Looking for a first car

"Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car" (pilot-and-car-guy) 01/15/2015 at 14:20 • Filed to: None

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I am currently fifteen and have my permit. I am looking to spend less then $1000 on a car including any repairs that it may need to get running. Low insurance rates are a big plus as is fuel economy. My grandfather has and has had some very nice cars (listed below) but he is looking for a ford explorer and then planning to sell is '97 Nissan Sentra. I was going to buy it because, it has good gas mileage, it is cheap to maintain, small but still somewhat powerful and sporty (for me). I can drive stick so the 5 speed manual is a cool toy and poses no issues. It needs a replacement clutch cable but those should be cheap. Any reasons to overlook this car or does it seem like a good buy? Thanks for the help, Jake.

Party-vi > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 15:55

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The Sentra is a great little car. There's no reason to overlook it, but just keep in mind it's a $1,000 car.

Funktheduck > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 15:55

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I think the sentra is a good idea.

Margin Of Error > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 15:57

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I recommend a Panther.

Strong, safe, fun, practical, cheap to buy and cheap to run.

Best car for a teen.

Sn210 > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 15:58

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My advice is to talk to your grandfather about keeping the car in his name, but add you onto his insurance policy and list you as the primary driver. You'll save a ton of money that way. If you can

toolmonger > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:00

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Hi Jake,

At your age, any first car is a key for freedom. If your grandfather is willing to "sell" you his nissan sentra then Take It!. It will take you to a whole different world and open up new experiences for you. Replacing a clutch cable is easy and can be very cheap. This car can very well be the perfect car to learn to wrench on. Your Grandparent's collection is VERY impressive and who knows, show them you are responsible and maybe they will eventually let you take one of the sweet rides to prom or something. If you can buy your grandfather's car I say do it.

Nibbles > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:00

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A '97 Sentra should be an excellent first car. Minor repairs notwithstanding, the engines are pretty reliable. They're nothing to ogle so ego should not be an issue. Major bonus points for Manuel!

Arben72 > Margin Of Error 01/15/2015 at 16:05

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Panther (crown Vic, Lincoln town car, marauder, grand marquis.) are all great choices. Including your grandfathers Sentra you can't go wrong with any of these. 1,000 car should put reliability in front of everything else, and being a new driver should put safety right next to reliability on list of importance. The Sentra would be a fun little econobox with the 5 speed though.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Sn210 01/15/2015 at 16:07

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He is a bit of a grouch so that is unfortunately unlikely.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > toolmonger 01/15/2015 at 16:08

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Okay, the one thing between me and a $500 sentra is a sub $10,000 ford explorer. Any ideas there?

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Margin Of Error 01/15/2015 at 16:09

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But don't they get about 15-20 mpg vs the snetra's 30?

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:09

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The Sentra (or really any small 4-door Japanese car) should make an excellent first car. Mine was a 2000 Corolla.

Also, you have the added benefit of a manual transmission. Buy it, make sure you keep it in good running order, and autocross it when you can!

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Arben72 01/15/2015 at 16:10

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That is what I was thinking. Any recommendations on a sub $10,000 for explorer in the Denver area. He is only going to sell me the Sentra if he gets the explorer.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Party-vi 01/15/2015 at 16:10

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Yeah, not expecting much other than a car that will run and let me get around and drive. Any recommendations on a sub $10,000 for explorer in the Denver area. He is only going to sell me the Sentra if he gets the explorer.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Nibbles 01/15/2015 at 16:11

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What kind of minor repairs? Any recommendations on a sub $10,000 for explorer in the Denver area? He is only going to sell me the Sentra if he gets the explorer.

fhrblig > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:12

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The Sentra is probably a good bet, but just keep in mind that it's now 18 years old and won't be perfect. Be prepared for things to go wrong. Save some money for when it does.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/15/2015 at 16:12

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Forgive my ignorance, what is autocross?

Anything for good running order other than fuel filters, oil changes, brakes, and spark plugs? I can do all of those things but that is about the extent of my knowledge.

Any recommendations on a sub $10,000 for explorer in the Denver area? He is only going to sell me the Sentra if he gets the explorer.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:13

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The sentra's a good car. I can usually find a running and driving MR2 for about that price on the craigslist. Generally speaking, if the car starts, it's good. The 4age is a killer little engine. Chances are that it will need alot of elbow grease, but you're buying a car for a grand, so it comes with the territory. Other alternatives are Saturn SCs. They're pretty good and dirt cheap.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > fhrblig 01/15/2015 at 16:13

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What do you think the things to go wrong are? It has been fairly well maintained but as you said, it is old. Any recommendations on a sub $10,000 for explorer in the Denver area? He is only going to sell me the Sentra if he gets the explorer.

UKGTR335 > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:13

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Take the Sentra. A fine first car, and knowing the owner/car history is worth way more than the money you will pay for the car. When you get in the sub $1,000 range, buying a car from someone else can turn out to be a risky and expensive proposition.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/15/2015 at 16:15

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What kind of work. The extent of my experience working on cars is oil change, fuel filters, air filters, transmission flush, and changing tires. Any recommendations on a sub $10,000 for explorer in the Denver area? He is only going to sell me the Sentra if he gets the explorer.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > UKGTR335 01/15/2015 at 16:16

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My fear exactly. Anythings to keep a close eye on? Any recommendations on a sub $10,000 for explorer in the Denver area? He is only going to sell me the Sentra if he gets the explorer.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:16

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I also have to add, how do you approve posts without replying to them?

toolmonger > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:18

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Be patient. it will happen.. You only have a permit so you have time to get your license. If the Sentra does not pan out there are plenty of other cars as everyone here has suggested. Being able to drive is a huge responsibility, you want to show that you are mature enough to handle it... Hell your grandfather may seem grouchy but he may end up giving your the car!.. Grandparents are weird like that. Just show some restraint about getting the car...

