Hey everyone Im 20 years old and looking to get a my first car this summer!! I'm looking to spend in around 2500, not much more over 3000$. Now, in this price range it seems that most cars have roughly 175 - 200,000 km on them, should I look for the lowest possible miles? I've been looking at mid 90's VW Golfs or a Saab 900 turbo. My brother was telling me I can pick up nice examples of olders cars in the States, what kind of taxes am I subjected to if I get a car from the US? I would like a fun car to drive and has to have three pedals. Any recomendations?
Save yourself the headache and heartache of buying an old "beater" Saab or VW.......for the money you are willing to spend, a Honda Civic or Accord is the best option by far. I would also recommend a '92 or '93 Acura Integra, those cars will not and cannot die, and are reliable and always fun to drive. (And you can "rice them up" too!)
I agree, My buddy have been driving a 93 integra since highschool, I think the last time I was in it had just under 290 000, Only real problems he has had is regular wear and tear(brakes, tires, etc...)
Honda CRX......it was the first, and it will probably be the last "rice rocket" still in running condition in another 20 years. These cars also will not give up. (Motor, tranny and body will last forever.) And they still look kinda cool!
Yes, they last forever motor-wise. But the body doesnt. Honda's are HORRIBLE when it comes to rust in the quarter panels.
HORRIBLE for rust!!!!!!! The wheel wells especially, but it's nothing you can't do over a weekend with some beers make make it look good. I'd save yourself the trouble of importing a cheap car and buy one from the Autotrader in your area. The Honda engines will run up to 400,000 km's with good care on the ET1 engine. My old Prelude was indestructable, close to 300,000km's, and the only thing I did to it was the clutch (PITA!), cheap parts, insurance and wicked on gas. I think my record was 2 weeks on one tank. Good luck!
I would recommend saving up a tad more if the car isn't a necessity. It will be worth it later on. EDIT: I will however recommend a Nissan 240SX. RWD with a tank engine, mine has 280*** and is fine. A few people I know have over 300*** as well. Just check for rust at the strut towers and the under body which is there rough spots.
In that price range I have one overwhelming favorite: 92-95 Honda Civic Hatchback My reasons: - Dirt cheap to maintain and bulletproof - Spare parts cost next to nothing and are everywhere - Modifications (if desired) are plentiful and amazingly cheap - It is an awesome little package that handles great stock and can be modified to perform amazingly well (I know because I circuit race one) - The split rear hatch design and folding rear seats hold a huge amount of stuff. - No matter what engine is in it, it sips gas. You would think it is electric. As far as older cars from the States goes, it is not worth your time if all you are importing is a $2500 car. Here or in the States, a car in that price range is depreciated to nothing so you are buying condition on a case by case basis more than determining price based on 'the market'. Save yourself the legwork and time and buy locally. AVOID the Golfs, SAAB's, and other $2500 Europeans of the world. They will bleed you slow and steady for little items all the time and once spent that money is GONE. They are money pits and should not be pursued by a first time car buyer. I hope I was able to help and good luck with your search.
Rob you are of course right. Old Jap cars are good. But I have always been partial to the Euro cars mainly VW's and BMW's. Between high-school and College I went through about 16 VW's and 3 BMW's. I miss "suping" them up. I had 2 of the nicest GTI's in Toronto at the time LOL. It's ok though...I get my fill now because my company sponsors 2 old-school amateur race cars. Anything to get me to the local track to check out race groupie chicks (Sorry for the off topic!) Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
No bro. That's the kid that owns the 2002 Ti BMW. He's a good kid. LOVE'S his car. His dad is my mechanic. You'd be able to tell if it was me in that car. LOL
Actually I highly recommend a Nissan 240. For the best prices and info check out forums. http://forums.son240sx.ca/ http://forums.neo240sx.ca/index.php and of course check autotrader. There RWD, 5 speed available in SOHC and DOHC(depending on the year) and they have plenty of parts out there for cheap, especially from people upgrading and selling used parts cheap. PureEuroM3 is my username on SON240 if you need any help.
I love those old BMers! Try and find a "gently used" 1984-1987 318is or i BMW, just make sure it has the wooden shift knob and Recaro seats! ....
THANKS A MILLION TO ALL RESPONSES! Everyone who posted helped big time! I will continue looking without the fussy mind that I HAD Oh, I WISH I could get an older BMW, but I don't want to be stuck with all kinds of repairs and the like. Thanks again everyone, the search continues!