(First)Car Suggestions

[Gunzaan]

I didn't read anything in this entire thread, but my quick answer based off the title of the thread is a honda civic or nissan altima/maxima.

Relatively cheap and won't break down. Do it.

 

[NealKleren]

You apparently have almost no preference in what you want, so that works in your favor. That said, here are a few schools of thought when it comes to buying a cheap used car.

1- When in doubt, go Japanese. A lot of people buy into this theory, hence used Hondas and Toyotas fetching higher prices these days. It's hard to go wrong with a Honda 4 cylinder, but there are still things to look out for (for example, early 2000s Honda automatics were notoriously weak links).

2- While avoiding known problem cars, buy the newest car you can afford. Self explanatory. Newer is good.

3- Generally speaking, ignore make and model and just buy what seems decent. Search around and look for cars that genuinely seem like good deals. Well kept cars in good shape with decent mileage and fair asking prices. It's always good to keep your mind open in this regard- if you're only looking for a specific car or two, you're missing out on a lot of potential good cars just by not looking at them.

4- **** it, buy something fun. This doesn't really apply to you because you seemingly don't know what you want. But if I was looking for a cheap used car, I would say **** it and buy something fun. It's a cheap used car... in the end, they're all kind of a crap shoot so I'd buy something I like rather than something practical. 8K to spend? I'd look for something with a V8 and cross my fingers that it holds up.

My recommendation:

2000-2003 Nissan Maxima

Local Example: Nissan : Maxima | eBay

Not so local example: Nissan : Maxima | eBay

Legitimately nice cars with fantastic, well regarded engines. Back when my old man was working, his company had 3 late 90s Maximas as company cars. Every one of them went over 200k with regular maintenance. The Nissan VQ V6s are very good.

That said, I believe most in option #3 that I listed above. You're not going to spend a lot of money so it's really no time to be picky. Keep your options open while you're out there shopping. Using Consumer Reports annual auto issue as a reference (not a bible, just a reference point), find out which models to generally stay away from and just go out and find something decent.

Yea I've been looking at certain cars and such on Edmunds and seeing what others think about everything with certain cars and what not. And yeah I wont be able to buy a V8 because of gas then lol. Plus my Dad is paying for most of it and I plan on having this car for at least 3 to 5 years if not longer. I might even wait a bit and try and save up an extra $2000 or so and maybe get something newer and better so I can have it last longer.

 

[Rick]

I recommend the 1986 Chevy Cavalier Z24 hatchback....why? Because it was the first car I ever had and I loved it. Mine was red though

 

[Jysen]

On page 1, and the whole issue of the gas pedal is, to be blunt, ridiculous. A truck tends to have slower acceleration, and thats the issue imo. I bought a 87 Toyota MR2. Not power at all. LOVED it. Didnt want power, but had to get another car and ended up with a 97 Malibu. Love my car. Point is, every vehicle feels different, and its called experience. You'll get use to it. Obsessing over something insignificant will cost u to pass up a car you'd probably love. Just get what u want, or you'll be miserable.

 

[Crystallas]

Nice Rick. I had an 86 Buick Skyhawk hatchback at some point. I have been looking to reacquire one for some restoration and modification, just because of its obscurity and that ugly signature 80s car look look IMO. Or a Starion/Conquest.

officially an antique car in most states!

 

[NealKleren]

On page 1, and the whole issue of the gas pedal is, to be blunt, ridiculous. A truck tends to have slower acceleration, and thats the issue imo. I bought a 87 Toyota MR2. Not power at all. LOVED it. Didnt want power, but had to get another car and ended up with a 97 Malibu. Love my car. Point is, every vehicle feels different, and its called experience. You'll get use to it. Obsessing over something insignificant will cost u to pass up a car you'd probably love. Just get what u want, or you'll be miserable.

Yeah I'd say it has more to do with the acceleration but thats what I meant mostly when I was talking about the pedal(My bad for not really clarifying or anything like that.) Like I could maintain it more on the truck compared to the Pontiac. I know its ridiculous but imo this is a big decision since it will be with me for a long time and its a lot of money(imo,maybe not to others) and I am probably the most indecisive person.....EVER. Ask me to decide between two things and I'll be deciding for ages. But then again I don't want to rush a purchase as well. I want to try other cars and see how I like them as well so I can get an idea for what I like more as well. But I get what you mean. Imo I think I can maybe get used to it but I dont want to get it and say man I missed out on trying out other cars to see if I like them better or not. But then again I dont want to be looking at other things and find out I liked the Pontiac better and miss out on that. Its basically a 50-50 thing regardless and I know that. Sadly like I said I'm very indecisive lol. But yeah I dont want to buy it quick and feel miserable but I dont want to miss out on it and feel miserable lol. Like my Dad says,buying a car is like buying a house. Its going to be with you for long while. Thanks to you and everyone else that has helped me so far. Any other suggestions or anything like that would be appreciated it!!!

