Need help with first car-completely new to them

A little about me:

Ive never truly owned my own vehicle, with four wheels anyway. I have a motorcycle back home, and I'm one of those few 19 year old's who does not know a single thing about cars. Really...not a darn thing lol.

What im looking for:

A place to start. Even a reference to a site would be fine. But im looking for a semi cheap, used (since new would likely be a little more pricy) vehicle that is good on gas, at least 20+ MPG, and has room enough to store things like regular camping and fishing gear. Im not really concerned on sport or muscle styles or anything, just want something that can get me from point a, to point b.

Some plus's would be easy maintenance, and reliable, not something i would have to send into the shop, or ask a buddy to look at every month kind of deal.
Also something that could drive well on snowy/icy roads would be helpful, but again not needed.

Thanks for any pointers in the right direction in advanced, and I apologize if this is an extremely vague thread! :dunno:

Try looking at early 2000s Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans. They all have reasonable reliability (if they've been maintained well) and all 3 have models that come in coupe, wagon/hatchback and sedan depending on what you think best fits your needs.

If I were you, I'd probably look primarily at the Honda Civic because it comes in a TON of different body styles and gets GREAT gas mileage. It may not be the most exciting car on the road, but it'll run forever if you do regular maintenance on it.

I know it's a fairly generic response, but it at least gives you some direction. :)

Keep us posted and come back with new questions as you think of them!

Dude,

Get yourself a nice used Subaru Outback Wagon... Everything you'll ever need, Spacious Cargo, Roof Rack, All Wheel Drive, Great Gas Mileage, "RELIABLE " ...Had one myself a few years back, 1996 model, Ran it up till 275,000 miles, Then traded it. Wish I had gotten another one, Not sure what you have to spend but look around I'm sure you can find something within your price range.

y dont u just buy a 1992 civic its cheap but way faster than most cars these days

My first car was also a Honda Civic like one of the previous posters. They are a great car. Most new drivers end up having a prangs or bump at some point and because parts are fairly cheap and readily available, they are a good option for new drivers.

thanks for the tips guys! :D.

But just to be clear, this will not be my first time driving, i used to drive my mothers car when i was 15-17, then i got my motorcycle, so although im not a great driver or anything, i dont think im too new :P

but again thanks for the suggestions, ill be looking this weekend and see what the locals could offer me ;)

First thing that came to mind was the outback wagons, either impreza or legacy outbacks. Check out a volvo xc70 also. Thats a nice AWD wagon with decent gas mileage. Some times you can get a good deal on an older audi A6 wagon but repair costs and maintenance are very high on them. Theres also some 4motion passat wagons or a4 quattro wagons out there but again being VW, repair cost can be high and likely.

You couldn't go wrong with a subaru for what you described.

hey again all-so far i havnt been able to find one of those cars for the right price, so i was hoping some new suggestions could be thrown at me. basically cut the room off the list, so its more like

20+ MPG, and low maintenance cost...once i have a car for awhile ill be getting a motorcycle again for the gas advantages lol.

thanks for the help again! :D

No Civics? As long as you get a model with the fold down rear seats, you'll be able to store a pretty good amount of stuff. I hauled 12 cu ft of mulch in my Civic coupe a few weeks ago, and last weekend I loaded a pole tree trimmer in the interior - with me and a dog in the back seat! The sedans *should* be even more roomy - especially with rear fold seats.