First Car Options

Magellan498 · 03-30-03, 08:40

Hey guys,

Its about time for me to get a car *first* and I was wondering what I should consider buying. My budget is about 9k or lower and as of now I was thinking of getting an old 325i. Only probem is that those things are really run into the ground. Most all of them have at least 100k miles on them.

So, should I get the BMW (god I really like that car), or is there anything else out there that I should seriously consider *personal suggestions plz*?

Oh and, what do yall think about buying cars off ebay?? I have heard some horror stories, and am a little skittish...

TIA

jcattarulla · 03-30-03, 08:47

Hey, a bimmer is great. But for 9k, I'd say get a honda. So reliable, even with 70k miles on them. They maintain lots of "pep" and won't give you any headaches. 9k will get you a decent Accord.

Magellan498 · 03-30-03, 08:52

Hehe, thats originally what I was going to get! The Accord I was looking at was a 97 and in pretty good condition *might have been an autopian owner...* But then I saw the bimmer... I might just have to go Honda

Aurora40 · 03-30-03, 10:22

Hey, I like Oldsmobiles, so what can I say. I'd at least check out some Intrigues. They really depreciate which means you could get a pretty low mileage 2000 maybe 2001 for around $10 grand. They have a pretty sweet 3.5L V6 and many even have stability control. Just a thought...

I'd also check out some Regal GS's as they are pretty comfortable and have a ton of balls. I think they are the ultimate sleeper as they can rather cheaply do the 1/4 in the 13's, and in stoplight-to-stoplight, their lowend torque is tough to beat.

But those are just my thoughts, and are probably pretty different from most other peoples.

Shiny Lil Detlr · 03-30-03, 10:40

I've even seen a few 97-99 Auroras going locally for about $8-9K... just a thought.

Also I have to say I agree with the honda suggestion... for a first car and for a college student (I'm assuming) the gas mileage you'd get would be a BIG plus.

DinosGSR · 03-30-03, 11:46

You can't go wrong with a little import car while saving for something bigger and better. Saves on gas, reliable to the end, and if it interests you, you can modify them to an unbelievable scale. Just my .02.

Nagchampa · 03-30-03, 12:03

Since you are in Texas, why not get a pickup? Full size Chevys are plentiful and cheap to maintain although most like gas a little too much. They also maintain the resale value quite well. You will also have the option of regular or extended cab.

Magellan498 · 03-30-03, 12:45

Thanks for the good ideas.

Nagchampa: I would get a pickup but, personally I don't really like them and they do guzzle gas

which is a big minus for me.

I most likely will end up getting a honda. Big thing for me is also that I want the car to look good. I was contemplating an old MG?? Can anyone weigh in on that one? (yes I am a little picky

)

jem7vwh · 03-31-03, 01:05

If you decide on a Honda, make sure to spend the extra grand and get an Accord instead of a Civic. Having owned both cars, I can say the difference is tremendous. You might be able to grab a '97 or '98 pretty cheap because lots of Honda loyalists are selling off their 4 or 5 year old cars to get the new body style. Also, take notice of the engine on your Accord. Most folks just ballpark what they want for their used car and don't factor in whether the car has a Inline 4, or the V6 (which is worth more). Often, you can get a V6 model for the same price folks are paying for the inline 4s.

Nagchampa · 03-31-03, 02:26

Quote:

Originally posted by Magellan498
I was contemplating an old MG?? Can anyone weigh in on that one?

What do you like more? Fixing cars or driving them?

I had a '94 Accord and had no troubles at all with it. (nothing major at least) Very reliable with excellent road manners. Not quite a head turner but it looks good.

Magellan498 · 03-31-03, 03:40

Hmmm I can see your point...

detailbarn · 04-01-03, 01:33

I vote for the bimmer , find a nice 89 325i with under a 100,000 and you'll have a great car. My first car was a 83 533i followed by a 88' M5 and they both served me well. I took the 533i from 73,000 to 160,000 then recked it. I never had any trouble with either of them. Finding a 325i in your price range should be very easy a friend of mine bought one last year for $5000 it only had 65,000 on it.