Getting my first car...

[cybermaniac15]

To start, the car I'm gonna get has to be coupe and stick.
I can't get a german car because I have a family full of Holocaust survives, and they would resent me for it...
My budget is supposed to be under ten.
Right now I'm looking at an Acura RSX Type S (probably 02-03), the only turn off is that it is FWD. (I'm in LA, so slippery surfaces are not a problem)
Is there a car that would potentially be a better choice? Nissan?
Don't care if it take high octane cause its usually only a $2 difference around me...
BTW, its just gonna be a daily for right now.
Any help would be appreciated

[knightjp]

My first car was an Italian one. An Alfa Romeo 156. Not the best choice for a first car, but I'd gladly choose it again if I had the choice. It has spent quite a bit of time in the workshop recently and is in need to repair. At times I look back and think that I should've chosen a more reliable car and there were options, but everytime I get into it, I'm ready to say for me, it was the right choice.. (heart-wise); not a smart choice.

If you're working on a tight budget, stick with the Japanese. They'll give you years of good service and you can always go the Fast and Furious route if you feel like juicing it up a little.
Looking for a good rear wheel drive, look out for a Nissan 240SX; otherwise the Acura is one of the best out there.

If it were my money, I'd go for an Alfa Romeo in a heartbeat, but I'd never recommend one to a friend.

[MagicRat]

Excellent post, above. I agree, Italian cars are not suitable as primary transportation. As a second car though, they're fine.....

I also agree that, since you are free of the scourge of snow, go with RWD.
A late-model Nissan 350Z or Mazda RX-7 or RX-8 would be nice.

A Supra would be nice, but the iconic Mk4's seem to be highly sought -after so they might be priced too high or too badly thrashed.

There are many suitable cars that would appeal but might be a bit too old for you, such as the Supra MkII or MkIII, Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth, and the Nissan 300ZX. These cars, especially the last two are complex and sophisticated, but getting a bit old. Parts and service may get a bit expensive.

An alternative is to find the newest, best -condition late-model Mustang GT that you can afford. They're cheap, fast, a great value, can be modded, durable, and pretty straightforward to repair, with cheap, widely available parts. Sure, Mustangs have a slightly crude feel (imo mostly due to the live rear axle) but give lots of bang-for-the-buck.

FWIW, My current sporty car is a 1984-vintage Supra. It's not fast by modern standards, but has such precise, exquisite and communicative handling and brakes, with an excellent ride, that its a joy to drive.

[ArnoldWalker]

Alfa Romeo is a classy one.

If you are looking for good service and excellent opportunity for modification and availability of parts that are needed for maintenance (low price) then Japanese are the best option.

I also love the KIA Optima, the car design is exceptional and gorgeous look & their service is also good. though bit higher than your budget (2009 model is 17k to 22k).

However,As first car , I recommend Toyota!

[knightjp]

Although mine was an Alfa Romeo, I reccommend Japanese as well.
Go for a Subaru if you have an option within your budget. I like their engines and the feel of their interior. Feels of higher quality than Toyotas or Nissans.

[autoing]

Originally Posted by knightjp

Although mine was an Alfa Romeo, I reccommend Japanese as well.
Go for a Subaru if you have an option within your budget. I like their engines and the feel of their interior. Feels of higher quality than Toyotas or Nissans.

I like Alfa Romeo. Very classy car. Love Honda and Acura too.