I would really love to have an EVO but unfortunately being a first time driver with no income doesn't really help. So I've been looking in at some cheap cars but I am really stumped on what to get so some suggestions would really help me. I'm looking for something that is fast and nice all around, I do appreciate all cars though so nothing is really too crappy for me. I've even been looking at possibly an '86 Corolla and then dropping in a Trueno engine. Though I'm not too sure of my budget I'm thinking around 8-12k or lower if possible.

 

My first suggestion would be a HONDA...now wait, wait before you you tune me out or slam me.
Reasons:
1) Abundance of parts and affordable prices... learn the ins and outs of your car/engine
2) limited on how much HP you start with... (I am assuming you are still in school) Yes, you probably want a "quick" car but you don't want a car that's over powering.(that's why am ruling out domestic V6 or V8)
3) Gas mileage ...4-bangers are better
4) Honda engines are simple(meaning NA), but are tough and forgiving for most mistakes(mechanically)
The only drawback is other than NSX and S2000 all other HONDAs are FWD....better to learn on RWD first, then FWD or AWD...
AND please!...please! learn to drive MT first then go Auto..
Have fun and learn WHY not just HOW.... PEACE

 

Alright, thanks for the suggestion and I'll take that into account. I definately don't wan't a Civic though because I live in a city densely populated with Asians and that rice rocket is EVERYWHERE around here along with the altezza's and 7 foot spoilers (no offense to any Asians out there). Although I already did learn how to drive an Auto long ago and I'm definately going to learn my way around a stick soon.

 

get a 1st gen DSM eclipse/talon/laser.....turbo AWD....can make them look really good.....and very very fast...and SUPER cheap.....and very cheap to make very fast.

 

get a cheap old mustang....i love these classic mustangs(probably coz i nv seen one in my place b4 coz they dun seel them here)...someone on this forum mentioned he bought a classic muscle car for like $2000 while working at macdonalds...

 

Used OZ is about $10,000.

 

In the America I live in, Hondas are mostly bought and driven by white people, not Asians. Hondas are high quality, economical and reliable. You don't have to mention "race".

 

1st gen eclipse or 95-98 model acr neon

 

Unless you're talkin' about losin' em. j/p j/p j/p

I'd second a Honda as a first car. That or a cheap 4 or 6 cyl domestic. Great first cars. Powerful enough, but not beastly. Relatively inexpensive to maintain, and not too hard on the eyes. My '88 Grand Am was probably the best first car I could have asked for. Cheap to drive, not too expensive to maintain, low miles, pretty good on gas and the 2.3l Quad 4 produced some good power. ...Wanna buy an '88 Grand Am?

 

my first car '84 honda accord hatch....god i miss that thing...to bad it was in 95 when i got it...i had chrome wires...chrome fender covers(to cover rust)...and oh yea...hydraulics....and 2 15s in the hatch...boy did i get laughed @...

 

i had a truck as my first daily driver...then i started driving cars...boats at first then sportier stuff....but i agree that u should learn/start in RWD cars...they will teach u alot in car control especially in wet weather

 

Get a damn Nissan
cast iron blocks last forever

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't most cars have cast iron blocks?

 

I second the used Honda Civic or Integra.
They are great cars and are pretty reliable.
For your first car, get a used one as you will probably make mistakes and if it occurs, it's less painful on a used car.

Dont get any of the American makes, like a Neon, Cavalier or similar. They arent too reliable as I used to have one.

 

Get a DSM or GVR4