First car, looking for something specific

[wildrebel82]

Hi all, this is my first post here on these forums.

I am a sixteen year old who will be getting my license in a couple months and I need possible suggestions as to what kind of car I should buy. I realize I can't be unreasonably picky, as I am within a budget of $1500-$2000. However, I am looking for a car that meets the following criteria:

-Rear wheel drive
-Somewhat good gas mileage (>23mpg or so)
-Relatively cheap insurance (as low as I can get for a first time driver)
-Preferably American or Japanese (European cars are expensive to work on)
-Manual transmission

I have been a car enthusiast for awhile, so I have a pretty good idea of what I'm looking for. My leading candidates right now are older Datsuns, but these are hard to come across unmodified and in fair to good condition. Sfbay Craigslist does have a lot of variety, and I have viewed multiple cars. I am particularly fond of the first iteration of the 200sx (1979-1988), and they are somewhat common around here, but also expensive compared to other models. I wouldn't mind a B210 or similar model either, but 5 speeds are almost impossible to find anymore. If anyone can give me any ideas of other possible candidates, please tell me.

[speediva]

You're going to have a very hard time finding something RWD in your price range at all, let alone manual AND decent gas mileage. Like you said, some things are out there like Datsun, the older 200SX models, but RWD is more likely to have been abused in that price range because of the draw of autocross, drifting, etc.

Since this is your first car, how about FWD, manual which will open up your market significantly? There will be TONS of cars that are FWD in your price range (which will also be more likely to be cheaper on insurance, too). First cars aren't supposed to be dream cars. Then once you've saved up for a few years, you can really start looking at the RWD of your dreams.

[FishFind]

s10?

[wildrebel82]

I'm pretty sure s10=200sx. And thanks speediva, I'll consider it. I've driven both front and rear wheel drives, and I like FR better. Also, my dad, who I'd call a "do-it-yourself" mechanic, insists that CV joints are impossible to work on. But I suppose a front-wheel-drive couldn't be that bad. If only KP61 Starlets weren't nonexistent these days

[repoguy]

For that price range it will be tough but very possible.. You are really gonna have to dig around craigslist and keep checking everyday. With craigslist though, you better have your money in hand and ready to go visit the owner ASAP or they will sell something like that under you in a heart beat.