Which one of these is the best car for an 18 year old?
I’m nearing 18 years, and I am able to get my own car pretty soon. I’ll say this right now that I realize I am extremely fortunate to have the option of getting a nice car as my first, specifically, I am able to get a car for about -20k. I also realize there are other costs to worry about like repairs, maintenance, insurance, and gas, but my own job can easily cover those expenses.
Here are my choices, and feel free to recommend your own, but please don’t suggest any Japanese cars or Fords (e.g.: Ford Focuses, ughh I can’t stand those)
I’m looking for a car that’s safe, luxurious, roomy, not too much power, and it looks sharp, giving a level of prestige. I only plan to drive myself and a friend on average, but if the occasion calls for it, I would like to comfortably seat people in the back.
-2001 BMW 330ci
-2000-2 BMW 5 series
-2005 Ford Mustang V6
-2005 Dodge Charger V6
-2003 Infiniti G35 coupe
Thanks for your advice, but I realized that cars do depreciate over time. But I might as well get a car that holds it’s value over the years, unlike a Mustang or something.
By the way, the MINI seems just too small for me. And don’t girls usually drive those cars?
The only car I like from Nissan is the 350Z, but I can imagine the insurance would be staggering for it as well.
As for Toyotas, they’re too many on the road, and I don’t want to blend in with everyone else.
And I find Chevy’s designs for most of their cars to just be plain ugly.
5 Responses
steve.c_50
29 Jan 2010
izzie
29 Jan 2010
I like the Mini, it is built by BMW, handles well, fuel saver, about as safe as your list.
P.S. Cars are not investment, just the opposite so save your money for investments.
theantilib
29 Jan 2010
Forget the Mustang if you want someone to sit in the back seat. Have you thought about any of the Saturn cars or suv’s they are safe and get good gas mileage.
Lennox BE
29 Jan 2010
All good choices you have up there. G35 coupe is one of my fav cars.
But if you have $20 000 to drop on a car, consider these.
Nissan Skyline R32 (R33 and R34 are too recent to be imported into the country, and the R34 isn’t street legal in North America)
Nissan Fairlazy 300zx Turbo.
Mazda Rx7 or Rx8 (rx7 is much better)
Toyota Supra
Acura RSX type S
Acura Integra Type R
Misubishi Lancer or Lancer evo
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Honda S2000
Toyota Mr2
All sharp cars, people will definately be looking.
Most are coupes, but theres still enough room in the back.
Japanese cars are better, dont deny this.
sillylance
29 Jan 2010
My recommendation is the Hyundai sonata it comes with plenty of convenience features and great safety features like 6 airbags and Electronic Stability Control and it cost about about $2000-5000 below what a new Camry or Accord would cost
Good used car bet would be
2000-2004 LEXUS ES300 & ES330
2004-2006 Hyundai Sonata
2005-2007 Toyota Camry
The beemers will cost you plenty if something breaks on it. At 18, the insurance on a ‘stang will be breathtaking. Same for the charger. I don’t know about the Infiniti, they are so overrated. I would take a hard look at the insurance rates for any of them; that is going to be your biggest cost. See what it would cost to drive a pickup. Chevy, Toyata, and Nissan make them if you hate Fords.