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Need Help with First Car?
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Need Help with First Car?Posted:

98SupraFanatic
  • E3 2016
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Joined: Sep 14, 20149Year Member
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Im going to be buying my first car very soon and need help picking one out. I only want a car (no trucks, vans, etc), it has to be automatic and I want something at least a little quick and sporty. I'm working with $4700 but I'm trying to find something around $4300 so I can try to talk them down a couple hundred. I'm picky because I'm a car person but I'm entirely open to suggestions
#2. Posted:
98SupraFanatic
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And in some cases I know location matters so I'm in Cincinnati, Ohio
#3. Posted:
002
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Look on Craigslist, find something you like, DO YOUR RESEARCH, then go look at the vehicle, that's all I can tell you. Doing your re-search will make or break you, you might be buying a car and then a month later find out it's literally the worst car on the market at that time.

When looking at a car, let's say you are looking at a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix, you just need to do 2 Google searches.
1. 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix ratings
2. 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix common problems (or Google common problems with a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix)

After that, take it to a mechanic. If the person says they don't want you to take it to a mechanic, or take it to a mechanic of their choice, walk away. No matter what BS they give you as to why they don't want a mechanic to look at it, it's because they don't want you to see the issues. If they go with their mechanic, they might pay the mechanic to say it's in perfect condition. It's unlikely, but still possible. Yeah, it will cost you like 100 bucks, but it's better wasting 100, than finding out you need to dump another 1500 into the car.
#4. Posted:
98SupraFanatic
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002 wrote Look on Craigslist, find something you like, DO YOUR RESEARCH, then go look at the vehicle, that's all I can tell you. Doing your re-search will make or break you, you might be buying a car and then a month later find out it's literally the worst car on the market at that time.

When looking at a car, let's say you are looking at a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix, you just need to do 2 Google searches.
1. 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix ratings
2. 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix common problems (or Google common problems with a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix)

After that, take it to a mechanic. If the person says they don't want you to take it to a mechanic, or take it to a mechanic of their choice, walk away. No matter what BS they give you as to why they don't want a mechanic to look at it, it's because they don't want you to see the issues. If they go with their mechanic, they might pay the mechanic to say it's in perfect condition. It's unlikely, but still possible. Yeah, it will cost you like 100 bucks, but it's better wasting 100, than finding out you need to dump another 1500 into the car.
Thanks. I know how to look for a car though. I just want suggestions on specific cars
#5. Posted:
Gulp
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An old mustang could be an option. Really hard to find a car for $4000 that's quick and sporty.
#6. Posted:
2-step
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2g Eclipse GSX, VR6 MkIV Jetta, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, 240sx, MkIII Supra, 02 WRX, Mustang, Lexus SC300 or SC400, GS300, IS300, 300zx, Oz Rally Lancer, Miata, RX-8, FB FC RX-7, SRT-4.

But if you're going to be getting a sporty car, just learn manual, forget auto.
#7. Posted:
002
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2-step wrote 2g Eclipse GSX, VR6 MkIV Jetta, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, 240sx, MkIII Supra, 02 WRX, Mustang, Lexus SC300 or SC400, GS300, IS300, 300zx, Oz Rally Lancer, Miata, RX-8, FB FC RX-7, SRT-4.

But if you're going to be getting a sporty car, just learn manual, forget auto.


Any more auto's get better MPG and have a more repeatable 0-60 that can often times beat a manual. Maybe in the lower 2k's like what he's looking at in that price range it's not the same, but a manual isn't a must have for a sporty car rofl.
#8. Posted:
2-step
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002 wrote
2-step wrote 2g Eclipse GSX, VR6 MkIV Jetta, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, 240sx, MkIII Supra, 02 WRX, Mustang, Lexus SC300 or SC400, GS300, IS300, 300zx, Oz Rally Lancer, Miata, RX-8, FB FC RX-7, SRT-4.

But if you're going to be getting a sporty car, just learn manual, forget auto.


Any more auto's get better MPG and have a more repeatable 0-60 that can often times beat a manual. Maybe in the lower 2k's like what he's looking at in that price range it's not the same, but a manual isn't a must have for a sporty car rofl.


Oh yeah I know autos have come a long way with technology, shift times and mpg. But in terms of fun, nothing beats a classic manual imo.
#9. Posted:
002
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I live in America, how am I supposed to eat a burger, drink a beer, AND shift?

I never liked manuals but I grew up on auto's. When you're towing 20k LBS though, I like to be able to control my gears lol.
#10. Posted:
BJP
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Seems weird when yanks (Americans) always talk about and want auto's when I'm from the UK.

In the UK you learn manual no matter what then if you are lazy then you buy an auto.

Manual > Auto

BJP
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