I am looking for my first car and want it somewhat fast and under $4000?

Question

I want my first car to have speed and style but under 4000 (prefer under 3000 but can go higher). I dont want a civic or accord because every teenager has one of those. If you could give a year that would be more helpful but if you can't dont worry about it. It would be better if the car was reliable but I don't mind spending some money on it. Also, if you could tell me about a car that you once owned (good or bad) that would be great. include as much as possible thanx

Answer 1

2000 FORD CROWN VICTORIA


FAST CAR AND NOT TO EXPENSIVE

Answer 2

Sport, what you need is a good vintage Mazda RX7. My son has had several and they're a hoot to drive even today. Motors virtually run forever if the oil is changed regularly. Not the best mileage but great performance, good predictable handling and plenty of replacement parts available. Just be sure synchro's in standard transmission are good, no rust, and good exhaust system as it can be pricey to replace. Sunroof's were water tight and ac generally put out a cold blast. Trick is to find one in nice condition so take your time looking. Still a fair number of nice original cars out there if you look hard enough, especially those that have been adult owned (this goes for any nice car). We were all young once and were generally rough on our cars to some degree.

By the way, be aware that performance in the hands of young drivers means HIGH insurance rates. Sometimes basic not-so-sexy cars make much more sense when you're just starting out. Use the brain power God gave you now and perhaps a little later you can afford to move up to a nicer car sooner. Something to consider. Been there...done that. Started out life with a $300 clunker when I was already in college. Have since enjoyed Porsches, Jaguars, Lotus , some racing cars, and a host of other nice cars as an enthusiast on a budget.

Answer 3

Here's some honest advice from a guy that's owned a few nice cars. In the under $4K range, Don't buy a well-used sports or high perf. car just because it's in your price range....all you'll be getting is someone else's junk that's been run to death and will cost you dearly on repairs, plus it will cost more to insure, especially when you are under the age of 25. Everyone wants their first car to be impressive, but don't get something based on looks..there are a lot of good looking cars that are junk.

For you I'd suggest something that's sporty but easy on gas and cheap to insure... in foreign makes, I'd check into the used toyota/nissan/honda/Mazda mid level models. Domestic....here are a few sporty cars in your range...Cavalier Z24, Impala, Ford Probe, early year Ford Focus, etc. If you just gotta have muscle, a mid/late 80's to early 90's Mustang, Camaro, or Firebird might also be an option, but bear in mind that these will have bigger engines as a rule and your insurance co. may classify them as sports or high perf. cars, meaning higher rates, plus they will tend to use more gas as well. Again, you'll want to be careful not to acquire something that's been driven hard. I'd go to a couple of car lots and see what's available in your range (there should be several). Note prices, then come back home and look them up on KBB.com to get an idea of what you should expect to pay, and to see if the dealer's price is on target.

Another source for a first car might be going to the local city vehicle auction...at least to look around for a bargain. Ex- cop cars/city cars are generally higher performance Fords or Chevys...they might have high mileage, but they were regularly maintained by the city/county and should still have good miles left...and they will be relatively cheap to insure. If you consider this option, take a knowledgeable car guy with you to avoid a lemon...auctions are "as is" sales so try to know as much as possible before going this route.

You might be able to buy something UNDER your price target, and use the rest to spruce it up and do any minor fixes it might need. Don't necessarily shoot the whole wad if you don't have to.

The one car I owned that I regret getting rid of was a 1969 Mustang...I was in the right place at the right time and STOLE it for $700 (we're talking 20 years ago) and made money when I sold it about a year and a half later, after having partly redone the interior, doing a little minor body work, having the exterior repainted and tuning the 351 Windsor engine to where it was running so smooth you could hardly hear it run when stopped at a light. Shoulda kept it, but I needed the money at the time.

The one car I was GLAD to get rid of was a '77 Trans Am....total piece of junk. Here's an example of buying a well-used hi perf. car....this thing looked great, had a huge 400 engine, but was run to death- the oil pump failed 3 months after I bought it... as is, of course...requiring a partial engine rebuild when everything locked up from no oil pressure. Then a ball joint broke at about 60 mph on the highway a couple months later. Then I found that the tranny needed work, and that the floor pan was starting to rust through...plus a few other things. I could not WAIT to get rid of that piece of....

Anyhow, my best advice would be to leave the rose colored glasses at home when you go car shopping. Be critical of the car, don't fall in love with the first one that meets your criteria, and be prepared to do some minor fixups and maintenance. If you are selective and do your homework, you should find something that will make a great first car...which is something that you'll always remember.


Good Luck & Have Fun!

(PS...My first car was a black 1963 T-Bird hardtop...it was made the year I was born. My buddies in high school called it the Batmobile.)

Answer 4

If the make of car doesn't matter, look for a late 80' to mid 90' mustang with V8 engine. There are so many of them out there they can be purchased for a fair price.

Answer 5

a 95 to 97 nissan maxima with about 120,000 miles on it or more
94 to 97 nissan altima , the maxima is pretty fast and the altima is not to slow. avoid any gm cars because they usually need a ton of work on it and it will usually cost more than what you bought it for. some dealers sell cars with damage titles and are repaired like new before you buy it, as long the frame and the engine were not damaged and only the body fenders were damaged they will alright. you save 20% to 30% on those

Answer 6

A 60's style muscle car

Answer 7

I've seen 'early 90s firebirds Trans Ams for $1500-4000. I would've got something like that, but my dad was tripping about it being rear-wheel... Whatever.

Answer 8

under $4000? maybe a used kia? but not fast. but it runs.

Answer 9

How about a Toyota MR2........find one that is super charged, fast as heck.........

Answer 10

do NOT get a ford