Time For A New Car

Hello,

This is my first time posting so I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Stephen and I just turned 16 and received my license. Well, unfortunately school is on the way and my parents are going to buy me a new car of my own and was hoping that you guys could possibly help.

I'm looking for a car that isn't more than a couple of years old, is fairly reliable, can be had for under or around $10,000, and gets decent gas mileage. With that said I know that most of you are probably wondering why I'm putting this under the Racing section (Moderators, if I did put this in the wrong section please feel free to move it.), I would eventually like to make it a fast car. It doesn't have to be something that's going to be beating Bugatti's and Ferrari's but I was hoping that it could be pretty quick. Anyways, I don't expect it to be like that at least for a couple of years. I know that even if I did get a fast car it probably would not be right for me since I have barely any driving experience.

With that said, do you guys have any recommendations for me? I've been looking at the Suzuki Aerio SX because I've heard that they have a decent AWD system which will probably be good for launches. Anyways, besides that I really don't have any idea of what I want. I don't really care the body styling but a sedan/wagon would probably be better as it won't kill me on insurance. So, what do you guys think would be good for me?

I'm sorry for such a long post guys and I'm sorry if you guys don't like this writing style (I know some forums don't like this although I found it kind of wierd.) and will be willing to change it if need be.

Anywho, thank you guys for all of your help in advance and I hope that I haven't upset anyone.

I give you the award for the Nicest Newb to present themselves here on AF

i wonder how cheap u could get an SVT focus? if not then a regular one, youll be gettin really good gas milage with either.

He's being polite because he's probably read all of the threads where we've ripped newbs new assholes...
BTW, I'd go for an LT1 Camaro with under 100k miles or maybe a 99-00 Mustang GT...you won't find many newer imports under 10 grand that'll run with those...just don't go all crazy when you get a car...learn your limits and the car's limits first.
...and welcome to AF!:)

Well thanks for the warm welcome guys! :) Anyways, thanks for the replies as well they helped a lot.

I will definately look at the SVT Focus and the normal Focus as well. What do you guys think about these two cars for me? I would like to hear as many opinions as possible so that I can make the best decision.

Street_Racer - I would love to get those cars but I don't think that my parents would want me to get those for a couple of reasons. I'm not 100% sure but I think that insurance would kill me with those cars. Also, I thought they got bad gas mileage. And finally, I think my parents would think that their too powerful for me.

Anywho, thank you for all the help guys, I really appreciate it. If anyone else has some cars that they would recommend for me please say something as I'm open to suggestions. Thank you.

Insurance, sminsurance, get a job like me! :D
P.S....usually "fast" and "good gas mileage" are mutually exclusive events.

Yeah when I think about it I guess your right. But when I say good gas mileage with performance I mean good gas mileage for daily driving. I don't really expect to get good gas mileage when I'm racing or whatnot. If that is what you mean then I guess I'm in trouble. :(

One more thing, of the cars that I'm looking for I would like it if you didn't have to do an engine swap to get the performance that I want as I'm not very mechanically inclined and would have to pay someone to do the swap for me.

well, depending on whats around you, you could probably buy a honda or a nissan with a more powerful motor swapped in.

As an import guy I'd be reccomending the mr2 turbo, gst/gsx and other cheap import turbos but the good ones are getting harder and harder to find for cheap. Stock turbo cars net some pretty decent gas mileage and are easy to tear into for a good bit of power.
V8 stangs are a dime a dozen, I had about 25 autotrader pages come up when I went looking for v8 stangs so that could be a good choice as well.

A lot of things to be considered here.
Are you personally more inclined to be attracted to an import or a domestic?
Are you thinking of doing straight line racing only?
Would you want to only have to do minimal modding to make it fast?
etc

Thanks for the reply. Whether a get a domestic or import doesn't really matter to me. If I had to choose though I would probably say a domestic.

I'm probably going to be doing a lot of straightline racing. But we have some mountains near us where I will definately screw around in the twistes but I won't be racing.

The less modding that I would have do to make the car go fast is better. The only thing I don't really want is a full engine swap because I would most likely pay someone to do it and that would probably kill me for labor.

Thank you.

What about a mid 90's Cavalier? pretty reliable, can get one pretty cheap, decently quick with alot of aftermarket potential...and its economy car status should keep insurance low, and a 4-banger to keep fuel economy high

P.S....usually "fast" and "good gas mileage" are mutually exclusive events.

Displacement on demand.

AKA turbochargers. Credits to JekylandHyde.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll definately check out the Cavalier. I'll look at the Z24 in particular as I heard they can be decently quick cars.

Displacement on demand? Sorry, but I think I lost you there.

