Any ideas on cheap first car?

[Char93]

Hey everyone,

I'm 17 living in Ontario, Canada, and I'm going to university next year. I'll need a car to get around, and I'm looking for any recommendations on what I should look at for a first car.

I don't have a huge budget so I'm just looking for something to get me from point A to point B. Any ideas on a very cheap (under 3k) car that is cheap on gas, cheap on repairs and maintenance, and most importantly, cheap to insure? I have no accidents or tickets but being 17 insurance is insanely high.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated!

[Char93]

I'm thinking a late 90's Buick, they seem very cheap to insure, least in my province. But how reliable are they?

['97ventureowner]

Late '90s Buicks are a good choice in that from my experiences are very reliable and comfortable to drive. Parts are generally readily available and not too expensive, and the supply of these cars should still be strong . Insurance companies tend to like Buicks for their safe record over the years. They also get fairly decent fuel economy. Some good choices from that period of time would be the LeSabre, Park Ave., Century, and Regal. Believe it or not there is a growing popularity amongst the under 25 crowd in owning what was once pegged as an "old man's car" because of them being more reliable and comfortable to drive. I belong to another forum that specializes in Buicks and a majority of owners are under 30.

[Char93]

Originally Posted by '97ventureowner

Late '90s Buicks are a good choice in that from my experiences are very reliable and comfortable to drive. Parts are generally readily available and not too expensive, and the supply of these cars should still be strong . Insurance companies tend to like Buicks for their safe record over the years. They also get fairly decent fuel economy. Some good choices from that period of time would be the LeSabre, Park Ave., Century, and Regal. Believe it or not there is a growing popularity amongst the under 25 crowd in owning what was once pegged as an "old man's car" because of them being more reliable and comfortable to drive. I belong to another forum that specializes in Buicks and a majority of owners are under 30.

Hey, thanks for the response! Very informative.

[Steve Rothenberg]

Seems like we're having a consensus on the Buick. Though the Buick being a great option, you may as well consider the 90's Toyotas as well for there terrific safety standards, low teenage insurance fees and good on the styling front as well. How bout a 90's Corolla to be precise???

[Char93]

Originally Posted by Steve Rothenberg

Seems like we're having a consensus on the Buick. Though the Buick being a great option, you may as well consider the 90's Toyotas as well for there terrific safety standards, low teenage insurance fees and good on the styling front as well. How bout a 90's Corolla to be precise???

I would, they seem like great cars and I've heard good things about them, but for some reason, in the region I live insurance fees for imports, especially corollas, camrys, and civics, are significantly higher that of domestic sedans. Don't ask me why.

The cheapest insurance quote I could find for a 90s buick was in the area for $3500, but the cheapest I could find for a corolla was around $4800.

[Steve Rothenberg]

Originally Posted by Char93

I would, they seem like great cars and I've heard good things about them, but for some reason, in the region I live insurance fees for imports, especially corollas, camrys, and civics, are significantly higher that of domestic sedans. Don't ask me why.

The cheapest insurance quote I could find for a 90s buick was in the area for $3500, but the cheapest I could find for a corolla was around $4800.

Well yeah - the difference is very much there and since you have only one option left for you, the Buick looks like the one to go for. From what you've mentioned so far, I believe the cars right up there in your head. Good choice pal considering your use and the budget constraints that you have.
Let us all know when you finally have got one in your garage. I wish you good luck and look forward to some pictures with your car

[Ray paulsen]

Originally Posted by '97ventureowner

Late '90s Buicks are a good choice in that from my experiences are very reliable and comfortable to drive. Parts are generally readily available and not too expensive, and the supply of these cars should still be strong . Insurance companies tend to like Buicks for their safe record over the years. They also get fairly decent fuel economy. Some good choices from that period of time would be the LeSabre, Park Ave., Century, and Regal. Believe it or not there is a growing popularity amongst the under 25 crowd in owning what was once pegged as an "old man's car" because of them being more reliable and comfortable to drive. I belong to another forum that specializes in Buicks and a majority of owners are under 30.

I agree with everyting mentioned, this whole thread with the asker being located in St Cath and me in Oakville feels real weird, allow me to explain, and please understand I am not trying to make a sale, but I could have the perfect car should wife and I decide 2 cars are not any longer needed.

We are presently at our winter location in FL till end April, my mother in law passed away last year and we got her 99 Buick Century in my garage in Oakville, never seen winters, car was driven to FL end of Oct every year, I think car has got around 160KM blows ice with new tires and in perfect condition

If the asker may be interested, leave a phone # in my mailbox, and I will make contact upon my return if we decide 2 cars are not needed, as for price I think being fair between $2 to $2500 Certified and e - tested

[Char93]

Originally Posted by Steve Rothenberg

Let us all know when you finally have got one in your garage. I wish you good luck and look forward to some pictures with your car

Will do!

I agree with everyting mentioned, this whole thread with the asker being located in St Cath and me in Oakville feels real weird, allow me to explain, and please understand I am not trying to make a sale, but I could have the perfect car should wife and I decide 2 cars are not any longer needed.

We are presently at our winter location in FL till end April, my mother in law passed away last year and we got her 99 Buick Century in my garage in Oakville, never seen winters, car was driven to FL end of Oct every year, I think car has got around 160KM blows ice with new tires and in perfect condition

If the asker may be interested, leave a phone # in my mailbox, and I will make contact upon my return if we decide 2 cars are not needed, as for price I think being fair between $2 to $2500 Certified and e - tested

Thats a really funny coincedence. If I do decide to buy it'll be in the next few months, and I'll contact you if i do. Thanks for the offer!

[Ray paulsen]

Originally Posted by Char93

Will do!


Thats a really funny coincedence. If I do decide to buy it'll be in the next few months, and I'll contact you if i do. Thanks for the offer!

I should point having sold thousand of vehicle's in Ontario and now retired, the Insurance we both know becomes a major factor for a new driver, in Ontario the Ford ranger P/U beats all for new drivers. Hey a young buck like you needs a pick -up right ?... I have seen many Rangers go beyond 300K,,, consider that as one of your future choices.

It's sad that I can re-new Insurance on the Century for $497. and you got to pay" stupid " but hey all good things come with age,,,lol

[nmikmik]

Having the gas prices going the way they are, you should take that in consideration as well. You can go to the xxx.fueleconomy.gov and plug in the number for up to 4 vehicles and see what is you average yearly cost of fuel.
You may save a bit on insurance with one car and pay for it in gas mileage. I never thought I'll be suggesting this vehicle before, but 98+ Saturn (although a tupperware car) yada yada, could be a decent choice.
Good luck,

[dondeere]

My 19 year old son has a 2000 Buick LeSabre Custom. The car rides great and will pull off 34 miles per gallon hwy. Bell Air direct insurance is $200.58 per month.
He has a G permit with driver training.

[Char93]

Thanks everyone, lots of things to think about.
Insurance is the worst, its incredible what they get away with charging young guys.