Brother is looking for a car, need your opinions Options

[mjmsoccer]

So my brother and I have been debating what kind off car he should get for his first car. He was looking for something in the 5-7000 range. I've told him to look at celicas, integras, and 240 SXs. Do you guys have any other suggestions? A couple of his friends suggested a stealth or a neon, do any of you have any experience with them? Thanks in advance for your help.

[ghostdog]

whats he looking for? comfort, relability, power, handling, upgradability, etc

[mjmsoccer]

He said he wants power, but still wants it to have a nice styling. Upgradability isn't a big deal, but he wants something faster than my celica. Basically, he wants the best combination of all the the qualities you mentioned, for the most reasonable price.

[macavely]

Civic -- yeah i said and what ...

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

If he were willing to go Domestic, a couple year old Camaro or Mustang would be a good choice. The ladies love these things, especially the Mustangs. I'd recommend a V6 in both; the V8's are too much for a first car. And you can pick up a nice v6 for a lot less than the v8's. The Subaru RS's aren't a bad car to take a look at either, I don't know too much about them, but they seem like a good ride. I've never been a fan of the neon’s; they aren't a very good car. If you want something that's going to be cheap, easy, and able to take a real beating, I hate to say it but get a Caviler. More info on what's important to him could help. Have fun shopping, I know I would.

Edit: Like mac said, Civic isn't that bad of a choice eiter.

This post has been edited by Bigmeanbulldog55: Jan 30, 2005 - 4:51 PM

[boosted_K2]

screw getting something used, get something new, like a cobalt or a tC... put like 3k down on a new tC and he'll only have to pay like 180 a month, sweet deal.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

I'm going to disagree with that. You can get a much better deal on a used car. And a first timer doesn't really need something new. Just my opinon.

[SinisterWhisper]

dunno much about stealths cept they arent too common but stay away from neons. when I was looking at cars I coulda gotten a 01 neon where as I could have only gotten a 96 neon,celi, talon... Also mum had one after 100k miles oil pan, paint, brakes, and a few other things went because it was a pos. as for other cars he should look at

anything with a v6 or a v8 is gonna have crappy gas mileage but that only matters if he is worreid about paying for gas. dunno what other cars he should look at though at least ones that are reliable and nice.

[boosted_K2]

I'm going to disagree with that.  You can get a much better deal on a used car.  And a first timer doesn't really need something new.  Just my opinon.
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for used there arent much better first cars than a 6gc, integra, civic, or a cavalier. you dont want something powerful for your first car. you want something to get used to and appriciate before you go out doing something stupid in a fast car.

but new aliviates the possablility of mechanical problems and are typically safer vehicles.

[mjmsoccer]

I'm not exactly sure what he is looking for and I don't think he's even sure. This is what hes been looking at so far, hes looked at some celicas, he looked at a couple eclispes and a talon. He said they test drove an integra and he didn't like it. He liked the GSX eclipse, but Dad talked him out of a turbo, mainly because of maintainence and the fact that his insurance will be outrageous.

[boosted_K2]

does he have a job and is he able to make any sort of payments for something either new or used?? or is he looking strictly to pay in cash up front and be done with it?

[ghostdog]

if he doesn't like the integra but wants some speed I'd go with a 2.5 RS or 240SX. the build quality on the n/a eclipse's rules them out automatically imo and the stealths/3000gt's are boats. stangs and camaros are everywhere and again build quality; and cavaliers I think they are pos personally. civics are good but relatively slow and pretty typical, and of course celicas but I would assume he wants something different from you.

if it was me, I would get the 2.5 RS. they aren't that common, have a distinct style, and can be very potent if upgraded correctly.

[mjmsoccer]

Thanks guys for all the replys.
He does have a job making roughly 400 a month. He's still in high school so he'll be able to put in more time over the summer, but my parents were going to loan him the money and pay them back as he got it. What do you guys think about preludes? Thanks again.

[boosted_K2]

prelude would be a good first car too, anything toyota or honda as long as it hasnt been completely ragged on will be a good choice.

[SinisterWhisper]

why not try for an older mr2? only issue with it is space but since it is rear wheel drive its fun and since its md engine its safe on snow.

[Anub1s]

My celica is up for sale, if he is looking for power in that range he is obviously not looking for reliability. My celica is for sale for $7000, look in my profile for what is what here is a link to the thread: FOR SALE

It is also on www.autotrader.com here.

btw: two of my friends own Honda Preludes (1 '91 and 1 '89) that are modified (intake, header, exhaust, cam gears exc. turbo...etc.) and my car is faster than them, if that is what he is looking for anyways

This post has been edited by Anub1s: Jan 30, 2005 - 7:53 PM

[boosted_K2]

why not try for an older mr2? only issue with it is space but since it is rear wheel drive its fun and since its md engine its safe on snow.
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i surely hope you are being sarcastic lol

[SinisterWhisper]

don't know what your talking about

[mjmsoccer]

Anub1s : Your car might be a possibility except you are in Utah and he is in PA.
He asked what you guys thought about a N/A 300 ZX, but I think he is really considering something more in the FWD category. I asked him some more about it and this is what he said,
"i want something with decent power, and good looks. its gotta be able to handle in winter. can't be extremely expensive to work on. 7500 is about top that i would want to try to pay for. i want 2dr. awd would be cool, but fwd is ok. i dont want less than 20 or so mpg."

[Sh0gunkid8721]

Buick LeSabre

[Anub1s]

If he wants to buy it I would let you fly for free on JetBlue with my buddypasses out of JFK in NYC. And you could have some fun driving back?

This post has been edited by Anub1s: Jan 30, 2005 - 8:19 PM

[coustoe]

So my brother and I have been debating what kind off car he should get for his first car.  He was looking for something in the 5-7000 range.  I've told him to look at celicas, integras, and 240 SXs.  Do you guys have any other suggestions?  A couple of his friends suggested a stealth or a neon, do any of you have any experience with them?  Thanks in advance for your help.
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give me 7000 and ill import a gt4 for him

This post has been edited by coustoe: Jan 30, 2005 - 8:21 PM

[Akimbo]

Nobody's mentioned this yet, but how about a Volkswagen? Maybe a GTI/Golf? Jetta maybe? N/A MKIII Supra? Accord? Galant? I know this isn't really a Mitsibushi crowd.

[mjmsoccer]

Thanks for the offer anub1s but he really doesn't want a celica right now.
Nice suggestions Akimbo, I'll run them by him. I think hes narrowed things down a little bit. He does not want RWD, and he is definitly looking for N/A, but hes still got some time to decide. Thanks for all your suggestions guys.

[SinisterWhisper]

umm gas jetas bite as far as reliability goes but the diesel ones are work horses. Father has owned 5 diesel jettas now or is it 6? Regardless diesel vws aren't known for being speedy (sis has our old 01 jetta now) cept for the passat he had in europe (6 speed).

Umm lets see if it is fwd, cheap, and reliable id say celi, miata (space is a problem with them though), civic (yeah yeah), but dunno about others. Talon and eclipse are unreliable, neons are unrealiable deathtraps, probes (i think are fwd) are ugly, stealths aren't reliable from what ive seen and not sure on them being fwd.

[Anub1s]

Thanks for the offer anub1s but he really doesn't want a celica right now. 
Nice suggestions Akimbo, I'll run them by him.  I think hes narrowed things down a little bit.  He does not want RWD, and he is definitly looking for N/A, but hes still got some time to decide. Thanks for all your suggestions guys.
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No problem dude, let me know if he changes his mind.

[boosted_K2]

Stealths are FWD unless its the AWD twin turbo version (which some come with all-wheel steer) and Miatas are RWD cars

[saleeka]

4th gen Prelude (92-96) all the way if you can find a nice one... Possibly a 93-97 Mazda MX-6 LS coupe (2.5 V6, 164 HP) could be a good bet, but i'v never driven one...

[Digndoug]

Id say go for a prelude, a4, accord, civic, del sol

[mjmsoccer]

Yeah i like the preludes, he doesn't like the styling of them though. he had mentioned something about a diesel jetta and an accord, so I'll let him know and have him do some shopping. I'll definitly let you guys know if he decides anything.

