Buying my first car!

PaulineSinclair

I'll be buying my first car this summer! I can't decide on which car to choose. I've been researching for months and I seem to change my mind multiple times a day. I've been looking at cars with a 20k sticker price or lower. What is the best performing car in this price range? I've been looking at mainly the 2014 models for the Mazda 3, Ford Focus sedan, Lancer and Subaru Impreza, all in the lowest trim models. It seems like neither the Lancer or Mazda come with a/c at that trim, which is unfortunate. I would like to test drive all of these vehicles, but that won't happen likely, until the summer actually arrives. I also want to get a manual. I heard that the Impreza has a "bad" manual gearbox. What would you guys recommend? I'll be going to university next fall. I'm sure I'll have to get used to driving an economy car, as I've been driving my parents' cars for the last two and a half years. My mom drives a 2007 Range Rover Sport Supercharged and my Stepdad drives a 2007 Chrysler 300 Limited, both automatic. I don't have a lot of experience when it comes to driving a wide variety of cars, but I love driving those two.

G_M

Try posting in the motoring forum.


This is property!

walwyn1978

And also, this is a U.K. forum and from your use of fall you’re in the States: where car specifications can be very different. I suggest you look at motoring forums over that side of the water! Good luck.

Davesnave

So sad for this girl from the USA who has such a big decision to make. I know how she feels, having had a similar choice back in '71.

The answer then was an Austin A40 for £60.....

Who'd be a kid nowadays, eh?

mufi

Davesnave wrote: »

So sad for this girl from the USA who has such a big decision to make. I know how she feels, having had a similar choice back in '71.

The answer then was an Austin A40 for £60.....

Who'd be a kid nowadays, eh?

Indeed; we 'ad it tough.:D

Were you made of money? Morris Minor, £50, in 1970.

LandyAndy

£70 + £20 for the road tax for a '64 MG1100 in 1974

Cakeguts

I would buy the cheapest car possible for cash. No finance. Always had second hand vehicles when young.

Murphybear

I never learned to drive until I was in my 30s because I was living in London and couldn’t see the point. When I did and passed my test my big brother found me a little Ford Fiesta from the trustworthy dealer he always used. I loved that car, it took me everywhere and when it went to the great car heaven my new partner bought us a Mitsubishi Lancer (the older style not the racy one). Another great car, lovely to drive.

need_an_answer

But that's the thing...you never forget your first car so I can understand the importance of getting the right one.

Me I had something old and temperamental that everytime you went went round a corner the horn sounded,used to get a great reaction from other motorists when I went round roundabouts!

Dean000000

Nobody, that young, should be called Pauline.

That name stopped 30-40 years ago didn’t it?

Davesnave

Dean000000 wrote: »

Nobody, that young, should be called Pauline.

That name stopped 30-40 years ago didn’t it?

Not for hurricanes.....'97 I think.