Sorry if this isn't the best place to post, I've asked around other areas but haven't gotten too much responses.
Currently a college student, getting much more into cars. I've been looking around and going thru the ringer on FB Marketplace, trying to find a nice cool first car to start wrenching on. Don't want anything crazy, just a single grocery getter that's decent to learn on, and looks nice (budget around 3-6k)
NOTE THAT I'M TALKING ABOUT THE BASE LANCERS, not evos or ralliarts.
Among others I've looked at Honda Civics/Accords/Fits/Integras/Preludes, Mazda3's, Geo Metro/Prizm, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse 3G.
Thoughts? Again, this is USDM so not an import. Not sure of great places to post this .
by IAmSixSyllables
4 Comments
I had a brand new bone stock Evo VIII in 2004-2006 that I babied and still had heaps of problems.
I can’t imagine owning a 20-year old version of the base car that most likely went through multiple owners treating it like an appliance.
Go for a Civic, Corolla, or Prizm (also a Corolla but with a Chevy/Geo badge). A Prelude or RSX would be great if you can find a decent condition one in your budget.
This is still a pretty common car to see in Australia compared to things like evos
This version here is the CG (chassis name) lancer for only one year (or less) then it was the facelift version, the CH lancer.
I had CE coupe, and currently looking for another one
It all comes down to vehicle condition. If you can find one that has been maintained with records to prove it, that could be a solid choice. But run away from abused cars.
Yeah totally get it if your main goal is to be underwhelmed. The base car in stock form is going to do nothing well. For that much money I’d recommend a late 90’s civic hatch, a Datsun, a Miata, MR2, focus st ( just saw an st3 on fb marketplace for 6k). You could also go after oddball stuff like the v6 manual Firebird with the 3800 series II. Pick something that at least handles well out of the box and go run autox in it.