Looking at a first car.

[R/T]

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?

[BigDanTheMan]

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.

[YogsVR4]

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.

[R/T]

@ 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.

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

[BigDanTheMan]

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.