I’m 15 years old and I need some good options for a first car since I get my license in a few months, I would prefer something older , price range is about 4-5k and I’d prefer a manual. I came on here to ask because I have no idea what to stay away from and what kind of maintenance is required etc. I also live in a area that gets a good amount of snow.
This question has been beaten to death here. Try a quick search using the search function in the top right corner.
Spoiler alert - your best bet for <$5000 will be a Corolla or Civic.
When you say a good amount of snow, will you need AWD? Or are AWD vehicles very popular in your area?
Toyota Corolla, Camry, Avalon or Honda Civic are good choices. To find years to avoid, check out the Common Problems with Toyota and Honda models, is it worth buying this model? page.
Your best bet for that price would be a basic Japanese car like a Honda Civic (except for some 5 speed trannies have had severe issues),
or a Toyota Corolla (except for some of the older CVT and definitely avoid the Hybrids).
Those two are good but they can be expensive - If you're looking for a very cheap runabout, you may consider the manual Duratec Focus (as long as it has about 60k miles and as long you're not planing to keep it for more then 120k miles. DO NOT get the EcoBoost, or the PowerShift transmissions, those are junk) as you can find them for very cheap with under 60,000 miles. They're very mediocre cars. I've been buying 6-7 year old focus wagons to use as work vehicles and they have served me very well for how cheap I've been buying them.
Generally,
When it comes to new cars I'd recommend avoiding Dual Clutch and CVT transmissions - unless you're already a very good driver and you can adapt your self to their unique behavior. Also, avoid turbo/super charger engines and European cars except for older Volvos (Scotty has been recommending their older cars like the XC70, and I personally own a 2010 C30 (you can see it in my profile picture) and it has been probably the best car I've ever owned)
Excuse me, BUT, How is it that any 15 year old has Five Grand to look for a car?
I didn't get my first car til I was 21 after 3 years of military service.
Kid, keep the money and walk. When you graduate high school, start looking for something. or better yet, buy a non working jeep, learn to fix it and after H.S. you'll have knowledge and a working jeep.
