18 year old needs help buying first car

I'm an 18 year old girl shopping for her first car. I can pretty much get any car I want under $40,000 due to the fact that its being funded by my father whom I've just met for the first time last month, and he is pretty well off. It's very tempting to milk him, but since its my first car I know I dont want to risk getting it totalled.

I'm currently considering the 240sx then eventually getting a sr20det swap. I'm also considering an integra with a s15 frontend conversion (I dont like the stock headlights).

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

I didnt know the s15 (nissan) and the Integra (honda/acura) were swappable. Get something you can easily handle, like a civic, spec v, or a celica. maybe an rsx.

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!

Dont get a civic, sentra, prelude bla bla bla...

Get a:

Bmw M3 used.
BMW 3 series.
Honda S2000.
Acura NSX used (95)
Mitsubishi Evolution.
Nissan 350Z.
Mercedes C class.
Audi A4.
Porsche Boxter Used.

A modified econocar will never match up.

This is coming from a guy that owns a Civic SI EBP 99, very popular car for modifing, who has a Porsche RS and BMW 3 series on his driveway.

A Honda Civic, with a bodykit, lowered, hood, rims, dropped, suspension, turbo/supercharger...yada yada...will never give you the satisfaction or respect as if you were driving a BMW 2002 M3.

Period.

let me ask you something, how can you just go ahead and advice these high-performance cars to a newbie driver? and not only that, could you imagine the insurence rates on these cars? I agree Civics and Integras are terrible cliche cars now, but M3?? NSX? Porsche? Geez. When you have these cars in your garage, there's no way in hell anyone's gonna pay that much insurence and just keep it for "show and tell."

performance + inexperience = accidents.

As for the driver, congrats, but save that offer for now, and get a car well below 200 HP. you'll live longer.

I agree w/ that

Yes I know what you mean. But she can learn how to drive in performance driving schools, friends FWD cars, or just do what I did. I drove a Big V8 old ford for a year, then a pickup for another year (cheap cars) and then bought the Civic Si 99, which isnt all that fast but its a sporti car, with my experience I can now drive the porsche and bmw.

Plus you learn little by little. If you have an M3 you just dont try drifting your first time, you get some lessons, pointers from your dad, take it easily at first etc..

I think she has rest of her life to learn "racing." This is her first car. And no pun intended, lol, but even girls in 350Zs concentrate more efforts on doing their make ups than driving. And when I see it happen, I either accelerate or slow down, but never in the same lane or adjacent to it.

Hahahah...true.

Get a car under 200 hp, thats too broad. How about a 190 hp Lotus Elise that does the 1/4 in low 13 sec, as fast as an M3??

Hahahah...
Peace.

40 grand for a car. damn you are really lucky.

very lucky indeed... you can buy some very very nice cars for 40 grand...

but i have to agree with Zfanatic, getting a higher-end sports car for her first car is just gonna end up killing her. The problem new drivers have IMO is that they're still getting used to how cars behave under certain conditions, circumstances, etc... and sports cars are known to be even more touchy and temperamental. What happens if she takes an off-ramp too fast and fishtails the car? What happens if she overestimates (or underestimates) the power of the car when taking a left turn at a busy intersection?

If you want to be smart, get yourself something classy-looking and has a little less under the hood. Perhaps something you can mod if you ever feel like it. I'd suggest the base Acura RSX or the Type S if you're a little more daring. Maybe even the Acura TSX. Test drive the cars before buying too, so you get a proper idea of how it behaves and if you like it.

If you want to get yourself killed, or worse, accidentally kill someone else and get thrown in prison for 25 years on charges of manslaughter, then get yourself an Audi TT, a fully loaded Nissan 350Z, a Mazda RX-8, a Ford Mustang Cobra SVT or some car that is similarly fast and temperamental. It'll do great for killing *someone* if you happen to decide to get behind the wheel after a big fight with your boyfriend or something...

don't milk your dad, buy a normal car for now and move up later.

if you want to kill someone, then get yourself an Audi TT, a fully loaded Nissan 350Z, a Mazda RX-8, a Ford Mustang Cobra SVT or some car that is similarly fast and temperamental. It'll do great for killing *someone* if you happen to decide to get behind the wheel after a big fight with your boyfriend or something...


I think you may have encouraged some of us instead to get these fast-cats. Well that's another reason to look forward to. :iceslolan

better to get a new car (acura, bmw 3 series, etc.) rather then an older sport compact and spend $10K modifying it.

