Help finding first car

[Amara]

I'm thinking I might start saving for a car. I could never be fucked before, but I may move out of home next year, so I'll probably need my own. I have fuck all money (as is the case with any true uni student, lol) and at this stage, these are the specs Im looking for:
- auto,
- common make (coz I cant afford to chase around parts for unique cars),
- big enough engine to drive up the freeway/hills etc but no so big that it uses too much petrol,
- definately under 250 000 kms
- i'd prefer early 90s, but late 80s probably ok.
- between $2-4000 AUS (plus transfer, registration, insurance costs etc etc)

Basically though, I just wonder if anyone has advice for buying a first car. Things to beware of or things I should look for, bearing in mind, I'm no car expert, I just know what I like and dont like to look at. lol.

Is it better to go through a dealer or private seller? Then there are cars on ebay and all that shit...

I'm thinking maybe a Ford Laser like this one...

Anyone ever had one of those, are they good? Maybe I should just save for something better and more reliable and new with better safety features...? I dunno.

 

[Zero Cool]

^^Amara you must be totally broke to want a banger like that lol. If you check the Auto Trader (they have those in Australia don't they?) or any second hard car shop you should find an OK deal.

If I was you I'd be looking for something like this:

That's the car my friend got as his first. Over here you can get them for around 3,500 Euro for a 98/99 model.

 

[Amara]

$3500 Euro is like nearly $6000 AUS. (Yeah, I am soo broke - cars never seem a priority either).

I do like that one though, it's heaps cute. Volkswagens are quite expensive here though and from what I have seen with other people who have them - they are a real shit to get repaired - coz parts often have to be imported. With cars like Holdens, Mitsubishis, Toyotas and Fords they are either made here or close by in countries like Japan.

Lasers are cute in their own way. Ultimately, if money wasnt an issue, I'd looove to get a new little Mini. :thumb:

 

[Zero Cool]

$3500 Euro is like nearly $6000 AUS. (Yeah, I am soo broke - cars never seem a priority either).

I do like that one though, it's heaps cute. Volkswagens are quite expensive here though and from what I have seen with other people who have them - they are a real shit to get repaired - coz parts often have to be imported. With cars like Holdens, Mitsubishis, Toyotas and Fords they are either made here or close by in countries like Japan.

Lasers are cute in their own way. Ultimately, if money wasnt an issue, I'd looove to get a new little Mini. :thumb:

Mini's rule The good thing about Volkswagens is they are very reliable (they're made by Germans after all) and have a relatively long life-span. However if a Polo is stretching it, I'd go for a Fiat, the older models aren't very reliable but then again beggers can't be choosers Maybe this?

You can get them for as cheap as 2,500 Euro (around $4,000 AUS) off the right dealer.

 

[Duke]

Mini's rule The good thing about Volkswagens is they are very reliable (they're made by Germans after all) and have a relatively long life-span. However if a Polo is stretching it, I'd go for a Fiat, the older models aren't very reliable but then again beggers can't be choosers Maybe this?

You can get them for as cheap as 2,500 Euro (around $4,000 AUS) off the right dealer.

A gust of breeze and they fall apart however. Getting an old VW sounds like a good idea. I'd suggest an old Polo or Golf. They last long (engine-wise) and are decent enough.

 

[P/ac/Y/a/K.Outlawz]

I don't know if you have Honda (civics Dx, Lx etc..) where you live but if you do, they are definitly a good choice, not expansive and cheap in gas, very cheap... and before buying the car you should do a check-up at the garage. With 2500-3500$ US, you can buy a car in the 90's, don't buy the 80's.

 

[Amara]

I don't know if you have Honda (civics Dx, Lx etc..) where you live but if you do, they are definitly a good choice, not expansive and cheap in gas, very cheap... and before buying the car you should do a check-up at the garage. With 2500-3500$ US, you can buy a car in the 90's, don't buy the 80's.

Yeah we have Hondas. My best friend already has a civic, lol and as silly as it may sound, I dont wanna look like I am "copying" her. Yeah I think you are right though, I should aim at least for a car in the 90s... I'm not keen on and old car, and 80s seems so old. I guess it will depend on my situation at the time.

I dont mind the look of Mazda 323s. They are cute and from what I hear they were expensive when they came out and have held their value, so presumably they are ok.

I'm definately gonna get it checked with the RAA (which is probably like things you have in other countries...) I cant afford unexpected repairs after I buy one!

