I've been saving up for a little bit now and I am looking at getting a first car. I love working hands on so I don't mind doing some work on it either. I would later down the line want to modify it a bit. I want something somewhat sporty, I know it's obviously not going to be super fast, but I wanted something that I can have some fun with when I take it to the track. I have been considering the civic si from either 1999 or the 8th generation, the Lexus is300, Acura TL, Infiniti G35x and WRX. I'd prefer to spend around 3k for it but I'm open to saving up longer if that's what I need to do (I know I would need more then 3k for a wrx). I also live in Canada so snow is another thing I have to think about. I know this is quite a long question but what should be the car for me? Is there a car that I'm not even considering that would suit me?
For a first car, I would focus on buying something that will get you to where you're going, and forget racing. Get something less than 10 years old. You should just be able to manage that with $3k.
Those that you consider are not good for the the first car. They are too old and you stuck spending so much money for every little plastic and rubber if you are lucky and the engine and transmission do not give you trouble. Look for a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic it you drive conservatively, they are fine for snow too.
My suggestion would be to get a Lincoln Town Car. They may not be sporty, but they have plenty of power, can be had for less than $3000, and they just last for ages. I’ve heard the taxi companies won’t even buy them until they have 200,000 on the odometer! Don’t quote me on that, but they are dead reliable, so I believe it. Also, they CAN be made sporty if you want them to be, it just takes some work.
Something you may want to consider is that an old luxury car, even if basically reliable like a Lexus, has an awful lot of complex gadgetry to go wrong. For a first car something reliable and pretty basic would probably be the best choice.
Thanks for the input everyone!
That’s a good point. Agreed.
get a 2007+ Civic. That is your best bet
I vote Civic, too. You can get a better one of those on your budget. They are easy to work on, and there is a lot of knowledge and affordable parts for modifying them for speed and handling.