When you total the new car (ok, IF) you will still get enough from insurance to buy another one. If you total an integra or 240sx, you'll get a few thousand bucks for it, and the 10k+ you spent on modifying it will go out the window. Even if you don't wreak it, you won't get anywhere near the initial investment when you want to sell it in a few years.

just my 2 cents...

what happens when you total the driver? i mean you know, injure yourself or the other drivers? how much modification money can you save then? I'd say a lot. hell, why modify? get a pre-owned carerra gt-2 and play destruction derby.

Live longer > 200 HP.

Îf I had 40g on my hand I would create the meanest drift-machine the sun ever witnessed.

But since you are a lucky 18 year old girl, I'd go for a Toyota MR-S or a Honda S2000 or a large 4-door that weighs at least 4000 pounds and has under 200hp so you don't total your car within the first two months.

If you're heading for that rich-kids image, grab a benz or bmw instead.
usually you shouldn't care what other people think, just get a car that is
1. reliable
2. comfortable
3. not too prolly (heck, do you need it?)

maybe you should go for a used, decent Mercedes SLK

cu

(damn, I would rather buy a Citroen DS convertible or a '69 dodge challenger or or ... you're sooo lucky)

edit: just read that you even consider swaps and I'm also considering an integra with a s15 frontend conversion

you're so sexy
ok ok so forget my post

I try to imagine your situation now:
I'd go for a reasonable car-
get everything modded very carefully and reliable
do some stuff for the looks but do more for rebuilding/performance
get a nice allaround - nice soundpackage, not too much performance (~200hp is enough, isn't it?) nice interior, good paintjob, stylish rims (check out Veilside) -

the car itself, maybe a Nissan S14a?
or still the Toyota MR-S
eventually consider a 350z, really enough performance even w/o a charger, no need for optic upgrades

cu

(and come back and show what you did with the money!)

.... ay, honestly, mogu, I hope you have a smart head on your shoulder. think of the insurence rates and liability. because people here will argue and argue about what they'd do with $40k (and all the fuzzy images insert ____ here). But I hope you save all that money for a few years, think about college, learn to drive, live longer, etc, etc. then roll on yourself on shiny, expensive, factory rims that needs no aftermarket swap. I have seen and heard of what sort of accidents occur with these cars in the hands of a newbie driver. hell, I myself was afraid to hit the road after hearing about so many deaths. because drivers out there are CRAZY, even with their Cutlass.

:ylsuper: good luck, let us know what you got.

I, as usual, suggest the BMW 3-Series. The 330i is a great car well within your price range that handles like a dream, and has enough power to be alot of fun, but not enough to get you into trouble. Great for moving friends around and just cruising around town. I dont know a single person with this car that would dream of buying an alternative. With $40,000 to throw into it, you could get some nice options like the performance package, which makes the 330i as close to the M3 as you can get. If you want a 2 door, the 330Ci comes to mind. Its a little quicker then the 330i, but costs a little more too. If you want tons of options like the navigation system, cold weather package, HK sound, Xenons, etc... get a 1 or 2 year old used 330, or a new 325i/325Ci. IMO, there is no better road car in the world for less then $50,000 then the 3-series. Nobody I know who has one would consider buying another brand after the BMW. They really are the Ultimate Driving Machines.

If you want something a little tamer then the BMW, and alot cheaper, I would look into a 2004 VW Jetta GLI. Doesnt handle quite like the Bimmer, and isnt quite as powerful as the 3.0L, but the VR6 seems to do well. Great car thats alot easier on the wallet then BMW. German engineering, 6-speed transmission, good VW aftermarket. Looks like the cliche chick car, but can outrun all stock civics, integras, neons, etc...

Yeah the BMW 330 is awesome. I wouldn't get into anything faster engine wise than this though at 18, for safety issues.

What do you think about this

http://www.bmw.ca/automobiles/model_fs.asp?lang=en&modelname=330Ci_M&modelID=71&seriesID=3

330Ci M
M Performance Edition
"More power. More agility. More exhilaration. That is why the M Performance Edition Coupé was created, to pack more into every aspect of the 330Ci engine, suspension and interior and exterior design. It's the Coupé for those who want more of everything."

I don't know if you guys in the US have that model, this is from the Canadian site but I think the performance package is more or less the same.

if i were u buy a used STI

300 hp 300lbs/tq and also has 4 doors

Get an M3, if you crash into a wall at 200mph you should bounce right off and keep going, life is just one big GT3.


Or get a 330Ci :D

.... ay, honestly, mogu, I hope you have a smart head on your shoulder. think of the insurence rates and liability. because people here will argue and argue about what they'd do with $40k (and all the fuzzy images insert ____ here).

