Looking for Decent First Car

First of all, welcome to FChat!

if i had 10k, i'd look into:
E30 M3 -- probably fulfills all of your requirements except maintenance so maybe an E36 M3. it'll be cheaper, too. or maybe any older model BMWs..and save even more money

though i'm not sure what exactly you're looking for in a car -- your requirements are pretty much open to anything non-japanese, as almost all tend to be FWD, especially the less expensive ones.

 

My first car was a Miata. Fun to drive, light, RWD, cheap maintenance. I put 300k on it, even the a/c lasted that long.

The biggest expense is the timing belt every 60k miles. Besides that the ignition wires usually go every 30k but they only cost $30.

 

Here are some cars that seem to fit your requirements:
Mustang
Camaro/Firebird
Miata
older Vette
older BMW

 

Are you into import cars?
I'm 20, and i'm considering a twin turbo toyota soarer.. SC300 or whatever for you US blokes.
The 1jzgte is a smooth straight 6. They're reliable. Tough as nails. Not too expensive, and can be maintained on a student income. Their only downside is the weight and ceramic turbine blades.
If you had a late model one, you could get the VVTI engine, and some have single turbo setups.

How about a honda S2000? They're light, not heavy on fuel, sound nuts, and hammer!

In Australia the BMW E36 M3 is still expensive for a young person to own. Around 25 to 40,000 will get you one..
If i had that sort of cash, i'd get one instantly. They're a nice car, good looking and you can supercharge or turbo charge them..

 

bmw E36...like a 325 or 328--rwd, fun to drive, not too much power but not too little that you will get bored of it, still a good looking car for how old it is, pretty reliable, just check the previous owners maintenance records with the usual problems the car has (thermostat, water pump, rear shock mounts, bushings)

 

1970 -1972 Datsun 240Z

late 1960s mustang coupe

 

Could not agree with you more 8 SNAKE!

 

I am going to lend my advise base on your discription of Decent. How about getting an old lexus or maybe a late 90s mercedes. It all comes down to your skill and knowledge level. The hardest way to learn about how expensive cars can be is to buy one that cost a lot to maintain. Its also the easiest way considering you will spend a fortune keeping one going. If it was 10 then do your self a favor. Gett a little more in your budjet and get something rare like a 99 E class turbo Diesel that gets 40 miles to the gallon but is still pretty quick, IT also wont cost much to maintain. If you want something sporty try the sportcross lexus Is 300 with a 5 speed. Its fun and has extra room to boot. Most of the oppinions here are geared toward speed. Trust me your just going to rack up a bunch of tickets. and the two cars I just sudjested to you will not drain your maintence check book. Oh and your going to get tickets anyway but wont be pulled over as much with one of these two. JJ

 

I'm not sure that I would agree with the advice of an older MB or Lexus. Either one has the potential for a costly repair at any time, which could really put a first-time buyer in a bind. You also won't find a manual tranny in an MB, like the OP wanted. Lexus has yet to produce a car that I'd consider "fun to drive" so I eliminated them from my personal list for just that reason. Just my opinion, though.

 

i say e36 BMW or a 86+ 944

 

What about an RX7?

 

Great, fun, reliable cars for $10,000 or less would be a 02 Subaru Impreza WRX, 00-03 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS. Only issue with older BMWs and MBZs is the expensive up-keep. I personally would stay towards the Japanese market. Nice 01 Nissan Maxima SEs, Honda Civic SIs and older Lexus ES300s are great cars but not as much fun as the Subys. Good luck!
-Marc

 

That was the smartest post on this thread. Subies have a great rep for reliability. A used WRX is an excellent sport sedan/hatch. Bimmers, Audis, and Benzes are a hassle for a kid on a budget. Try to find something 2000 or newer. The late-edition Camaro SS or Trans Am are the best bang-for-your-buck American sport coupes. If you want to go a little older, the Mitsubishi 3000GTs and Nissan 300ZX Turbos would not be bad. Always have a mechanic examine the vehicle before you buy!
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I agree there, but a nice one is going to be way over 10K.
Ones that are 10K will most likey have the LT1, you want the LS1.

 

I bought a 2004 Impreza WRX as my "college car" and it now has 47,000 worry free miles. I did a few tasteful mods, but recently put it back to stock as I have grown up a little. It has been subject to much abuse as I got it when I was 18 years old. Hands down, the best car for the money. Good, used 2002 WRX's with over 50,000 miles can be had for around the $10,000 mark. Make sure however, that you find a stock car with no accident history. Thats the toughest part of those cars.
Someone else mentioned the Camaro SS and Firebird T/A thing, which is also a great car and considering your location, definately fun, however to find a great LS1 you will be paying closer to $20,000 then $10,000. Trouble with the likes of a 300ZX or a 3000GT, is that they are closer to 10 years old already. Reliable or not, thats an old car that will need more attention than its worth as a daily driver. Probably not the BEST choice for dependable transportation.
-Marc

 

I'd go with a Honda or Toyota product if you are going to be in school for a while, they’re real easy to work on & have very little issues. We all want a nice sports car but then you run into all type of maintenance problems & upkeep. Be practical first & finish school, land a good job then save for your next car, who knows it could be a Ferrari. All things come in good time.

 

WRX trannies will sometimes give you problems -- many have called them 'glass trannies', but almost everyone i've known hasnt had any _serious_ problems with it..

 

Very true statement! However, most of those cases have been on modified cars or by those who just love to launch (it is fun ) I have not had a single clutch or transmission issue in all 47k miles! (knocks on wood, jk) However, thats why I recommended looking for an unmodified example. There are pleanty of adults who own/owned WRX's because after all they are just Subarus!
-Marc

 

I would say a Honda/Mazda/Acura any of them from 95-2000 wouldn't be that bad. Phoenix would be a good place to look.

 

Ok one more good car. 86 threw 88 944 turbo. Great performance and not too bad on the upkeep if you dont abuse it. JJ