good first cars (manual transmission, sedan, credit, tires)

[charolastra00]

What cars out on the market today would you consider to be a good first car?

I'm almost 20 and have never had a car since going to college took precedence. This summer, I'll probably have an internship or job somewhere that would require me to get a car. I really know nothing about cars, though.

My only real requirements are decently priced (I have an excellent credit score and have no real bills and will have no debt out of college, but as a college student, I have no real income to speak of so I will be pulling payments mostly out of savings), safe, high MPG, generally lower insurance, and something new enough that I wouldn't have to worry too much about multiple cross- country trips (I go to college 1000 miles away from home and generally don't intern or work in either the city my family lives in or the city I go to college in).

What would you recommend your kids to get?

[miu]

Get a used manual transmission Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by miu

Get a used manual transmission Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.

Having driven both the stick and AT Corolla's; I would go for the latter on the Toyota.

Honda stick is good though

[truax]

you can get an '03 or '04 impala, intrepid, grand prix or other gm car for a good price. they will get alright gas millage and they have alot of room. alot of imports are very nice also.

[charolastra00]

Originally Posted by miu

Get a used manual transmission Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.

How do you learn how to drive a stick? Totally not a facetious question at all- not a single person in my family drives a stick and I'm pretty sure I don't have any friends with anything other than manual. I've been looking into manual for awhile but actually knowing how to drive one is kind of a biggie :P

Also, in terms of Hondas and Toyotas- what are the price points in terms of models? Like, what are the cheaper models to more expensive? My parents have had a Camry for all of my life, which is what I learned to drive on until the car literally completely broke down and they bought an Accord. Are Civics and Corollas similar but just cheaper?

[miu]

Originally Posted by charolastra00

How do you learn how to drive a stick? Totally not a facetious question at all- not a single person in my family drives a stick and I'm pretty sure I don't have any friends with anything other than manual. I've been looking into manual for awhile but actually knowing how to drive one is kind of a biggie :P

I was taught by my mom. It's really not that hard. You just need to meet someone with a manual transmission car.

Also, in terms of Hondas and Toyotas- what are the price points in terms of models? Like, what are the cheaper models to more expensive? My parents have had a Camry for all of my life, which is what I learned to drive on until the car literally completely broke down and they bought an Accord. Are Civics and Corollas similar but just cheaper?

The Civic is smaller and is a less fancy Honda than an Accord. The Corolla is a lesser model Toyota than a Camry.

Okay, this week I helped a good friend buy a '98 Civic sedan with just over 110K miles and an automatic tranny for $3300 dollars. The AT was her preference, but while AT cars are priced higher than MT cars with identical trim level and mileage, one issue is that eventually that AT will fail and have to be replaced or rebuilt. However there are tons of cheap used Civic parts available. Whereas a MT lasts a lot longer with periodically replacing the clutch. And with American cars, rebuilt AT's never feel as good as a new oem tranny does. But anyway, my friend just needed a cheap daily driver and that Civic fit the bill. Her hubby said she could spend up to $5K on a second car for the family. The car has decent tires on it, a new battery and muffler. The timing belt was done two years ago. So this car was found under budget and now she has a $1700 slush fund to cover incidentals like unexpected mechanical work on the car. And I think I've found some decent used mounted snow tires for her in the $200+ range.

[kawgpz550]

You really can't go wrong with a Honda.

That being said, I have a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire. You should be able to pick one up relatively cheap, but it is a very good car! I have a stick shift, however, the automatics get good mpg as well. They are cute/sporty, solid, affordable and actually have a decent 2.2 liter engine with good pick up.
Here's a couple of links to some on autotrader. I don't know where you live, I just picked some out from Phoenix and Los Angeles areas.

Cars For Sale: Car Details - AutoTrader.com

Cars For Sale: Car Details - AutoTrader.com

[GreenMachine]

Originally Posted by charolastra00

What cars out on the market today would you consider to be a good first car?

I drove a VW Rabbit today and thought it was a very fun car, especially with the manual tranny (stick shift). Mazda3 is also a fun car to drive.

Honda Civic and Toyota Carolla are also good first cars, but not fun.

Greenie

[Mouser]

Look for a Buick Century thats in your price range

It should fit all of your requirements

[GreenMachine]

Originally Posted by Mouser

Look for a Buick Century thats in your price range

It should fit all of your requirements

Um, this is for a young man...