 

[NealKleren]

Heck I'm going to save up for this instead and ride my bike until then:woot:Cars for Sale: 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 in Worth, IL 60482: Hatchback Details - 301437789 - AutoTrader.com

 

[GaelicSoxFan]

Might be looking at this Honda one tomorrow in Naperville/Aurora. Its on Ogden,might be looking at others. Im not for sure yet.

A quick Google search tells me that's Valley Honda. If they're anything like my Honda dealership (Community Honda in Orland Park), you'll be leaving there in your new car.

Let me guess, a maroon 2004 Civic?

 

[Jysen]

I get what you mean. And buying a car shouldnt be a snap decision anyway. If you dont love what you drive, you'd be miserable. I personally didnt think I'd be happy with a 4 door after my MR2, but when I saw the Malibu, and test drove it, I was happy. Always test drive is the best advice possible. At the same time, if quite inexperienced at driving, dont be an idiot and get something with more power than you need. Speed is fun, but meeting a tree or another car isnt. Just test drive till you find the one.

 

[GaelicSoxFan]

You should also take your own personal comfort into account. I test drove a Civic and a Corolla before I got the Accord. I'm a big guy and I felt cramped in the first two.

 

[NealKleren]

A quick Google search tells me that's Valley Honda. If they're anything like my Honda dealership (Community Honda in Orland Park), you'll be leaving there in your new car.

Let me guess, a maroon 2004 Civic?

I was actually curious about this Suzuki which they had.

Cars for Sale: 2006 Suzuki Forenza Sedan in Aurora, IL 60504: Sedan Details - 302823685 - AutoTrader.com

But if they have a Honda Element(which is the suv boxy type car) I really would like to test that out. Knowing that its a Honda and is a Suv and might handle more like a truck than another regular car or sports car is why I was interested in it(also sitting up higher since im used to a truck but the pontiac was actually very fine as far as seeing goes which was my main worry beforehand.)
Regardless even if I love the car I wont buy it or want it on the spot. I would go home and consider my options and think about it. If I like an Element or whatever else that is more than likely more expensive I'll just have to take peoples hours at work which they dont want and work my butt off for that money to get it.

 

[NealKleren]

I get what you mean. And buying a car shouldnt be a snap decision anyway. If you dont love what you drive, you'd be miserable. I personally didnt think I'd be happy with a 4 door after my MR2, but when I saw the Malibu, and test drove it, I was happy. Always test drive is the best advice possible. At the same time, if quite inexperienced at driving, dont be an idiot and get something with more power than you need. Speed is fun, but meeting a tree or another car isnt. Just test drive till you find the one.

Thanks man I appreciate it!!! And yeah thats what I'm going to do. Yeah I'm pretty inexperienced sadly at my age,not really being taken out to drive with my folks and such(long story) and just now getting my license a month ago hasn't helped but when I start driving more I know in time I will get better. But yeah trust me I wont get anything with more power than I need. Just something I am comfortable with that I can get used to and drive.

 

[NealKleren]

You should also take your own personal comfort into account. I test drove a Civic and a Corolla before I got the Accord. I'm a big guy and I felt cramped in the first two.

Very good point. Yeah I plan on test driving a bit more. I plan on making a list of what I would like to test drive and go through it and narrow things down a bit easier.

 

[Jysen]

My only advise on buying a car, or anything is be sure you can afford it. Ive known to many people that get something far beyond realistic cost to their income. And its usually because they believe it makes them seem cool and whatnot. Personally, they look like an idiot to me lol. I didnt start driving till I was 19. My MR2 was a major snap judgement, but when I saw it, I knew there was no other car for me. Saw it on a Sat. My Bro in law test drove it Sun. Got my liences that Mon, bought it Wed. lol.

 

[NealKleren]

My only advise on buying a car, or anything is be sure you can afford it. Ive known to many people that get something far beyond realistic cost to their income. And its usually because they believe it makes them seem cool and whatnot. Personally, they look like an idiot to me lol. I didnt start driving till I was 19. My MR2 was a major snap judgement, but when I saw it, I knew there was no other car for me. Saw it on a Sat. My Bro in law test drove it Sun. Got my liences that Mon, bought it Wed. lol.

Lmao very nice. And yeah I would only buy it if it was in our price range. I'm not gonna buy something just to seem cool,I just want to find that right car for me. I'm thinking about a car that can last long and also has not so many miles when I buy it and even if its newer that would be better. I could care less what my friends or family think,I just want to find something I like even if that means waiting awhile.

 

[Jysen]

If you have a decent amount to spend, theres definitely some amazing cars out there. And decent meaning not 10s of thousands lol. I saw a mazda rx8 with the relatively newer body style going for like 5k. And the blue on it was amazing. Damn it lol. The car I'd love to get is sadly still far to much for me, but oh well imo. Just becareful buying so you dont get ripped off. I bought a 95 Eclipse and the motor blew 2 weeks later. Ky had no Lemon Law, so I got raped badly in 2000.

 

[GaelicSoxFan]

Also, I suggest you stick to new car dealers. You might be tempted by some of the lower prices at other places, but there's a reason why "used car salesman" is a perjorative term.