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By: Logan Antio
Editor: Grace Pilkay
Senior Editor: Brianna Madison
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Like many students, you may have thought about what you want your first car to be. Looking for a first car isn’t always easy, especially now after COVID-19 slowed down car production. Using websites like AutoTempest.com, Cars.com, and Cargurus.com makes the process of finding new or used vehicles much easier. Not only are websites like these helpful, but lots of cars can also be found on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. While buying a used car, you should know how to inspect a car to make sure it is fit for you, and you can do so by using this checklist for inspecting a used vehicle; How to Inspect a Used Car Checklist The Car Basics: The Body: The Wheels: The Interior: Under the Car. Other helpful resources can be used when buying a car, such as Kelley Blue Book, to ensure that you are paying a price that isn’t too expensive. You should also check the car’s VIN(Vehicle Identification Number). Doing this will reveal information about the vehicle you might not have known regularly, such as the vehicle history records, car specifiations, and country of assembly.
First of all, the best first cars based on safety will be listed. The first car will be the Jeep Grand Cherokee(1993-1998), these vehicles are suited with a 5.9Liter V8 engine with 250 horsepower and 350 lb-ft torque, and can be purchased for under $3,000. Next on the list is the Honda Fit, although it doesn’t have the best looks, many parents would like their kids to be driving it with all the safety features it is equipped with along with the 34mpg gas mileage, and it can be found for around $6,000 and under. Next is the Kia Soul, if box cars are not your style, this car could change your mind. It has a lot of space, is easy to get into, can get up to 30mpg, and has many tech and safety features. Next is the Volkswagen Golf, this sporty hatchback-style car comes with lots of space, and if you want to mod your vehicle there is a large aftermarket for them. Next is the Hyundai Accent, which comes with a 1.6Liter 4-cylinder engine, and lots of features such as ABS, Power Steering, traction control, and head restraints. Next is the Honda Accord 2 door or 4 doors (2015-2016), although this car may be more expensive than the others, it has a five-star safety rating, 37 highway mpg, and has 185 to 278 horsepower. Last on the list of safest first cars is the 2007 Toyota Tacoma, which comes with either a 2.7L 4-cylinder or a 4.0L V6, this truck is known for reliability and the regular cab can get up to 28mpg.
Secondly, moving on to some of the most affordable first cars you can get for under 4,000 dollars. First on the list is the Mazdaspeed3 with a 2.3L Inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 263hp and 280 lb-ft torque, and is known for being a safe and reliable car that can last up to 200,000 miles if regularly maintained. Next is the Honda Civic Del Sol VTEC with a 1.6L DOHC(Dual Overhead Cam) engine with 160 hp, and can last up to 300,000 miles with good maintenance. Although this next car may not be the best-looking vehicle, if you are looking for a sporty and fast car then you might want to look into the Dodge Neon SRT 4. The Neon comes with a turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that makes 215hp and has a huge aftermarket. If you are looking for a surprisingly cheap luxury and sports car, then you might want a BMW 3-series 328i(1999-2006), which comes with a 2.8L Inline 6 making 193HP, and is rear-wheel drive. Sadly this car can be expensive to repair and maintain, with a 2.5 out of 5 rating on RepairPal. Next is the Toyota Corolla S, this car comes with a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine making around 126hp, and getting a whopping 41 highway mpg. If you like going out with friends, then you might like the spacious Subaru Forester(2003-2007), coming with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, and is AWD. Next is the Ford Taurus, this vehicle comes with a 3.5L V6 making 263hp. Since this car can be picked up for quite cheap, there is a common problem that can occur, which is an engine buck and misfire while going freeway speeds. Lastly is the 2009 Kia Optima, this vehicle can come with either a 2.4L 4-cylinder(175hp) or a 2.7L V6(194hp).
Now, moving on to cars based on speed. These are some of the fastest, best-sounding cars you can get for under $10k. First is the 2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, with a 3.8L V6 making 306hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Next is the 2005-2014 Mustang GT, with a 4.6L V8 making 300hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Although this next vehicle may not be everybody’s style, the 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP comes with a 5.3L V8 making 303hp and 323 lb-foot of torque. Next is the 2007-2016 Infiniti G37, a sports car with a lot of aftermarket availability. It comes with either a 3.5/3.7L V6 making 306-328 horsepower. Similar to the Infiniti G37, the Nissan 370Z(2009-2019) is a sports car with a lot of aftermarket parts available, the car comes with a 3.7L V6 making 350hp. The next vehicles are all closely related, they are the Scion FR-S, Toyota 86, and the Subaru BRZ. These vehicles are equipped with a 2.0L Boxer-Four making around 200 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The next vehicle comes in a wide variety of models as the C4 Chevrolet Corvette lasted from 1984 to 1996. Depending on the model, the Corvette can make 205 to 411 horsepower. Next is the Mazda RX-8, this Japanese sports car comes with a 1.3LR2 rotary engine that makes 212hp. Lastly is the Audi S4 (B6.) Although this car can be hard to find, it comes with a 40 valve 4.2L V8 that makes 339 hp.
Finally, the best first cars based on reliability will be listed. First on the list is the 2004-2008 Acura TL. The TL comes with a 3.2L V6 and can be bought for under $3,000 and is known to be easy to drive. Next is the 2005-2007 Scion TC that has a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and can be found for under $3,000. Next is the 2000-2005 Honda Civic, these cars come with either a 1.7 or 2.0L 4-cylinder and can last from 200,000-300,000 miles. Next is the Subaru Outback, this SUV is AWD, has a lot of space, can drive on all-terrain, comes equipped with good safety features, and can get up to 27mpg. Even though these Toyota hybrids are looked down upon, the Prius is one of the most reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles. The Prius can get up to 48mpg on gas and can last over 200,000 miles without needing serious repairs. The next vehicle is the 3rd generation(1996-2002) Toyota 4Runner. This old-school SUV comes with a 3.4L V6, is extremely safe, and can last up to 300,000 miles. Next is the Chevy Malibu 2LT, this sedan can be found for under $6,000 and comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine making 250hp and 260 lb-ft torque. Next is a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta, which comes with a naturally aspirated 2.0L 4-cylinder engine making around 115hp and has very good gas mileage. Next is the 2012 Ford Fusion, this vehicle has very good fuel economy, and can last well over 100,000 miles. Next is the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab SLT 4D, this truck comes with the 5.7L Hemi V8 making 335hp and 370 lb-ft torque. And lastly is the 2006 Toyota Tundra, this truck has a 4.7L V8 that makes 271hp and 313 lb-ft tq, and can get 22 highway mpg.
Now that all of these vehicles are listed, here is some helpful information for you to use. If a vehicle is already heavily modded, you may not want to purchase it. Many people may not know how to maintain a vehicle. And this is very important, especially on your first car.
This article, provided by Bridgestone Tire, is very helpful and gives you information about how to maintain your vehicle: The Ultimate Car Maintenance Checklist.
Helpful Websites(links):
KBB: https://www.kbb.com/
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