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Hello, everyone. Sadly, I’m sick today, and while sitting here watching ETCG videos, I could imagine no better way to further occupy myself than by talking with some fellow ETCG enthusiasts on a topic I’ve debated for a bit now. I’ve inherited the old family car as some do, and I’ll start working in September. And after what is hopefully a short time after that, I want to really start looking for my first “real” car. One I can buy myself, one I can work on and make my own, that sort of thing. I’ve not sorted specifics for myself as of yet, but I’ve figured out a few points. I know I want something with a manual transmission. I love driving stick, and I feel as though you can just be more involved with driving with one. And with the car I have now being an auto, the desire for a transmission that doesn’t dictate when I shift only grows by the day. I also want something RWD so I can have a little fun should I go to a track. FWD just doesn’t do it for me. Lastly, I’m open to spending no more than $10k. I’d say 5, but should the right vehicle come along, I can be motivated like many other people. Plus, I’ll be saving anyway. Anyway, that’s all I have to say on my part. Now, I’d like to hear the inputs from other people. What are some of the cars you’ve driven? What was your first “real” car? I look forward to hear anything anyone has to say. Thanks for listening, and thanks for sharing. -Keys
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My first real car is the VW Jetta that is my Avatar, which I got in 2000, modified into a nice summer/trackday car, and still have today. I would also recommend looking at the BMW E30 or E36 chassis 325i or 325is, Mk3 (93-99) VW golf/jetta VR6, Mazda Miata/MX-5. I like cars like that because they are reasonable to work on at home, and quality parts are easy to find for them.
Here is my Jetta as of last fall:
Here is a video of driving my stock 1989 BMW 325i to work on a rainy day. The limited-slip diff is also stock on those cars, a HUGE plus. The engine note is also quite wonderful:
And another reason to consider a 1989 325i, this is identical to my car:
I’m very thankful for your suggestions. Those are both nice cars, and it looks like you put alot of work into yours. Although I never considered older BMWs or VWs, I may look into them. And although I don’t like the MX-5 because of it being a convertible, I do like that it’s a coupe. I wish there was a way to convert it to a solid top car. But anyway, thank you for your input.
There are many hardtops available for the Miata, both cosmetic and more structural. There’s tons of options not just because it’s a pure sports car, but because the SCCA has a whole racing class for them. They are very popular trackday cars, and the parts support i for them is stellar. I also appreciate the compliment, kind sir. Hope you feel better soon.
I was told once that various people did full structural hardtop conversions for the MX-5, but that they were never run in the US, and they were few and far between outside the country. I’ll have to look more into it. The newer model MX-5s look really good, so they’re on my list. Thank you for that knowledge, and thank you for the get well wishes.
It really depends on how much work you are looking to put into it. If you want something simple I would say a 3rd generation Firebird. With the Firebird you can pretty much swap over parts from Camaros of the same vintage just check the engines to make sure they are the same. If you get the tubocharged Buick you are going to be looking for Buick parts which will be hard. With it having a lot of the same parts as a Camaro finding parts is pretty easy and they also have a very good following and community online.
They are also normally very reasonably priced and can get up and go but, if you have never driven something with a ton of power will allow you to learn to control more power then normal without letting you go overboard. They also are simple in comparison to cars of today. They are pretty basic under the hood. The only down sides are rust and finding one with a good transmission, flywheel, clutch, and engine. As most of these cars are beat hard. But, with as cheap as they are it also allows you to put money into it. Just do your research before you buy.
My first car was a hand me down 94 Plymouth Grand voyager and I did a ridiculous amount of work to it had everything running great and the body and suspension just started to give up. I then bought my first car a 06 VW TDI. Only what I didnt know is it was a 2005.5 and was a hybrid of the last generation and the first run of the car. I bought it for 7k and put over 7k into it and it still needs another 2k to get it running normal. The generation I bought has so many issues its not funny.
My suggestion to you is buy towards the last model years of the generation of car you want. Also do not get rid of your family car for like a year. just park it and drive it every once in a while till you fully know what you have gotten into with your new vehicle. Had I done that I would still prob be driving that van instead of my current car. Also if you do not know how to drive stick learn first either with a friend or using a rental 👿 That will let you know if you really want it. In traffic its a pain sometimes especially stop and go. I personally have a sour taste in my mouth towards VW from my current car. The engine literally eats the camshaft. So like I said do your research.
