First car

"eindeutschfanboy" (eindeutschfanboy) 03/15/2014 at 08:25 • Filed to: First car, new car, ford fiesta, honda fit, third car, car

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My family needs a third car, this car will be the kids car (my car), I'm 16. We are in the Houston area. we have already driven the fiesta Ecoboost and loved it but it was a little small (but manageable), we also drove the fit and Mazda 3 and they were both nice, I am open to any suggestion it can be new or used, the requirements are fun to drive, preferably a manual but it isn't required, decent safety (not a really old car) and less than 20,000 dollar minimum of around 8,000.

KirkyV > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 08:37

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I'd go with the Fiesta, if I were you. If we're talking relatively new hatchbacks available in the US, it's probably your best bet for driving fun, assuming it really is pretty much exactly the same as the version we get here.

I normally really enjoy little challenges like this - browsing used cars on the Internet is a surprisingly compelling pastime - but I can't provide much advice beyond that, because I don't know how much used cars tend to cost there, or what's available. Sorry, man.

f86sabre > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 08:40

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My standard answer is get a small truck. Sounds odd, but let me explain. They are generally affordable and cheap to maintain. Most extended cabs will seat 4 in a pinch. You can get them in manuals and they are rear wheel drive for hooning opertunities. Insurance is generally cheaper than a car as well so more money to you. If/when you go to college it will be very useful as you can haul your stuff back and forth. Having a truck makes it easy to go on adventures like camping and runs to the beach.

Brian Silvestro > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 08:49

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Dude the Fiesta has the 1.0L 3 cylinder engine!

That means you have to get it.

JR1 > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 08:56

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The fact that no one has posted this yet is disturbing...

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 09:12

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the Fiesta Ecoboost is actually severely underrated. Ford says it makes 123bhp and 148ft.lbs of torque but that's likely false

http://www.fiestafaction.com/forums/fiesta-…

making 145whp means it has to be making over 175bhp if you're assuming a 15% drivetrain loss

Long Live the Longdoor > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 09:37

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I'd go with a Fit, it can carry loads of stuff, visibility is great, has solid resale value AND its fun to toss around. Although, it doesn't have intermittent windshield wipers, which means I has two speeds, slow and batshit crazy.

The Mazda2 isn't a bad buy either, from what I've heard they're pretty solid with the manual.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 09:39

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Used Focus

Option 1

Option 2

yamahog > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 09:52

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Fiesta because AMERICA!

Hunterg > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 09:59

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Might be a long shot but because you seem to be looking at hatches you may be able to pick up an 04 r32 6spd. My dad had one when I was 16. Awesome car

KirkyV > yamahog 03/15/2014 at 10:00

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It's a German car, dude.

coqui70 > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 10:37

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The truck is a great idea. Mazda 3 is a great new car choice. If you like Fords try the Focus (manual only, the automatic transmission is horrible). Subaru Foresters are also very practical and a great college car. No Corollas or Camrys - very safe and practical but they will swallow your soul!

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Brian Silvestro 03/15/2014 at 11:00

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Just don't eat the engine like torchinsky was tempted to do

awe46m3zcp > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 11:01

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Since you seem to want a hatch, I say get a used GTI. It's not the most reliable, but it will be the best driving experience.

Brian Silvestro > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 03/15/2014 at 11:13

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I've contemplated buying a 3D printer to do just that

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Brian Silvestro 03/15/2014 at 11:22

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I have thought about getting one and selling miniature engines to opponauts

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 11:24

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Are you going to be driving a lot? Ever considered leasing? Im currently 16 and leasing a 2013 Civic LX sedan. Please hear me out here. I get 12,000 miles a year of allowance and so far I am so under that I could do a few big road trips and be fine. I've had it since Halloween of 2013 and it only has just under 2500 miles. This is going to and from school and work daily. I got a great deal on mine: $199 per month with $1500 down. I'm sure now, if you go, the 13s will be much cheaper. Unless you are willing to go up to an EX (which you won't since that'll mean you are stuck with the new CVT) the 13 LX is the same as the 14 LX. It comes fully loaded with bluetooth, Pandora, backup camera, tons of airbags, safety, and its really not too small inside. I fold the back seats down and the trunk becomes massive.

If you go there now, try to lease a 13. I wouldn't be surprised if you could get it for around $175 per month.

The main reason I am leasing is because my parents didn't want me to get something fun and cool and old like a classic Volvo or convertible or the like. Once my lease is over, I will be 18 and can get whatever I want. It really is the smart way to go. Plus, all repairs are covered on the Civic.

Brian Silvestro > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 03/15/2014 at 11:24

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That would be awesome.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Brian Silvestro 03/15/2014 at 11:37

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And I would print custom head and tail light lenses

eindeutschfanboy > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 03/15/2014 at 11:44

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We test drove the fiesta and it has of surprising amount of torque. It was a baby a baby ST. Ford is definitely lying about power output.

eindeutschfanboy > f86sabre 03/15/2014 at 11:54

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My friend has a taco and all he does is hoon it. I don't like to all of the body roll though.

f86sabre > JR1 03/15/2014 at 12:47

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New driver and trying to be sensible.

JR1 > f86sabre 03/15/2014 at 13:00

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This is true but after all miata is always the answer

Milky > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 13:36

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Those cars are too nice, and since you or one of your siblings (you said "kids") will end up crashing it anyways …. I'll suggest:

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 13:47

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I'd say go new, because warranties!
Get a Focus SE with some options you want. It shouldn't run you more than 19.5K

oldestyoungn > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 14:36

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I'm happy with my 2013 Mazda3. Right now the prices are better since the new one's out. (At least where I am.) It's the Sport so it's a six speed. I've had no issues yet at 6,000 miles. I can't give you the best opinion since I haven't driven anything else on the market.

Handling is tight for a FWD car with understeer, and it's zippy and fun to a new driver. I have the sedan, but I would've loved a hatchback. They're just more expensive...

Good luck.

Parth985 > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 15:48

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E39 m5 or 540 ms port I had the same budget very quick and awesome road presence and you'll really learn to handle a big car with rwd and manual so after ur done with it
You can drive anything

N/A POWAAAHH > eindeutschfanboy 03/15/2014 at 18:28

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Subaru Impreza!

amlb146 > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/15/2014 at 18:44

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Heard amazing things about the Mazda Speed 3, and this one looks solid and within your budget (also leaves ~$6k before negotiating for insurance).

http://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/4345661310…