First car... The battle for perfection

Well after trying to do this deal myself on the is300 finding out info, test driving, etc. I found a great one in my budget, but my parents pulled the plug...

Is this fair!? Their reason, its RWD, and therefore not good for you to drive in the winter. I live in the greater toronto area, and snow here is fair (not too many storms), maybe a few centimeters over night 1-3 on a light snowy night, over 10 and school is cancelled anyways... I told them I drove there FWD CRV no problem in snow with hydro-edge tires (not very good in snow, terrible braking, slipping etc.) but they claim that a RWD with snow tires is still far worse. Lastly, I am pretty much forced into a 2002-2005 civic as according to them, its the best car for me but maybe after this winter. I spent my whole month after a vaction working my ass off waking up at 5:30, expecting to be able to purchase a car, but NO. Are my parents over reacting or what? I also still have the choice of the RSX, but base only because a manual tranny is a "bad" option for a relatively new/young driver.

Can anyone help me win them over? My dad hates when I nag him, or push him into purchases, so hes refusing to talk about a car for a while AHHHHHHHH, the 1999 CRV is sooo not cool (especially since I have to ask them like way early before hand to even drive it, and as a teen we don't make plans early (more like on the spot).

Sorry... Rannt, need to fuel my anger somewhere

One last thing, he claims 2001 is too old, but then mentions me working up the ladder from lets say a 1996 civic...

 

ummm GTI comes in auto n its coool!! lol sucks relaying on ur parents tho, cuz u never get it ur way, its always their way when u at their home.

 

Their money...their rules.

You don't like it....go buy your own shit. Then they have no say in the matter.

 

Could you work this angle: a rear wheel drive car with dedicated snow tires is going to be far better in the snow than any front wheel drive car with summer tires or even so-so all seasons. If you cannot get your ideal car, I would recommend just waiting a little while until you are able to go for something you really want to drive!

 

I own an is300, the car is pretty "weak" hp wise so the likely hood of spinning out is pretty slim. The traction control kicks in quick if you do slip a bit. But I do recommend good winter tires for snow etc.

I have a 01 and love it. A lot of the 02+ have dashboard issues so you might want to look into that. Also 02+ have a higher ride height if that matters to you.

Just make sure the current owner has done all the maintenance on the IS, especially the 90k service which is a big overhaul of the engine (timing belt, water pump, tensioner, idler pulley etc).

One last thing, the IS300 chugs premium gas I get around 21-22mpg highway. But hey, if you love the car as much as I do, gas isn't a problem.

 

Im sorta hoping that it wont have the 90k service as I really want to get some BC stg 2 cams to liven it up.

But slowly, its looking better than yesterday. I guess I just have to be patient. And to those that said its their money... I am not like that. I have money saved for this reason and will be paying for everything - taxes. Taking it one step at a time

 

Well then if it's solely your money that is being spent and going under your insurance (which you are paying for) then logically they shouldn't have a say in what you purchase.

As far as the whole snow/rwd thing goes....

I live in NJ...we get a decent amount of snowfall. This last winter was BRUTAL.

I drive an 02 mustang (v6, peg-legged rwd) and its pretty nerve racking for those few weeks that there's snow on the ground. But the final conclusion is that if you are level headed about driving in the powder..then you're not going to have a problem.

Ive never owned a front wheel drive car in my life.

 

Ohh, insurance is another thing, my dads paying for that along with me (I think it will be 50-50). So, its fair to say they should have some say. Lastly, my dad said whenever there is to be snow more than 1-2inches, I would be driving the CRV because its available.

Well patience is key

BTW do u have winter tires?

 

Nope. As long as you take it slow and stay at a safe speed you won't have any problems. And at that point it's other people you have to watch out for.

Because there are plenty of dumbasses on the road these days. lol

 

Yeeup, thats the main reason my parents are scared for me driving. While the know I am safe driver, there are plenty of idiots out there. Like yesterday... I was doing 5 over the limit and this old man in a Camry tailgates me for 5km... I even moved out of this way, and finally he speeds up over 100km/h in a 70 zone. SMART!

 

IMO, i don't think its worth upgrading the 2jzge block with N/A addons. Adding on extra stuff will only increase HP by a little bit.

I have a Joe-z intake + k&N filter, really didn't notice anything much.
I just use my car to cruise around, no need for the extra HP, but whenever my engine goes bye bye, I'm definitely dropping in a 2jzgte + 6spd.

 

I wish I could have the money for a gte swap, but then I dont think I would be in the market for this car. Reason for the Cams is, my uncles owns a mechanic shop and he has access to dealer auctions so hes the one im going to go to. + cams are $600, and a car of that age will most likely not done a 90k service (im looking for on with 75-85k miles) so timing will be done at one point and why not do cams at such a convenient time. If the 90k is done, I wont do them.

 

I would have to go with the Jetta or GTI.

 

Things are brutal and as much as I want a car, insurance will cost $3600 at least/ year. Thats crazy! + gas, maintenance I just can't that as we aren't rich. So its too bad, but as a result of this, my dad is going to buy a new car ( lexus is, 3 series, along those lines) that I could drive until I go to university.

I really envy some of you guys in the states! Insurance there is really peanuts, and here in Canada, the companies just have the balls to keep inflating rates.

All my car searching has gone to waste, but I feel like its fine. Not angry, just have to live with it

And now, I got all this money saved... Time to invest in some stocks! (joking)

 

Its ok, I know how you feel man. I'm in the same boat.