Recommendations for first car
 

Been trying to figure out what I should buy for my first car for around 15k and wanted to hear opinions of RSers. Looking for a car that is reliable, fun to drive, cheap to maintain, and good for its money. Cars that I'm interested in at the moment:

1. 2nd gen+ Lexus IS
2. 1st gen+ Acura TSX
3. 8th gen+ Honda Accord/Civic Si

Lexus IS unless you want a manual.

Personally, I believe the 2IS is a league above your other choices, so it is not much of a comparo. Lexus unless you want a manual confirmed.

It seems like your criteria fits an 8th gen Civic Si. Honda reliability/low service costs, fun K20 VTEC 8000 rpm redline, low depreciation, etc.

^ That without a doubt.

Go get yourself a 2008-2010 FG2/FA5 Civic Si. 200hp K20Z3, Helical LSD, close ratio 6MT.

I miss mine... :(

TSX 6spd only, you'll regret buying the auto. I'm biased tho.

Oh look here's one :hotbaby:

2008 Honda Civic Si Coupe (FG2) Galaxy Grey

I would probably go with the TSX now that I'm a bit older. I'm not sure how old you are, but assuming you're like 18-21 I'd probably go with the SI

I was in the same boat as you earlier in the year with a similar list. Here's my experience:

1. 2nd Gen IS - No manual. Throttle sucks dick. Worst shit ever. Spirited driving? WTF is that? Daily driver -definitly. Refined car? Very. Back seat space? Not much.

2. 1st Gen TSX - Overall, nice car however, not what I would consider luxury (I've always felt this way about Acura.) Manuals are out there but they can be hard to find. Just be patient. Good car for the city but beyond that, gets boring fast. Lots of back seat and trunk space? Way more compared to the Lexus IS. Discontinued altogether? Yup (Not that this matters a whole lot.)

3. Accord/Civic/Corolla/Camry/Whatever regular pedestrian car - you are better with these over the two above as a first car. In the end, I bought a Corolla and could not be happier. :)

Again, my own experience and opinion. Go out and test drive them and then decide for yourself what you like best! :D

Rx7 first gen

4runner

:pokerface:

Rsx type s :D. Fuck all the rest.

miata!

^ +1

I would definitely say the TSX is at the bottom of the list. Toss up between the IS and Accord/Civic... but cars targeted towards different groups. The Lexus is much more refined but less practical.

GT-R

89-93 5.0 Mustang


1. You'll learn how to drive
2. Cheap parts and maintenance
3. Resale value

Wish cameras had been cheaper when I was like 19-23

My drifting skills were honed in the days before traction control and huge fines!

Seriously, get an older 5.0 or some other RWD manual car.

$15K is more IS250 money than IS350 money in which case the TSX is more fun to drive. The IS isn't exactly a fun drive - it's the classic Lexus tomb in many ways but the big motor livens it up quite a bit.

I'm biased since I own a TSX. The manual is much more fun than the auto but the auto is certainly a solid DD that's reasonably frisky (especially with a couple cheap mods). I'm 38 so I like a little bit of quiet, comfort and space (the IS is tiny on the inside) so the TSX fits my needs really well (I have a Miata as my toy anyways).

I'd suggest the Civic Si if you're looking for fun.

IS350 and TSX are cars your grandma could drive, get something fun and dangerous for a first car.

No traction control, RWD, manual.

S2K

/thread

How about my FRS? haha

Has anyone driven an accord coupe v6? Narrowed down between this and a civic si from everyone's opinions.

Would love to get a s2k but hard to find one without a rebuilt status or below 150k for my price range :(

If I was making the choice I would pick the accord, but based on your situation (age, first car, fun factor wrt both mods and driving) I think you will have a more enjoyable experience if you get the si and depending on how far you take the modding you can learn a lot from it too.

Since it is down to only 2 cars, just go and drive both. You'll know right away after you do that IMHO.