Best Sporty Car for a Teenage Jalop

"Wjionieis" (wjionieis)
05/09/2015 at 21:47 • Filed to: Mustang, Oppositelock, teenagedrivers

If you were 16 again what car would you buy?

Dear Opponauts,

(This is my first post and any feedback/hate is welcome) I will be turning 16 soon and, hopefully relitively soon after that, once my parents have decided that I won’t be a total menace to the roads, will deem it ok for me to purchase my first car. I really really want something sporty, fast, manually shifted, and a babe magnet ;-)but I know that this 75% unrealistic. I live in Michgian and, with Michigan comes all of the terribleness of winter and, the hell they reak our cars. I also play hockey, so a large trunk and room for friends is must. Unfournalty, (or luckily :-) my mom is a total safety freak and anything older than about 2006 is probably never going to be parked in our driveway. I know many people will say sporty cars aren’t good for first time drivers and that’s probably true but, I really don’t want to be stuck with something I hate. I really want to know what the general consensus is on a good inexpensive first car for a car lover and Jalopik/Oppo junky who is on a teenager working at the golf range budget? Let’s hear in the comments!

DISCUSSION (100)

Clown Shoe Pilot > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 21:49

A sporty car is a terrible choice for a first car. A giant truck is equally bad because when you run it into something, you’ll probably kill whatever it is that you hit. Also you’re 16 so you probably don’t have any money for gas, insurance, and general upkeep so you want something slow and reliable.

Since your parents are safety freaks and you’re limited to 2006+, I’d say look for a used Hyundai Veloster. It’s slow, not terrible to look at (it at least LOOKS like a hot hatch), not terrible to drive (I have one as my daily), easy on fuel and mine’s been plenty reliable. It’s widely available in manny tranny. I’m at 57K miles and the only thing wrong w/ my car is that the headliner’s got a little rattle in it. All the electrical gadgetry is still working fine, and the mechanicals are 100%. I’ve even for another 43K miles worth of warranty.

TheHondaBro > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 21:54

Japanese sedan for safety, V6 model for added “speed.” Honestly, a 16-year-old shouldn’t get a sports car. I almost got an Audi TT as my first car, and frankly I’m glad I didn’t.

Funktheduck > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 21:54

I'm gonna suggest mazda3. Wait. You live where they salt roads regularly. I've heard mazdas don't do well up north. I love mine and my gf loves hers. Sportier than most of the competition without being too fast. Great on gas. Hatchback and manuals galore.

Your boy, BJR > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:00

2nd Gen Cadillac CTS. Safe, RWD/AWD, 315hp DOHC 3.6L DI V6, available manual, looks the tits, available as a wagon(yuck), handsome ass sedan, or a stunning coupe. a lot more grown up and luxurious than a mustang or camaro, and a lot more reliable/more interesting than an A4 or C Class, less douchey than a 3 Series. Maintenance and parts are cheap and plentiful. only real flaw is the timing chain on the pre 2011 models, but stick to after and you’ll be good, or make sure it’s been done if you get a pre 2011.

Plus, it's a Cadillac, which makes it the best car ever made.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:01

First of all, prepare for everyone to write huge speeches on why you shouldn’t get a sports car. If you want one, don’t listen to them.

Second of all, welcome to Oppo! Fellow 16 year old Michigander here too, so I know your struggles. Any specific qualities/brands your looking for?

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:03

I had no money when I was 16, so I would have bought nothing. Get a used 318ti with a manual and a whole fuckton of miles. It’ll teach you more about financial responsibility more than any class that you’ll ever take.

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:07

I had a 2001 Nissan xTerra as a first car. It was an auto with absolutely no options. No power anything, no traction control, cloth seats, optional 4WD. It wasn’t a fun car, but I had a lot of fun in it. Because of the lack of ESC I could drift that fucker like nobody’s business. With the rear seats folded flat I could sleep comfortably enough in the back which was great for camping and other activities. I could take it one some offroad trails, which was something I hadn’t had much interest in doing but was still a blast.

If you can get a sporty car, do it. I suggest a manual hatch back of some sort. Maybe a Mazda3 or something like that. But just keep in mind that, no matter what you get, your first car is going to be a car you look back on lovingly (assuming it doesn’t leave you stranded on the side of the road all the time). Get something you don’t mind denting up a little bit. I am not too proud to admit that I had to replace the front bumper on the xTerra. It happens to the best of us.

Also, chicks don’t typically care what kind of car you drive so don’t worry too much about that... Unless it leaves them smelling like gasoline. Chicks don’t like smelling like gasoline. Ask me how I know.

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:08

You must follow the Oppo Creed, get a wagon.

Seriously, loads of space for both peoples and their gubbins, occasionally one will even pop up with a manual. Is there any room for negotiating on the year? An older car will be cheaper and if you’re careful about the car you choose, can be perfectly reliable. Older cars can also tend to be more simple to maintain, which means you can save some money doing you own work, like oil changes.

This car I just found on my local Kijiji, (basically Craigslist) seems to fit everything you said. ITS A MANUAL, three row wagon/van thing, and its a 2008, and its a Mazda, so it will run for a million miles if its maintained properly.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/…

roboro > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:10

would def recommend a Mazda 3. Enough space for your hockey stuff and friends, and it's still a fun drive.

Viggen9er3 > Funktheduck
05/09/2015 at 22:11

My wife’s Mazda 3 is a rusty pile of @#$%, its a damn 2008! This will inevitably stop me from buying a Mazda next time.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:17

3rd Gen 4Runner. Not dangerously slow, huge aftermarket, very safe, plenty of room for “activities”, plenty capable for snow and accessing hidden away places for activities, the back window roll down, can be had with manual, incredibly reliable, cheapish to insure, it’s basically a wagon, and there are no huge stigmas against them.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:22

Damn kids...

*shakes fist angrily at the sky*

First-Gen Lexus LS. It breaks the older than 2006 rule, but that is all that it will ever break.

It is RWD with a V8, but its got an auto so its slow and safe. But...you can teach yourself how to wrench and once you've saved enough you could covert it to a manual...

Kofi > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts
05/09/2015 at 22:25

There's no way a 16 year old is going to roll around in a minivan if given the choice. A better choice would be Subaru forestor or outback.

Funktheduck > Viggen9er3
05/09/2015 at 22:26

I had seriously never heard of Mazdas having rusting issues until I got onto oppo. They just don’t have that issue down here because we almost never salt our roads.

Viggen9er3 > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:29

Small beater truck. Like the Ranger

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > Kofi
05/09/2015 at 22:29

Fair enough. But it was the first semi interesting thing with a manual that cropped up in my 30 seconds of browsing.

Alex B > TheHondaBro
05/09/2015 at 22:32

*or coupé

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:35

I would do exactly what I did before and buy another 1989 Mazda Protege LX. Great little car, reliable, handled well, great transmission, 4-wheel disks without antilock, Miata engine (Mazda BP 1.8l DOHC 16 valve), seating for me and four friends. And then, I would not sell it for scrap when it had 350K miles on it and the brake mounts were bent from a bad case of seized caliper sliders, I would restore it and still own it because it was my first car and it was a great car and I loved it and I miss it still. And I would never feel like I missed out by not owning a shitty older Mustang, or an abused Gallant VR4, or a rusty MKII Capri, or a dangerously poorly maintained Fiat X1/9 or any of the other questionably reliable and difficult to find parts for older sports cars I could have owned for the same money, because none of them would have let me drive for hundreds of thousands of miles without incident, barely any repairs, and low fuel and insurance expense, and when I got my next car it would be a sports car, something I really wanted, something Fast and Italian with a Busso V6 and I would be ready for it by then, and never ram it into the back of a jeep I traffic because I was trying to read a street sign, or drive it off the road on an icy corner because I didn't understand traction yet, or worse yet do something even worse while learning that it will indeed go 160mph.

tl:dr Find a nice compact Japanese sedan or a clean Volvo with a stick and learn to really drive first. You'll be glad you did. Also, of you can find one that runs well and doesn't have terrible rust, buy a 1989 Mazda Protege LX. tell 'em Jawz sent you, you'll get a free 8500 rpm lesson in how valve float works and you wont even skip the timing belt.

Kaizer Soze > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:35

Clean Saab 9-5 wagon. Or 9-3 and if you can find it turboX.

Sam > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
05/09/2015 at 22:39

Is this Matt Farah’s million mile Lexus?

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:41

I bought mine at 17 but oh well. 10/10 would do again

Kinja'd!!!

Sam > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:43

Get what you want. If you want sporty, just pick something that isn’t crazy. The biggest problem you’ll find is that sporty can’t haul much more than two people and a small amount of cargo.

I’d recommend a nice wagon. Chicks dig wagons. Ask me how I know.

Kinja'd!!!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:46

My hockey friend drives a 2006 Subaru Legacy Wagon, and that seems to work well, as does his ‘00 QX4. Though as Oppo’s resident Audi-first-car guy, I should say that the ski bag which comes standard on all old Audis works great for hockey sticks.

Also welcome.

Matvei > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:51

If you can find it with a manual, Lexus IS (aka Toyota Altezza). They even made a wagon, good luck finding one though in the US. It has enough power while still being safe, reliable, and practical.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 22:54

One thing I can tell you...

You want a sports car now. But, when you start daily driving it and having to live with it... you will regret it. A lot.

I ended up leasing a 13 Honda Civic. Leasing is a good choice for a first car only because you get something brand new and its rather affordable.

I’d look into something more practical though; like a Impreza Hatch (AWD!) or similar... you may find it kinda boring at first, but at the end of it, you will realize that practicality is a much better option in the long run.

Wjionieis > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
05/09/2015 at 22:58

Hmm rwd v8 literally sounds like heaven I will have to work on my mom

Wjionieis > TheHondaBro
05/09/2015 at 23:00

Really I’m curious why? The TT looks like it could be a decent choice, although it does have the shitty Haldex it looks nice and from what I have heard has lots of room if you take down the back seats also it looks so damn good

Wjionieis > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O)
05/09/2015 at 23:01

Haha how could I not ask? but, really that sounds like solid advice

Wjionieis > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
05/09/2015 at 23:03

Haha I wish I could get something that old but my would never let me in 1,000,000 years honestly it would be a miracle if she would let get anything older than I am

Wjionieis > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
05/09/2015 at 23:04

How's the space? Could you realistically fit 2 hockey bags and sticks somehow if could I would be all over it an instant

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:06

passenger seat with top down.

maybe....

never tried

85reliantk > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:06

My first car was a 30 year old chrysler product. Nothing's better then real metal and shitty mpg I love it sooooo much.

Wjionieis > Your boy, BJR
05/09/2015 at 23:07

How does it feel? The only Cadilliac I have really spent time in we the ATS at the Detroit Auto show and I hate to it say it but if felt so cheap obviously it wasn't driving but I was unimpressed

Wjionieis > Sam
05/09/2015 at 23:08

Mmm if I could afford it that 535i would be in our driveway right now with a tank full of e85

Your boy, BJR > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:09

It “feels” fine. Unless you're a badge snob who rates cars on how their turn signals click as opposed to how it comes together as a whole package, it'll be fine.

Wjionieis > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
05/09/2015 at 23:10

I could never lease even though you might get something new you get so ripped off also I could never afford it but I'm curious why did you decide to lease over buying used? If you are paying 235 a month ( rough guess ) for 36 months that's 8500 you could do some many more exciting things with that 8500 ( not trying to dig or anything

Wjionieis > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
05/09/2015 at 23:12

How does the manual feel oath such a big car?

MarkDonahueAMC > Viggen9er3
05/09/2015 at 23:12

Small trucks, roadsters and 2 seat coupes offer one of the best safety features for a 16 y/o, no back seat. Less passengers mean less distractions. Manual is a must too for encouraging attentiveness. Besides, if you can’t drive a manual you can’t really drive at all.

Wjionieis > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
05/09/2015 at 23:14

Not really I don't have any big brand favorites I just like the weird but lots of my family works for the big three so I guess I like that where r u in Michigan ?

Wjionieis > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
05/09/2015 at 23:14

How is the reliability ?

Wjionieis > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
05/09/2015 at 23:15

Do I have to worry about vag reliability though that is really not something I want to goof up on

Wjionieis > Kofi
05/09/2015 at 23:17

I don’t know if I could have one of those either in our area pretty all subies next to the wrx & sti get a bad rep as “lesbarus”

Wjionieis > Your boy, BJR
05/09/2015 at 23:19

Do you feel like it is police target as a 16 yr old male in “daddy’s car”? Also on a side those 04 cts-v prices are very attractive

Wjionieis > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
05/09/2015 at 23:20

Ah it's really to bad espically since hockey is a winter sport

Wjionieis > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
05/09/2015 at 23:20

I really need like 100,000 grand and a garage and I might be set

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:21

Alrighty then, got a budget in mind?

I’m near Fenton, assuming you know where that is.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:24

yea i dont drive mine in the winter

Your boy, BJR > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:24

DO NOT GET A V AS YOUR FIRST CAR. YOU WILL DIE.

And as long as you don’t drive like a coked out baboon it won't stick out to cops.

AM > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:26

BMW E39 540i. Extremely comfortable, good looks, very safe and sporty when you want it to be because well RWD V8 that can be had with a manual. It is one of the fastest cars that I’ve ever driven that is a “regular” car, I had it over 250km/h before.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:30

Good and bad. You’ll learn more about the car than you could ever imagine.

Wjionieis > AM
05/09/2015 at 23:30

How is it compared to the m5?

Wjionieis > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
05/09/2015 at 23:31

Really why not?

vdub_nut: scooter snob > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:31

The haldex isn’t that bad, but they’re hell on earth to repair. It’s an .:R32 chassis, but less engine bay space.

wiffleballtony > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:31

Probably a used Nissan 350z or G35. I think they’re new enough, fast enough for a new driver, RWD. However, I firmly believe a teenager shouldn’t drive a fast car with other teenagers. As such I recommend a 2 seater.

Wjionieis > Your boy, BJR
05/09/2015 at 23:32

Haha I hope I don't drive like a coked out baboon ever but is the V really that bad ?

vdub_nut: scooter snob > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
05/09/2015 at 23:34

It’s all about those extracurriculars, man.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:34

too light and rwd. Also i wanna keep it clean from salt

Wjionieis > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
05/09/2015 at 23:36

Can totally understand have you gotten in any winter hooning yet? Or is it a garage baby? On that note where do u store it ?

promoted by the color red > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:37

Kinja'd!!!

As much as I’d like to say Acura Integra GS-R, your mother’s right. A modern car will feel less like a fighter jet, but you won’t have that ever-present sense of dread when that stockbroker in a leased 3-series tries to run you into a line of parked cars for the third time that week.

I’d say Acura TSX or Civic Si. Yes, they take premium, but that’s a $1-$2 more per tankful, and I’d rather cut the fun budget in order to feed my car. Alternatively, the Accord can be had with with the same engine and gearbox combination for a lot less money and less flash, which is good. Who do you think the cop will pull over - the punk-ass 16-year-old in the Z28 or the one in mom’s Accord?

Ah fuck it, 16-year-old me would have bought the Integra again. No ragrets.

Wjionieis > vdub_nut: scooter snob
05/09/2015 at 23:37

I wonder how hard it would be to mod rwd I know I have seen it somewhere?

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:39

yea i have gotten stuck in the first snowstorms before and it was fun for a bit. I store it in my parents barn

Wjionieis > promoted by the color red
05/09/2015 at 23:40

I know and the worst part is I know she is right oh man maybe the Focus ST prices will suddenly drop and I can pick one up

Wjionieis > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
05/09/2015 at 23:42

Ah you r a lucky man we have a two car garage and no more although I know if I try hard enough I could always get a friend

Axial > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:45

I didn’t get a car until 18, but...

1988 Fiero GT. Oh my god, it would be so fun without being torquey enough to be dangerous.

Vicente Esteve > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:47

My first car was a 2001 VW Cabrio 5 speed with a salvage title, no service records, no owners manual, only the spare key and a title that stated it was imported from the US.

It was the most unreliable vehicle I have ever seen, even more lived with. And oh boy do I LOVED it.

Don’t do what I did.

Kinja'd!!!

Sam > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:48

530i. V8, yo.

Nibby > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:50

AE86

Wjionieis > Axial
05/09/2015 at 23:51

Someone at our school just recently got one its a Orange GT and there is so much want

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Wjionieis
05/09/2015 at 23:54

Paid $175 a month.. It’s a car I had to share with my grandma when she came down from nj (I’m in Do) so I couldn’t get a coupe manual or anything fast or exciting. She didn’t want used and dad didn’t trust most anything used.

And if you can’t lease then still look into a more practical daily. The sports car will be fun.. For a few months max. Trust me on that One.. I don’t know how much lurking you did here before or know my story..

Wjionieis > Nibby
05/09/2015 at 23:54

How does that 128 horsepower feel I’m honestly curiously is it “adequate” or lacking? Also sweetttt burnouts and drifts

Wjionieis > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
05/09/2015 at 23:58

Just looked at your bio sorry if came across as an asshole but oh man just if you could have convinced your grandma an M3 was a perfectly safe and good transport option

Wjionieis > Vicente Esteve
05/09/2015 at 23:59

Haha I'll try my best

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 00:06

My first car was a rwd 1993 ford ranger (3025lbs) with a 4.0 V6 (160hp, 225lb ft), a 5 speed manual and a 3.55 LSD. I got it a month before I got my license, in the dead of winter and with no knowledge of driving stick.

That much torque to a newbie stick driver with all that white stuff on the roads wasnt my best decision. It was fun, but then again I did end up on my neighbors lawn.

Im not gonna tell you what to do, but my 2 cents is to not get something with a lot of power and an unfamiliar transmission until you have some experience behind the wheel

Wjionieis > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
05/10/2015 at 00:09

Really that sounds like a ton of fun there was a overpriced s-10 near us a month ago with a tune, filter, muffler, paint etc. but it was just to much and my mom hated it

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 00:18

Tbh it was/is. I bought the truck in november 2014, still puttering around 100% stock with 108,400 miles. I took this photo on Wednesday:

Kinja'd!!!

Frank Grimes > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 00:19

Kinja'd!!!

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 00:23

Haha. My mom, who is recently divorced, dislikes driving my Outback because she is scared men will think that she is a Lesbian.

Your boy, BJR > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 00:25

No the V is really really good. But it’s A LOT of motor in not a lot of car, and, no offense, but you objectively suck as a driver. Young, inexperienced, don’t really have a feel for how cars drive in all conditions, let alone what real power in a car feels like....

.....again, not being a dick, just being realistic. Hell, I remember my first car that had over 200hp. Shit felt like a rocket ship to my 17 year old self. True, the CTS I’m suggesting has 315hp, but it’s hauling around a decent amount of car, a solid and safe car. Don't worry about getting the biggest, fastest thing yet, kid. You're 16, any car that has matching paint on all the panels is more than fine. But seriously, consider a 2nd gen CTS, it won Car of the Year when it came out, and for good reason.

Wjionieis > Your boy, BJR
05/10/2015 at 00:28

Haha makes a lot of sense thanks for the advice

Wjionieis > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
05/10/2015 at 00:31

Really I wish they didn’t because that symetrical awd and boxer engines are bliss but oh well it's not worth the heat from the fools at my school as much as I hate to say it

Your boy, BJR > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 00:32

No problem, I was there once. Just tryna give you some advice without sounding too preachy.

Wjionieis > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
05/10/2015 at 00:32

Oh man that's just perfect plus who cares if your in a damn truck it's rwd

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 00:34

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it though, they are really good cars.

Wjionieis > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
05/10/2015 at 00:38

Ah I wish I was that manly maybe in like Colorado or something but not Michigan

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 00:45

Hell, I live in North Carolina and drive one. It can go places where most of my friends cars can’t, has tons of room for people, has been reliable, and is fantastic on gas. Also, I’m only 2 years older than you, and still in high school, I wouldn't be super concerned about what car you get, because no matter what it is, people will most likely be asking you for rides places, and wanting to hang out.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 00:47

Haven’t driven one, but I’m sure it’s a bit truckish. But it’s not that big, they weigh less than a Challenger.

nostradimas > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 00:52

Just before heading off to college 3 years ago I was faced with the same decision. It really depends on your commute. I needed a reliable DD good for my college career that would give me absolutely no problems and also not be absolutely awful to drive at the lowest price. Couldn’t afford an upfront payment in the thousands, so a Miata/RSX was out of question, and I had to lease, so I went with a ‘12 Accord for 199 a month with 0 down and it has given me ZERO problems, has a rare feeling that is unattainable now called *GASP* steering feel, and is pretty fuel economic. Oh and with an eBrake that isn’t a button it is super fun dancing around in the snow (seriously you feel like Sebastian Loeb). Also double wishbone suspension = surprisingly impressive at the autocross.

I can’t judge you because I don’t know you, but a common stage in a teen’s life is the invincibility stage, where you do dumb shit (in hindsight) that you think won’t kill you, but then reminisce about over a couple of beers and realize you were one chance event from a catastrophe. Because of this, I would probably recommend FWD, 4-cyl, <200hp, for a first car, because plowing forward is usually a LOT safer than spinning out and wrapping yourself around a pole.

I get jealous when I see my bud drive by in a 300zx, and then I realize I don’t have time to deal with the “personality” of a fun, affordable car.

tldr: mazda3 hatch manual

nostradimas > nostradimas
05/10/2015 at 00:54

also don’t listen to people that use the word underpowered when referring to anything over 600cc’s... A lead foot fixes all
Little power means you can hoon the living piss out of it, pay little for gas, pay little for insurance, and focus on YOUR driving techniques instead of focusing on managing power. When it snows, master the scandinavian flick. Learn to left foot brake. Learn to trail brake. Most importantly, learn that even if you don’t do anything wrong, there’s a strong possibility another driver around you will, and you’ll have to react. Learn to predict those tendencies, learn to drive defensively, flog it at an autocross, etc. When you’re confident in your driving and have some money and time (and most importantly have everything else in life sorted out), go and buy something fun.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 01:01

I’ve had no major issues on mine, but mine was OCD taken care of by some guy and had full records. If you’re not into the idea of going German, and I can’t blame you if you’re not, you might look into some form of Volvo or Subaru wagon. Not a chick magnet, but fulfills all the other wants.

