Can't decide on a new car

Hey guys, first time posting on the forum. I'm a 20 year old college student and never really had the money to get into cars but I'm finally getting one within a month but can't decide what to go with so I thought I'd ask the experts. My total budget is $5000(could probably go to $5500 if I have to) and I'm not opposed to getting a cheaper car and getting some work done. My main problem is I don't know a ton about cars and don't have any experience working on them so any work would be through a mechanic.

What I'm looking for is a sports car, preferably something with some horsepower that drives well. I have an idea what's in that price range (Miata, Camero, Mustang, Civic, MR2, 300ZX, etc.) but I can't seem to settle on what is going to be the best bang for the buck. I also can't really afford something that is going to be breaking down every month.

Thanks in advance for anyone that can help me pick out my first car that will be all mine.

Little info on me: I'm a good driver with no accidents or tickets, am very open to learning everything I can about cars and/or getting into modding, tuning, etc. so that's not out of the question tho I need something that can run when I get it. I live in Statesboro GA, 30458 but will probably be buying the car in Warner Robins, GA 31088. I've been all over craigslist looking at cars but I don't know enough to narrow down my options. Thanks again everyone :biggrin:

With your budget reliable transportation should be the main factor, not power.

to widen your scope also surf autotrader.com,,, if and when you find something of interest post a link.

I will be happy to check for reliability as for investment on your part. Insurance will also be a major factor. http://www.usedcartips.org/

Thanks, that would be great. It would make me feel a lot better having someone double checking since I don't know as much as I'd like. As far as the insurance, I get a huge discount because my mom works for the insurance company and I have a clean record and have taken a driving course so it won't actually be that much for a car in this price range.

I will try to get a few links up today to show what I'm mainly looking at to get your opinion, mainly stuff like Accord, Civic, 3000gt, Celica, Tiburon, etc. I think something like these would be a nice balance of fun and reliable.

Here are some of the options I've found. Thanks for any help you can give.

http://macon.craigslist.org/cto/1718443605.html

http://macon.craigslist.org/cto/1719589368.html

http://macon.craigslist.org/ctd/1719271942.html

http://macon.craigslist.org/cto/1714433797.html

http://statesboro.craigslist.org/cto/1696770074.html

http://savannah.craigslist.org/cto/1719626789.html

http://savannah.craigslist.org/ctd/1716870668.html

http://savannah.craigslist.org/cto/1705550417.html

http://savannah.craigslist.org/cto/1690464948.html

I checked some of your links and will say if any one of your selection checks out to be 100% road worthy it will be a fair investment, however unless there is a sleeper in your selection such will not be the case. You being a student knows knowleage and results come with study, and the same applies buying a used vehicle which is a simple process of steps, but facts are many consumers don't have the time in this fast paced world we live in, and will end up with a lemon,,, have you got the time ? Here are a few pointers how I would proceed if I was in your shoes.

1,,, With a list of choices being as long as yours, purchase a one month membership from a history service provider and run the Vin #'s, information obtained will save time not having to listen to a sellers sales pitch or kicking tires ending up with a sore toe,,, I have a strong feeling some of your selection will show major issues.

2,,, Having narrowed down the choices of interest it now becomes the time for a Test Drive, memorize or Copy/Paste this link to bring along for your test drive http://www.usedcartips.org/TESTDRI.html

3,,, When you think you have found that magic car that triggered your emotions " an independent inspection by a mechanic of your choice must be permissible by seller or you walk away, especially in your case wanting something that can run as a daily driver when you get it.

Negotiations for best deal becomes another chapter, study my website for pointers, I can only help you with the buying process, questions you may have regarding performance or modding there are some very knowledgeable members in this forum. Good Luck in your hunt.

Look into Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V's and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's, both drop in value like a rock (unlike Toyota, Honda) so you should be able to find a fairly recent model for less. Both offer good power.

Thanks for the help guys. I am going to do my best to avoid buying a lemon. My friend bought a used car last week and over the weekend had the engine and turbo completely die and they now have to be replace. I don't plan on making the same mistake. When I come to making my final decision, I'll try to post it on here and get a little feedback after I've found out all the facts.

Here are some of the options I've found. Thanks for any help you can give.

http://macon.craigslist.org/cto/1718443605.html

http://macon.craigslist.org/cto/1719589368.html

http://macon.craigslist.org/ctd/1719271942.html

http://macon.craigslist.org/cto/1714433797.html

http://statesboro.craigslist.org/cto/1696770074.html

http://savannah.craigslist.org/cto/1719626789.html

http://savannah.craigslist.org/ctd/1716870668.html

http://savannah.craigslist.org/cto/1705550417.html

http://savannah.craigslist.org/cto/1690464948.html

If it runs good its a steal

Gone

Good little cars, looks good.

Reliable transportation, don't expect it to be fast...

Not bad looking, you seem to have found one of the few that haven't been 'riced' out

Not a bad car, looks to be in good shape.

Same

Fairly old compared to those other ones

Meh, the other ones are better deals

And of course have a mechanic check out any car you're looking at buying before making a decision

Thanks for the help guys. I am going to do my best to avoid buying a lemon. My friend bought a used car last week and over the weekend had the engine and turbo completely die and they now have to be replace. I don't plan on making the same mistake. When I come to making my final decision, I'll try to post it on here and get a little feedback after I've found out all the facts.

It's always the risk with used cars - sometimes you get cars that people are just trying to get out of their lives because of expensive repairs, and other times you find a great car for a good price. So...as others will tell you, MECHANIC INSPECTION! Just like buying a house - don't skip the inspection!

It's always the risk with used cars - sometimes you get cars that people are just trying to get out of their lives because of expensive repairs, and other times you find a great car for a good price. So...as others will tell you, MECHANIC INSPECTION! Just like buying a house - don't skip the inspection!


akboss, you are right. It's always the risk with used cars. this is not possible on all condition.... some people are looking for new cars and sale used car to buy a new... some time you find a great car for a good price.

:lol2::loser::loser: