Best car for a new driver

"Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car" (pilot-and-car-guy)
03/12/2015 at 20:09 • Filed to: None

I'm looking for a car. I have a total maximum budget of $2000. I want something slightly "sporty" and with good handling. Something that is fun to take in to corners quickly. For lack of a better term, it should drive like the 1998 Porsche boxster my grand parents own. I prefer a 5-speed stick. Sedan, wagon, coupe, hatch , or convertible are preferred, in that order. Have a Porsche Boxster for your time.

DISCUSSION (72)

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:12

The obvious answer here is Miata

BUT...

I've heard older Hondas are pretty fun little cars to chuck around. And they seems to have the best manuals in the business from what I've read. Cheap Civics are a dime a dozen too.

jkm7680 > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:13

Not much sub $2,000 that's going to handle like that to be honest.

not for canada - australian in disguise > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:13

Kinja'd!!!

bob and john > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:13

"sporty" = ass rape when it comes to insurance.

My take on the subject.

Just get a volvo wagon for the first 2-3 years and work from there.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:14

Miata.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/12/2015 at 20:14

Been looking for Miata's but around here they cost much more than $2000. Will look in to older Honda's.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > jkm7680
03/12/2015 at 20:14

*Porsche 944* cough!!

Conan > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:15

Somewhat unicorn-ish but manual V6 Mustang.

jkm7680 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
03/12/2015 at 20:15

But for under $2,000 that's going to be a tall order.

bob and john > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
03/12/2015 at 20:16

a running 944 for under 2k? HA.

RustedSprinter > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:17

How bout a AW11 mr2?

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > bob and john
03/12/2015 at 20:17

You do make some good points. I have no issue, and prefer a 4 door. I do prefer stick though. It really is nice. Power is not a requirement and not really a good thing for me. I want good handling and a low CG.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > bob and john
03/12/2015 at 20:17

The insurance thing isn't entirely true in some places. My M3 is only $25 more a month than the Safari was to insure for me.

bob and john > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/12/2015 at 20:18

are the cars under your parents names? that might be why.

I know to insure almost anything in to its like 4k+ a year. (when your under 25 that is)

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:19

Kinja'd!!!

What about a Monte Carlo? It looks good, is a great cruiser, is quite fun and is relatively inexpensive.

RallyWrench > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:19

E36 BMW, but a $2k E36 could rapidly become a $4k E36. Other options: B13 Nissan Sentra SE-R, Nissan NX 2000, Honda EF or EG Civic, beater 1.6L Miata, E21 BMW 320i, Porsche 924/44 (which will also rapidly consume your monies post-purchase).

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > bob and john
03/12/2015 at 20:21

The policy is under my parents name but I'm listed as the primary driver, so I guess the car is technically under their names.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > not for canada - australian in disguise
03/12/2015 at 20:21

I hate to ask, what car is that?

E. Julius > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:21

Try talking them down? http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

In all seriousness though, the answer depends on how much time (or money) you're willing to put into keeping a car running, and how reliable you need it to be.

If you need to have a car that can take you 150 miles a day five days a week, and you're like me and don't know enough about wrenching to do anything in a timely manner, your best bet is probably to find something like a Civic with a manual—a Miata if you can find a good one and swing a convertible. Having the stick will make any car somewhat entertaining to drive, and if you're a new driver it will all be fun anyways.

On the other hand, if you can get by without a car for a day or two, don't regularly need to drive very far, or your wrenching abilities are closer to Tavarish's than my own (or you have cash), your options are bit more open. In that case, maybe go for an E36 sedan, or a 3rd/4th generation F body or something.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > jkm7680
03/12/2015 at 20:21

It can be done!

BJ > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:22

Slow car fast = fun.

Any small, affordable, and reliable small car will get you going in the right direction. As your budget allows, put on better tires and better brakes. Then, look at better suspension components - sway bar, bushings, shocks/coilovers, etc.

bob and john > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/12/2015 at 20:22

yea, there you go.

I checked what insurance would be for me up in thunder bay VS toronto. 1/2 the price up here -.-'

XJDano > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:23

My opinion is always start with a reliable beater. Something you don't give 2 shits about.

