Suggestions for a great first car
10-07-2013, 12:18 AM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Suggestions for a great first car
OK, two years ago, for my oldest son, we bought him a 1987 951. Bought it on eBay, and he and I did a "fly out - drive home" from Michigan back to KC to pick it up (great trip). He's done great with it and been very responsible (no accidents & no tickets) and is becoming a real car guy (and is a Rennlister).
Anyhow, his younger brother just got his learner's permit, so he'll be getting a license a year from now. The question now is what to get little brother. A guards red 951 is a tough act to follow. Younger brother is also a great kid. Older brother is a straight a student, a varsity athlete and an Eagle Scout. Younger brother is following in his older brother's footsteps. An expensive new car is out of the question for multiple reasons - not looking to spoil him, just want to give him a head start on becoming a car enthusiast also.
So, i'm up for suggestions. For around $10k-$15k, what unique, interesting, enthusiast car would be a good choice? Early model 350Z? Late 1990's Jaguar Xk8 coupe? Early 2000's BMW 3 series coupe? I've thought about handing down my 1999 996 C4 Aero (and upgrading myself to a 996TT) but think it might be too much car for a 16 year old.
Anyhow, his younger brother just got his learner's permit, so he'll be getting a license a year from now. The question now is what to get little brother. A guards red 951 is a tough act to follow. Younger brother is also a great kid. Older brother is a straight a student, a varsity athlete and an Eagle Scout. Younger brother is following in his older brother's footsteps. An expensive new car is out of the question for multiple reasons - not looking to spoil him, just want to give him a head start on becoming a car enthusiast also.
So, i'm up for suggestions. For around $10k-$15k, what unique, interesting, enthusiast car would be a good choice? Early model 350Z? Late 1990's Jaguar Xk8 coupe? Early 2000's BMW 3 series coupe? I've thought about handing down my 1999 996 C4 Aero (and upgrading myself to a 996TT) but think it might be too much car for a 16 year old.
10-08-2013, 01:13 AM
#5
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Ok, step outside the box with me for a minute. How funny would a Delorean be? Anybody ever try to daily drive one of those things? I know they're horrible cars, but could you imagine how outrageous that would be? Only about a 2 mile drive to school for him.
10-08-2013, 11:11 AM
#6
Drifting
DeLorean would be cool as long as people don't park too close to him. A girl at my high school drove one occasionally.
Here are a few of the fun <$15k cars that I've either owned or come close to buying:
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Merkur XR4Ti
Fiat X1/9
Saab 9-3 Viggen
Volvo V70R
GMC Typhoon
Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
Dodge Spirit R/T
Audi S6 ('95½)
VW Passat W8
BMW M3 (E36)
SVT Contour
I'd also like to throw a Porsche 968 into the mix.
Here are a few of the fun <$15k cars that I've either owned or come close to buying:
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Merkur XR4Ti
Fiat X1/9
Saab 9-3 Viggen
Volvo V70R
GMC Typhoon
Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
Dodge Spirit R/T
Audi S6 ('95½)
VW Passat W8
BMW M3 (E36)
SVT Contour
I'd also like to throw a Porsche 968 into the mix.
Last edited by XR4Tim; 10-08-2013 at 03:41 PM.
10-08-2013, 03:55 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Tim:
Good list. I actually had an X1/9 back in high school myself (a 1977 model in 1982). The S6 is interesting - just looked at a pic online and looks good in red. The Viggen is really interesting too. And that's the second E36 M3 recommendation.
Anybody out there ever drive an early '90's Lotus Esprit Turbo? I'm sure the legendary English car reliability keeps it from being a true daily driver, and I expect they are exotic enough that their owners don't put a lot of miles on them. But, they are cheap now. Looks like you can get a decent one for around $15,000.
Good list. I actually had an X1/9 back in high school myself (a 1977 model in 1982). The S6 is interesting - just looked at a pic online and looks good in red. The Viggen is really interesting too. And that's the second E36 M3 recommendation.
Anybody out there ever drive an early '90's Lotus Esprit Turbo? I'm sure the legendary English car reliability keeps it from being a true daily driver, and I expect they are exotic enough that their owners don't put a lot of miles on them. But, they are cheap now. Looks like you can get a decent one for around $15,000.
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10-08-2013, 04:49 PM
#8
Drifting
The X1/9 was the least reliable car that I owned ('79), but it was fun to drive when it ran. The S6 was probably my favorite daily driver, with the M3 close behind.
I haven't driven an Esprit Turbo yet, but I have been tempted by them. I recall reading of gearbox issues, but the motors seem to be solid. Most I've seen have less than 50k miles.
I haven't driven an Esprit Turbo yet, but I have been tempted by them. I recall reading of gearbox issues, but the motors seem to be solid. Most I've seen have less than 50k miles.
10-10-2013, 01:57 PM
#12
Advanced
I'm biased - I think you should find him something he can easily work on in order to know cars better, so older cars are better for that. And something unusual that every other kid doesn't have. That cements his self-image as a "car guy". How about a 1967-1970 Datsun Roadster or Early model Z car:
10-11-2013, 12:22 AM
#13
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I forgot about the Evo. Another good suggestion - unique & cool, but still very practical
Of the 2 Datsuns (how long has it been since I said the name "Datsun"?), I definitely like the Z car best. Nothing wrong with the Roadster, but may be a little too old & fragile & not enough car around him if he gets in an accident.
Also I wonder how a 1990-1996 300ZX would be, especially a Twin Turbo. Might be a lot safer and more comfortable than an early Z car.
Of the 2 Datsuns (how long has it been since I said the name "Datsun"?), I definitely like the Z car best. Nothing wrong with the Roadster, but may be a little too old & fragile & not enough car around him if he gets in an accident.
Also I wonder how a 1990-1996 300ZX would be, especially a Twin Turbo. Might be a lot safer and more comfortable than an early Z car.
10-12-2013, 03:07 AM
#14
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Since I am a Rotard, I have to throw this in there. . . . ..
RX-7
Depending on the model, there are a few upgrades to do.
If you can get an FD, keep it stock but get a better cooling system and those things will run reliably for many years to come. And since the engine only has 3 moving parts, any work that needs to be done is very affordable or can be done at home. ( I have rebuilt several 13bB's myself at home, literally on my coffee table)
RX-7
Depending on the model, there are a few upgrades to do.
If you can get an FD, keep it stock but get a better cooling system and those things will run reliably for many years to come. And since the engine only has 3 moving parts, any work that needs to be done is very affordable or can be done at home. ( I have rebuilt several 13bB's myself at home, literally on my coffee table)
