Teen Seeking Manual Sporty Car

L[Deactivated] on 30/09/2016 - 18:18
Last edited 01/10/2016 - 11:39

Hey I'm on my L's and I require a manual car as I want to get my p's on manual.

Could you guys suggest some cars that meet the following criteria:

•under 10k
•Sporty/modern
•P plate legal
•low kms
•preferably 5 seater as I don't want a car like the mx-5
•Looks good for a high school guy and overall doesn't look like a shitbox
•Doesn't have a bad interior

Thank you

EDIT:
Thank you all for the suggestions , I can't make up my mind and will for other people's opinions . Can I ask one more thing ?

  • I want to mod a cheap car (under 7.5k) , by modding I mean body kit , rims and wing and interior console. Are there any cheap cars that will be suited to this?
Automotive

closed Comments

  • captobvious on 01/10/2016 - 10:22
    +17

    E30 bmw coupe. Old school

    Tbh get a ute, back it up at any beach and have a shag. Wash out with hose when you are done. So practical

    • [Deactivated] on 01/10/2016 - 11:05
      -6

      Lmao "have a shag"

    • compugrid on 05/10/2016 - 16:18
      +1

      E46 even better. Unbeatable design. time proved

  • smpantsonfire on 01/10/2016 - 10:52
    +2

    Definitely any BMW e46 coupe with a 6 cylinder. 325ci for example

    • greatlamp on 02/10/2016 - 09:27
      +3

      They are a bit old now, and will require a bit of maintenance.

      If OP is willing to keep aside 3-4 K for repairs, excellent car.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2016 - 14:33

        No thanks , ain't nobody got time or money for that

  • Fobsessive on 01/10/2016 - 11:08
    +11

    Definitely a first gen Honda Accord Euro Cl9:
    Manual gearbox is great
    Still looks modern and sleek
    P plate legal
    VTEC roar between 6000-7200 RPM
    5 seats
    Quality interior trim
    Under $10k

    • [Deactivated] on 01/10/2016 - 11:10

      I can't find any on Carsales , care to post a link of an example?

    • supnigs super skids on 01/10/2016 - 15:29
      +2

      VTEC KICKED IN YOO.. GO SWANS!

    • KnifeEnthusiastBoi on 01/10/2016 - 23:31

      ^ wont find much that will give you the same kind of engine. the K24a4 in the Euro (CL9) has lots of tuning potential, hard to find a car under 9 with all these features.

      • JimB on 05/10/2016 - 11:49

        lots of tuning potential? Compared to what? lol

        The only tuning potential VTECs have are generally noise and psychological. You'll spend thousands and barely have anymore more HP on a dyno.

        • KnifeEnthusiastBoi on 05/10/2016 - 12:48

          Some people care more about how it drives rather than how much power comes out of it. the BRZ/86 makes that case in point

        • JimB on 05/10/2016 - 13:26

          @nairdajun:

          I don't doubt that but I'm not really sure of the point what your comment. You say the K24a4 has lots of tuning potential and then say that some people don't care about power.

          All I said is I don't see the point of spending thousands on tuning a n/a VTEC motor because there's little gains to be made. I'm happy to be proven wrong with some dyno sheets before and after the mods.

          Better off spending it on suspension mods when it comes to a Honda.

          $1,000 spent on engine mods on a VTEC will get you what, 2-3kw? $1,000 software flash on a Euro turbo will yield up to 30 more kw.

          FYI, I care more for handling than power.

    • yoyomaster123 on 02/10/2016 - 14:51
      +1

      VTEC on Cl9 k24A3 is pretty pathetic, you can barely hear or feel it and its time to shift gears. If OP buys a CL9 he'll want to add a tune to the mod list to change vtec engagement to ~4-5k revs.

      Otherwise +1

  • chumbucket on 01/10/2016 - 11:21
    +3

    http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Audi-A3-2008/SSE-…

    I think this will tick all your boxes

    • chumbucket on 01/10/2016 - 11:24
      +1

      The A4 doesnt look bad either

    • macca on 03/10/2016 - 19:49

      Nice looking car. Exxy maintenance though for a young fella?

  • Mysterious Laptop on 01/10/2016 - 14:19

    Low kms kills your criteria. You can't pay 10k for a sporty/5 seat AND low kms model. What's with people's criteria recently?

    Under 10k I would have to say a Mk4 Golf GTI, there's some mad looking ones for well under, like 6-9k. Maybe a 9n Polo GTI, that should fit your criteria quite well. Let us know what you think.

    • [Deactivated] on 01/10/2016 - 17:42
      +1

      I got to dream right?

