Hi everyone, I have been lurking on s2ki for quite some time now and would like some advice on what car you would get in my shoes. At this point in time I am completely undecided and all over the place. I'm 17 years old and going to be paying for the car myself, please keep in mind how much insurance is going to cost and the overall price (I would ideally want the car to be no more then 23k). I also live in the suburbs of Chicago, our winters aren't horrible but it could take a few days for roads to clear after a big storm. Reliability is one of my main concerns because the cars that I am really interested in (evo, sti, s2k) seem to have people beat on them. Naturally, I want a car that's better than my older brothers 08 gti but not something that is too flashy and will attract negative attention (egging, keying, ect...).

Here is a list of cars that I have been considering:

s2000
Civic si - new
Evo
Sti
08 R32
mkIV gti
09 Wrx - new
FX 35/45
RDX
G35
Speed 3-new
06-07 V6 accord coupe
e36/46 m3


What car would you get in my shoes? and please explain why... If a car that you think is good isn't on the list, tell me. Right now, as much as I don't like the styling, the Civic Si is what I'm leaning towards because of its newness/reliability/price/fun factor.

thanks

 

 

to me it's a choice between the s2k and the m3 in the fun department

if you want something boring go with the rdx or the FX

i've test driven a mazdaspeed3, wrx, and an evo before i bought my s
speed3: it was quick but it had HORRIBLE torque steer
the wrx: not what i expected, plus the "glass" tranny issue
the evo: took it for a test drive and i brought it back smoking

if you're looking for a genuine "sports" car look into a 350z i was very impressed with them but the price wasn't right at the time
the g35 is pretty much a 350z with a backseat but it's a little heavier also

 

The Civic Si is really nice. I test drove the sedan at one time and almost pulled the trigger. AWD in an STi will help you through Chi-town winters though.

 

Um evo is great but ur age i would go with a honda fit buy one cheap and save up ur money get use to knowing how to work on a car with that. Than in about 3-5 years get some thing really nice that u want

 

17 and paying for the car yourself? What do you do? Are you planning to attend college? If so, do yourself a favor, focus on your education first and then buy a nice car after you graduate. It'll be so much more enjoyable if it's not a stretch financially, and if car costs make the difference between having to work through school or not, you could have more fun w/o car debt or a job.

 

Thanks for the input so far guys , keep it coming . As far as the 350z goes, if I go with a two seater it will definitely be the s2000; i have dreamed about owning the car for so long it's not even funny. Financially I believe I'm pretty sound, I told myself I wouldn't buy the car unless I have about 9k saved up and be employed to pay for misc. things (gas, going out, mods, ect). During the summer I caddy and this school year I have been interning at a couple pharmacies and will hopefully be making 14-15 bucks an hr. I'm planning on having the car about 80% payed off by the time I'm going off to school. Since I've been (honestly) busting my arse to afford a nicer car I don't want to buy an econo box just to get by, I want to enjoy driving my new car and not mind paying for it.

 

(i dont expect my post to flow in any way, im just listing)

ive been looking at E46 M3s too, but i would cross that off your list, unless you want to pay alot for maintenance, i think i read on M3forums.com that tires alone range from 700-1k. and if you do get one, get a low mileage one.

on to the Civic Si..personally i HATE the new civics, the interior just bugs me so much..and its fwd. but thats personal preference.
the G35 is heavy..i looked at it for a while, but its starting to look dated to me.
i WOULD get the speed3 even though its fwd..its just a ridiculous car
out of all of those cars, i would get the M3, any of the VWs or if i want a suv of any sort and of the FXs

 

That's such a long list wtf? I mean we're seeing from 2 seat convertible to SUV to 4 door AWD, and to something as plain as accord. Make up your own mind man.

 

I have an AP2 but the new Civic SI coupe with factory body kit and HFP rims is growing on me.