Anyways, I just got to drive my older brother Civic 2-Door and I must say, it's got no guts. :) It seemed from a stop that it had no acceleration whatsoever until I hit around 30ish. Seeing as how it's one of the few cars that I've ever driven, are all cars like this? Or are the ones I'm looking at like this? I was hoping for something with more power while accelerating.

Thank you.

Most N/A non tuned Four bangers are...what about a used 'Teg, like a GSR if you could find one.

Displacement on demand? Sorry, but I think I lost you there.

Something funny JekylandHyde said in another thread...

But basically, displacement is how much air the engine displaces. Air displaced=power. Turbochargers force air into the engine. So it basically increases displacement when it is called upon to(push the gas). Turbochargers use exhaust gas to spin an impeller that is attached to another impeller that flows air. So, when you push the gas, more exhaust is created making the impellers spin and creating boost(pressure inside the intake manifold) that increases displacement.

So, "Displacement on demand,"

Most modern large displacement engines have displacement on demand, but in their case, they "drop" cylinders and flow less air until you push the gas and the cylinders are "picked up" again.

Okay, thank you guys. I really appreciate the input and help from everyone.

Nissanfanatic - That really helped. Thank you.

So far I've been recommened:

- Acura Integra
- Ford SVT Focus
- Z24 Cavalier
- Suzuki Aerio SX

Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Out of these cars which do you guys think would be the best? I would love to get the Integra GSR but aren't the newer ones really expensive? Maybe an older one...but I'd have to be able to find it on a dealership lot, my parents don't really want to buy from any private owners.

Also, if there are any Toyota's or Scions that may be good for me that would be even better as a good friend of ours works at a Toyota Dealership.

Thanks for the reply. Whether a get a domestic or import doesn't really matter to me. If I had to choose though I would probably say a domestic.

I'm probably going to be doing a lot of straightline racing. But we have some mountains near us where I will definately screw around in the twistes but I won't be racing.

The less modding that I would have do to make the car go fast is better. The only thing I don't really want is a full engine swap because I would most likely pay someone to do it and that would probably kill me for labor.

Thank you.

bah that's half the fun is working on the car...gives you a sense of pride when you've been working all weekend to get that turbo/supercharger setup right and it works perfect.....it's one of the best feelings in the world to know that what YOU did whooped the other guys ass....*shrugs* but some people are different....btw i recommend a cavi z24....i think they look the best out of the cars you have in your list...however AWD would be sweet... :sunglasse

Well, I hate to say it, but there are not a lot of newer cars below ~$10k that you either can or want to modify. If anything, look for a LS1, but your gas mileage thing...

My suggestion, if you are going to mod it, get something cheap that you won't miss too much if you wreck/break it. That was my mistake.:(

bah that's half the fun is working on the car...gives you a sense of pride when you've been working all weekend to get that turbo/supercharger setup right and it works perfect

Word. Nothing beats the feeling of succeeding.

"Well, I hate to say it, but there are not a lot of newer cars below ~$10k that you either can or want to modify"

Besides the LS1, what other ones are you talking about? Also, I would love to get an older car (I'd love to get a CRX) but my parents don't really want me getting a car with tons of miles on it. And, it is their money so it's really their decision as to how old it is. I'm hoping that I will upgrade my car slowly after I get to know it well so that when I do eventually do something major I would know my car pretty well and hopefully won't screw anything up.

Anywho, thank you guys so much for all of the help and all of your patience.

Miles don't necessarily mean worn out. What would be best is to find a car you are interested in and have it compression tested/leak down tested. These procedures test how well the cylinder seals to the cylinder wall. Since this part of the engine theoretically takes most of the beating on an engine, it theoretically wears the most. So if it is good, chances are the rest of the engine is in good condition. Most of us use these procedures to decide if we want to modify our existing engine or get a replacement. If compression is good, chances are your car is going to be running for a good while. Just keep up on basic matinence from there forth and I don't see why it won't run well for a long time...

Wow! Never knew that. Maybe that will persuade my parents minds. Probably not though, my Dad is pretty stubborn. :)

Anyways, lets just say that I can get an older car you said that you had some recommendations. Any chance you'd be kind enough to share those with me? ;)

Thank you!

nice guy...sheesh, makes me want to give him a wedgie or something...... :mad:








j/k man :p :lol2:

Miles dont mean shit...I know of a 1KWHP Supra with 165k on the clock...

Like I said, if I had to start over and get a car all over again, for my first car, I don't think I woulda passed on the GSR Teg...but I was young and dumb and wanted something to go off roading in, so I passed not only on the Teg, but a GS-T as well...and some how ended up with a Rav4. Man I failed miserably.

I still say get a used Teg GS-R, or maybe a Prelude. Its a Honda, so it wont die, plus they have HUGE aftermarkets, and they are decent cars that you arent gonna kill yourself in.

my dfirat nbuight T ohio university nD ITS FUCKING gewTR., VFERkin \sqwwerret lol thia ia hul,RIOUASDFsda. iok im fine noiw... uyou know what., my miustangs not ythe fASTERWAR BUT I LOVE IRTT.