:rofl: :bananadie

Well what about an SRT4. I think that neons look good for females, and how much better can you get than an srt 4. She should get that and then get the rest of the money from her dad and send it to me. (Or mod the car..... whatever she prefers)

Get an M3, if you crash into a wall at 200mph you should bounce right off and keep going, life is just one big GT3.

We're not gonna start that one again are we? :D

Or get a 330Ci :D
Whatever for? Those are rubbish. Wouldnt dream of buying one :icon16:

supra SZ ?? non turbo, so u wont kill urself, about 210hp but nice and stable car, sexy styling and since its not gonna cost anywhere near 40K u can get a full body kit, the veilside kit looks sweet on the supra, a nice paint job, nice rims, good tyres (safety), lowered PROPERLY, some interior mods, a full stereo system and maybe like a exhaust and a cold air intake....u would probably have enough left over to get ur engine pipes replaced with metal ones and get ur whole engine chromed... think about it....

Ummm...You can kill yourself with any car, it doesent matter if its fast or not.

Drive a Geo metro in a crazy way, it can go up to 80 mph, enough to get you killed.

Go 80 mph in an M3 and you have tons of airbags, awesome brakes, emergency lane change manuevers etc...

Drive a Geo, hardly the driver may be ever tempted to speed. Considering it's borng acceleration power.

Drive a M3, and you got a lead foot. "Sorry officer, my car doesn't go below 80, please look at the speedo. I tell you sir, that RPM gauge is evil, it has a mind of its own." :crying:

Granted any car is a dangerous weapon in prospect, but which would be more likely? Pick the lesser of two evil. If people loves to test their balls on speed, then I urge to get a sportbike. Nothing on the streets compare to the power of two wheels. :smokin:

But that is a good point... parents always say... "I don't want you to get a FAST car, you'll kill yourself"... what does fast mean here, a car that accelerates quickly, but when one dies because of going TOO FAST... one does not die of acceleration, one dies becasue their speed was so great... the Geo Metro vs M3 was a Brilliant comment... any car likely to be dangerous, it depends on how fast you are going, and a dumb kid can go 100MPH in just about any street car, so Y not let us have a fun car. And I know the logic that a faster car will be more of a temptation, but I know plenty of kids who think they are hot sh*t and zip through traffic in high speeds in POSs, Chevy Corsica, Beretta, non-turbo Supra, and of course, the infamous Civic.

Dude, Im not a parent, Im only 20. :D But I am flattered. Parents say that because they wanna pass on their genes. They don't want the evil Darwinian effect to take over and put chlorine on the gene pool.

And I've seen how quick stock Civics can zip through, and you don't get a lead foot from it. Those ricer wanna-bees get their come upance pretty fast.

Im saying all this from experience and friends associated with jack-ass racing and accidents (I believe these two go hand in hand). So unless you're the conservative valedictorian of your highschool type driving your BMW 330 sedan, chances are you'll wanna see what your 230 HP Bimmer can do (this is also a true incident).

If the starter of the thread really is interested in Bimmers, I'd suggest you to start with the 184 HP, 325Ci at most, helk, you can get the convertible with some nice packages, and it will cost you full $40K. You could also get the 2.5L Z4 with some cozy interiors for $35K, I see tons of these in our college. Just hope your dad will also pay for the full coverage every month/year.

what i was referring to about not killing yourself was the fact that a SZ is non turbo. granted its not that bad in stock cars, but in a turbo there is a point on the rev range that the power increases in a very short amount of time... so not only is the car more powerful but much less predictable. Modern NA cars have smooth even power delivery all the way up like the NA supra, 350Z, etc.... things like V-Tec are an exception though. :icon16:

I wasn't saying you were a parent... see, my parents made me at 18 get a v6 Camaro... "blah blah blah an 8 is too fast blah blah blah" I always regretted having a "Fake" Camaro. Now at 22 I have an LS1 and am loving it!!! Point is, if I hit a guardrail at 80mph in my v6 or now in my LS1 I think the result would be pretty much the same, so what did it matter, should've just let me have the LS1 in the first place.
Oh, BTW, I definitely had a lead foot w/ the v6, it was still a Camaro. And all of the ricers and friends I know have lead foots no matter what they drive, so what does it matter? I'm not sure what you meant by "wanna-bees get their come upance pretty fast" but all civic owners I know have lead in their feet.

Tell Dad to give you $40000, then buy you a $2000 car and keep the change. He owes you that after 18 years!! Why spend it all on one thing? Just my opinion!

I would suggest you'd buy a Saab 9-3 Aero, either a Sport Sedan or the Convertible. A suberb chassis, excellent passenger safety (5 stars in Euro Ncap) and the seats are among the best in the world, just to mention it. And what's more, you get to drive a car that your neighbour doesn't have!

