Reasonable first car?

Question

I've just turned 16 and I need some ideas for a first car. Something I can get for around 3 grand. Preferably a Chevy but doesn't have to be. Can't be rear wheel drive. Good gas mileage is always a plus. My dad was thinking that I should get something like a cavaleir or a grand pre. What other cars should I consider?

Answer 1

I think - you should also compare insurance quotes for these cars before buying one, for example here: http://autoinsurance.maclenet.com

First time drivers usually have much higher rates than others. And it depends from car.

Answer 2

Hondas are excellent cars. I'm on the look out for another one myself. The one I have now I've had for 10 years and I only paid $1000 for it!

Answer 3

used toyota, go to yahoo autos

Answer 4

for $4,000

look for

98 Acura CL, 98 Ford Mustang V6, 98 Honda Accord or Civic, 98 Nissan Frontier or Pathfinder, 98 Subaru Impreza or Legacy, 98 -00 Toyota Corolla or Echo 00

these are all reliable and will last longer than other cars in this price range.

Answer 5

These are both great cars and can be found for around $5000 to $6000

#1) 1998 Nissan Maxima:

21 mpg (fueleconomy.gov)

4 star all around crash test except for rear (safercar.gov)

5 out of 5 reliability (MSN Autos)

#2) 2002 Hyundai Sonata v6 (2.7L or higher)

20 mpg (fueleconomy.gov)

4 star all around crash test (safercar.gov)

5 out of 5 reliability (MSN Autos)

Car Buying Is Confusing And These Websites Make it Less Confusing:

1) Safety Ratings: http://www.safercar.gov/

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx

(remember 3 stars or less is bad) (buying used with crash test depending on side airbags is bad because there is no way to even know if they still work)

2) Reliability: http://autos.msn.com/home/reliability_ra...

3) Fuel Economy: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/f*g/sbs.htm

4) Prices: http://www.kbb.com/

5) Places to shop for cars: http://www.autotrader.com/

http://www.cars.com/go/index.jsp

http://www.carsdirect.com/home

http://www.carmax.com/

Oh and heres the analysis of some of the suggestions made here

1) 1998 Acura CL has a 5 out of 5 on MSN's reliability test, 20 to 22 mpg according to fueleconomy.gov, however the problem is that this car is not crash tested and you should never a buy a car that has not been crash tested.

2) 1998 Ford Mustang has a 5 star frontal crash test but a 3 star side crash test so it's definetely a death trap, other than that the fuel economy is 18 to 20 mpg, and it gets 5 out of 5 on MSN's reliability test.

3) 1998 Honda Civic has a 5 out of 5 on MSN's reliabilty test, 28 mpg, but a 2 star crash test on the 2 door version and a 3 star side crash test on the 4 door version so it's not safe and you shouldnt buy it.

4) 1998 Honda Accord has huge transmission problems according to MSN it can cost up to $3500 to repair a frequent transmission problem, but on the other hand it does have a 4 star crash test from all aspects and 22 mpg.

5) 1998 Nissan Frontier or Pathfinder - as a rule you should not buy SUVs without stability control and these SUVs dont have stability control.

6) the 1998 Subaru Impreza has huge engine issues it can cost up to $1200 to repair a frequent engine problem, plus it's not crash tested and you should never buy a car without a crash test, but on the upside it does get 23 mpg.

7) 1998 Subaru Legacy provided you dont buy the 2.5L engine you should be 5 out of 5 for reliability, and you will get around 24 mpg, but the side crash test is 3 stars with a high likelyhood of pelvic injury.

8) 1998 Corolla has a 3 star side crash test, 1999 - 2000 also have 3 star side crash tests when not equiped with side airbags, and buying a used car with a safety that depends on side airbags is a very bad idea, so just on sefety they all fail, but on the upside it does get about 25 mpg and they are all 5 out of 5 on reliability.

9) 2000 Echo has an engine problem that can cost up to $600 to repair, plus it's not crash tested, but it does get 30 mpg.

BOTTOM LINE IS ALL 9 OF THESE CARS ARE JUNK.

Answer 6

-93-01 nissan altima

-honda civic