. A first gen V6 CTS would be a good choice as well. The early years had some teething problems, but the 06/07's were fairly solid, and they handle great, ride great and have a nice badge...although the interior is just as crappy as the C-class. Id also look at an IS300, they were more fun to drive then the new IS350's...and the looks are not as polarizing. Id also look at a G35, as those have always been good cars to live with, imo.

 

MPG is one of my major concerns considering I pay for my own gas, insurance, car, maintenance ect, but I'm actually looking at Is300's and S40's now Greased, just never got around to updating the first post. I absolutely love german cars, but at this point - they just aren't practical. Maybe when I grow up a bit, but right now I've come to my senses and realize I need something A. Practical B. Reliable. I definitely have looked at the CTS V but the mpg made me shy away from it.

 

On a side note...for those of you with those with a chrome lip on their wheels, how is that to maintain? I'm looking at a brushed aluminum spoke wheel with a chrome lip and I'm wondering how difficult it is to keep clean.

 

This.

Seriously. If you're considering a Boxster - which is another great car - test drive an S2000. I wanted one for years, and now that I have one, I don't know why I waited so long. It has exceeded my expectations in every way.

Aaron, Roger, and I can tell you everything you could possibly want to know.

 

I am partial to the BMWs, so that would be my choice. The 3-series are great handling cars with good enough power and handling for a first car. They hold their value well too. You can find some that are meticulously maintained with detailed records as well people that have taken pride in detailing them as well. Private owners are a good place to start. Dealers may have leads on some nice CPO 3-series which will give you 6 year 100k coverage. Key is just to shop around. Definitely go to some dealerships and try to test drive some of the used models of the vehicles you mentioned. This will give you a better idea of what you really want.

The A4 is a good choice as well, but I think you can get more car for your $ with the BMW. As krshultz mentioned, definitely check into the Honda S2000. I have never owned one, but I have a friend that does and its definitely an awesome car.

Regardless of what you chose, don't feel pressured or rushed. You have waited this long and saved your $, take the time and look into the cars history. Also, plan ahead. I would probably avoid liquidating your assets to move into the higher price range. Remember, its your first car, you will own many more. Ultimately its a depreciating asset, so don't put every hard cent you have into it.

Good luck!

 

Yeah, if you don't get an S2000, an E46 BMW would be my next choice. I really think it's the best car BMW has ever made. An Imola Red 330i ZHP being my absolute favorite.

 

I keep kicking myself in the ass for selling my E46 M3. Didn't realize how much I'd miss it till it was gone! The E46 in general is probably one of the best looking BMWs IMO.

 

I would tell you to get a 350Z, but I'm not at all biased. lol

 

I would say the new VW Mk6, love my Mk5, and the 6 is the same platform pretty much with different body and better on the inside. But I will say that the s2k is a blast to drive.