Help me choose my first car

[bnegri10]

i am 16 years old and am getting my license in about 4 months. i am look to buy a sports car, but i really want luxury features too. my limit is about 30,000 and i am willing to buy a used car with up to 25,000 miles on it but i prefer a new car. i really want something exactly like an audi S4, but it is to expensive. i also live where it snows so i want some type of 4WD/AWD.

i also want leather seats, power seats, push button start, full manual. maybe even an suv

please give me some suggestions of what i should get!

[akboss]

Wow, 30K on a first car? Must be nice. Pick up a Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV with sport package. Handles like a car, has a state-of-the-art 7-speed auto tranny, can hold its own in rough weather and light off-road, and the interior is one of the best out there. The only other thing worth looking at if you're focused on speed is a BMW 3-series in X model (AWD), but the Merc is a better all-rounder. Plus, it will hold its value better than a Bimmer.

[bnegri10]

Both of those cars are to expensive. please something UNDER 30K fully loaded

[akboss]

Right you are, sorry about that, forgot how far $30K goes. Volkswagen and Mazda are both affordable and exciting to drive. If you want a larger car, look at the Mazda6 (V6 model makes 270hp) or the Jetta GLI with the 2.0 TSI Turbo. If you wanted to save a few bucks and get a smaller car, a loaded Mazda3 or GTI would be fun. Keep in mind your insurance will be high, and in my experience domestic cars can be more reasonable, especially ones people associate with laid-back driving. One of my cheapest insurance quotes came from a 2006 Chevy Impala SS, which if you look deeper actually has a 5.3L, 303hp V8. Consider the new Ford Fusion, but do the insurance quotes first.

[bnegri10]

4wd/awd!!!!!!!!!

[Oldengineer]

I suggest you go look at a Jaguar X-Type 3.0. Its AWD (Std), has a 227HP engine, 5 speed automatic, and a beautiful leather and wood interior. They quit importing them in 08, and, you should be able to find a loaded certified low mileage car at a Jag dealer for way under $30K. I've owned two of them, and, they're excellent in snow and foul weather. Some of the X-Types came with 5 speed manuals, but, they're rare. I think Jag quit importing the ones with manual trannys in the 04 or 05 model year.

Regards:
Oldengineer

[Ray paulsen]

Help you ?

Reality is you're 16 years old with no licence living with a dream to blow 30 grand on a vehicle, or your parents don't give a s*** about you, thinking money buys you happiness.

[bnegri10]

dude i have been working since 7th grade its my F***ing money and i have been saving all my f***ing money so that a can buy a nice car, and i will be happy with an expensive car when i can afford one!!!! A**HOLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

['97ventureowner]

bnegri10 TONE your posts down, or you can have a little vacation. Perhaps you should re-read the Community Guidelines to which you agreed to adhere to when you signed up for an account here. One excerpt from these Guidelines states:

DON'T ATTACK EACH OTHER
Attack the message, not the messenger. Criticize ideas, not the person. Don't attack others. Personal attacks and flaming on others will not be tolerated. Challenge others' points of view and opinions, but do so respectfully and thoughtfully ... without insult and personal attack. No violent, discriminatory language or personal attacks are allowed. Personal attacks are defined as personal, racial, ethnic and or gender based insults, slurs or derisive comments. We reserve the right to edit and remove any inappropriate posts.

Ray does have a point and I was preparing to add a reply to this thread concerning your original post.
You state you're 16.That means you are just getting your license and are considered an "inexperienced driver" in most states to both the DMV and insurance companies. That means your insurance rates will be high, especially if you buy a vehicle in the price range you are looking at. You have to add collision and comprehensive which is expensive. Statistics show that your age range are involved in a lot of accidents. Why not start out with a less expensive vehicle for the first few years until you are more experienced as a driver especially in the eyes of your insurance company.
I don't know why it is that a lot of people in your age group think you need to have an expensive car right off the bat let alone a sports car or SUV. Start off smaller and save your money the first few years, then when your more comfortable you can get what you really want.
You also don't need a 4x4 or AWD in NJ. It doesn't snow there that much Come up to my area where we get 150 to 190" of snow a year and get along just fine with FWD and even RWD. A great set of snow tires does wonders and the repair bills are much lower. Come up here in the winter and see how many 4x4s I pass in the ditch while driving my FWD and RWD vehicles.
Save your money for better things in life. A vehicle is one of the worst investments you can make that depreciates the minute it leaves the dealer's lot. Would you rather waste money on an expensive car while you're 16 or save some of it for higher education or to buy a house or something else more meaningful in life?

[bnegri10]

my parents are paying for my college and my insurance so im not worried about spending my money. and i realy dont want to go through the hassle of changing my tires every few months and my dad wont let me buy a car that i have to change the tires.

[akboss]

Re: '97ventureowner

Very well written, you touched on a lot of good points. I would agree wholeheartedly with your sentiments on AWD also, as up here in Ontario, Canada, we get our share of snow during the 4-5 months of cold winter. I have only driven FWD cars, equipped with snow tires, and I have yet to be in a situation where I can't get to where I need to be.

Further on your point, and in agreement, spending huge bucks on your first car is a waste. Its your money so by all means spend it as you wish, but a lot of people who have driven for a few years will tell you there are better things to spend your money on and still drive a decent car that won't let you down.

[Ray paulsen]

Originally Posted by bnegri10

my parents are paying for my college and my insurance so im not worried about spending my money. and i realy dont want to go through the hassle of changing my tires every few months and my dad wont let me buy a car that i have to change the tires.

Your dad is a very wise man when it comes to buying a car " YES " nooobody should buy a vehicle where you have to change tires every few months.

[richtazz]

I think this fits your criteria. It's an SUV, 4X4, good tires and has a little room for the "ladies".

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by Ray paulsen

Your dad is a very wise man when it comes to buying a car " YES " nooobody should buy a vehicle where you have to change tires every few months.

Ray, I think you forgot the :sarcasm1:tag with your comment, or at least I hope you did.
First off it's not every few months, rather twice a year, Spring and Fall. And it is the vehicle owners' choice to use snow tires. With that being said, many people choose to use snow tires for the extra added benefits they afford such as better traction and handling , not to mention the benefits to the vehicle's systems such as ABS and traction control. You also don't have to change the tires over yourself as there are many places offer the changeover service, and some that sell them even change them over for free and offer a free or discounted storage program for the tires not being used at the time. if you reside in the northern latitudes of the US and Canada, chances are you already know the benefits of snow tires. I also wouldn't use the term "wise"in the discussion when it is apparent that all the research has not been done into the pros and cons of changing your tires over for better driving in the winter. After all we wouldn't want anything bad to happen to the kids $30,000 toy in the winter because of poor driving conditions, now would we?

[I_Like_Rice]

wow... 30k on the first car? thats ridiculous. the most should be the high teens. man, i wish i made $30,000 working 4 years with no spending....

good luck with whatever you choose. hope you dont end up wrapped around a tree in the winter....