All the other stuff can be had later. You will likely hit something, so best to get that crap out on a throw away car.

My 2¢

jkm7680 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
03/12/2015 at 20:23

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/488980…

A 924, but good price either way.

AthomSfere > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:23

Few cars in that price range will handle anywhere near as well:

Kinja'd!!!

Four door older Integra.

Scary__goongala! > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:23

*clears thoat

NA MIATAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Lets Just Drive > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:23

Important things:

1.) How fixed is your budget? I know this is a lame question, money is what money is, but honestly if you can save (or beg, borrow, steal) your way into the $5K price bracket you'll open a whole new world of choices.

B.) Sub-$5K it's a hard question to answer without knowing where you live. With what you're talking about the best approach isn't to ask what you should buy, it's to look at what is available in that price range and then ask Oppo which options are better. Honestly, the price you're talking precludes the usual Car Debate style approach; I can't say that X car is now available for that price etc. Your best bet at that price point is to shop around without the expectation of a particular car.

If I were you, I'd look at a 4th gen EF Civic if you can find one. Hell, any 4th gen would be great. Fun handling, easy to work on and pretty cool all around. My thoughts.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:24

Something sporty for under $2k is a tall order. You should probably be prepared to wrench on your ride yourself for that price.

That being said, a quick search reveals some Eagle Talons that are around your price point. My sister had one many years ago and it was a fun overall car.

E. Julius > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:24

+1 for old Civic. It's not going to handle like a Boxster, but they're fun enough and they won't eat all your money like pretty much anything German under $2k.

not for canada - australian in disguise > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:25

Geo Metro/Suzuki Swift/Pontiac Firefly

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > bob and john
03/12/2015 at 20:25

Sounds like it's time to move to Thunder Bay. Cheap(er) insurance FTW.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Lets Just Drive
03/12/2015 at 20:25

1 Unfortunately, very tight. I might be able to get another $500.

2. I live near Denver

Nibby > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:26

You want something that handles like a Boxster with that budget? Rob a bank.

bob and john > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/12/2015 at 20:27

lol, Id rather pay the extra insurance down in toronto. thunder bay is a dead end town. If I wasnt here for uni, I wouldnt have ever come here.

Though cali has been on my mind lately

E. Julius > not for canada - australian in disguise
03/12/2015 at 20:27

+1,000,000,000 if OP finds and buys a Firefly.

RustedSprinter > not for canada - australian in disguise
03/12/2015 at 20:29

I really wouldnt recommend a Metro. Too underpowered. Handling isnt not that great either. Go with a Cavalier.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Nibby
03/12/2015 at 20:31

Not the handling. But something that can take turns quickly, and feels good.

RustedSprinter > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:33

How about a Honda CRX?

Nibby > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:33

Rob a bank.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > bob and john
03/12/2015 at 20:33

It can be done dammit!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > jkm7680
03/12/2015 at 20:34

What did I tell you!

Aaron Brown > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:35

Porsche 944 is what I would recommend. You can find them for around $2000. I paid $1800 for mine in what was basically very good running condition.

If you don't have much driving experience, you have to keep in mind your limits are going to be a lot lower than probably whatever car you choose. Drive within your comfort zone and don't push it.

Conan > RustedSprinter
03/12/2015 at 20:35

If he could find the right one this actually would handle that well.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > bob and john
03/12/2015 at 20:46

California's pretty expensive and one of the stricker states on vehicles, just letting you know this. DAMN YOU CALIFORNIA FOR MAKING ME KNOW WOOD PUTS OFF CARBON WHEN IT BURNS....

Sweet Trav > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 20:48

1980's G-body. Cutlass, Monte Carlo, Regal, Grand Prix.

RWD, decent handling, and not enough power to get you in trouble until you do an engine swap.

bob and john > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
03/12/2015 at 20:49

it still WAY cheaper then canada.

also, lane splitting.

Funktheduck > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 21:01

High mileage corolla.

twochevrons > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 21:07

I strongly agree with Peter – a "sporty" car as a first car isn't necessarily the wisest idea (although I did that, too, with a Rover SD1 V8). Still, there are plenty of fun-to-drive cars that aren't traditionally considered sporty. In fact, that's kind of my thing. In my garage right now, I have a 1996 Volvo 850R wagon, and a 1985 VW Scirocco. They're both a bit 'untraditional' but are fun to drive in their own different ways.

