Buying first car soon...Need Help picking a car

[krath94]

My three choices are Mitsubishi 3000gt, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, or Acura RSX

[DVSNCYNIKL]

RSX, just for ease of modifying in todays market.

[krath94]

Originally Posted by DVSNCYNIKL

RSX, just for ease of modifying in todays market.

That's true but it's also more expensive than the other two. I found like 13 3000gt's for under $5000 and over 50 eclipses for under $5000 and about 10 rsx's for under $5000. Is the extra few thousand worth it?

[DVSNCYNIKL]

Originally Posted by krath94

That's true but it's also more expensive than the other two. I found like 13 3000gt's for under $5000 and over 50 eclipses for under $5000 and about 10 rsx's for under $5000. Is the extra few thousand worth it?

Here's my .02.

Eclipse - Most popular, extensive amount of mods available, I would look for a '99 to '01 model. Not a big fan of the more recent body style. Plus, from what I've seen, there is just that much more stuff for the older model.

3000GT - Not a big fan of, and more importantly, maintenance-wise, more costly. The trans alone is a pain in the ass to deal with if you encounter any issues. IMO, I wouldn't consider. I'm also saying this having not had, modded or been around one. I've only friends who have owned and modded and some had issues that were beyond comprehension and really costly for minor things.

RSX - Depends on your pocket. If it isn't out there, why not? It's very easy to do minor mods and get some interesting results. Plus there's the wow factor as it has some agressive lines. Depending in what direction you are going.

At the end of the day, you have to decide are your going for speed, looks, both. With the exception of the GT, you can't really go wrong with either one.

One last thing, are these the only vehicles you are considering because of budget or because they are the ones that have your interest?

[krath94]

I chose these three because they interest me but they are also in my budget. I'm going to be getting a job soon and I already have about $4,500 saved up plus my parents are going to help me out along with my grandparents.

[krath94]

Originally Posted by DVSNCYNIKL

Here's my .02.

Eclipse - Most popular, extensive amount of mods available, I would look for a '99 to '01 model. Not a big fan of the more recent body style. Plus, from what I've seen, there is just that much more stuff for the older model.

3000GT - Not a big fan of, and more importantly, maintenance-wise, more costly. The trans alone is a pain in the ass to deal with if you encounter any issues. IMO, I wouldn't consider. I'm also saying this having not had, modded or been around one. I've only friends who have owned and modded and some had issues that were beyond comprehension and really costly for minor things.

RSX - Depends on your pocket. If it isn't out there, why not? It's very easy to do minor mods and get some interesting results. Plus there's the wow factor as it has some agressive lines. Depending in what direction you are going.

At the end of the day, you have to decide are your going for speed, looks, both. With the exception of the GT, you can't really go wrong with either one.

One last thing, are these the only vehicles you are considering because of budget or because they are the ones that have your interest?

UPDATE: I've narrowed it down to the Eclipse or the RSX. The gas money and maintenance for the 3000GT is going to be too much money. Also, I don't like the interior, it's too old looking for me.

[speediva]

I'd pick the RSX over the Eclipse.

IMO, the Eclipse has been done time and time and time again. Granted, they're probably more widely available and less expensive, but I think on looks alone the RSX takes it.

[krath94]

Originally Posted by speediva

I'd pick the RSX over the Eclipse.

IMO, the Eclipse has been done time and time and time again. Granted, they're probably more widely available and less expensive, but I think on looks alone the RSX takes it.

Do you think I could find an RSX with around 100k miles for under $8,000?

[speediva]

Given you're in PA and it's still colder than a witch's you-know-what, you probably could if you were willing to travel even like 5 hours to pick it up. It just takes hunting and a willingness to travel a little and you can find about anything.

[krath94]

Originally Posted by speediva

Given you're in PA and it's still colder than a witch's you-know-what, you probably could if you were willing to travel even like 5 hours to pick it up. It just takes hunting and a willingness to travel a little and you can find about anything.

Well I'm not looking to buy one until late summer at least. I have my permit right now and I am eligible for my license in July 29 and then I need a job so around september is when I'll really be looking. Right now I just look online for fun and found one for like 8k and it was nice.

[speediva]

A piece of advice for ya: Since you're looking at the later end of this year - if you can wait until more like December/January, you'll get better prices. People start selling off their prized possessions around then to help pay for Christmas so they're usually more willing to move on price.

Keep in mind that you can use the price guidelines from Vehix.com, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds.com to get a pretty solid idea of whether the person selling is way off or right on target.

Finally - aftermarket "mods" (including speakers, spoilers, wheels, paint, window tint, etc.) do NOT raise the overall value of the car!!!!!! People often try to get a premium for their cars when it looks pretty or different from the rest - but unless the car works well mechanically and has been well-taken-care-of, you don't want to go there.

[krath94]

Originally Posted by speediva

A piece of advice for ya: Since you're looking at the later end of this year - if you can wait until more like December/January, you'll get better prices. People start selling off their prized possessions around then to help pay for Christmas so they're usually more willing to move on price.

Keep in mind that you can use the price guidelines from Vehix.com, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds.com to get a pretty solid idea of whether the person selling is way off or right on target.

Finally - aftermarket "mods" (including speakers, spoilers, wheels, paint, window tint, etc.) do NOT raise the overall value of the car!!!!!! People often try to get a premium for their cars when it looks pretty or different from the rest - but unless the car works well mechanically and has been well-taken-care-of, you don't want to go there.

I found a few online in my price range and if they are still for sale when I go to actually look for a car I will check those. THey are in good condition from what I can see

[speediva]

Oh, and if you have a friend/family member who is a mechanic, you might want them to just give the car a "once-over" to make sure things under the hood are as pretty as the rest of it. If not, I know Firestone down where I live in TN will basically do a mini "inspection" for I think $30 and can check the car over for leaks or other issues. It is great for some peace of mind knowing that 30mins down the road the car is unlikely to fall apart.

[Juanbrown10]

I am trying to buy a used car that gets around but isn't just anything that's going to break down. I have came down to a Honda Accord Nissan Maxima Volkswagen Passat Volkswagen Jetta and a Volvo. My problem is that I only have $1200. Can someone help tell me or help me where I can find a car at for under $1200?

[Juanbrown10]

I am just buying a car for my son. And I'm not going to spend a whole lot of money on his first car. Any suggestions?