Party-vi > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:20

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No idea about the Denver area, but a 2009 2WD with 60,000 miles is probably selling for http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4848504668… around $15,000. Try this one.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > toolmonger 01/15/2015 at 16:20

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Yeah. I am looking at craigslist as well but I thought that I would have fewer issues on a decent car where I know the history than some random car in the area.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:20

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Autocross is a form of racing, easily the cheapest form, where drivers go around a cone track in the middle of an empty parking lot (or on the skid pad at a race track) one at a time on timed runs. It's a great way to learn how to control your car better, and it is a ton of fun. Look up your local SCCA or NASA website for more details.

That should be about all you need to do to maintain that car. Depending on miles and condition I could see maybe needing to replace a belt or fuel pump, but it sounds like both of those would be within your ability too.

Craiglist. Cheap Ford Explorers should be everywhere. I'm originally from Arizona and they were all over the place, I'm sure Colorado is no different.

fhrblig > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:21

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Most 90's japanese cars will be pretty reliable. The Sentra is probably good, but after 18 years you start to see things go awry. That's just natural. I don't know of any specifics to Sentras, but in my past you'll see things like leaky valve cover gaskets, cv joints, suspension bits, and rust.

Funny, my parents just bought a 10-year-old Explorer to replace their 18-year-old Explorer, and it's been nothing but trouble. They've had to have the transmission fixed 3 times already, among a bunch of other problems. I'm glad they bought a warranty.

ToyDeathbot > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:21

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star it!

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/15/2015 at 16:21

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Thanks for all the help. My dad and his parents (Other side from the sentra, the side with all those cars ^ ) used to race vintage cars.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:21

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Rust. The floorboards will probably be gone, but that's essentially just elbow grease to get it all out, a $70 welder from Harbor Freight, some sheet metal, and some rustoleum will get that in check. The first place structural rust seems to happen is where the door jamb meets the sill, so check there, because that's a deal-breaker. The suspension will probably be pretty tired too, but that's going to be the case for any car that cheap. That won't prevent you from getting to where you're going, though, and once you replace them, you'll have an incredibly tightly handling little car.

VonBelmont > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:22

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The Sentra sounds like a good choice, if a bit bland. If you want something more "unique" but still reliable and cheap, maybe look for a w123/4/6 Mercedes (especially diesels), '90s Lexus ES, Crown Vic, '90s XJ6/8, Honda Prelude, etc. These are usually slightly north of $1000, but can be easily found in good shape for <$2500.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/15/2015 at 16:22

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Thanks for all your help.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > ToyDeathbot 01/15/2015 at 16:22

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Thank you!

VonBelmont > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:26

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If you're just going to school or around town, 16ish mpg shouldn't be too bad. My late e38 got about 17 on a good day, and it wasn't too bad.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:26

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Nice! Yeah, just pick up a helmet and you're good to go. Investing in some grippy tires would be a good idea too, best way beyond a driver mod (term for getting better at driving) to improve your times at autocross.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/15/2015 at 16:28

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Thanks for all the help. :)

toolmonger > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 16:41

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You are correct its always better to know the history of the car prior to buying it, but again patience is key in this situation. When I got my permit I did the same thing you did... I ended up with one of my uncle's old Town Cars (he owned a cab service). It was great until he needed to put the car back into service... moral of the story is.. don't rush.. If would have waited i found out later I could have gotten his berlinetta camaro... but I was impatient... and lost both cars.

Try sucking up to your grandfather... if he works on cars ask to wrench with him.. if the clutch cable needs to be replaced on that sentra and he's going to do it.. ask to help or have him show you how to do it... its all a learning experience from now on. Plus you are only 15.. at least another year before you get a license correct?

UKGTR335 > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 17:00

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I know nothing Sentra specific. But in general check the oil, spark plugs, tires, brake fluid, belts, etc. to make sure everything is topped up, clean, and not too worn. Keep cruising Craigslist, CarGurus and Autotrader looking for an explorer for him. Good luck!

Nibbles > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 17:03

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A sub-10k Explorer here in Denver? They're likely all over the place. Explorers are nearly as ubiquitous as Subarus lol. Cash buy or finance?

As far as minor repairs, things like CV joints which should be looked at on any 10+ year old FWD car, suspension bushings and components, brakes, that kind of stuff.

Arben72 > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 17:03

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http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/4846003895…

I don't know fords though so someone else should be able too help you more.

NaturallyAspirated > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 17:04

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My sister's first car was my dad's old '96 Sentra with a 5-speed. Great car, super reliable, great fuel economy, and much more interesting to drive vs something like a Corolla. The only things that broke the whole time it was in our family were:

The sun visors fell apart, apparently very common for this car.

The exhaust rusted out and needed a replacement pipe welded in. This was in the Chicago area, so lots of salt on the roads in the winter.

The resistor block for the heater fan broke, so the fan only worked on the highest speed. Easy fix.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Nibbles 01/15/2015 at 17:06

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Not sure on payment. Thanks.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > toolmonger 01/15/2015 at 17:06

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8 months to licence. He doesn't to much work on it.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 01/15/2015 at 17:07

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One new development. My other grandma MIGHT sell me her 04 Isuzu axiom with 70,000 miles on it for less than $1000.

*edit*

The rear brakes don't work very well and the suspension needs replacement. They may fix these before selling to me and they may not.