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What Car to Buy

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Some members make these threads pretty often, but let's say this is the only one I'm making.

I'm looking for a (first) car to buy, which I'm gonna need for university. Basically, here's my criteria:

-I'm gonna drive at least 30 mins in each direction, so fuel economy should be decent--but quality/reliability is more important
-Comfort isn't too important, but it should still be ok for longer trips
-It has to seat 5 (maybe 4 if it's a good car), can be 2 or 4 door--also, I'm about 6 foot, so headroom is good
-I plan on keeping it for a while, so it shouldn't have too many miles (I'm thinking no more than 100,000 miles)
-Can't really decide between AWD/FWD/RWD--if anyone wants to help me out with that
-I can't spend more than $8,000--maybe $10,000 if it'll get me a lot of girls
-convertibles are nice, but only if it fits the other stuff

Some cars off the top of my head are:
2000-2002 Lincoln LS
Mid-late 90's Chevrolet Camaro (V6) (T-Tops anyone?)
Late 90's/Early 2000's Toyota Celica
2000's Acura Integra
Mid 90's Nissan 240SX/300ZX
Mid-late 90's Mitsubishi Eclipse
Earlier model Acura RSX

Something along those lines. posted by  chris_knows

I'd steer clear of V6 F-bodies. The V8s aren't that much more (plenty of LS1s for under 10K, LT1s for under 5) and gas MPG is barely any better. Insurance will sting though. If you don't want to pay to play (V8), don't bother with the 6 banger. The engine is really the only strong point in these cars IMHO, stick it with the 6 cylinder it's slow, bad in the snow, still pricey for gas/insurance, and theres no V8 to drown out the squeeks and rattles. I guess it would be a good car for kids who want some flash but can't handle a V8 yet...but still.

The Integras and Celicas are zippy cars, look good, and have no major mechanical problems that I know of. Another thing to think of is ROAD TRIPS! Sorry, theres just a certain way of saying it in my head that's best expressed in caps. Anyways, either find a friend with something that has lots of room, or be that guy pimpin the Aerostar. I say get a van and a bike. Cargo when you need it, awesome MPG when you don't. If the majority of your driving is without a passenger and just a book bag, a bike should be a thought.:2cents: posted by  giant016

I dont know how much an Acura 1.7EL is in canada, but its basically my car with a much more agressive look and more luxury crap in it..I actually saw one in the US with Quebec plates on it, looked so damn mean!

http://www.2loww.com/b-ael02ffl-2-.jpg

http://www.acurainspired.com/gallery/data/f457c545a9ded88f18ecee47145a72c0/ 942_p24541.jpeg posted by  newyorker

For 10k you could get a Porsche 944 (maybe even a turbo model), as far as the girls go.

For more practical purposes, check out mid 90s BMW 3 series. posted by  PontiacFan27

I've heard to stay away from Bimmers unless you just really want one and can do all your own work. BMW owners themselves that I know IRL have told me this, not just random Internet people. posted by  jedimario

Owners...enthusiasts...huge difference in care of their cars whatever they may be.
.
. posted by  BavarianWheels

I think the point was that they tend to fall apart and/or are expensive when they do unless you can fix it yourself. posted by  jedimario

They don't "fall apart" any more than any other car, but they can be slightly more expensive to fix. No quarrel there.
.
. posted by  BavarianWheels

I've actually been thinking about getting a motorcycle, I'll look into that more seriously. No way my parents would let me have a V8 Camaro, and I have to listen to them because the car's probably gonna be insured under my dad's name (it's cheaper).The EL was only sold in Canada. I can't find too much info on it, but if I'll keep an eye out for one.A Porsche would be sweet but with repairs and everything, I don't think I'd be able to afford it. I like BMWs, but basically what Mario said. I guess girls are priority #2 lol.

Thanks for everyone's help so far :thumbs:. posted by  chris_knows

You already know my answer:laughing: I'll be honest with you though the mid and late 90's Eclipse are gonna seat 2 people only. Unless you put the girls in the back or have really tiny friends thye'll be uncomfortable. You should be fine sitting in the driver seat but headroom sucks for the most part. Eclipse is a clean car. Girls love em but I don't think it's what your looking for. posted by  Spanky2324

Chris...the EL was sold in Canada...you live in...Canada

Im just saying there was one in my area with Quebec licence plates on it, not that they sell them here posted by  newyorker

Sometimes you gotta spell those things out lol. I just checked some car sale sites, and found a couple. If I can find a good price, I'll go for it. I'm looking a lot in Michigan, though, because with the dollars pretty much at par, I can save like 20% on Canadian prices. But that is a cool car. I'm in love with that interior. posted by  chris_knows

let me say this, even though all those cars are well below me, (I have numerous cars upwards of 100k) I will suggest you to a '95 NSX Acura. IF you need any help please PM ME and I WILL assist you in your purchase...:thumbs: posted by  solarrr

Which part did you miss? Was it the Max of $10,000? That I wanted something suitable for city/everyday driving? Something that got reasonable fuel economy? That I needed something that fits at least 4 people?

If you have the dozens of cars that you talk about, post a pic. Better yet, send me one. Hell, I'll go to your house to pick it up. posted by  chris_knows

Hes full of turd, why do you even pay attention?

On a serious note, did you find anything that caught your eye?

Ive got lots of cars at work that you might like, but after import taxes and such, it might not be worth it, and i dont know if you could drive it back and save some shipping fees (not that you cant, just dont know if you would be willing to) posted by  newyorker

I haven't really been looking, I've been busy (expect a thread on it soon), but I'll try this weekend.

600 miles is a bit far to travel but if you have reasonable prices, it might work out. Can you just give me a ballpark of what they sell for? posted by  chris_knows