I recommend the Impreza. It represents fantastic value, it looks great, is adaptable to any modification urges (
), has loads of street cred, keeps its value nicely, is economical, safe with AWD, and has some impressive standard features. Try to avoid the 1.6Ls, because they are really just too gutless. The 1.8L is good, but the 2.0L is better if you're after a little kick when you plant the right foot. Imprezas can scare insurers a little, sometimes feel cramped if all your mates jump in for a ride (not a problem if Carl Scully gets his way), parts are a little harder to find that your conventional buzzbox, and their build quality can be a little hows-your-mother, but the positives far outweight the negatives.
If I wasn't strapped for cash, then the Impreza - perhaps around MY97 and up - would be the set of wheels I would be after. However, my budget is half of what your's is
p).
About your other cars: Holden Astras are OK - as are Corollas, but they cannot compete with the Impreza. The 'preza is in a class of its own, with AWD and a boxer engine (as opposed to the traditional transaxle east-west inline 4). Try to avoid Accords - I drove one just recently (a manual, mind you) and even though I didn't really get to give it a nice flogging, the steering was lifeless and far too light. Would personally drive me insane. Old Hondas are prone to have been thrashed, so watch out for young owners. They can be expensive to repair and find parts for, but the quality is better than most cars.
Nonetheless, none of your other cars can compete with the Subi for general "goodness".
Isaaq said:
1997 Nissan Pulsar
97 Mitsubish Lancer
1994 Nissan Bluebird
1997 Toyota Corolla
1994 Mazda 626/Ford Telstar
About Isaaq's recommendations, I agree with him on the Bluebird only. The AXII Telstar's auto tranny is a piece of shit (same applies to mech. identical Mazda) and definately should be avoided. Strictly manual only if you're after a TX5 (like me
). The Lancer, Pulsar and Corolla are pretty generic cars. They're right up there with my opinion of the Astra. Small, front wheel drive transaxle east-west inline 4. Possibly the most boring tranny-donk combination ever invented. This group of cars are cheap because they are made from shit materials, the quality control is low and they make bazillions of the stupid things around the globe every year.
However, it does get you A to B and insurance companies won't bat an eyelid cos of their relative sluggishness (can't go fast then you can't crash!) and they're everywhere, so finding parts is as easy as putting the finger to the yellow paper. They cost pocket lint to run, and are also easy to modify if you get the urge like so many other young people (*rolls eyes*). But these cars are not generally my cup of tea, and I wouldn't normally suggest them to anyone.
But Bluebirds are good cars - especially the early ninety models (avoid the previous generation ones, but). They are about the size of a Telstar, and just right to fit all the blokes into. If they made a Bluebird V6 manual (and if it was less ugly), then it would make it to my wishlist. But they don't, so the Bluebird caper is not my preference.
However, I would suggest you have a look at some.
Don't listen to Isaaq
- an S12 Silvia is the dumbest thing you could buy for running around in. The Police have all eyes on you, the insurance companies run in terror when they see one in the hands of a P-Plater, the running costs are high, most have been thrashed on the track in drifting events or similar, the quality is pretty low, they aren't exactly the most safe car around... man I could go on!
However, they look pretty good, make great performance cars if you're on a budget, are simple enough for a monkey to modify (there are that many kits out there for the SR20), have a tonne of street cred, are great fun to drive and hold their value pretty well. However, out of bounds for young people, on the basis that they probably can't afford to run it, and can't handle the power. They'd make a better car when you're out of uni and getting paid more than a MacDonald's wage.
So - start chasing an MY98 1.8L Subaru Impreza (station wagons are best for young people) or a 1994 Nissan Bluebird. They're the best cars for you.
Hope Isaaq and I helped!