 

[Jeremy]

Get a used honda accord or civic. They run forever and you could prolly get a good deal.

 

[P/ac/Y/a/K.Outlawz]

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[Rukas]

Don't try on ebay lol. Check this website:http://www.autotrader.co.uk/ ,I bought my first car on that site (The canadian one), it was a Subaru WRX Sti.

Why would an Australian girl visit a website for the United Kingdom?

Anyway my recommendation was always a Suzuki Swift/Holden/Opel Barina but I know you dont like them... Still, the parts are cheap and you could afford a 94+ one.

If not, you could probably get a 93 Ford Lazer for $4000.

Or for $4000 you could get a 97 Ford Festiva.

Have you looked into the 92+ Nissan Pulsars? They are pretty common too.

But dont go below the 92 mark, and I really think you need at least a 1.8l engine.

 

[Zero Cool]

But dont go below the 92 mark, and I really think you need at least a 1.8l engine.

If this is her first car, will she get insured on a 1.8?

 

[P/ac/Y/a/K.Outlawz]

...

 

[Rukas]

If this is her first car, will she get insured on a 1.8?

Of course she will, Ive never heard of any such restrictions anywhere in the world, and definitly not in Australia.

She wouldnt get insured in a V8 or a Turbo though.

 

[Amara]

Why would an Australian girl visit a website for the United Kingdom?

Anyway my recommendation was always a Suzuki Swift/Holden/Opel Barina but I know you dont like them... Still, the parts are cheap and you could afford a 94+ one.

If not, you could probably get a 93 Ford Lazer for $4000.

Or for $4000 you could get a 97 Ford Festiva.

Have you looked into the 92+ Nissan Pulsars? They are pretty common too.

But dont go below the 92 mark, and I really think you need at least a 1.8l engine.

I dont mind Swifts actually.

I'm looking on ebay now just randomly coz I'm bored but there was an Excel for $500 (auction had just started though). I f*ckin hate them, but hey put in a bid anyway, lol.

Volkswagens are definately out... no way would they be in my price range...they are far too expensive here.

Why would I need a 1.8l? I think a 1.6 would be ok considering i wont be driving it everyday...

I dunno. Anyway... still a long way off being in a position to buy... I just like the fun of choosing. :thumb:

 

[PuffnScruff]

buying from a private seller can be just as good as buying from a dealer, and just as bad. do you have any friends or family that knows just a little about cars? someone that could go with you to check it out?

look under the car for any leaks, dripping of fluid, oil etc.
check the tires
when you get inside of the car, turn on everything. radio, a/c (if it has it), heat, defrost, blinkers, wipers, lights, everything. just to make sure it works and so you know what may need to be replaced.
check all the outside lights. brake lights, the light that illuminates your license plate, etc.
when you drive it listen for any sounds it might make, anything that doesnt sound normal.
power stearing is something to check for. driving a car without power stearing sucks.
check out the brakes.
check for any mystery stains on the seats

 

[e-dogg]

http://www.mobile.de/SID5mLKEC6OqAE...pl?bereich=pkw&top=1000&id=11111111163785742&

 

[Duke]

^^ Rather useless, considering she lives in Aussieland

PuffyScruff summed it up well. Look for anything that might be wrong it and take someone with you who knows a few things about them. If you don't and end up buying a rickety hoopty that falls apart after 4 miles you'll regret it

I recommend buying "in real life" over e-bay/internet auctions because you can't really inspect it. You'll have to take someone else's word for it. Also, before you're off to look at a certain car, do a quickie search on internet for common known problems with it, etc. There are tons of sites out there with reliable information about Car X and it's quirks.

I dunno. Anyway... still a long way off being in a position to buy... I just like the fun of choosing. :thumb:

lol! you little shopaholic you

 

[Zero Cool]

http://www.mobile.de/SID5mLKEC6OqAE...pl?bereich=pkw&top=1000&id=11111111163785742&

LOL sie lebt in Australien

 

[Zero Cool]

Of course she will, Ive never heard of any such restrictions anywhere in the world, and definitly not in Australia.

Over here if you're young and it's your first car the best you could hope to get insured on is a 1.6.

 

[Duke]

Over here if you're young and it's your first car the best you could hope to get insured on is a 1.6.

But in Ireland it's been about 20 years since the discovery of the wheel, right?

Sorry, couldn't help myself


Du Schmutzfink Ich werde dich verprugeln mit einer groBen Schweinenbraten :thumb: