Car Suggestions?

So, I'm 18 (will be 19 in October), just got my license in January, and am looking to buy a car. Despite what I may think about my driving skills, objectively I'm a relatively new and inexperienced driver, and I guess that should be taken into account. I've got a job as a security guard and make about a $1000 a month post taxes. I don't pay rent so most of that money just goes right into my pocket for whatever. I've never missed a payment on anything, but I am only 18 so my credit is about as good as you'd expect it to be.

In a nutshell, I just want a car that is cheap and dependable. I'm not looking for a sportscar or a hotrod, and I've had a couple of Craigslist hand me downs and I've already decided never again for that route. I just want a car that doesn't guzzle gas and isn't likely to fall apart while I'm driving it.

So bearing all the information that I've listed above in mind, anyone care to throw out some suggestions for a car? Specifically, model and even the year would be appreciated. Any comments are welcome though.

It´s going to be your first car and lets face due to your inexperience, your gonna wreck it eventually. Not necassarily crashing it, but doing various things wrong which will eventually end in the demise of the vehicle.

So buy a cheap but reliable one to start with.

A phrase my Dad told me when I was young comes to mind, "if it´s got titts or wheels it´ll cost you money" and he was right.

So check out how much it cost to repair things which wear out, like brake disks/pads, suspension etc on various models before you buy one, it makes a big difference. Also see what you can repair yourself and what parts cost.

Seeing as your in the USA I don´t know what make of cars are available. Here in Europe I´d go for an old Honda Civic, VW Golf. If the fuel isn´t that expensive in the US and you don´t mind driving a big car, a Mercedes with a M103 - 6 cyclinder engine 190E 2.6, 190E 3.2 AMG. This engine will keep going and going well over 400,000 KM (250,000 miles), and Merecedes are amongst the most reliable cars there is, as anyone who has been to a developing country can see, loads of ancient mercs on the road.

Im not expert but have had a few cars and just talking from experience, whatever you do don´t get a Volvo V40 with a GDI engine.

Originally posted by RE: Blaxican
So, I'm 18 (will be 19 in October), just got my license in January, and am looking to buy a car. Despite what I may think about my driving skills, objectively I'm a relatively new and inexperienced driver, and I guess that should be taken into account. I've got a job as a security guard and make about a $1000 a month post taxes. I don't pay rent so most of that money just goes right into my pocket for whatever. I've never missed a payment on anything, but I am only 18 so my credit is about as good as you'd expect it to be.

In a nutshell, I just want a car that is cheap and dependable. I'm not looking for a sportscar or a hotrod, and I've had a couple of Craigslist hand me downs and I've already decided never again for that route. I just want a car that doesn't guzzle gas and isn't likely to fall apart while I'm driving it.

So bearing all the information that I've listed above in mind, anyone care to throw out some suggestions for a car? Specifically, model and even the year would be appreciated. Any comments are welcome though.

Pagani Zonda 😐

Originally posted by Bicnarok
It´s going to be your first car and lets face due to your inexperience, your gonna wreck it eventually. Not necassarily crashing it, but doing various things wrong which will eventually end in the demise of the vehicle.

So buy a cheap but reliable one to start with.

A phrase my Dad told me when I was young comes to mind, "if it´s got titts or wheels it´ll cost you money" and he was right.

So check out how much it cost to repair things which wear out, like brake disks/pads, suspension etc on various models before you buy one, it makes a big difference. Also see what you can repair yourself and what parts cost.

Seeing as your in the USA I don´t know what make of cars are available. Here in Europe I´d go for an old Honda Civic, VW Golf. If the fuel isn´t that expensive in the US and you don´t mind driving a big car, a Mercedes with a M103 - 6 cyclinder engine 190E 2.6, 190E 3.2 AMG. This engine will keep going and going well over 400,000 KM (250,000 miles), and Merecedes are amongst the most reliable cars there is, as anyone who has been to a developing country can see, loads of ancient mercs on the road.