      • greatlamp on 02/10/2016 - 09:30
        +1

        I think you should be looking for something with high kms.

        Most people look right past them, but if you have the time you can go inspect them all in person and find the well maintained one owned by an enthusiast

        On the other hand, people who buy a 25k car with the intention to sell at 10k in a few years aren't really worried about maintenance

        • tonyjzx on 03/10/2016 - 06:29
          +3

          So the thread boils down to 'list me cars i can dream about'…

        • Mysterious Laptop on 03/10/2016 - 11:31

          @tonyjzx:

          You do realize the cars I commented are well within your budget right? no dreaming here mate

        • tonyjzx on 03/10/2016 - 12:19

          @Mysterious Laptop:

          Not having a go you mate, I did say "this thread" not this person.

        • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2016 - 16:26

          @Mysterious Laptop: This is my budget : the OP here . Please refer to the right people

    • KnifeEnthusiastBoi on 01/10/2016 - 23:28

      Be wary of the DSG gearbox!

      • Randxyz123 on 03/10/2016 - 04:46

        You do know what "manual" means right?

        • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2016 - 09:14

          Obviously

        • supnigs super skids on 03/10/2016 - 09:21
          +1

          @Dean00: to be sure, it's got 3 pedals.

          Some people think it's tiptronic/hybrid manual mode. Not the same in video game arcade such as initial d and midnight express

        • Randxyz123 on 03/10/2016 - 15:07

          @Dean00: Right… so the DSG is only automatic…

        • KnifeEnthusiastBoi on 03/10/2016 - 16:41

          oh missed that haha. But even then a friend of mine with a TSi had an issue with the engine in his golf. I cant recall exactly what it was, but mechanic quoted few grand to fix. It was attributed some sensor that would cause some weird blip or vibration

        • supnigs super skids on 03/10/2016 - 16:48

          @knick007: DSG is an auto. You still can't hold gears like a real manual can.

        • Randxyz123 on 04/10/2016 - 06:57
          +1

          @supnigs: Yes my point exactly.

          The OP is after a proper manual, hence not a DSG

  • cainen on 01/10/2016 - 16:45
    +1

    Ford XR4. Excellent driver's car.

      • stephendt on 01/10/2016 - 17:36
        +4

        So? Not everything from a given manufacturer is "bad" despite what peers may tell you. The XR4 is a very decent car. Ford Focus is another one. Ford Pinto? Not so much.

        • [Deactivated] on 01/10/2016 - 17:43
          -4

          Okay I should clarify , I did not mean I didnt like the fords because of perfermance and engine and what not. I purely don't like how they look with the exception of the Ford Focus.

        • itsdanthaman on 02/10/2016 - 10:03

          @Dean00: but then would consider a cruze? Consider a manual 01/02 AU XR6. reliable cheap, sporty, easy mods to make it a fun car to drive

  • swiggity swag on 01/10/2016 - 17:20

    Toyota Prius

    • TheOneWhoKnocks on 01/10/2016 - 17:24
      +12

      The choice of all car enthusiasts.

    • baalaagaa on 03/10/2016 - 12:59

      NO! NO! NO! Never buy a second hand Prius, the battery pack is more than likely shot & the previous owner didn't want to fork out the $3000-4000 to have it replaced.

  • stephendt on 01/10/2016 - 17:33
    +2

    Ford Focus Zetec. Practical, cheap, reliable and sporty. They handle surprisingly well and tick a lot of boxes.

    • spackbace on 01/10/2016 - 17:54
      -1

      reliable

      Focus… Reliable…? You're kidding right? Or have you had your head in the sand over the last year or 2?

      • stephendt on 02/10/2016 - 00:07
        +3

        I own one. It's been rock solid. Not sure what new ones are like, but the LS and the LT are pretty decent in terms of reliability. Parts are reasonably priced and it's not too difficult to work on.

  • adn on 01/10/2016 - 18:07

    civic hatchback

    • serpserpserp on 01/10/2016 - 21:46

      supped up civics, oooohhh yeah

      • adn on 04/10/2016 - 10:00

        vtec yo

  • HerpinDerp on 01/10/2016 - 19:34
    +2

    Man, ozbargain sure knows their cars

  • shadowarrior on 01/10/2016 - 20:48
    +1

    Hah surprised nobody mentioned this.
    Get a Mitsubishi FTO GPX or GPvR (get the facelift versions)
    http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sharkeyd/media/KIF_1345.jpg.…

    • SBOB on 03/10/2016 - 08:55

      I had one of these… (back when they were way more expensive than now)

      Great car, but I wouldn't want to be one of the people trying to sit in the back :)

      • shadowarrior on 03/10/2016 - 18:35

        Yeah those rear seats are for show :P Great bootspace though.

