Buying first car, but too tall for many...help?

[Canuck5056]

I'm currently looking to buy my first car/truck. In total, I have about 5-7 grand, Canadian, (depending on how big of a loan I want to take out from my parents) to get one. Problem is, I'm like 6'3"-6'4", so that automatically eliminates a lot of options.

As I'm only a student, something good on gas is needed, and preferably a manual transmission. I was thinking a '95 Ranger, but then I read in an online review is that they are not a tall mans car. Is that true? Otherwise I was thinking about getting an S10 or a Dakota (I want a smaller truck, not a mammoth F350 or anything like that.)

A couple of ads popped up in my local paper, one of which is for a 91 Camaro RS, the other for a 1988 Supra Turbo Targa. From looking at pictures and reading reviews, they both seem to be very good cars. Would either of these cars be a problem for me, due to my height?

So, along with those questions, any suggestions for a sports car or a smaller truck up to a bout 7 grand Canadian would be great.

Thanks!

[salem1oliver]

I myself am about 6'3.5" and I drive a 1996 Toyota Tacoma Ext. Cab. I find that their is plenty of room. My truck also has the v6 so it is powerful and quick. You should be able to find a used early model tacoma for the price range that you are looking to stay within. The v6 gets about 18-23 mpg but if you went with a 4 cylinder this would be better.

[Canuck5056]

By the way, I really like Camaro's, so that's something I'd really like...am I too tall for Camaro's in general?

[jncodave]

I'm 6'3" and drive a 1990 honda civic and have plenty of head and legroom. So you should be able to fit into a Camaro comfortably. Camaros are my favorite car so i hope that you can

[Andydg]

I'm 6'2" and I fit in a Camaro very nicely. I know what you're talking about though, my dad is 6'6" and he can't fit in any American Car under 30 grand new. He fits in almost all of the Japanese cars even the Echo and fits in about half of the German cars.

[Canuck5056]

What's a good late 80's, early 90's Camaro, year and model, that would be good for my price range?

[drdisque]

I'm 6'4" with long legs and the only car I've driven that was uncomfortable was the WRX

[jncodave]

Originally Posted by Canuck5056

What's a good late 80's, early 90's Camaro, year and model, that would be good for my price range?

The IROC Z-28 is the best in my opinion, anything with the 305 or the 350, both are great engines. I found 7000 canadian to be about 5500 US. You should be able to get one in decent shape for that price. They are all over the place so you should be able to find one in your local paper for a fair price. Most likely there will be some minor problems with it but parts are all over the place for pretty cheap.

[sirsmiley]

I myself am canadian and recently went through an insurance process for trucks and cars.

Shop around on insurance before buying any vehicle. DO NOT use online quotes. They wanted 2100 for my motorcycle but i went to a broker and they got me about 700 for my bike. For a 2001 sunfire 2 door they wanted 6000 dollars when the car is worth 8000 canadian (its a 2 door so anything 2 door and a car counts a sports car in ontario, regardless if it only has even like 60hp).

Either get a small truck (im getting a mazda b series/ranger, they seem to be reliable) or get a 4 door car, until you turn 25, stay away from 2 door cars, your insurance will be nasty.

The S10 has very bad reviews on consumer reports digest, as does the F150 ford. The dakota is so so, while the ranger and b series is recommended. Hope that helps

[SUPERMANG]

I'd look for an older Nissan truck with a 4cy and a manual trans. They get good mileage, are very reliable, and are fairly quick. Only downside is that they are a little ugly. Insurance should be very cheap.

[fredjacksonsan]

Jeep Wrangler. I'm 6'4" and have plenty of headroom. And when the weather's right, UNLIMITED headroom. Plus, 4WD's a good thing in Canada......