Im not expert but have had a few cars and just talking from experience, whatever you do don´t get a Volvo V40 with a GDI engine.

Originally posted by Admiral Akbar
Pagani Zonda 😐

Does anyone else have any advice to give? C'mon guys, most of you are adults here. Surely, surely you've gained enough wisdom from your old and lengthy existences to hand out a little advice on cat buying?

Get a TDI VW.

I'm a MBZ fanboy, I got an 1997 S320 myself. While they are reliable, especially the older ones, the cost of repairs is still higher on the average than a Honda or Toyota.

So if your blackness can forsake the 'bling-bling' aspect of driving a Benz, I'd go with Honda(Civic, Accord esp) or Toyota (Camry, Corolla esp). Both extremely reliable and cheaper to fix than most European cars.

Nissan too, if personally do like the Maxima.

Avoid American cars. They're fine now, but anything that you could afford will be in the time period where the US couldn't build an engine to last beyond a year. With used cars, you're normally going to want to look on a case by case basis instead of specific cars. Just look locally, see what used cars you can afford and look up the specific model for the mileage and common problems associated with it.
If all you want is generalities, then look at Toyotas and Hondas. a BMW or Mercedez will be expensive to repair and will in all likeliness have worse former drivers. With cheap used cars, you're looking for cars that middle aged people would drive.

get a Lamborghini murcielago

Originally posted by RE: Blaxican
Surely, surely you've gained enough wisdom from your old and lengthy existences to hand out a little advice on cat buying?

this I can help you with... well, better than cars at least 🙂

Originally posted by inimalist
this I can help you with... well, better than cars at least 🙂

Hahaha, you pay for pussy.

Get a car that is easy to work on, gets great gas-mileage, and doesn't look like a Yugo.

That narrows it down to older cars.

What do you like?

Originally posted by Robtard
Honda(Civic...Toyota (Camry

^The two most stolen cars in America. But still, good choices given his limited criteria. In a nutshell, stereotypical soccer-mom sedans (like the two above) would be good for a person in that financial scenario.

His blackness would have to give up a little bling-bling and drive something slightly emasculating, but it still gets you from A to B without taking a huge bite out of your budget.

Originally posted by Robtard
I'd go with Honda(Civic, Accord ....

That´s what I´d recomend

Originally posted by The Nuul
Get a TDI VW.

to expensive, but great choice if you can afford one.

Since you're a newbie, I suggest you buy a used car or a brand new subcompact.

I know you want to opt for the bling-blingy ones, but let's face it... you're bound to scratch/dent it a few times more than once.

If you really want a huge hauler, like a F-150, buy a used one first.

After a year or so, when your driving skills have enhanced (hopefully), buy any car you feel comfortable with.

BTW, what kind of car do you prefer to drive as your first car?
Pick-up? Subcompact? Sedan? Hatchback? 4x4? Coupe? Tractor?

And what's your budget?
$20,000 below? $70,000 above?

Originally posted by AsbestosFlaygon
Since you're a newbie, I suggest you buy a used car or a brand new subcompact.

I think he actually had to participate in a driving test, unlike in Australia where you just bomb around the outback and sign some forms saying "I can drive mate" and that´s it 🙂

Originally posted by Quiero Mota
^The two most stolen cars in America.

Easy fix, he could spray-paint "Black Owned" across the side of the car.

You are inexperienced so i think you should go for a second hand car to take some experience.

Another suggestion:
You can buy the outgoing model for brand new. Like instead of buying 2011 model, buy the 2010. Most of the time, there are only a few revisions made for one year for a specific model.
Plus, you can get great package options for them.

get a third-generation chevy camaro.

my uncle had one, f*cking loved that car.
it smelled like manly beards..... and canadian beer....
he was a drunk, well, he still is but he no longer has the car.

Depends what you want - sedan, convertible, coupé, etc...

I have an old Hyundai Tiburon - still in great condition, still drives fine, still gets some nice comments, and doesn't cost much to maintain...

Not my ideal car, but good value for money.