Looking at a first car.

Well, I've spent, oh, about 8-9 months looking at used cars for a first car, and along the way have learned that I don't like Fords, I do like Chevys, but I am most fond with Mopar's stuff. It was the 1971 Challenger (R/T, if you insist) that really made me love them, and now I'm looking at first cars. I want the safety features of a 90's+ car (as I am not sure how well I drive, and safety is important), so a 70's muscle car is out of the question.

Looking on, I see two worthy canidates. The 1997-1999 Dodge Avenger, and the 1993-1995 Dodge Stealth. It seems to me that the Stealth is, without a doubt, a 3000 GT (Mistubibcjkscjlisai) with some RAMs thrown on, and... something else? I dunno. The Avenger, it seems, is Dodge's lil "Viper Jr."? Anyways, I am on a $5,000 budget, and can only go American (as my Grandpa is buying the car, and he's a bit of a... well, you know).

Also, looking over at Chevy I see the Camaro, and yet whenever I gaze at it, someone shoves some problem it has down my face. And seeing a Dodge really doesn't have a Late model F-Body, I am reduced to these two, it seems. Anyone got some advice?

this is a toughie. It would seem that we have similar tastes. I thoroughly enjoy the 70s mopar, although i swing in the direction of the rapid transit system and her cudas. I can only offer you a solution depicting what i myself would do in your shoes. I'd lean towards a light truck, most specifically a dakota. It'll come in handy down the line, and it's a fabulous vehicle to build up. also for five g's i'd look into a jeep orvis edition grand cherokee - try and find the rare silver ones, or a 5.9 liter if you can find one for that low of a price. you can even go with a wrangler and pimp that out - but i realize these are only partially in the direction of the muscle cars that you so desire.

The Stealth may be badged as a dodge, but it is the 3000GTs sister car. Don't know if Granddad is going to like that.

The Avenger is a sturdy car (there is nothing that is a Viper Jr.) and would be a good choice for a first car.

@ Dan -- I should have told you, I can't stand SUVs, and Trucks. There are so many poor drivers in Southern California, and the lot of them are SUV people. I really don't want to fall into that image. Plus, I like my corners tight, and a sports car leave minimal body roll, another feature I am looking for. Trucks, on the other hand, are never nice to me. I put the pedal down half way up until it shifts (automatic transmission), and in gear two, everything becomes... well, bumpy. And it really hurts after awhile. I think that's due to the fact that they are supposed to hual shit, but I am a light packer. real light packer.

I really want a sports car, and it really wouldn't matter what country it would be from, only my Grandpa is forcing me to go American. :(

@ Yogs -- My Grandpa is slow. If he saw a [Honda] Civic with [Ford] Mustang badges on it, I don't think he would realize it. Just so long as it ain't "riced" out. :p

Do you know the problematic areas in these two cars? And it seems you are perfering the Avenger over the Stealth... any reasoning?

i dig it, how about one of the pontiacs. if you do aim or aol IM me at likes2fall. I'm not a mechanic but i know a lot about cars in general.