    • adn on 04/10/2016 - 21:20
      -1

      cause it is a shit car

  • altomic on 01/10/2016 - 20:57
    +1

    daihatsu charade.

    • WT on 02/10/2016 - 11:53

      When we were getting our licences a good friend smashed his mums charade, 1L turbo and still managed to crash it…

  • ahly92 on 01/10/2016 - 21:34

    Hi OP, Have you checked Graysonline online Car auction. In the odd day you can be lucky and grab a nice bargain (Bought me Audi A4 2 years ago (09) for just under $10K

    • serpserpserp on 01/10/2016 - 21:49

      I feel sorry for you, A4's are the worst. A3's and up are the only decent Audi's out, turn of the decade models were the worst. Should have bought an older 06-07 C-Class Merc or something if you wanted a badge, at least those things will last you.

    • greatlamp on 02/10/2016 - 09:32

      You can't get mechanical inspection of cars at auction, so unless you know what you are doing I would stay away

  • ShortyX on 01/10/2016 - 21:52
    +1

    I want to mod a cheap car (under 7.5k) , by modding I mean body kit , rims
    and wing and interior console. Are there any cheap cars that will be suited to
    this?

    I know this will probably fall on deaf ears because you're a teenager but don't waste your money on modding a cheap car just to be cool. Save your money for appreciating assets.

  • zeomega on 01/10/2016 - 22:01
    +2

    BMW e46 330.

    http://www.carsales.com.au/cars/results?q=%28%28Service%3D%5…

    Brilliant screaming engine, handles decently and plenty of aftermarket parts with a comfortable interior. Go with the coupe if you want something sporty.

    • greatlamp on 02/10/2016 - 09:35

      A dream car for P plater. Reliable if maintained regularly.

    • Randxyz123 on 03/10/2016 - 15:09

      +1

      That engine is one of the best. Get a manual, make sure it has been owned by a enthusiast and it will be a truly great car.

      Parents will also like it because it's safe.

      They are also pretty rare now days so it is likely to appreciate in value.

  • KnifeEnthusiastBoi on 01/10/2016 - 23:25
    +1

    Dont mod, save your money. Depending what state youre in determines what car is legal, but if youre in the eastern states the best "tuner" cars i can think of that are P plate legal are Honda Civic Type Rs, Integra Type Rs, Accord Euros. They have a lot of "tuning" potential.

    I think an awesome car for P platers right now are Accord Euros…They have decent engines, fairly cheap on the market, and quite powerful/packed with lots of features in comparison to other cars the same price range.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2016 - 08:36

      Type r's are really hard to find under 10k

      • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2016 - 08:41

        I've had a look at the stock integras and they are below 8k depending on the kms . Is it possible to mod the body kit into the type r one?

        • supnigs super skids on 02/10/2016 - 11:22
          +1

          Reminds me of the days every gtst was a gtr but badge only.

          Old gen Type R is awesome. Just checked carsales and couldn't even find an EK type r anymore :(

        • yoyomaster123 on 02/10/2016 - 14:57
          +1

          @supnigs: AFAIK there are only a handful of EK9rs in australia (probably less than 10)

          @dean

          It's possible to find dc2rs under 10k but they wont have low Kms, some dont have a/c and they are the furthest from modern. Also their drag power is pretty shite (get ready to be chopped by all your mates in GC8s n silvias).

          Its possible to make any stock integra look like a type r but why waste the money, stock integras are incredibl y slow better off getting a cruze.

      • KnifeEnthusiastBoi on 02/10/2016 - 20:06

        If its your first car, i would recommend trying a civic with b16a/b18. They dont look like the most modern but theyre pretty quick. Also theyre old enough so that if you bump a bumper or fender theres plenty of parts to fix, and reasonably cheap.

        • supnigs super skids on 02/10/2016 - 21:01

          Molded cars like this is nuts at the pits when trying to reregister. B18 would be awesome in civic hatch.

  • Findo on 02/10/2016 - 01:50
    +4

    Make sure you have enough money left over to insure your car. Don't get caught out without insurance and don't think an accident won't happen to you.

  • AG_ACT on 02/10/2016 - 07:37
    +1

    People have mentioned a lancer to you anyway, but remember: 112kw; cheap to insure, if you do decide you HAVE to mod your car (don't recommend it), most Ralliart/evo parts will be compatible. You will pick up something that's still under factory warranty for your budget, and it will be reliable and easy to drive.

    Things to be cautious of though: It's only a 5 speed, and revs really high over 100kph, Looks are subjective, I think they look absolutely fantastic, but you might not, they don't get the best fuel economy around town (although highway is pretty good).

    As a first car, I'd recommend you try to get something that's still within factory warranty (for peace of mind), something that doesn't cost a lot to insure and given your attitude, something that has a few performance models that you can get donor parts from if you want to be "cool". Best of luck with your purchase

    • SBOB on 03/10/2016 - 08:59

      and revs really high over 100kph

      So a non-issue for a p plater :)

  • masadav on 02/10/2016 - 11:56
    +2

    Hyundai Tiburon MY07 (or even MY05 model). Relatively low kms, $10k or under. Even something a little higher can be talked down, they're hard to re-sell as they're not very well known. Only 4 seater though.

    Examples:
    http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Hyundai-Tiburon-20…
    http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Hyundai-Tiburon-2…

    And here is something already with a kit for $11k.
    http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Hyundai-Tiburon-2…

    • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2016 - 14:26

      Thanks I have seen the tiburons on my research , I don't mind the 4 seater but does anybody know the relablility of it or is it a car not to buy like the Cruze?

      • masadav on 02/10/2016 - 15:15

        I owned a MY07 from new and sold it at 90,000kms due to needing a car I could put a baby seat in. Never had an issue with it other than a faulty O2 sensor, and that was after I T-boned someone in it (not at fault) after owning it for only 3 months and had $20k worth of repairs done.

      • masadav on 02/10/2016 - 15:23

        Used Tiburon review from 2014, seems to have held up well.
        http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/hyundai-tiburon-used…

      • KnifeEnthusiastBoi on 02/10/2016 - 20:09

        This one comes subjective, but to me youre better off buying an accord euro sport/lux. V6 = 6 spark plugs you need to replace, for 123kw? the K24A in the euro does 140kw, and its 4cylinder, and generates more torque. Only tradeoff is you need to pump 95, but you get more kms out of it anyway

  • BoomTetrisForJeff on 02/10/2016 - 12:02

    Honda Accord Euro luxury Sport can get a decent one for ~10k

    Or non luxury for 7.5k and get mods

  • outlander on 02/10/2016 - 14:26
    +5

    First of all, in high school and looking at buy a car? you're aready kicking ass! Doesn't matter what you get, it already puts you above 90% of your year level. When I was your age I didn't have $750 let alone 10 times that. Well done to save that much (unless you're getting funded by your parents, in which case your a dirty mongrel). Seriously, any car you buy immediately comes with an extra inclusion of 'friends', because hey, you have a car, and they don't.

    Now, you've written

    Sporty/modern
    Looks good for a high school guy and overall doesn't look like a shitbox

    and I think that shows you have your priorities out of order.

    Now, you want to impress people, right? Be the king of the shitmountain that is high school? Nothing wrong with that, but you'll need one of this, these, or one of these. Nothing you can afford right now I'm afraid.

    Now, you could take the advice above and get a nice car like a bmw 330, and you'd probably be reasonably happy with it (although if you are looking at BMW's I'd watch this first). But its going to come off less like this and more of this. No matter how many fins, wings, beaks or scales you stick to it.

    What I would suggest, is that you buy something cheaper, with a little grunge to it. You won't have to worry about keeping it clean, and with the money you save you can do up the interior.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2016 - 14:30

      Thanks for the lengthy response , not this is all my money from working at McDonald's for 2 years + . I get what you're saying . Get something cheaper and mod the interior but how much lower can I go without the exterior looking like a shitbox ? Any examples of these cars ?

      • outlander on 02/10/2016 - 14:49

        Nice. I worked in fast food at 17, I know how crap the pay is. Makes it all teh more impressive you were able to save so much.

        There's so many different models out there, and when you start factoring all the possible damage from the previous owner, it becomes too complex. I could say a commodore vx? I've got one. They're cheap, as in 3 grand, easy to work on, good power, lots of space. It doesn't look a million bucks, but its far from being one of these. Its a pretty typical choice for boys your age though, so its not going to stand out very much.

        Two questions, what sort of cars do your parents drive, and whats the financial demographic of the school you go to?

        • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2016 - 16:27

          I'm probably upper-middle class , I'm well off and never out of money . I don't want to ask my parents to buy me a brand new car because they would laugh in my face and tell me I'd probably crash it (probs would) . Family likes Commodores. Also maccas pay is heaps good now 13.30 am hour for a 16 year old.

        • outlander on 02/10/2016 - 22:20
          +3

          @Dean00:

          Similar situation for your buddies/girls you like? and I assume thats commodores <5 years old.

          Also maccas pay is heaps good now 13.30 am hour for a 16 year old.

