Alright, I used the search button and it seems the general consensus is that people under twenty should not get sports cars. I'm seventeen and I've been driving for two years, and I understand that that experience is practically nothing. I have no accidents and no tickets. I consider myself to be average usually, phenominal when I'm fully attentive. Now heres the thing, I am always hearing that kids shouldn't be driving them because of cost. I have the money to purchase one and have a few thousand left over... so money shouldn't be initially a problem. However, on the fast issue... I've driven some fast cars (Boxter - actually not that fast, 350z, etc.), however that was only for test drives and I don't know about daily driving. I would really like a sports car and I have liked the RX-7 since I first set my eyes on one two years ago. What would be a good second car... I would like one with more pep and good looks... so far, I've heard
1) Nissan 240SX
but what else?

 

your 2nd car, assuming you do buy an rx7 shouldn't be "peppy" and who cares about looks... the main focus for a 2nd car is RELIABILITY! and GAS MILEAGE! -- get your mind off the fact that you have look cool and go fast no matter what car you're in and start thinking, early 90's honda and toyota... much lower on insurance too. i would recomment a 92 acura legend... nice big 4 door sedan with decent looks and comfort and gas mileage to boot... you'r 2nd car should definitely NOT be rear wheel drive seeing how you live in VA and do get rain, snow, sleet, etc... get a front drive and you will be happier in the winter.

 

on a second note... if you do buy an FD and have a few thousand left over, you shouldn't go buying a 2nd car with all that left over money... first do all the reliability mods and other misc. items such as change all the fluids and things to make the FD more reliable from the get go... then go and buy a 2nd car. even if it's a $600 beater, as long as it gets your from point A to point B who cares what the hell it is... and one last question, you're only 17, so youre saying that your parents have agreed to insure 2 cars for their 17 y/o son? one being a twin turbo sports car? lol, good luck convincing them on that one buddy! lol

 

Oops, i guess I just said it wrong... I meant that this is my second car... I will keep the first car (Taurus) under my name and drive it in the rain/snow and when the RX7 is broken.

 

oh alright, well that makes much more sense... in that case, if you havent already, check out the sticky at the top of this forum here :

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...threadid=68640

and follow the links in there, read up and learn about all the reliability mods and things.

and if you decide against the FD, then a few cars i would consider would be:

1- 240sx with an sr20det
2- used wrx (theyre going cheap)
3- 300zx
4- A4 1.8T quattro
5- E36 M3
6- 3000GT if you like boats
7- my 99 Civic Si! for sale!

 

The 240 is a good road car with limited power which will get you used to a rear wheel drive sports car. I've put a number of miles on one and was impressed with how it handles. Never driven a 300Z but I've driven an older 280ZX quite a bit. I think the FD drives more like the 240. A non-turbo 300Z may also be a good starter car...

 

If you get an FD, your beater ford is a good thing to have..


If you decide not to get an FD, i suggest looking at a 2nd gen RX-7.. probably a TII.. they have the same power potentials in the long run, but are a little more mild stock. and probably a better car to learn on. Parts are cheaper and it is still a blast to drive.


-Zach

 

I had a FC for a long time and it's also a good alternative...

 

thanks a lot... you guys rock!

 

Louis M,
It seems like you are doing your research, and are a safe driver. I want to encourage you to persue the 3rd gen RX-7 even if it's only in research. The car demands excessive amounts of money, attention, know-how, and all of those equal huge amounts of time. It's hard to tell when you know enough of what you are getting into to make the big move. I realize I'm judging from merely two posts, but I feel you should still look into a 3rd gen as real possibility.

 

Look into the DSMs (Eclipse, Talons, and Lasers). AWD and turbocharged. They should fit the bill in the pep department. They can be made fast for relatively cheap. THe ones I see around here are the ultimate stoplight warriors. Nobody takes them off the line.

Insurance costs will most likely still be high though (get used to that until you turn 25). Parts are somewhat expensive (not compared to the FD though). They're a blast. They should also come in much cheaper than an FD up-front.

Another suggestion would be to find a 1995-1997 BMW M3. They've come down in price ranging from about $15K-$22K depending on condition. They're nice and sporty, and comfortable. They are however, a pain in the *** to work on, and expensive when stuff breaks (kind of like an FD)

 

I would get the FD. I was 17 when i got mine, and dont regret it at all. I also had acess to a 2nd car like you, and it really comes in handy when you want to take your time fixing the FD so you dont get ripped off or make the wrong decision. As far as your age goes, everyone has to start somewhere.

 

I bought my fd at age 18 senior in highschool.. Money was not a issue as i worked a ton and had a very good job.. but like everyone sayz fd's can be a huge headache.. breaking down every other minute.. but when they run there is nothing like it. And we all have driven fast cars.. there is a difference between owning one .. you have to set limits.. and the fd's limits are 160+ are yours i doubt it but if you are mature enough.. and money is no problem i say go for it.. and take care of your baby.

 

There are lots of fun sporty cars that can be owned and maintained somewhat affordably.

The 240SX you have on the list is a good start. Since you don't list any other requirements or preferences, I'll throw in some various types of cars into the mix:

- Porsche 944
- 2nd gen RX-7
- NA (1st gen) Miata
- previous gen MR-2T (actually this can be quite dangerous in the wrong hands as well)
- Impreza 2.5RS
- DSM Eclipse

and if you're willing to accept the FWD compromise I hear that these are also good examples of FWD cars:
- Integra Type-R
- Sentra V-spec
- SVT Focus

[added on edit:]
actually the cars I have listed would be good alternatives to getting an FD. If you have a few thousand to spare after getting an FD, then save the few thousand - it will not be long before you will need it.

 

Oh well - what the hell.......I've said it before:

Let's see, I assume you are healthy and smart, you're definitely horny (age related) and have a sense of style (since you like 3rd gens.....) You need to get a grip on what's IMPORTANT in life.

1.) Buy a good suit like like Hugo Boss or Armani at a factory outlet for 75% off retail. Take it to a good tailor and have it fitted. While you're at it buy a nice shirt and good pair of all leather shoes.

2) Get a good haircut. Whatever the style. A manicure and good teeth are worth alot also. Go easy on the cologne - none is best.

3) Work on your manners and personality. Learn to be a gentleman. Women LOVE men that can make them laugh - no matter how butt ugly you are. Watch the Comedy Channel in your spare time.

4) Forget about cars. Women are more interested in 1, 2 and 3 then they EVER will be in what car you drive, what year it is, and what color or how fast it goes.

5) Re-read #4.

I drove a POS beater when I was your age, but had all of the above and got more quality ***** and had more fun (that was paid for by women) than you can ever imagine - and to my mind that's better than a Ferrari - or RX7 - any day.

This advice was brought to you as a public service message.

 

I have no problem with people under 20 owning FD's

I know of many that are really knowledgeable and are both good and bad drivers.

Doesn't bother me.

But WHY THE **** do you countless people go on a forum and continuously post your age.

**** it's got me irritated.

You go on here and post, hi i'm 17, do you think I can afford this or this is the car for me? Do you idiots even realize how you look to us at this point?

THINK FOR YOUR GOD DAMN SELF if you can afford it or not.

****!!!!!

 

Right on ttt!!! Been trying to get real questions answered and I get major pissed when I see dumb ******* threads like this one.

 

Wow. It must be the war or something. Relax guys.

He's just a kid with dreams! I guess you never felt that way about anything.

Damn...........

 

Seriously, I think this fellow in particular posted his age, because he realizes his inexperience and naivette (sp) on the subject. I think he has potential.

 

I think TTT is getting cranky in his old age.

 

240's drive nothing like 7's