The saab 9-3 is definately a good idea for a great all around car in your specific price range. I was also going to suggest a 9-2x/Imprezza for a really good first car that has good performance, comfortable, safe, and a reasonable price. I would also sort of suggest the Scion Tc because its not to fast stock, but once you get comfortable you can do alot of things to it.

The saab 9-3 is definately a good idea for a great all around car in your specific price range. I was also going to suggest a 9-2x/Imprezza for a really good first car that has good performance, comfortable, safe, and a reasonable price. I would also sort of suggest the Scion Tc because its not to fast stock, but once you get comfortable you can do alot of things to it.

The performance and chassis is great on the 9-2X and the Impreza, but it is not a very safe car. The interior is also very dated, but this isn't only on the Impreza/9-2X, but on very many Japanese cars compared to e.g. the European Premium cars. But it is very well priced and I think the 9-2X looks far better than the ugly Impreza. :)

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!

Dont get a civic, sentra, prelude bla bla bla...

Get a:

Bmw M3 used.
BMW 3 series.
Honda S2000.
Acura NSX used (95)
Mitsubishi Evolution.
Nissan 350Z.
Mercedes C class.
Audi A4.
Porsche Boxter Used.

A modified econocar will never match up.

This is coming from a guy that owns a Civic SI EBP 99, very popular car for modifing, who has a Porsche RS and BMW 3 series on his driveway.

A Honda Civic, with a bodykit, lowered, hood, rims, dropped, suspension, turbo/supercharger...yada yada...will never give you the satisfaction or respect as if you were driving a BMW 2002 M3.

Period.


Something doesn't add up...you own a bmw 3 series but your av and sig are like dedicated to a low 15 second civic? What bullshit is that??? Your parents probably own those cars. And a 3 series...unless it's an m3...is nothing special...I killed a 5 series (525i; and yes...5 speed) with my sentra...supposedly an econocar if people listened to you...

Any car can be enjoyable to drive...and even a civic can do the 1/4 mile faster than needed on the street. Your civic definitely isn't a good example of a quick civic as you can make them keep up with any car if you invest and research enough.

Anyhow my personal opinion is to get a slower car. Something with a little torque and a little quickness, but nothing fast or hard to control. A decent car could be an integra (all but the type R), 240sx (just make sure to remember it's rwd), prelude (not sh), and many other cars can be very good handling and are fun to drive, but they aren't that quick stock.

The torque-steer and wheel-spin on even a car like the sentra spec-v can be surprising or even lethal in a bad situation. I've taught more than a few people to drive stick and you never want anyone learning to drive on a car with too much balls for the driver. It's not safe for anyone on the road. My personal idea of a good car for a new driver...esp if they are also learning to drive manual at the same time is a car with under 150hp...a little more is alright, but when you get near 200 a new driver has their hands full already...they don't need the added stress of worrying about too much power getting to the ground.

The performance and chassis is great on the 9-2X and the Impreza, but it is not a very safe car.

Bullshit. The safety ratings are excellent on the Impreza. All-wheel-drive helps as well. Also, just because an interior isn't upscale doesn't mean it's dated. I like the simple, ergonomic design of Impreza.

listen 2 urselves... safety ratings are marketing for stupid people who know nothing about cars...

szczecinek was onto a good thing if u ask me

How about a VR6 Corrado? If you get a low mileage one with all records and that wasn't abused, you won't have too many maintence issues. The VR6 GTI or 1.8T would probably be better for today though. Or better yet, a top of the line VW R32. Good luck.

hell, forget all that complicated stuff. Just buy a nice used 2002 convertable Corvette (red perferably) and you will have a great looking car with no mods and all the power you will ever need, not to mention there is nothing as sexy as a girl in a vett. problem solved.

look into the acura TL any years preferably the new 04 TL A-Spec about 35 large and does low 14's with minor mods can go even faster even just by reseting the V-tec does a very big diffrence. The M3 I highly reccomend due to my neighbor has one and runs a 13.0 in a 1/4 mile its a 95 with 68,000 miles all it has is s spoiler and dual exhaust by borla, plus the maintence is not as high as people think.

I've drivin both the TL and the TSX and I found the TSX to be much more fun, even with less power. The TL drove just like an Accord, while the TSX was closer to the sportier RSX-S. Like I said before, the M3 is awesome, greatest car I've ever driven, but its alot for a 18 yr old to handle. A Corvette, while cool as hell, is even more powerful the an M, and therefore even more dangerous. My conclusion remains the same, get a new or recently used 3.0L or a 2.5L BMW.