          One day you'll laugh at that.

        • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2016 - 09:17

          @outlander: Honestly the pay is not bad compared what is used to be , but yes I will one day laugh at that when I get paid heaps more but I'll also cry with all the bill and shit I have to pay. What do u mean buy similar situation with my buddies?

        • outlander on 03/10/2016 - 22:15

          @Dean00:

          Yeah, maybe. But it's important to not fall into the trap of thinking this will be the last car you buy. I would budget on it only lasting 3 years, so even if you choose badly, it won't be with you forever. After 21, money comes in a lot faster. That's why you shouldn't take it too seriously, and have fun with it (although if your already that sort of person you can ignore that. Myself, I usually take life too seriously and end up regretting it)

          What I'm trying to find out is how well off you and the people you go to school are. If you lived in an area where everyone drives rustbuckets, then any car made within the last 10 years would be fairly impressive, but the same isn't true if your in an affluent suburb. "My parents use to drive a car like this when I was in primary school" is not something you want to hear from a date. Worse is it getting mistaken for a teachers car, :/

          Driving a shitbox isn't all too bad. For one, you don't have to worry about people making a mess in it, and if you have rowdy friends, they do tend to make a mess. The problem becomes if your driving an unreliable shitbox. The first time your car breaks down its kinda funny - "alright girls, looks like your going to have to get out and push". If it happens every time you go out though, its really annoying. What you want is a car that's always ready to load up with a bunch of mates and head up to qld for schoolies at a moments notice.

          So, my advice would be to look through carsales or wherever for cars under $5K, and when you see one you like, do some googling to see if has any common problems. Check with places like SCA and wreckers to see how common spare parts are. Before you buy it, check it over with a fine tooth comb to make sure your not buying into any serious problems. Put aside a few grand for rego, insurance, unexpected repairs. Then, with the rest of your money, put in all the fancy stuff like headunit, soundsystem, interior lighting, cameras, heated seats, whatever other crazy shit you can think of.

          How much mechanical work can you do yourself? If you're talking about modding, I assume your reasonably skilled, can do things like change fluids, replace belts, install new water pump?

      • outlander on 02/10/2016 - 15:06

        You'd be doing well if you could find something like this. You see how the paint job is worn, bumper is scratched, and its old, but because its not trying to be a shiny sleek modern car, its cool as all hell? Thats what I think you should be aiming for. The grunge factor.

        • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2016 - 16:24

          I'd love something like this , what is the cars name ?

        • BartholemewH on 02/10/2016 - 21:40

          @Dean00:
          So would everyone else in the country. Triple your 10 grand and you'll get one that needs work.

          Edit: To be more useful, that is an XC Falcon hardtop.

        • outlander on 02/10/2016 - 22:18

          @BartholemewH:

          Yeah :D
          Its the V8 interceptor from the first mad max movie, or rather something modified to look like it. But it shows what he could be aiming for! Something different to the shiny sleek cheap looking run of affairs that most kids his age go for. Its dark, its grungy, it looks dangerous while not saying it stands for anything illegal outright. In other words, cool.

  • idonteven on 02/10/2016 - 14:47

    You can easily find an Integra under 10k. If you're lucky, you can find a Type S or Type R. My mate just bought a Type S for 10k. Only 100k KM on the odometer too. This was in Sydney.

  • nephilim on 02/10/2016 - 17:04

    Most likely get a Swift Sport for around 10k and under 50,000KM

    • spackbace on 02/10/2016 - 17:25

      Good luck!

      Try around mid-teens if you want one within the current shape (2012 onwards)

    • beyondtool on 03/10/2016 - 21:58

      Almost impossible to find a swift sport that cheap without something wrong with it. I have a 2003 Ignis Sport which is a brilliant first car. Heaps of space in the back, excellent gear box ratio, economical, great handling, plenty of pep and can keep up with a Nissan 180SX around the track. They go for about $3000 these days and are an absolute bargain in good condition. Bulletproof. You'll either love or hate the rallish look and know one seems to know what they are.

      • spackbace on 04/10/2016 - 01:22

        Ah Ignis, another plate that's coming back :)

  • wombok2 on 02/10/2016 - 17:38

    "I want to mod a cheap car (under 7.5k) , by modding I mean body kit , rims and wing and interior console. Are there any cheap cars that will be suited to this?"

    Why mod yourself when you can buy off the shelf package? Although its 2002, I think it ticks all your boxes…very sporty

    http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mitsubishi-Lancer…

    • goose25 on 02/10/2016 - 17:50
      +6

      Reminds me of the 2-sexy car that the boys on Mighty Car mods worked on.

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