Looking for a “first car” for my niece.

OK, so this is funny. In 2018 we ordered a new 2019 Porsche Panamera to replace my wife's 2001 Jaguar S-Type. We offered to give the Jag to our niece (wife's sister's kid). Her sister came back and said no because she wanted a reliable car for her. Excuuuuuuse me!

It's 2 years later and Ron I would give you the car, but unfortunately as nice as the car looks, and as mechanically well as it operates, 18 NE winters has really taken its toll in rust on the frame and other critical parts. We're using it through this winter when there is a lot of salt on the roads, but it really isn't a good car for long term. If you think you may really want it, let me know. Otherwise in April I'm donating it to the Salvation Army and taking the tax write off.

 

I have a few fairly nice ones in that range, all FL cars with no rust! I guess the problem is that they are all in FL....

 

Just an observation/curious only. Florida isn't the Arizona desert. It's SURROUNDED by salt water. Are Florida cars considered any LESS rusty than other states cars? I would think the opposite.
Ever see a bicycle left out at the beach? Rusts overnight. (no winter sand/salt tho)

First car - I laugh every time I see that commercial where the son is getting the old 'battle wagon' passed down from the parents, his sister, and now him. He's exasperated, " HOW AM I GOING TO DRIVE THIS???!!! " Been there kid!

 

A 1996-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ is a great first car

-dependable 4.0 I6
-4x4 when needed
-easy to drive and capable
-cheap to maintain and fix if something breaks, millions of spare parts available.

I've owned 4 so I'm a bit biased, but they're amazing and great east coast rigs.

 

If one lives at the beach and parks there 24/7, yes they rust. I am no where near a beach. No salt spray, no salted roads in winter, no rust.

 

Not recommending these guys but they have neat stuff in that price range. I own a 2007:Liberty with a 6 speed and although they receive no cred, mine has been a tank, low maintenance, everything always works, no rattles, made during the MB era, lots of room but a little hard on gas with the 3.7. Engine light has been on for four years now with 160k. Perfect for the dogs and real 4wd for trails. here’s the neat stuff.http://www.roverclassic.com/index.php?page=other-cars-stock

 

I hope they gave you a free 2 year power train warranty! (just kidding )

Actually I came back to this thread to tell you that we sold my wife's 2001 Jag S-Type. A guy from RI wanted it to work on and restore.