Best first car?

I am currently looking for my first car, I want something with good power, handling, comfort,and looks. I also need it to be under 20,000. The only Car I will absolutely not get is a civic, mainly because all the ricers near me drive them but also insurance is high. The perfect car woudl be the Vw R32 but it's priced to high. If it drops used Maybe I could get it. I'll be buying the car in about a year so I can wait for them to go used.

2004 SRT-4
2004 VW R32
2004 GTi Vr6 or 1.8T, which has better potential.
2001 Prelude

Any suggestions appreciated.

It will take like 5 years for a used R32 to drop that low in price. I think its cool that you like that car, but its too far from your price range right now.

Im not a big fan of the SRT4, I respect its speed, but I hate everything else about that car. So if you want a car for pure muscle, this might just be a good choice. But if you want even an ounce of style in your car, look elsewhere.

The GTi is a good car, the VR6 has more potential, but I do believe they are planning on ending production of it (VR6, not GTi) soon. There is a great VW community out there, and a good aftermarket. I think I would go with one of these if you really want a new car.

Best car on there is the VW R32...but since you are on a budget...just get a VR6...they got turbo kits for them if you want to go faster...as well as superchargers.

:naughty:

1.8t with a stage 4 and an intercooler!

why not a 2002 camaro ss?

Seriously, get a used Camaro Z28, or better yet, used Mustang GT.

get a geo metro it will be the pimpest ride on the block

Gotta love the Geo Metro, its so bad its good... But the vr6 does look to be the best all around car there, with the most potential. I would still give serious consideration to the lude...if its done right its an amazing car

Don't think you'll be able to find a R32 for under $20,000 within a year, they are to rare and hold their value well. I would say get an used EVO, but once again under $20,000 doesn't seem like it will be happending. But it's cool now more than ever there more affordable performance vehicles availabe. Two vehicles that just to my mind is the already mentioned SRT-4 and a used Acura RSX Type S. The SRT-4 is the obvious choice, because of the power, and the handling and braking are not that bad for it's class, not bad at all. I don't think it's accurate when people say the SRT-4 can't handle, especially when they compare it to more expensive cars such as the EVO or R32 or 350Z or RX-8 or etc. In it's class, the SRT-4 does handle very well. The Acura RSX Type S is another great car, that can hit high 13s to low 14s with just basic bolt on mods. Don't get me wrong, I called BS on this and had to meet up with a RSX Forum member/owner who had just bolt ons and ran a 13.9, I had to take back my BS. So yes the RSX Type S is another great choice. There are other great cars that you failed to mentioned, such as a used WRX, not a bad car at all, and you seem to like AWD, well there you go, great tuning potential and AWD, all around a great car. Let's not forget the Sentra Spec R also, another good buy. Now there are also some used cars that might interest you, I'll only mention cars no older than 1998. A used S2000 can also be had for around $20,000, if you look hard enough, also a used 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 could also be had, but insurance on owning such cars could be killer, so sticky with the sport compacts might not be such a bad idea for a first car when insurance is an issue. So my top three choices for a good first car, offering value, performance, liviability, insurance cost, potential are in no particular order-

2003 (maybe a used 2004 model) Neon SRT-4
2002 Impreza WRX
2002 (maybe a 2003 model) RSX Type S

No thanks on the geo metros, I did consider a WS6 but the gas and the reliability are just too high and low (respectively). I'm going to take thsi car to college so I need something that won't break down on me and I can live with every day.

The srt-4's looks don't really appeal to me, or its fwd layout but its hard to get rwd or awd under 20k. THe Rsx doesnt really do anything for me either, it seems to much of a chick car.

I can wait up to two years If I keep driving my beater, and if it doesnt quite hit 20,00 I can get some help.

Thanks for the advice guys, keep it coming.

2002 sentra se-r spec v's are nice...just make sure you drive it and listen to the engine. Ask questions and get a carfax report...some of these cars have been abused and some are put together pretty poorly, but if you can get over the annoying red on black interior and the ass end then it's a really nice car for the price.

I spent 13.5k on the car w/ 1000 down (12.5k + 3.5k = ~16k financed)...I pay 320/month with high interest. I like the car a lot...just if you are paying for your car on your own make sure to factor in insurance...I pay another 300+/month for that too...

Other newer cars to consider is a pre-owned maxima or altima. You could also consider a mid-to-late 90s m3...but the m3 should be after you get good driving skills with rwd and used to that much power on car with less power (sub 180)

All depends on what you want your payments and insurance to be. If you have a cosigner with decent credit you can get low interest and you can really get approved to buy most any car...and under 20k leaves the door open for a lot of pre-owned, new and used cars...

Keeps your eyes open while on the streets and if you see a car you like then remember the name and ask questions on the forum here, research it on edmunds.com, and check a few other places on the internet and make an informed decision.

i would have to say a acura integra w/ v-tech, or prelude w/ j-spec, or eclipse/talon turboed of course, possibly a mr2 if u like that kinda look. I have a 76 dautsun 280z, not exactly a impost racer, but it smokes the civics/preludes/talons, etc.

how about alil american muscle 01-02 cobra or a 94 or lower lx or gt best bang fro the buck and a very wide selection of after market mods

Cobra wasn't made in 02...I'd say go for a first car, go with a 94-01 Integra GS-R, 89-93 240SX, or 87-95 Mustang LX 5.0/GT.

Cobra wasn't made in 02yes it was :screwy: :p

...No, it wasn't. It took a break in '02 because it was heavily updated for '03.

Ahh you are correct, Australia only had the 2002 Cobra.