Help Me Pick a Car!

[tdileo]

Here’s one for my car guys.
I’ve been trying to find something for a while and never found anything that I really fell in love with. Birthday is coming up in April and that means I’ll be getting my license. I need to pick the right car though and have struggled even though I spend hours every week looking. I want something that fits the following, and importance to me is in the order I’m putting it.
- Reliable
- Quick, even if it needs some work in it.
- Seats multiple people. I like the 2+2s a lot but some sedans are nice.
- At least decent interior / exterior
- Under $8,000 preferably, but if I fall in love I’d be willing to finance.
Some of the best things I were able to find were a 2005 Mustang GT, 2004 Mercedes CLK500, 2006 Audi A8 but I haven’t yet found anything that really speaks to me beyond “oh yeah I like that”.

 

[CB2029]

I've love the versatility of my Subaru ive got a outback and and forster. Both come in a turbo model.

 

[Sarah24!]

Here’s one for my car guys.
I’ve been trying to find something for a while and never found anything that I really fell in love with. Birthday is coming up in April and that means I’ll be getting my license. I need to pick the right car though and have struggled even though I spend hours every week looking. I want something that fits the following, and importance to me is in the order I’m putting it.
- Reliable
- Quick, even if it needs some work in it.
- Seats multiple people. I like the 2+2s a lot but some sedans are nice.
- At least decent interior / exterior
- Under $8,000 preferably, but if I fall in love I’d be willing to finance.
Some of the best things I were able to find were a 2005 Mustang GT, 2004 Mercedes CLK500, 2006 Audi A8 but I haven’t yet found anything that really speaks to me beyond “oh yeah I like that”.

Hello,

So I may not be a car guy but I can tell you this. Since your saying this is your first car, and you want it fast etc that means your a young driver. I mean this very politely I mean I am 24 but, I am also work in the trauma center.

Your first car doesn’t not need to be Audi R8 or a Mercedes, unless you have lots of money on hand to fix. Sorry I had to look them up. In addition your insurance will be through the ceiling as a first time driver in a sports car. Plus unless your parents finance this (I don’t believe minors can get financing for cars).

Now let’s add the fact you want a fast car etc which means you like to go fast. Just make sure you do it on a race track with proper gear. I think your first car should be something big slow and bulky to protect you. Maybe a suburban or school bus (sorry had to on that one) or something from the 80s that is reliable still and cheap to fix and insure.

Another way to motivate or change your mind, you can come shadow me when I work my 24 hour shifts st the er and I get to see all those who had the fastest cars that were not quiet fast enough. Plus all the others they ran into during that time point.

My nephew wants a Bugatti Chiron has his first car and he is 2 years younger than you. Ford mustangs meh, personally I don’t see the hype but that’s me. My first car ever that I was able to drive was dads suburban. But twice in my first two years people ran into me and it kept me safe the whole time.
Yes they are not glamorous, but a better first choice. Subaru’s are good also, and pretty reliable just get the non turbo version. I hope than anything you save your money for school and or something better. Cars are not a very wise investment, well unless you buy the super rare ones.

 

[Tiger Brown]

Weird question on a fish forum but if there is anything I love more than fish, it is cars. My opinion is that if you only have 8K to spend on a car then you are not going to want to spend the premium cost of maintaining a premium brand like Mercedes or Audi. Everything costs more to fix and maintain on the luxury brands. The 2005 Mustang GT is quick and nice looking, but your back seat passengers are going to be cramped, and according to what I have read the reliability on this model year is not good. The NHTSA has 8 recalls on it.

Good bets for reliability and sportiness in your price range would be the 2009-2011 Mazda6. or 2008-2009 Honda Accord. Not as fast as the Mustang granted, but they look good (IMHO) and aren't slow. Just my 2 cents.

 

[CubsFan]

Some good adult advice here. I’m gonna go in the opposite direction. I think a crotch rocket with a duel sidecars for your passengers would be awesome. The side cars should protect you from some impact so you don’t even need a helmet! Vroom vroom!!!

 

[xaflatoonx]

Look for a used brz or 86.
Reliable. Cool factor for young guys. And workable cars.

 

[WV Reefer]

Some good adult advice here. I’m gonna go in the opposite direction. I think a crotch rocket with a duel sidecars for your passengers would be awesome. The side cars should protect you from some impact so you don’t even need a helmet! Vroom vroom!!!

;Hilarious

 

[WV Reefer]

I've love the versatility of my Subaru ive got a outback and and forster. Both come in a turbo model.

I second Subaru.

 

[Reef Jedi]

For a first car you need something you can beat up and not worry about. You’ll be mad if you hit something in your Audi or Mercedes. But a Honda let’s say, you can beat up. It’ll keep driving and you won’t feel so bad. After you get some years under your belt. Then you can start to think of a higher end car. Unless you are spoiled and can afford to maintain a Mercedes, crash it and buy another at the drop of a hat then I’d say go the expensive and wasteful route. But in all honesty look at a Honda or Toyota at first.

 

[tdileo]

I've love the versatility of my Subaru ive got a outback and and forster. Both come in a turbo model.

Agree with this, I am a big fan of the Forester. Very nice car

 

[BestMomEver]

I've love the versatility of my Subaru ive got a outback and and forster. Both come in a turbo model.

I’m a Subaru freak too. I had a friend who got 350k miles out of hers. Sold it cause she just wanted a new Outback. But a teenager bought it and as far as I know, it’s still going strong.

