What kind of car should I get???

Miata.

 

Do a search here. We've discussed cars for high-schoolers several times. Lots of good info in those past threads

 

OOOHHHH, this is a fun game! How much do you have to work with...i mean....are we talking under 10k, 5k, 20k....give me a guideline. If you want a fun car that is reliable....take a look at a used WRX. Just make sure the previous owner took care of it. The 2002s are like 3rd generation now...so they should be getting pretty cheap.

 

What do you want to do with it? besides get you from point a to point b obviously.

 

Oh boy....Care to elaborate on "making it look cool and other stuff"? You're here on a car enthusiast website, so I must assume you are into cars somewhat. Correct? Think about your priorites ie.... the climate you live in, how many people this thing needs to haul around, mileage, reliablility, easily tuned?, insurance costs..blah blah the list goes on. Give it some serious thought for a while and let us know what's important in a car for you.

btw-Miatas ain't for girlies....
visit...
specmiata.com

 

Someone post pics of Lamarossa, to show him what not to do.

 

Supposedly BMW M3 drivers get more Tang than anybody else.

No as to the quality of the aforementioned begotten Tang I would suggest that this is where the Ferrari drivers rule LOL

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6434&item=4527592375&rd=1

 

Can you work on cars? I agree the 944 Turbo is a great car and if I didn't have my MR2 Turbo I'd probably have one of those instead. But, both can be VERY expensive to maintain if you don't turn your own wrenches. The Porsche more so than the MR2 (which is what I'm suggesting).

Why? Well the 944 series needs to have it's timing belts changed every 30,000 miles PERIOD. It's an interference engine like all of these Ferraris. Also include water pump replacement in that as well. The MR2 needs it only every 60,000 but will cost you about 1,000 bucks at the dealership for them to do it.

Clutch replacements are going to be about the same on both cars. Both are Hella-fast (did I just say hella?) and will put a big smile on your face.

The P car will be cheaper to buy though. I've seen very nice ones for around 7-8K. A nice MR2 will set you back in the 9K+ range. (See the MR2 thread here for a very nice one for sale http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48886 ).

If you're interested in the 951 (944 Turbo as it's known to most) go to RENNLIST ( http://forums.rennlist.com/ ) where there are plenty of guys who'll guide you in the right direction and maybe sell you a good car to boot.

If your interested in the MR2 Turbo go to MR2 Owners Club ( www.MR2OC.com ), log on and start rooting around.

Both are great cars, but it's getting harder and harder to find a good clean example of either.

 

get a sh*tbox and beat on it- learn how to drive, then spend your pennies... the more you save the more you have for your ferrari

 

Miata.
Get a 92-93 for dirt cheap ($2500-3000 or so), then you can get a Greddy turbo kit for about $1200. With 1.8 injectors, a starion intercooler, and a custom catback exhaust, you should be able to get 150rwhp (in a car weighing about 2100lbs) with pretty good handling for under $5000.
Or, go with a 94 with the 1.8L engine for about $4000 or so, drop about $5000 on a Flyin' Miata FMII turbo kit, and hang with C5 Corvettes.
Plus, the folks over at www.miataforum.com are probably some of the most knowledgeable folks about automotive stuff on the internet.

 

Hey man,

Buy a e30 BMW 325i or 325is. You can find a great one for under 5k and there are tons of mods for them. E36 325-328 are probably under 8 and e36m3 starts around 10k.

Wrx is a newer car, but won't handle as well. Wrx is probably the easiest to mod(turbo).

You might find 928 under 10k, 944 turbo is good as well.

Miata would be fun, but slow. Reliable and cheap to fix though!

 

I think you should get your Mom's bright red minivan, and a job. Save every penny until you graduate, and buy yourself that Z06.

 

yeah just think Andrew you can fit alot more women in a minivan than a sports car! hahaha

As far as z06 pricing.....my guess is they will drop to 25-30 this year and 20-25 the year after that. Seriously drive a minivan for 2 years then go get a z06 or drive a minivan for 4 years and buy a ferrari.

 

Just be careful with the minivan - you won't have any excuses for not giving people rides because you have so many damn seats. If you get a miata, fill the passenger seat up with crap and you'e good to go Seriously though, just know you're lucky to be driving, and be happy with whatever comes your way. There's plenty of time for fun "down the road."

 

honda s2000

 

If you can find me an S2000 for under 10K tell me. I'll buy it!

As an update on the P car option, a better model reliability wise would be the 928 rather than the 951. Best choice in that model would be the 928s4. But, those might be just out of your price range.


As said by mchas be happy with what ever you get. Enjoy your new freedom. My first car was a 1973 Datsun 240Z with down-draft webers and I still miss that car today.

 

The 928s4 just might me THE most expensive car in the world to maintain...well, maybe a close second to the AM Lagonda!

 

I disagree with the Miata suggestion. For a new driver, I think it is an unsafe choice.

Mostly I agree with those that say "save your money". Yes you should, but you also need to be practical and accept realities: you may need transportation to get to school, extracurricular activities, and the like. If you JUST need something to look cool in, or to tool around in, you do not really need a car.

Be honest with yourself here, and if you need a car, take a fraction of the 10 grand, and visit reputable used car lots. Many decent dealers have a back-lot. We have a reputable GM dealer here who frequently has mid 90's vehicles for reasonable prices. Find something you like, have a mechanic check it, check it out with Mom and Dad, and away you go. It does no have to be the auto you'll spend your life with. It should be 1. safe, and 2. dependable.

Save and work for the car you want.