Cars

[bud]

I am getting close to my set goal of money to buy my first car. But the problem is I really don't know what I want. I need something reliable and good on gas. Not a clunker and not a grandma car. I need something nice. My limit is around $6500.

I just need something good. Any suggestions?

 

[bic]

Focuses are pretty good.

I've got a Saturn SL and get about 36 MPG combined out of it. (SOHC automatic)

For $6,500 your options are pretty broad.

 

[vskid3]

Reliable+good on gas=Honda Civic. The one in my sig is mine, 226,000 miles and still going strong. It isn't the coolest or fastest car around, but it gets the job done. It seemed like every other car I test drove had some kind of issue, while having maybe 100k miles. The Focuses I checked seemed to be the worst (I was actually planning on getting one), you might have better luck. After a day of test driving cars, I decided to just buy my parent's Civic. You should be able to grab an early 2000's one within your price range. Make sure you get a stick shift, all the cool kids have one.

Whatever you end up getting, make sure you take someone with you that knows cars.

 

[bud]

My father and my grandfather are both mechanics. They'll make sure I get something good.

Hondas do look pretty good for the price.

 

[Bush]

Silly people and your efficiency. I get 16mpg LOLCANADA

 

[ttsgeb]

I would like to reinforce the Honda Civic idea. Also, for that price you can look into getting a pretty recent vehicle. I have a friend who grabbed a 2007 Chevy Cobolt in 09 for less than that. I imagine it's not that bad on gas, and it looks Dang nice. But then again, I was at the other end of the spectrum as far as budget goes buying a car, and ended up getting a '91 Silverado that gets and incredible 12 MPG for $1000. Thank God I hardly ever have to drive the thing.

If you want a truck, I've heard that old 4 cylinder S10s get around 30 mpg, although you're a lot more likely to only be able to get one that either looks like, or is a clunker than with a Civic or Focus.

Things to keep in mind:
Manual Transmissions are fun
You will NEVER *need* a 5.7L V8, a 1.8L Straight 4 can get you where you're going unless you're driving straight up a cliff.
Small is good.
If you're likely to be the only person on the thing, and not taking anything around, look at motorcycles.
Driving style, tires, suspension, etc. all have large effects on gas mileage, too, it's just with some cars you can get your lovely 35mpg while driving like an idiot on melting tires.

With that budget, though, you shouldn't have any problems finding something that looks and drives good, and that gets decent mileage, just you have to make sure to look around a bit. Craigslist can be your friend here, if they cover where you live.

 

[vskid3]

Also, fuel efficiency doesn't have to be tied to the type of car you get. Here is a Ranger that gets 40+MPG. A little modding and good driver can go a long way (on a tank of gas).
I would only recommend going with a motorcycle if the weather where you live is nice year-round.

(To be honest, if my budget had allowed, I would be driving a newer Pontiac GTO. One dealer I went to had 2 of them. I didn't even test drive them, because I knew I would have gone straight to the bank to get approved for a bigger loan. MPGs are great, but sometimes you just have to have a V8. )

 

[jleemero]

I drive a '72 VW Beetle.
Stock? Easy 36MPG in town. (And 30 on the highway, lawl)

And, with modification, you'd be amazed what they can do!
1776cc dual-port Big-Bore engine, Dual Weber 40IDF Carbs, Bosch 009 performance distributor, Engle 110 Cam.
It's worth the work, with this setup, I get a staggering 15MPG in town, and 9MPG highway!

Now that's Ecomodding.

 

[ttsgeb]

Actually, it seems that that truck is up to 60 mpg now... I'm not doing any of that to my truck, though unless I can make it look decent, and not add to the already excessive weight of the Dang thing. Also, it would eat into my budget for *other* car projects. Although the pizza pans seem reasonable and don't look bad, idk how much use they'll be, though.

But yeah, if you're good with fiberglass, and not an aggressive driver, you can get surprising mileage from pretty much any vehicle you want.

 

[vskid3]

Actually, it seems that that truck is up to 60 mpg now... I'm not doing any of that to my truck, though unless I can make it look decent, and not add to the already excessive weight of the Dang thing. Also, it would eat into my budget for *other* car projects. Although the pizza pans seem reasonable and don't look bad, idk how much use they'll be, though.

But yeah, if you're good with fiberglass, and not an aggressive driver, you can get surprising mileage from pretty much any vehicle you want.

It isn't that expensive or difficult, mainly just requires time, ingenuity, and testing. The AeroCivic is a perfect example. I think he spent $400 on supplies, and now he can get 50MPG going 90MPH (or 95MPG going 65MPH). Probably not worth it to most people, but it would really add up for someone that drives a lot.

 

[bic]

re: Beetle

1. lolnopower

2. lolnoheat

3.


You're better off with a more modern cheap economy car than a 30+ year old cheap economy deathtrap. A Civic, Saturn, Escort, Metro, or J-body will get you the same mileage* and all the amenities of a modern automobile, like heat! And electronic multiport fuel injection! And crumple zones!

*Much better on the Metro.

 

[bud]

Beetles are cool,(my father owned several) but its not what I'm looking for.

I did want a motorcycle because it was enough for what I needed, but the parentals said no.

 

[ttsgeb]

Convince them that you won't drive like a moron, that it will save THEM money, and that they don't loose a parking space to it. Keep with it, possible outcomes: "Alright, if you really want it, and you're paying for it", "HERE, we will buy you this car, and you will like it goddamnit", "Shutup already", "You're grounded", "You have to pay for insurance and the license", "No N. O. No"

All in all, I think it's worth the risk of getting grounded, if you have parents like that. Make sure to have a backup plan, though.

 

[bud]

It wouldn't be very useful when its raining, and there isn't much space wimminz and fun lol.

Besides they said I could get one whenever I graduate, which isn't awfully far away.

 

[ttsgeb]

Then go for something cheap to get you through high school, preferably that doesn't look like flax. Then get a motorcycle and some way to take it with you to college. If you like your car, get a trailer and look silly, if not, sell it and get a small truck, like and S10 or even a ranger, and toss the bike in the back.

NOTE: these are merely suggestions, I am to lazy to make them sound like it, though.

also a bike could make you seem more "exciting" to the ladiiiis, and you get to have them holding onto you the whole time This is good. Also, guys won't want to bum rides off of you as much. (that sentence is why English sucks as a language(<3, English))

 

[vskid3]

and there isn't much space wimminz and fun lol.

Sidecar.
The main problem with a motorcycle isn't the rider, its all the other drivers on the road. Sure, you can do some retarded stuff on a bike, but the same could be said about a car. But when the other idiot on the road decides not to see you because their txt was much more important, a steel cage will come in handy.

 

[ttsgeb]

I try not to think about that so that I can continue thinking it's a good idea for me. .. ...
But yeah, that's why a good bicycle is nice: you can take it on most sidewalks without people getting to pissed at you. You are much less likely to get hit by a car on the sidewalks than in the middle of the lane.

Motorcycles: The ideal motorized transport for those that trust their fellow man.

 

[bud]

We don't have sidewalks where I live. Unless you count main street. Nobody walks on those anyways.

 

[ttsgeb]

Hence why people don't get pissed at it.

 

[jleemero]

re: Beetle

1. lolnopower

2. lolnoheat

My Beetle will take an '05 Acura RSX in the quarter, and any V6 Camaro ever made (Though that ain't sayin' much).

Oh, and I have heated seats in mine now.
Stock ones heat fine (the buses don't, but any Bug made after '71 stays plenty warm).