Also, don’t hold to closely to advice given on here, even though some of it is excellent. I spent two months before I got my first car asking Oppo what I should buy, or if XYZ car was a good choice. I then proceeded to ignore every single piece of advice I got, and I couldn’t be happier with my car. Buy the car you want, that you and your family decide is right for you.

nostradimas > nostradimas
05/10/2015 at 01:04

Also how the hell do you get posting privileges on Oppo

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
05/10/2015 at 01:05

A ‘95-00 LS is what I probably should’ve gotten, were I a more sensible version of myself.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Your boy, BJR
05/10/2015 at 01:08

You rang for a badge snob?

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 01:08

I essentially have a V6 mustang with a lot of cargo room and too much body roll

F40LM > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 01:15

What’s your budget?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 01:19

My parents recently bought me a 1998 M3 for my “first” car.

Kinja'd!!!

Other than the “new than 2006” rule, it really covers all the bases.

Sporty: It’s an M3, of course it’s sporty!

Hockey stuff: The trunk is pretty decently sized, plus back seat.

Winter: These are actually pretty damn good in the winter if you leave traction control on and aren’t stupid.

Price: We got mine for $3,300. We had to put about $1,200 of work into it after we bought it though and it’s still a work in progress cosmetically.

Reliability: I’ve owned it 5 months at this point and it’s never given me an issue.

Safety: 1998+ have standard driver, passenger, and side airbags. Most prior years of E36 have driver and passenger at least with sides being an option.

Of course, you could get an E36 (1992-1999) 318i, 318ti, 325i, or 328i. Same great driving dynamics but with varying levels of power. You’d also be able to get one in good condition pretty cheap. E36s have special “quirks” to them though, such as the crappy plastic water pump in the cooling system and a few other things I could go into more detail about.

All Hail Spaceball > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
05/10/2015 at 01:24

I’ve noticed a current trend where all the kids suddenly don’t like fast cars as much as they like off-roading cars. The nice weather and beckoning hiking trails could have something to do with that but every time I have to get a ride with someone to the trails because my car is too low to go on any sort of gravel, I specifically wish I had a 3rd gen 4Runner. My favorite pick for a 16-18 year old because it’s cheap, safe, fast enough, you can take it anywhere and beat on it (off roading, beach, drifting through snow) and it'll just keep on being a reliable Toyota.

promoted by the color red > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 01:24

Don’t get the Focus ST as your first car. It’s not a cheap car to run and has way too much power for a 16 year old’s first car. Stick with the regular Focus hatchback and put together the money for a nicer car down the line.

GUYMANDUDE > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 02:02

The answer to ever question, Mx-5

Robert Jones > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 02:46

Everybody just activated dad mode. Dang.

Real advice:

1. Make a list and test drive them. Don’t get your heart set on one particular car. I thought I really wanted an Rx8. Turns out I can’t fit in an RX8. Second choice was a panel hhr. I could put bitchin decals for all kinds of crazy fake businesses. Do you know it’s impossible to see out of a panel hhr? I ended up with a panther.

2.You can get stupid and crash anything. You’ll just look cooler doing it in a Mustang. My first car was an AMC Jeep pickup with zero safety, zero cupholders, and one bench seat. I turned out fine. If you buy something too powerful that just means you need to learn it’s limits: at the local autocross. Pitch it to your folks as safety education.

3.Ladies aren’t going to be interested in you based on the length of your hood. Keep it clean. A clean civic makes a way better impression than a corvette full of empty gatorade bottles, smelling like an old taco, making every passenger fret silently about why the cars so sticky.

4.Enjoy this.

5. WRX, 2005 Civic Si, Cobalt SS, Mercury Cougar, old BMW.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Wjionieis
05/10/2015 at 03:40

I got a GLI. I could've had something RWD. after driving multiple RWD cars fast; I've decided FWD was a mistake.

Oh well; can't complain about 255hp, 290ft-lbs and a 0-60 time of under 6 seconds