[mark_426]

Well, I'm the brother in question.

Current list:
TDI Jetta
Stealth (over 3000gt)
Celica
Neon RT (having qualms about this)

Right now, I'm giving a Stealth RT serious thought. Its got a decent amount of power, looks good IMO. Its a little heavy at 3164, but not any worse than a 300zx or an eclipse. The NA Eclipses definetally are something I dont desire. Example

After discussing it with my friend, a 300zx is pretty much out of the picture, as is nearly any turbo or RWD. (Turbo, cost, running; RWD, winters here).

A TDI Jetta is pretty much out of my price range. I would only really want a 99 or newer.

Features I'm definetally looking at:
-Under 7500 or so, max.
-Not convertible
-at least 20mpg
-decent amount of power/speed (acceleration is huge to me)
-driveable in snow
-decent handling
-reliable -> take care of it, takes care of me.

Features I want, but not decisive:
-Easy to work on or has good parts (Stereo, headlights, tails, gauges, filters)
-Decent pricing for parts (timing belt, ISC motor, headers, brakes, stuff like that)
-Decent room
-not extremely riced out/stereotyped (civic, integra, prelude)

Preferences:
-not extremely common (unlike integra, civic)
-Relatively streamline/not boxy (aesthetically pleasing unlike prelude/old jettas)
-sunroof would be nice (feels bigger)
-2 Door (probably hatchback, flows better with design)
-honda =
-Gray/black Leather would be nice

[saleeka]

look at the MX-6 then, it fits most of your critera pretty well...





consumer guide review

[Digndoug]

look at the MX-6 then, it fits most of your critera pretty well...





consumer guide review
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My buddie had a umm 94 v6 mt. It wa snice leather sporty very fats and rides nice. he also got it dirt cheap, they are priced very cheaply and are nice cars with tons of options. Also front wheel drive has good power, i rarley see them on roads too.

[celicer]

although u are bashing honda's if i could go back... i would buy a honda with the type R swap in it for abbout 7... 200 horse in a little civic. it rips nuts.

[FallenHero]

Well, I'm the brother in question.

Current list:
TDI Jetta
Stealth (over 3000gt)
Celica
Neon RT (having qualms about this)

Right now, I'm giving a Stealth RT serious thought. Its got a decent amount of power, looks good IMO. Its a little heavy at 3164, but not any worse than a 300zx or an eclipse. The NA Eclipses definetally are something I dont desire. Example

After discussing it with my friend, a 300zx is pretty much out of the picture, as is nearly any turbo or RWD. (Turbo, cost, running; RWD, winters here).

A TDI Jetta is pretty much out of my price range. I would only really want a 99 or newer.

Features I'm definetally looking at:
-Under 7500 or so, max.
-Not convertible
-at least 20mpg
-decent amount of power/speed (acceleration is huge to me)
-driveable in snow
-decent handling
-reliable -> take care of it, takes care of me.

Features I want, but not decisive:
-Easy to work on or has good parts (Stereo, headlights, tails, gauges, filters)
-Decent pricing for parts (timing belt, ISC motor, headers, brakes, stuff like that)
-Decent room
-not extremely riced out/stereotyped (civic, integra, prelude)

Preferences:
-not extremely common (unlike integra, civic)
-Relatively streamline/not boxy (aesthetically pleasing unlike prelude/old jettas)
-sunroof would be nice (feels bigger)
-2 Door (probably hatchback, flows better with design)
-honda =
-Gray/black Leather would be nice
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Except for the fact they are common, you are giving a description of most hondas. I'd try and find a prelude or an Integra GSR personally. Both will hand my car it's ass.

Old VW corrado's are fun if you can find one.

[top_projects05]

what about an eclipse? what about mines? fast and good lookin!

for sale-95 gs-t

$6300 obo

[Akimbo]

I heard Corrado up in hurr!

[boosted_K2]

remember thought that the MX-6 = Probe... so any mechanical issues you may have with a probe you have the same probability with a MX-6... some have alot of issues... some dont have many, i think jared has had good luck with them, but i know both of my friends who own them have not.