First Car Suggestions

[leph555]

I am looking to get my first car, used and under $5k. The car which caught my attention was the Audi A4 1998-99, but I here the maintenance is going to be fairly high on it.

Any Suggestions??

[Sophism]

Do you have a decent job? What about insurance? Other bills? These are all factors you need to take into account when purchasing your first vehicle.

Basically as a new driver you cant just pick a car and go with it, because insurance premiums can be pretty crazy for young/new drivers depending where you live.

For example, i just bought my first car a couple weeks ago, got a brand new car that cost about 20K after family plan discounts. I live at home atm and have a steady stable job so i knew i could afford it, Insurance costs me almost 2000/yr.

Now since you are getting a used car if you arent taking out a loan then you wont need as much "stuff" on your insurance. So your insurance will certainly be cheaper, however if you are getting 5k via a loan of sorts, then insurance can be pretty crazy depending on the car.

As for cars, i would stay away from anything american. Japanese cars are going to be reliable as the guy below me mentions, Honda make some very nice cars, Nissan as well.

Edited May 9, 2008 by Sophism

[Azusa]

for a first car go with something Japanese IE reliable and economical A. you get to build up some no claims bonus B. cheaper to run C. you're likely to get 90% of what you spent back.

[Nose Nuggets]

insurance is a huge factor. i would also be surprised if you could find an A4 for your price range. even an 8 year old one.

my suggestion for all new drivers is a real driving school. Something like a Skip Barber's new driver school is WELL worth the money and in some states qualifies you for an insurance rebate.

fact of the matter is, you currently have a clean slate. Im not sure where you live but ~ 95% of all American drivers dont know the first thing about vehicle dynamics or why a car does what it does under certain conditions. actual instruction for a professional driver is the best insurance policy you can get for yourself. better to do it now, then in 5 years when you have all sorts of bad habits.

http://www.skipbarber.com/driving_school/m...new_driver.aspx

[rathefeare]

I'll second Skip Barber's driving school. I did a day school at Limerock a few years back and it was some of the best car money I have ever spent.

For cars I would go with a front wheel drive, 4 cylinder Japaneses car that would be easy on your insurance and gas money. There should be tons that fit into that category so beyond that chose what ever you think looks nice or that you will enjoy. I have had good experiences with a prelude, a protege and a sentra. Also consider a stick. It might be a bit cheaper to buy and adds a good deal of driving fun. I find a manual transmission in a 80 hp metro more fun to drive than a 250hp automatic mustang.

[protomor]

IMO get something reliable. I second japanese cars over expensive euro stuff. Although the jetta/golf isnt too bad. Take a look at what the insurance will cost you for each. Keep in mind most import companies have manufacturing facilities in the US these days so parts arent as expensive as they used to be. Shops still charge a premium though. If you do get the audi, beware of any shop that jacks its prices up the moment they hear what it is.

Honestly tho, late 90s honda/nissan is prob your best bet for reliability, low insurance, and an all around good ride. Also, you might want to look into things like vehicle weight and mileage. the heavier it is, the more gas itll eat up.

[+Gary7 Subscriber²]

A Toyota/Honda type car.

[PricklyPoo]

You sound perfect for a Ford Pinto, very reliable, really fun if you go fast and slam on the brakes when someone is behind you.

[Nose Nuggets]

You sound perfect for a Ford Pinto, very reliable, really fun if you go fast and slam on the brakes when someone is behind you.

don't believe the hype

http://www.car-forums.com/s10/t2240.html

[chconline Veteran]

Just get a cheap Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla, they would last you a while not to mention decent resale afterwards :p