ITSA SAO hRD TO TYPEW when drunk.

we got bouncer in here? haha

my dfirat nbuight T ohio university nD ITS FUCKING gewTR., VFERkin \sqwwerret lol thia ia hul,RIOUASDFsda. iok im fine noiw... uyou know what., my miustangs not ythe fASTERWAR BUT I LOVE IRTT.
Wow....you're done :iceslolan

my drunk posts are sooooooooooooo much better....becuase they are at least marginally understandable

Thanks again for the help guys.

Looking at:

- Suzuki Aerio SX
- Acura Integra (May not be GSR)
- Ford SVT Focus
- Subaru Impreza RS
- Chevrolet Z24 Cavalier
- Mazda Miata

What do you guys think about these cars? Also, how's a STD model Integra compare to these?

Thank you.

I'd recommend as Acura Integra LS. Later on when you want to modify it you can swap on a Vtech head (Frankenstein motor). The LS version is really cheap compared to the GS-R, and you can easily find one for under $10K.

Dunno why you think camaros get poor gas mileage. You can get 27 mpg on the freeway in an LS1 powered F Body. I just had mine dyno tuned, and the mileage is probably better then it was stock, and now I have 351whp (That's over 400 flywheel horsepower).

my drunk posts are sooooooooooooo much better....becuase they are at least marginally understandable

you uld understand it... just takes some time..

Thank you for the constructive post 2000LS1Z28. :) Just playing with you guys...

Anyways, 90% of my driving will be city driving so I care more about the city MPG than than the highway.

Thanks for the comments on the Acura Integra though. I think that may be just what I'm looking for. I don't really want anything that's super fast now anyways, as long as I can build it up. Quick question, what's a VTEC head? Also, how much money do you think I would be spending to get it running in the low 14s to high 13's?

One more thing, we talked about how most 4 Banger Non-Tuned cars feel like they have no guts up until 30 MPH or whatever. What would I have to do...or "tune" these cars to not make it feel like that?

Thank you so much.

Okay, thank you guys. I really appreciate the input and help from everyone.

Nissanfanatic - That really helped. Thank you.

So far I've been recommened:

- Acura Integra
- Ford SVT Focus
- Z24 Cavalier
- Suzuki Aerio SX

Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Out of these cars which do you guys think would be the best? I would love to get the Integra GSR but aren't the newer ones really expensive? Maybe an older one...but I'd have to be able to find it on a dealership lot, my parents don't really want to buy from any private owners.

Also, if there are any Toyota's or Scions that may be good for me that would be even better as a good friend of ours works at a Toyota Dealership.

Well, if you're heading towards the Acura Integra route, make sure to get a good alarm system. Maybe even Lo-jack it. They are....cars that are commonly stolen. I'd get one anyway though.

I'm kinda surprised that nobody mentioned a 240sx.

I would love to get a 240SX except that the newer ones (S15's right?) are just too expensive...

Uh...I don't think S15's are even avaliable in the US, you have to import them from Japan or somewhere. Get an S13 or an S14, the S13 being boxier looking and lighter.

EDIT: Sorry, I skimmed through the posts, I didn't see that you wanted a car no more than a couple of years old.

if you are considering a Cavalier Z24, get one with the year models 2000-2002. Gm released a Supercharger package for them and really bring the car to life. Also you get to keep your gas mileage. I have the supercharger on my car. Honestly dont listen to what anyone else says about a Cavalier Z24 unless they have owned one. I love mine to death, and pretty much every other person i know who owns one, loves there as well. The Z24 comes fully loaded, has gobs of low end power, and is very reliable. You can pick them up for around 7-10K depending on milage and condition.

Okay, thanks Jayson. Do you know if any GM dealers still have them in stock with the supercharger? Were not really going to be looking at private sellers so whatever is on the lot is what I get...kind of.

Thank you guys!

They don't sell supercharged Cavaliers on lots (Atleast not commonly, unless someone like Jayson trades his in). Of course the Cobalt SS is more or less the new Cavalier.

If you get a tegra, get an alarm like the guy said, cause those cars are stolen like crazy. I can't even fathom leaving a Type R in the Downtown Los Angeles area.

okay, well sorry I dind't have time to read all the previous threads, but it just came to my attention (in the z forums, thanks again LLZ) that one of the ultimate sleepers is in fact a minivan... yes, they were made in 1989 and 1990, they're dodge grand caravans, plymouth voyagers, and chrysler town&country's. They came with turbo'd I-4 engines... stock they get about 21MPG city, and they don't have too much power, but they're easy to mod, and the pistons crank and heads (I think so don't quote me on it) can support up to at least 25+ PSI on the turbo. If you're interested go to www.turbominivan.com ... the guy who hosts the site I think is in 13s rite now, maybe lower... good luck!