If you don't mind something a bit older, look into the Scirocco. It's basically a Mk1 VW Golf/Rabbit GTI with a fastback coupé body – it's not fast by today's standards, but it certainly feels quick, and its '80s hot-hatch handling is endlessly entertaining, while also being extremely forgiving. They're remarkably practical, too – although the back seat is completely useless for carrying anybody taller than about 5'2", with the seat folded down, you can fit a surprising amount of stuff in it. With a few minor exceptions, parts are cheap and plentiful – most of them are shared with other VWs of the era. Rust is a problem, but you can probably find a clean one on your budget.

The 850R is a completely different beast, but great fun in its own right. No manual transmission option (at least in North America), but it's fast, comfortable, and it has room for all your friends AND their stuff. The handling could only loosely be described as sporty, but for a big front-wheel-drive wagon, it's pretty good, and it definitely makes up for that deficiency in straight-line acceleration. You don't have to worry about rust (mine has spent its entire life in a road-salt state, and has yet to show any signs of rot), but reliability is hit-or-miss: find a well-maintained one, and it will probably last forever if you look after it, but neglected ones (like mine was before I got it) can, and will, ruin your life. Still, decent-looking ones go for around your budget, and they also have the benefit of going under the radar a bit – aside from bigger wheels and a small spoiler, they look just like any other '90s Volvo, and the insurance on mine is ridiculously cheap (although I'm married and in my late twenties, which helps).

I wouldn't recommend either unless you plan on learning about their particular quirks and doing maintenance yourself (decent Volvo specialists cost $$$$$, and finding somebody to work on the mechanical fuel injection system on an '80s VW could be a challenge) but in my opinion, they're both great cars that can be had cheaply, and enjoyed on a budget, so long as you're willing to put a bit of work into them.

I've just realised that I don't have a photo of the two of them together, but here are some photos of them. The Scirocco doesn't really look its best, but it'll give you an idea, at least.

Kinja'd!!!

twochevrons > bob and john
03/12/2015 at 21:10

Heh, I road tripped up there from Minneapolis a few summers ago (in a rusted-to-pieces VW Cabrio, of all cars), just for the hell of it. Can't say the city itself impressed me much, but the surroundings are pretty, and there were some nice roads on the way up. You should come down and visit sometime!

bob and john > twochevrons
03/12/2015 at 21:11

I dont have a car. I live on campus, so for 8 months a year, I'm stuck in this place :(

Steve in Manhattan > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 21:13

What does a Focus RS from the early 2000s go for?

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Steve in Manhattan
03/12/2015 at 21:16

You can get a Focus zx5 for $2k and 215000 miles.

Clay Smith's Revenge > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 21:20

Find the latest model GTi you can because a sub $2K VW won't be as beat to hell as a sub $2K BMW, I guarantee.

GTi's handle well, the gas mileage isn't horrible and if you mess it up by smacking a phone pole replacement GTi panels are incredibly cheaper than any sheet metal on a BMW.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Clay Smith's Revenge
03/12/2015 at 21:26

The cheapest gti that runs is $4k around here. :(

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 21:35

For 2k I would get something that runs. looking for anything sporty is driveway ornament territory. A driveway ornament is a car that is cool (if it could move).

A friend got a 12y0 old E type Mercedes for 3k. only issue id he probably dumped at least 3 more into it in following couple years just to keep it somewhat functional.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
03/12/2015 at 21:37

Allow me to clarify. I want something that "feels good" to drive. A 5-speed stick, and a low cg is it really.

coelacanthist > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 21:40

4 door 2.0L golfs can be had fairly cheaply. I've had a couple of them with 5 speeds, they were pretty fun.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > coelacanthist
03/12/2015 at 21:41

To a quick look on Craigslist and didn't see anything under $4k

Clay Smith's Revenge > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 21:41

You're not looking hard enough. I'm sure there's a Mk. III 16v somewhere you can pick up for $1500.

If not then just find a Golf in good shape. They take to mods well and you'll learn how to turn a wrench to boot. Win/Win

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > RustedSprinter
03/12/2015 at 21:44

How about actually finding one? They've all been miled out or horribly modified.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Clay Smith's Revenge
03/12/2015 at 21:44

I will keep looking. I have done some basic work want want to learn more. The biggest thing I'v done is an alternator swap. Mostly just oil, atf, and brake fluids, tires, brakes, and some minor in dash work (removing a stuck key, the park safety switch).

Clay Smith's Revenge > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 21:50

Good. Nobody's saying that everyone needs to be able to do an engine swap but knowing basic auto repair is a good skill, even if you can take your car to a mechanic the rest of your life.

I don't do much of the maintenance on my car much less repairs, but if I needed to I can pretty much do almost anything (especially after replacing the clutch on my Maxima years ago. That was more complicated than I ever imagined).

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Clay Smith's Revenge
03/12/2015 at 21:53

Yeah. It's a very useful skill. I would like to be able to swap an engine at some point. Regardless, one other thing I want in a car is something easy to work on. I have been looking at cars from the 70's for just that reason.

Steve in Manhattan > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 21:53

That might be the answer - they gave me one while my SHO was in the shop back in 2000, and I liked it. Lower miles though, if possible.

Steve in Manhattan > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 21:53

And ZX5, that's the one.

Jayhawk Jake > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 21:54

Miata.

That being said, good luck finding anything meeting your criteria under $2k, and keep in mind that most things that cheap will not cost nothing to keep running

Clay Smith's Revenge > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 22:04

Uggb, I probably wouldn't dip into the pool of available 70's cars. Things were nowhere near as reliable as they became in the 80's and beyond plus the gas mileage will make you cry.

If you want something easy to work on that's kind of sporty with pretty much infinite mod possibilities look for a Mustang anywhere from '85 on. The Ford 5.0L (302ci) V8 has got tons of untapped power potential, parts are incredibly plentiful no matter what it is you need (Every Pick n Pull has a metric shit ton of usually wrecked Mustangs with fully operational mechanicals) and you also have almost unlimited options for brake/suspension mods.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Clay Smith's Revenge
03/12/2015 at 22:09

Good to keep in mind. Thanks.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/12/2015 at 23:16

Looking at craigslist in my area my #1 concern would be something that isn't about to fall apart. Get car, get job, save and then get something sporty. 2k sporty cars are great when you have 4-5k to back it up when things start going and need fixing.

Arben72 > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/13/2015 at 00:03

Try to find a cheap subaru. An Impreza with a ej22 is a ton of fun and light. Awd helps in the corners.

Black Saab Boy > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
03/13/2015 at 14:23

I kind of have to agree with everyone. As a first car, it should be practical, reliable, & inexpensive to fix. I'm currently looking for a $2k car so I can drive it while I work on my Saab so it'll get me the most value when I sell it.

My first car 2 years ago was a 1992 Honda Prelude Si. It was auto, and had rust in typical places/a rusty moonroof. The maintenance began adding up and while it was cool to own a sporty car, I wasn't prepared for maintaining it. Not even as if the maintenance was back breaking, or nothing I could do myself. It never left me stranded but the back seat was mainly a decoration not designed to hold people. So I sold it & got a 96 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS.

The Eclipse was a POS. It would constantly overheat, & while I did enjoy working on it. I didn't enjoy not driving it. It was a pretty fun car, not killer fast, & pretty sporty. Some guy ran a stop sign & T-boned me so it was also a safe car.

I say you should get a 5 Speed Nissan Maxima if you want a sporty, practical, reliable car. They're much more sporty than Accord's & Camry's of that time period. Plus you can easily mod them, there's such a big after market for them. If not then you can get a 5 Speed Saab 900 (NG), 9-3, or 9-5. You can get either a convertible, 3 dr or 5 door hatchback, or a sedan/wagon. FWD, Turbocharged, ignition in the center console. These are just suggestions, in the end get what you like.

RustedSprinter > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
03/13/2015 at 16:41

There out there. I saw a few in the NJ / PA area. Look for the Auto ones man.