So my parents want me to get my first car, because I get my license in February. They told me that if I get a car, I can get a job. If I get a job, I can afford cool stuff for once. Anyways, I've been looking on Craigslist and elsewhere, and could use some help. But, as you might expect for someone my age (I'm 17), there are several catches, of which I've organized in the order of importance:

1. I have a budget of $2,000.
2. It can't be American (because any American car built between 1978-2010 sucks. No exceptions.)
3. It has to have less than 150,000 miles on it.
4. It has to be large enough to carry my drum kit (I gig a lot).
5. It has to be economical.
6. It has to be practical.
7. It has to be, to some extent, cool. (NO MINIVANS OR BUICKS, GUYS)

*Disclaimer: I know that with a budget of $2,000, finding a car that fits my criteria perfectly is nearly impossible. But that's kinda why I'm posting this.

So here's what I've considered so far:

1. 1980s-90s Isuzu Rodeo/Honda Passport (same car with different badges): Japanese (which usually equals reliability), spacious, somewhat practical, relatively economical, looks rugged and therefore is cool

2. 1980s-90s Nissan Pathfinder: Same reasons as the Rodeo

3. 1980s-90s Toyota 4Runner: Same reasons as the Rodeo and Pathfinder

4. 1995-2004 Honda Civic sedan: Amazingly reliable, very economical, very practical, adequately spacious, cool-ish

5. 1995-2002 Nissan Altima or Maxima: Same reasons as the Civic.

6. 1990s Volvo S70: Awesome, reliable, very practical, economical, adequately spacious

7. 1995-2002 Volkswagen Jetta: Cool, very practical, very economical, reliable, spacious, German (which equals amazing car)

8. 1990s Toyota Celica: Very cool, economical, reliable, somewhat spacious

9. Mazda Protege: Same reasons as the Jetta minus the German part

10. Koenigsegg Agera S: Amazing, Amazing, Amazing

Idk, this is tough guys

A segway or a golf cart

I'm actually sure that a Segway or golf cart costs more than $2,000 lol.

*EDIT* Isn't there an old Top Gear episode that covers this topic? I remember Jeremy buying a gold Volvo wagon, James buying an old VW Golf, and Richard buying some sort of Hyundai lol.

10.

Pick number 10!

Segways dont. and you could probably find a pretty sh*tty golf cart too

I'd defiantely get the Isuzu Rodeo. My best friend's dad had one and loved it, his son really liked it as well and so did I. They are really cool.

Search this: 271330276063
On ebay!
I think it meets all those standards!

Maserati/Chrysler TC?

Volvos are a good option, also subaru hatchbacks. 90's SUVs are also good.

I ALMOST agree, but it's American, and I just don't trust older American cars. My family's had too many bad experiences lol. Still like it though - looks great! It's awesome that it's 4wd, too.



PERFECT.



I've actually looked at Subaru. I actually saw a really nice Legacy Outback on Craigslist for $1,500. When it comes to Volvos, the only issue I have is the maintenance costs. Since they're a luxurious European automaker, I can't imagine they'd be cheap to repair. My parents had an '02 Land Rover Discovery, and they had to sell it for that very reason. It cost them almost $200 to change a headlight lol. But I hear that older Volvos last forever.

Maserati Quatroporte

I dont think a Quattroporte is a good first car lol

@Judicialfury
Actually, it's Japanese!
---Technically :)

Out of the ones you listed, I would go with either the Civic, Jetta/Golf, or Protégé. I have driven a 1999 VW Jetta a couple of times (Wolfsburg Edition, five speed manual transmission) and it drove great. The problem with VW's is that there seem to be a ton of lemons out there, and even those that aren't require diligent maintenance.

If you know how or have the opportunity to learn to drive a manual transmission between now and then, I would definitely recommend going that route, especially if you end up picking up a Civic/Protégé/Jetta. Better fuel economy, MASSIVELY increased fun factor, and chicks are usually impressed with guys who can handle a stick :P Plus, most carjackers can't drive them so they help with security!