Should i buy motorcycle or new car?

Question

i am a college student and i have about 5k saved up, originally for a new car, but last year i got a real old car ( 95 corsica) as a gift,

i really want a motorcycle but i know i should have a dependable car 1st.

But as of now

car runs strong about 175k miles

but its oldd reaaal old and boxy, and has some dents and rust + old

which is why i kinda want a new car, im completely torn

Answer 1

I advise waiting to buy a motorcycle.  For starters, you probably don't know where you end up living after school.  It could be somewhere that has winter for 9 months of the year.  You could end up living overseas and their laws regarding motorcycles might prevent you from driving one right away or it could be too costly to maintain.  

Depending on your future job, you might have to drive a car to carry equipment or clients.  In which case, you will need to forget the bike for a while anyway.  Plus, what you drive says a lot about you at the job interviews-not too many professions look kindly on applicants roaring up on a Harley and walking in for the interview wearing leathers.

Finally, have you looked at how much insurance is going to cost for a motorcycle?  Fortunately the costs generally go down with age.

That does not mean a new car is the right answer either.  I suggest a good condition used car, no more than 5 model years old.  Look for something that fits your budget on insurance, maintenance and gas mileage.  Save your cash until you are ready for the real world and then buy the vehicle that is right for you.

Answer 2

it really depends! if you want to save on gas then you should pick a motorcycle and a car wastes more gas idk but thats what i heard! that motorcycles are cheaper on gas! there fun though i love them!  

Answer 3

Motorcycle. live to ride, ride to live man.

Edit: Rick J is totally right.

Answer 4

motorcycle saves on gas and there just cool

Answer 5

for right now i would say buy a new car, bcuz winter is come in soon. i know that motorbike is cool but can you ride it in the winter? go for a car and then later save for a bike. :)

Answer 6

well, as a bike lover, i will nonetheless tell you-

bikes rule. but riding reduces the apparent temperature by 10+ degrees. Unless you live in Florida or Cali, you ain't going to be able to drive a bike as a daily driver without stressors. Like rain. Like cold. Even if you are in Cali, do you want to wake up, when you have to wake up?  Because a cold breeze first thing in the morning will do that. Whereas, I can almost drive a car to work/school half asleep.

Shoot for having a car that (just) runs, and a bike that runs. Both. Own each, cheap. Insure both, cheap. Then you have little stress, and the best of both worlds.

Good luck, peace

Answer 7

motorcycle is cheap on gas, dangerous, faster in traffic, can't pick up girls, looks awesome and requires a license.  Just weigh the cons and pros man, but if u got 5k saved i would def have ur parents co-sign (if they have good credit) and i would put that on a brand new car with good mpg, and financing is cheap and you could use one of your grants for ur car payment, or if your working, but i just bought a 2008 yaris(mpg is best for a non hybrid) and my monthly is 270, while my down payment was 3k.  If i was buying a car for looks i would def find a Honda civic SI sport (my favorite sports car)

but anyways to answer your question, go with car cause you gotta remember with a motorcycle only you can ride it, while with a car girls can ride with you =]

Answer 8

well .. if you want a good motorcycle.. its going to cost 3x that much, so you can either save up and get a really good motorcycle, or a cheapy motorcycle.. AND a car...

but for now, I would go with a car, you can drive in the rain, and they tend to last a tad bit longer.  

Answer 9

hmm u  are a collage student 5grand job payments yy run the old clunker tell it dies get the student loans paid for get mor cash than buy the car

Answer 10

well if ur getting a motercycle you might have to keep it for a while but ur in collage and of course you want to have fun but it depends on the economy and where your at are gas prices really high how much miles does it get you just have to think about that kind of thing i would go for the car and once your out of collage and you have more money and a job or a better job get the moter cycle that way you can brag about having cars and a motercycle

Answer 11

Buy a car.  You'll increase your chances of still being able to walk when you are over 30.

Answer 12

cars are more safer so i advise haveing a car i should no my dad is a mechanic

Answer 13

At 175k you have to figure there "may" not be a whole lot of life left in your car, not unless you keep soaking money into it. Eventually it is going to start nickeling and diming you to financial death. Pros and cons would be a motorcycle would be great on gas and the insurance on it may be cheaper than that of a car, but then you would have to withstand all the elements of the weather..if you decide this, be sure to get a rain suit and some leathers. You will want the leathers for safety and a good strong helmet too. Something else to consider too, if you ask a girl out on a date you had better hope the weather is good and that the girl don't mind motorcycles (this is if your corsica is dead by then that is).  With a car they are more on gas and the insurance is most likely going to be more, however, you are at least protected from the elements and not have to worry about your dates (with the transportation that is).  If you get a smaller size car it will be better on gas. For 5k you can get a decent used car, or motorcycle. Make your decision wisely and be sure to be satisfied with it when you have. Autotrader.com is a good place to look up used vehicles/motorcycles.  

Answer 14

If I were you, I'd save the $5000 for when the Corsica dies or starts costing too much money to do repairs (which could be within the next year).  By then you'll probably have a bit more saved up and you can afford a nicer car without the dents & rust.  

THEN, once you graduate from college and get your career started you'll be able to afford a car AND a motorcycle!  WIN-WIN!  =)

Definitely get a reliable car first - better for picking up friends, taking road trips, moving, driving in the rain, getting groceries & beer!!!

Answer 15

get a car .safer ///////motorcycle for me =broken bones ,i am still alive my friend died 5 weeks ago only 20 years old .dont run life by the quarter mile .there is riders that felt and there is ones that are going to fall dont stay in the waiting list  

Answer 16

You don't say where you live (i.e. if you live where it is too cold to ride in the winter, etc.).  Motorcycles (or better yet "scooters", which max out at more like 45MPH) get way better gas mileage than cars do.  If a motorcycle is practical for you to use on a regular basis, then you'll be able to save up faster for the car you want.

Answer 17

I want a motorcycles really bad myself but you have to keep a level head about things.  It is important to have a dependable car first.  Think about situations that may come in the future where you would really need a car instead of a motorcycle.  Get the car first and worry about the motorcycle later.

Answer 18

It is a total gambling game.  It all boils down to two things (in my mind):

1)  What is the climate and weather like in your area?  Will you be able to ride a bike year-round if the car dies?

2)  How often do you give your friends or family a ride?  You will be limited to one passenger with the bike.

You are young.  Get what you WANT.  Good luck.

Answer 19

I would go for the new car.  A motorcycle is a great form of secondary transportation as it is saves on gas but is not practical for year round driving.  Once you get the new car you might find it is still feasible to get the motorcycle too.