Wow! Never knew that. Maybe that will persuade my parents minds. Probably not though, my Dad is pretty stubborn. :)

Anyways, lets just say that I can get an older car you said that you had some recommendations. Any chance you'd be kind enough to share those with me? ;)

Thank you!

O man...

1st gen DSM
2nd gen DSM
any civic(swap)
any integra(swap)
S13 240sx
S14 240sx
MR2 turbo
......the list goes on and on. You should check out some of AFs car specific forums and talk to some of the regulars. They can give you a good idea of what each car is capable of and how well it handles upgrades/daily driving/gas mileage.

Out of those cars that you listed I think that I would have to pick the Integra or Civic. Quick question, what engine would you recommend to swap into an Integra? Also, the non-GSR models, do they have any potential with their stock motor? Quick question, what's a VTEC head? Also, how much money do you think I would be spending to get a non-GSR Integra running in the low 14s to high 13's?

i am not knowledgable about hondas but i'm thinking that a vtec head is a more performance oriented head that gived you better compression....and to get a non gsr integra to run 13s would probably take around 3k....or less if your'e thrifty...

Okay, thanks for the quick reply.

One more thing, the Del Sol VTEC caught my eye and I was wondering how it would compare to some of the other cars that we have talked about. In particular, the Integra and Z24.

Well...

ET is pretty easy to get. Make a lil power and throw on some grippy slicks. You could be running 13s and trapping 95mph.lol

Click here (http://sdsefi.com/techpowr.htm)

Check out some of the civic forums and maybe do some research online.

For performance modifications and general knowledge on automobiles, I recommend these two sites. You can find pretty much anything you need to know on both of these sites.

SDSEFI.com (http://sdsefi.com/tech.html)
Stealth 316.com (http://stealth316.com/1-tech.htm)

I recommend reading them until your eyes are bleeding.

okay, well sorry I dind't have time to read all the previous threads, but it just came to my attention (in the z forums, thanks again LLZ) that one of the ultimate sleepers is in fact a minivan... yes, they were made in 1989 and 1990, they're dodge grand caravans, plymouth voyagers, and chrysler town&country's. They came with turbo'd I-4 engines... stock they get about 21MPG city, and they don't have too much power, but they're easy to mod, and the pistons crank and heads (I think so don't quote me on it) can support up to at least 25+ PSI on the turbo. If you're interested go to www.turbominivan.com ... the guy who hosts the site I think is in 13s rite now, maybe lower... good luck!
Thanks alot man, you just found my next purchase for an auxilary vehicle. Gonna probably buy one next year, and they are dirt cheap (Less then a $1K in some cases). Hopefully they don't get that poor of gas mileage.

Okay, thanks for the quick reply.

One more thing, the Del Sol VTEC caught my eye and I was wondering how it would compare to some of the other cars that we have talked about. In particular, the Integra and Z24.

Z24s are nice cars that if you leave stock looking (ie. no gay tail lights or stickers) can be made into sleepers. Maybe if you get a z24 you can add a supercharger later. I've even thought about it...

Integras aren't swapped, unless you swap from a better integra into it. Civics are swapped from integras. Civics have no guts unless you spend money or unless someboy already spent the money and then you will most likely inherit somebody else's headache (like me). But still, Hondas can be reliable. Superchargers and turbocharger kits are made for the integra.

DSMs (ie. Eclipses) are nice too (turboed through 99... GST, GSX, TSi) but I doubt your parents would go for that right? Still, a stock GST (hard to come by) is a pretty cool car.

240sx are awesome as well. You can probably find a 98 for a decent price and add power to it later...

Basically, it all comes down to personal preference. You'll be driving it and you'll be the one sitting in the driver's seat. Personally, I like old Japanese cars because the ergonomic set up and the good gas mileage and reliability. Would I drive an LS1 Camaro?... hell yeah but would I want to drive it everyday... probably not... pockets empty.

Quick question, out of any Toyota under $15,000 which would be your top 3 picks that you would be able to find at a Toyota dealership today?

Toyota Cavalier, lol im being serious too. But good luck finding one in the United States. Over in Japan, Toyota made a deal with GM to sell cavaliers over there, so they changed them to the right hand drive, added a few different body parts, and called it a Toyota Cavalier. Pretty much the same car, still made by GM just has a toyota badge on it and a few differences.

Scion XB! You know how slow the new shoebox be...

Scion XB! You know how slow the new shoebox be...
:rofl:

just buy some stupid car now, with low insurance, save your money, and get the car you want.

get like a protege or a corolla and dont modify it at all