I'm seventeen and shopping for a used car to use up until I finish college. I'll need it for everyday driving and maybe an occasional 1-2 hour trip. Not really looking for too much muscle, a car more for show, something I can just add a body kit, rims, and headlights. Probably won't be taking it to any events or such.

The amount is probably ~$13k (before TTL) in USA
Around the years of 2004-06

Gas isn't much of a concern, maybe 22+MPG. Looking for a four-seater (2 or 4 door). Automatic transmission. This is a first car for me so I don't want anything that requires A LOT of maintenance, but enough so that I could learn some things. Something that looks sleek and sharp, not like a box or anything.

I've been looking at Mazda6 and Jetta.

Also, I don't know much about car parts and terminology and such. So I'm wonder if there's some sort of website or encyclopedia type thing to help with some of my questions.

EDIT:
Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'll add the TC, Accord, and G6 to my search

great questions, and thank you for being logical. we seem to have too many kids who read a couple magazines, watch top gear, and have to have something completely out of the realm of logic or practicality.

Either of the cars you listed will be good choices. I would consider a honda civic as well



Now for the rest of you.....he said he wanted an automatic. That is his choice.......Show the maturity to respect this, and not criticize him for it. Let's also stay within the years he posted. It may not correspond with YOUR dreams, but this IS his car. he has to live with it, not you

buy something japanese and you wouldnt be disappointed :)

Good thing posting the automatic maturity up front. :p Again...Japanese, can't go wrong, 13k isn't a bad amount of money for a first car. But every time I see a slow ride with rims and bodykits I think...Does that 18 year old really have nothing better to do with his money? I find it tasteless to. But it's 100% your choise and I'm not judging, merely expressing opinion.

Hmmm, I would take a look at these cars for your price range.

-2003-2007 Honda Accord Coupe/Sedan
-2000-2006 Lincoln LS Sedan
-2004-2007 Chevy Malibu
-2005-2008 Dodge Magnum
-2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
-2005-2008 Pontiac G6
-2007-2008 Honda Fit
-2005-2008 Scion tC

You have a lot more options with that 13k price range. If I were you I would look at your local craigslist, and see what you can find for 13k. Good luck shopping.

u can learn car stuff on howstuffworks.com and i think an accord, or tc, civic, the mazda 6 is nice, jettas are nice too.

I would go for and accord because of low insurance, reliability and gas mileage.

I'd go with an Accord if you're just wanting a car to travel from point A to point B. Very comfortable and get's pretty good mileage.

Also, as Donut said go to howstuffworks.com and look up cars. Some terms you might want to know however:

Oil Filter
Air Filter
Catalytic converter
Headlight fluid (learn that this isn't real)
Wheel chamber (this helps with premature tire wear)

It's also a good idea to learn how a 4-stroke combustion cycle works. It's not necessary, but it's always nice to know what is happening inside your engine.

Other than that, just make sure you follow the Owners manual on when to do scheduled maintenance and you'll be fine.

What about something like a base acura rsx? those look pretty good and have honda reliability.

RSX runs off premium gasoline. If you're just moving around I wouldn't recommend it.

If your looking at the Jetta, I'd also look at a Rabbit or GTI. If your looking for a nice sleek car, I think the Rabbit or GTI looks better than a Jetta, and I own a Jetta, so dont think I'm a hater.

The Jetta will have more room for stuff like people and cargo, but I think the Rabbit/GTI is a little more sporty looking. So it depends on what you need. Both the Jetta and Rabbit come with a inline 5 motor making 170hp. The GTI (sporty, 2 door Rabbit basically) and GLI (sporty Jetta), make 200hp from a 4 cylinder turbo motor.

A brand new base model Rabbit starts at $15,600 according to the VW website. A brand new Jetta is $16,900. So, if you looked around for a slightly used one, of either model, I'm sure you could find one in your price range without many miles on it. Heck you could probably find a slightly used GTI or GLI in your price range.

But there are many other choices that arent VWs. I just wanted to help you think about the VW end of things.

All great suggestions.

The one thing you SHOULD buy though is a subscription to consumer reports.

Do you homework on a set of vehicles you are considering.

Take what is said on the interwebz with a grain of salt.

What about something like a base acura rsx? those look pretty good and have honda reliability.

rsx is a good car. But rsx with automatic gearbox? its porn.

go to www.cars.com. That is where i found my car a few months back. You can look by price, location, car type, model etc... and you can look for new or used, certified used etc

dude if your going for show, yet keepin in kinda sporty, get a scion tc, theres a huge aftermarket for it and most of them are automatics. and its a toyota so you know its reliable.

it checks all your boxes and is worth a look


EDIT:

the pontiac g6 is also worth a look, its actually a pretty solid car, my best friend has one and its actually a legit car