I guess it really depends on your preference, the amount of work you’re willing to put into building/restoring, and other things. But it sounds like you want a little swinger you can beat up on and not have to worry about, so I’d say go with a Miata, E30, 240sx or a 240z
My brother is in the middle of punching out a 4th gen Firebird to a 355 (maybe?). And one of my dream cars is a mid-late 70s Grand National. But anyway, for the most part, any amount of work doesn’t deter me from anything automotive related. As of right now, I could work a full day in a busy shop and come home only to stay in a garage until I fell asleep either slumped over an engine bay or laying underneath a vehicle (although that may not be the safest thing). I’m in a spot where I just really love cars and all their parts, and I don’t foresee my passion fading anytime soon. I’ve just never taken a real interest in anything other than music, so I’m hard-pressed to pursue the automotive industry and what it can offer me. As I’ve said I’m on the fence as to what I’m even looking for in my first car, and I’ve only sorted a few things out. But you have given me many things to consider, and I thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. I very much appreciate it.
[quote=”MrFancyKeys” post=131016]My brother is in the middle of punching out a 4th gen Firebird to a 355 (maybe?). And one of my dream cars is a mid-late 70s Grand National. But anyway, for the most part, any amount of work doesn’t deter me from anything automotive related. As of right now, I could work a full day in a busy shop and come home only to stay in a garage until I fell asleep either slumped over an engine bay or laying underneath a vehicle (although that may not be the safest thing). I’m in a spot where I just really love cars and all their parts, and I don’t foresee my passion fading anytime soon. I’ve just never taken a real interest in anything other than music, so I’m hard-pressed to pursue the automotive industry and what it can offer me. As I’ve said I’m on the fence as to what I’m even looking for in my first car, and I’ve only sorted a few things out. But you have given me many things to consider, and I thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. I very much appreciate it.[/quote] You remind me of myself, cars and music. My first true love was a 2008 Silverado 4.8 RWD, I made that into a performance truck. Bought it new with money I saved working all throughout highschool. Then the unthinkable happened shortly after college…it got totaled. I put my heart and soul into that truck what in the world could possibly replace it?…enter 1974 muscle truck. Big dually…built 454, Manual 4 speed tranny with 4.10 gears. I was in love. Ever since I was a young boy I LOVED American muscle as well as trucks. This Chevy C30 combines both utility and fun into one. Massive sway bars(camper special spec) for enhanced stability around corners as well as great trailer control, fast instant acceleration when you put the hammer down. The classic quadrajet ROAR as the secondaries open. It was the only thing that could replace a modern performance truck, and it exceeded expectations by a long shot. They don’t make’m like this anymore!:
I’ve never cared much for trucks myself, but American muscle cars will always have a special place in my heart. They’re getting very few and far between nowadays, but time plays no favorites. I’m just glad to see it when someone takes something say from the late 60s and keeps it looking just as good as something that rolled off the line a few days ago. Always makes me smile.
[quote=”MrFancyKeys” post=131072]I’ve never cared much for trucks myself, but American muscle cars will always have a special place in my heart. They’re getting very few and far between nowadays, but time plays no favorites. I’m just glad to see it when someone takes something say from the late 60s and keeps it looking just as good as something that rolled off the line a few days ago. Always makes me smile.[/quote] For me, a country guy, trucks are a big part of my automotive interest. Muscle cars are the other side of that interest. Both my parents had muscle cars and my uncle has always had trucks. The stuff is family engrained in me lol. In any case ya, time certainly plays no favorites and muscle cars becoming a commodity is certainly a shame. I love to see any old car from the 40s, 50s 60s, 70s still going. I also like survivor cars, you know the ones that have been unmolested since they left the factory..those barn finds that are frozen in time, with the patina to prove it.
[quote=”MrFancyKeys” post=131016]one of my dream cars is a mid-late 70s Grand National[/quote]
I remembered you said this when I was posting that Jafromobile video for you. There is Tom’s Turbo Garage also, in which Tom does a bunch of videos with is Grand National. I’m not totally sure we’re talking about the same car because the GN was 1984-1987 (short debut trial run in ’82 of cob-jobs doesn’t really count). In case it is, here you go:
GN Rude car and underrated. Had 2 different 86 models, back in well, 86 and some years after. One was under warranty and stock, and the other was, well not stock. The colder it got outside the more boost they would build.. Those cars had 85 mph speedos that were little rectangles, and it was damnedest thing to watch, a few seconds of looking up at road under throttle, and that howling and whistling noise, and that needle was about three forths over the the end of the box..super good brakes with a hydroboost so naturally they got stomped on, alot. G body in those years was much better than Y or F body. Had 3 different fox body 5.0s back then and stock for stock that 3.8 with a Garrett would have those 302 ponys going home and crying to their mother. My favorite tech moment was when the first blew a power steering pump and the GM tech took it out and test drove it for 2 hours to make sure the power steering pump was working right. Knew another guy who bought one new and beat his buddies roomate corvette in a race or something with it, beat him bad, and so these guys knew they couldn’t beat the buick in a race, so they decided to just to ram with a one ton truck instead. Brand new car, ruined.
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