The time has come!

[MongooseGA]

To get my first set of wheels. After some new negotiations within my family, I'm on the hunt.

I think I've considered about everything that I want. This car has to take me through college so a POS beater isn't an option.

My parents went out shopping today and came back with some items that I wasn't displeased with, but let's say I wasn't extatic.

Does anyone know of a good, solid, reliable car that can be fun to drive? My parent's criteria (more important) is as follows:

-Under 15K U.S.
-Lowest miles possible, unless it's something bullet proof (IE Toyota) that isn't as affected by higher miles.
-Safe.
-Insurance needs to be as reasonable as possible.

My *wanted* criteria as follows:

-I would *prefer*(Since I have some input in this):
-A car (not a truck or SUV), but would consider either of the latter.
- Huge emphasis on a manual transmission.
-Slight emphasis on something other than FWD.
-Fun to drive. I'd like to be able to take this to an Auto-X event occasisionally, to have fun with it safely. It doesn't need to be a 10 second monster, but I would *like* it to be built for "spirited driving".
- Preferrably something comfortable to drive.No stripped down cars. Since we're buying used, a BMW or Lexus level car is not out of the question.
-Must be able to detail out of it. Since several members here are able to detail out of their RSX's and Integras, I think anything with a useable trunk might do.
-Decent gas mileage (coming from a Jeep Wrangler, most things over 13 MPG are efficient )

Just an aside, I am extremely grateful that my parents are buying a car for me. I have matured quite a bit over the last few years, and don't consider myself a spoiled brat. While others might consider me spoiled, "brat" offends me.

I've looked into everything from E36 M3's to my uncle's '70 Camaro.

Any ideas?

[zaius]

miata for auto-x and it'll be under 15k.

an old celica or prelude or teg would be nice also.

these are options.

[Spilchy]

Congrats!

I think you may like something like NavindraLR's car and the mods he did. Check his thread here:

http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...threadid=50503

[gbackus]

Audi A4 Avant, or a crossover like the Infiniti FX45 or the BMW X3

[MongooseGA]

Used FX's are still selling for 30k. About double the budget I've been given.

I'll look into the RSX. Seems to be a nice car and, it's a Honda. It'll never die.

[MS22]

Your best bets would probably be something like a Celica, RSX, Jetta, Impreza, or MINI. All can be found with spirited engine choices, take well to upgrades, and can be found at reasonable prices. They all also last the test of time when properly maintained, make sure maintaince records are all complete right down to the oil changes. Good luck!!!

[vdog0531]

hhmm well a little more than 15K but look into maybe a stock ws6 or SS camero.. or.. you could do a 240sx, put an sr20 in it with some turbo mods and you are lookin at a twelve second car that is practicly bulletproof.

Vernon

[MongooseGA]

Originally posted by vdog0531
hhmm well a little more than 15K but look into maybe a stock ws6 or SS camero.. or.. you could do a 240sx, put an sr20 in it with some turbo mods and you are lookin at a twelve second car that is practicly bulletproof.

Vernon

I recently checked out the LS1 cars. I love them, but I don't know how durable they are compared to the German/Japanese cars.

240 is an excellent idea, but the parents will never allow a swap to a turbo motor... atleast not while I live under their roof.

It's looking like FWD seems to own this class of vehicle. I guess my priorities need to get a little more realistic.

[vdog0531]

Originally posted by MongooseGA
I recently checked out the LS1 cars. I love them, but I don't know how durable they are compared to the German/Japanese cars.

240 is an excellent idea, but the parents will never allow a swap to a turbo motor... atleast not while I live under their roof.

It's looking like FWD seems to own this class of vehicle. I guess my priorities need to get a little more realistic.

buy one with a swap already completed, they won't know the difference


Vernon

[the other pc]

Originally posted by MongooseGA
.... This car has to take me through college so a POS beater isn't an option. ...

Geez! What is it with kids today? Why, when I was in college I had to push my car 15 miles up hill, both ways, in the snow to get to 8:00am lectures!



PC.

[MongooseGA]

Originally posted by the other pc
Geez! What is it with kids today? Why, when I was in college I had to push my car 15 miles up hill, both ways, in the snow to get to 8:00am lectures!



PC.

With square wheels, no less!

Honestly, I'm lucky enough to have parents willing to buy me a nice car. While it's not going to be brand new, it will be something that is worth appreciating and driving. It does need to last for a while, though.

I'm trying to think of a way to save up enough cash (besides detailing) to try to pay for my own insurance. Obviously, mods (if any were to be allowed) would be on me. Maintenance probably would be, too.

Vernon, good idea

[dschribs]

The Other PC
I thought the same thing when I read this...

My budget for a car for college was $600 - of course, that was the $600 I saved up from working all Summer!!!\

Sweet deal though Mongoose! I'd go used Muscle car myself - of course I'm partial to Camaros - but used Mustang GT's can be had for a pretty good price and the aftermarket selection is HUGE for bolt on performance parts..

Ebay Mustang