Scotty, I am sixteen years old and I am currently looking for a first car below five grand. I’m looking for a reliable hatchback or coupe that I can do some simple modifications to. I would prefer to have it with a manual transmission. What would be some of your top recommendations?
I would go down to your local used car lot and see what they have. Then look through Craigslist for cars in your area and price range. Pick out a few that appeal to you most, and then go check them out. Once you a get a 'feel' for what your money can get you, then you can start making offers.
My only advice, don’t buy a car from a friend or family member. I bought a used 1985 Buick Park Avenue from a friend when I was 18. It broke down on my way home and definitely soured our friendship. Best of luck
I if was that friend, I would have helped you fix it.
Yes car lots are good to check out cars. After you have some models on your mind go onto owners listings on craigslists and look for good deals. After that you can start checking them out. I would put the car you find into the website so we can say whether it has a reputation of being reliable or a money pit.
Old Honda Civic coupes are fun little cars that will be very reliable and you can easily add high quality mods to them for pretty cheap. I would suggest a 2001-2005 Civic EX - these are bulletproof with the 5 speed manual transmission (the automatics are bad) and the EX has VTEC. If you want something newer, a 2006-2011 Civic coupe manual is another good choice, but these will be a little more expensive.
The 2001-2002 autos are the worst Honda ever made. The 04 05 autos are pretty good thoguh. 2006 is a horrible year cracked engine blocks are too common to risk.
Absolutely correct. I had a 2001 Civic auto and the transmission went out at 45K (but I got a new one for free - Thanks Honda!) The ones with the manuals are excellent though - the engines are really really good.
I'd always recommend checking out a Honda or Toyota.
Maybe a nice Civic with a hatchback would suit your fancy? Maybe a Mazda Miata? Toyota Avalon's were nice as well (though harder to find in a manual). Those models span a good number of years so if some year's style doesn't suit you, feel free to try another year. I hope that gives you some ideas.
As always, if you find a car that makes your heart skip a beat, pay the $100 or so to have a mechanic take a look at it for you. It's better to "lose" $100 than to lose the whole $5,000 buying a bad car.
Maybe you find it interesting. Good luck!
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/where-to-find-a-good-low-cost-car/
First Choice: Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla or Toyota Matrix (Manual Transmission)
Second Choice: Toyota Yaris or Honda Fit (Manual Transmission)
Honorable Mention: Pontiac Vibe (Not sure if they make them in Manual Transmission, assuming they do)