 

[BestMomEver]

Agree with this, I am a big fan of the Forester. Very nice car

I have 2018 Forester....:):):)

 

[tdileo]

Hello,

So I may not be a car guy but I can tell you this. Since your saying this is your first car, and you want it fast etc that means your a young driver. I mean this very politely I mean I am 24 but, I am also work in the trauma center.

Your first car doesn’t not need to be Audi R8 or a Mercedes, unless you have lots of money on hand to fix. Sorry I had to look them up. In addition your insurance will be through the ceiling as a first time driver in a sports car. Plus unless your parents finance this (I don’t believe minors can get financing for cars).

Now let’s add the fact you want a fast car etc which means you like to go fast. Just make sure you do it on a race track with proper gear. I think your first car should be something big slow and bulky to protect you. Maybe a suburban or school bus (sorry had to on that one) or something from the 80s that is reliable still and cheap to fix and insure.

Another way to motivate or change your mind, you can come shadow me when I work my 24 hour shifts st the er and I get to see all those who had the fastest cars that were not quiet fast enough. Plus all the others they ran into during that time point.

My nephew wants a Bugatti Chiron has his first car and he is 2 years younger than you. Ford mustangs meh, personally I don’t see the hype but that’s me. My first car ever that I was able to drive was dads suburban. But twice in my first two years people ran into me and it kept me safe the whole time.
Yes they are not glamorous, but a better first choice. Subaru’s are good also, and pretty reliable just get the non turbo version. I hope than anything you save your money for school and or something better. Cars are not a very wise investment, well unless you buy the super rare ones.

I understand completely where you’re coming from. My mom worked in the hospital for years and my dad is still working as an EMT.
But yeah, just like all kids I do have my immature and fun loving side. I would definitely not complain if someone handed me the keys to their Chiron and said keep it, but honestly it’s not a car I like that much. If I were to pick any cars in the world it would probably be a Porsche GT2 or ‘69 Camaro but neither of those are even close to realistic goals at the moment.
I also get what you mean about insurance and financing, I would need my parents to cosign on that and I am paying for everything out of my own pocket. I could only wish that I was one of those lucky kids who’s parents have a shiny new Jaguar or Mercedes in the driveway for their birthday lol.

 

[tdileo]

Weird question on a fish forum but if there is anything I love more than fish, it is cars. My opinion is that if you only have 8K to spend on a car then you are not going to want to spend the premium cost of maintaining a premium brand like Mercedes or Audi. Everything costs more to fix and maintain on the luxury brands. The 2005 Mustang GT is quick and nice looking, but your back seat passengers are going to be cramped, and according to what I have read the reliability on this model year is not good. The NHTSA has 8 recalls on it.

Good bets for reliability and sportiness in your price range would be the 2009-2011 Mazda6. or 2008-2009 Honda Accord. Not as fast as the Mustang granted, but they look good (IMHO) and aren't slow. Just my 2 cents.

Yeah I’ve heard people say that those Mustangs are great, and I’ve also heard people that had nothing but problems. Not too concerned about back seat space as most of the time I’ll just be driving myself between work and school, but having a bit of extra room in case I have to take someone with me is always helpful.

 

[408Dartfish]

A 2005 mustang GT is ok but a newer one would be better. Being 16 you should prob stick with a V6 model the backseats are cramped. The advice of a Honda, Mazda, or Subaru are great recommendations and great reliability.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

I have 2018 Forester....:):):)

How do you like the forester?

Considering trading in our Mercedes for a 2019 sport model

 

[BestMomEver]

How do you like the forester?

Considering trading in our Mercedes for a 2019 sport model

I love it. I’ve always want a Subaru. Last year I went looking and ended up with a Honda HR-V. My husband talked me into it cause it was 4K less than the Subaru. Big mistake. I tried to love it but around 9k miles I said no more. I went to the Subaru place and traded it for a Forester. Good riddance on the Honda. My Subaru has exceeded all my expectations. It’s a great car.

 

[Hemmdog]

Fun cheap cars
Subaru: brz, WRX, sti(more expensive)
Honda: civic Si, civic type R, S2000
Ford: mustang, mustang gt
Chevy: Camaro, camaro SS
Dodge: challenger, charger

Brand new Mustang GT was my first car to, sold it the same year for a Tahoe.

I wouldn’t worry about it to much, just don’t get something that will be embarrassing at school. There’s a time and place for sweet cars, after college lol. Now I have an m4, m3 & X5 50i, very fun cars and reliable, just not cheap.

Your friends will appreciate you having an SUV if you go that route.

 

[Blue Ring Octopus]

I would just get a Honda Civic you can drive that car until you are tired of looking at it. As long as you change the fluids you will be fine A Fit would be even better, it is a Hatch and you will be amazed of how much stuff that you can put in there for moving day, day trip to the beach camping all the fun stuff you can enjoy.

 

[tdileo]

Fun cheap cars
Subaru: brz, WRX, sti(more expensive)
Honda: civic Si, civic type R, S2000
Ford: mustang, mustang gt
Chevy: Camaro, camaro SS
Dodge: challenger, charger

Brand new Mustang GT was my first car to, sold it the same year for a Tahoe.

I wouldn’t worry about it to much, just don’t get something that will be embarrassing at school. There’s a time and place for sweet cars, after college lol. Now I have an m4, m3 & X5 50i, very fun cars and reliable, just not cheap.

Your friends will appreciate you having an SUV if you go that route.

Need a few years for the Type R to depreciate for it to be affordable lol. I tried to convince my mom to go for an M3 but instead she got a 328i. Guess she isn’t as fun loving as me and my dad [emoji23]