What Should I get as my first car?

[dipin]

I am 17 and about to turn 18 in almost 2 months.

And I have been doing some research. Yes I am a car guy. I would like something not too expensive "cuz its my first car" something I can have fun in. I was thinking RWD, and something like the old 85 - 88 corollas, but very hard to find. I don't mind any drivetrain but it all depends on the car. So guys help me choose a good car. And maybe like 4 doors. TO KEEP THOSE INSURANCE COMPANIES OFF MY BACK!!!! Or not.

[curtis73]

I'm biased, but get the ultimate sleeper; a used 92-96 chevy caprice with the LT1. 260 hp, 330 ft-lbs torque, and an incredible aftermarket support thanks to the Impala SS. My SS has been insured with four different companies and (since it doesn't have unique VIN designations) it is insured as "cap/imp 4dr sedan"

You could get a used cop car, but they have typically been beaten so hard you never know what you're getting. It could have been a service cruiser that is beaten hard, or it could have been the Sergeant's car that only went from home to the barracks.

Plenty of power, tons of aftermarket support if you want to modify it, luxo-cruiser ride, room for you and five hot chicks (if that's your thing), and the ultimate grocery-getter insurance rates.

Other thoughts for cheap insurance and RWD; pretty much any truck. S10, Tacoma, Nissan, Mazda, Dakota, Silverado.

RWD cars; Ford LTD, mid 80's GM intermediate like a Monte Carlo, Cutlass, El Camino, Regal. Any Cadillac; I prefer the 70's cars since they have a low-tech engine. In the 80s caddy used the 4100 engine and the V8-6-4, both of which had some complicated and exclusive designs. The 73-77 cars almost always came with the 500 engine that is one of the most mis-understood engines in all of history. Great mileage (by comparison), hard high nickel blocks that last a very long time, and only a few more pounds than a chevy 350. Torque out the wazoo and a classic caddy to boot. I passed up a 73 coupe Deville with 34,000 original miles for $6000.

Do yourself a favor and look on Ebay at Lincoln Town Cars in Florida. I saw an extremely low-mileage signature edition TC (1993) with the green metallic paint and white leather go for $4600. It was showroom quality, stored indoors, and the owners just got too old to drive. I could have (translation: should have) bought it and had it shipped to CA for less than NADA value as a total investment. I could have had it delivered to my doorstep for $5500. Just something to consider.