Would you recommend a first car (for a 22 y/o)?

[username79]

Originally Posted by zeni

Moral of the story, if you do go used, be sure to inspect every inch.

This should be obvious to even the densest of morons. Suggesting against used cars because your buddies bought out of warranty luxury cars with accident damage is laughable.

 

[Agnacious]

How about a mini-cooper?

You would at least stand out amoungst the crowd of some of your options; honda. toyota, acura which pretty much all look the same to me.

 

[nate10184]

I'm about your age and have a 96 Lexus ES. Basically a glorified Camry. So far it has been reliable and still looks pretty modern. For 10K you could probably get a 99-01 model year which is still a good looking car IMO.

 

[suited]

Originally Posted by nate10184

I'm about your age and have a 96 Lexus ES. Basically a glorified Camry. So far it has been reliable and still looks pretty modern. For 10K you could probably get a 99-01 model year which is still a good looking car IMO.

I use to have a 97' ES300. For 10k you can EASILY get a 96' model or newer. When I sold mine, it had 184,000 miles.

 

[nate10184]

Originally Posted by suited

I use to have a 97' ES300. For 10k you can EASILY get a 96' model or newer. When I sold mine, it had 184,000 miles.

Yeah mine has 149k right now and I haven't found anything that doesn't work on it (washer fluid sprays, heated seats work, all the lights on the console still light up, etc.) It runs like a dream and is eerily quiet inside even on the highway. Better than some new American cars I've driven.

 

[suited]

Originally Posted by nate10184

Yeah mine has 149k right now and I haven't found anything that doesn't work on it (washer fluid sprays, heated seats work, all the lights on the console still light up, etc.) It runs like a dream and is eerily quiet inside even on the highway. Better than some new American cars I've driven.

The heated seat on the driver's side broke on mine, but that's about it. They make terrific cars.

 

[zeni]

Originally Posted by username79

This should be obvious to even the densest of morons. Suggesting against used cars because your buddies bought out of warranty luxury cars with accident damage is laughable.


As I said early, both were low-mileage, not to mention from reputable dealers. Nevertheless, I advised them against buying. Despite your condescension, many intelligent people who aren't car-literate DO buy used only by putting their faith in the dealer/source. Personally, I'd rather have a brand new 10k car than a former leased model that someone beat to **** for 30k miles but whatev. People drive ****** and abuse all sorts of cars, not just luxury ones. My point was only that if he goes used, stick with something low-maintenance and check it over carefully.

 

[coachvu]

Originally Posted by Agnacious

How about a mini-cooper?

You would at least stand out amoungst the crowd of some of your options; honda. toyota, acura which pretty much all look the same to me.

He'd stand out, but those cars are notorious for poor reliability.

 

[theguy]

get an 02-03 maxima and abuse it
6spd
255 hp
246 torque
built in japan
heated seats/steering wheel

I had the car for awhile, and drove it like I stole it for about 3 years
No problems, besides changing oil, brake pads and taking premium fuel

 

[bluemagic]

I will get a car around this price range tomorrow. It will be my first car.

I want to give my thanks to everyone who suggested realistic options, and want to express my displeasure to those who suggested used luxury cars.

 

[chas]

1999 Ford Escort Wagon write a check for $1900 and call it a day.

 

[Bruce9241]

If you're going Japanese, stick with Toyota or Honda. I recommend Toyota.

I used to drive a Toyota and it lasted forever. I drove the **** out of that car. (off roading, fast accelerations, bumper cars). Toyota warranty and service is generally better than Nissan. I currently drive a Nissan and although I enjoy the performance and looks of the car, I hate the service warranty. It seems like every Nissan dealership service department is out to screw you.

When my Camry blew an engine (my fault), they took care of it. Nissan doesn't even want repair little things (cd player stopped working, rear windshield liquid spray leaks, window motor gets stuck, back hatch pressurized thing doesn't hold when it's cold outside).

Go Toyota. You would be helping the American economy and have a long lasting dependable car.