imports as a first car

[shadow]

hey guys, im 16, just started to drive recently. i always have been a real car enthusiast, and even more so now that i can actually drive one. i so badly want an import, ASAP. but im not sure whether or not this is such a good idea to have one as a first car. or on my P plates for that matter. i do have a car i can drive, however it's "mod-ablilty" is verrry limited as its a mitsubishi mirage hatch. im in australia. here are a few cars i would like nothing better than to own, although i have ruled out many, such as FD series RX7, Supra RZ and skyline GTR
-----------
1. late 80s s13 nissan silvia K's or Q's
2. late 80s nissan 180sx
3. series 4 or 5 rx7
4. r32 or r33 skyline (but not GT-R)
5. late 80s toyta supra, or 96 non-turbo supra

what u guys think? maybe i've missed some good ones, let me know...

[Rockefella]

hey guys, im 16, just started to drive recently. i always have been a real car enthusiast, and even more so now that i can actually drive one. i so badly want an import, ASAP. but im not sure whether or not this is such a good idea to have one as a first car. or on my P plates for that matter. i do have a car i can drive, however it's "mod-ablilty" is verrry limited as its a mitsubishi mirage hatch. im in australia. here are a few cars i would like nothing better than to own, although i have ruled out many, such as FD series RX7, Supra RZ and skyline GTR
-----------
1. late 80s s13 nissan silvia K's or Q's
2. late 80s nissan 180sx
3. series 4 or 5 rx7
4. r32 or r33 skyline (but not GT-R)
5. late 80s toyta supra, or 96 non-turbo supra

what u guys think? maybe i've missed some good ones, let me know...

Very nice cars, however, by mod them, i hope you don't mean slap on fast+furious dildo stickers w/ neons and a fart can exhaust. Also, don't add gay bodykits and oversized spoilers. I dont know if I'd start w/ one of these real early, im 16 as well, but you should just stick w/ the mirage until you become a more responsible and experienced driver.

[motorsportnerd]

Late 1980s Toyota Supras don't need to be used imports. Toyota Australia sold them brand new here in Australia. You don't see that many for sale, but a good late 1980s Supra Turbo should be around the $10k mark.

[PsychoChimp22]

hey guys, im 16, just started to drive recently. i always have been a real car enthusiast, and even more so now that i can actually drive one. i so badly want an import, ASAP. but im not sure whether or not this is such a good idea to have one as a first car. or on my P plates for that matter. i do have a car i can drive, however it's "mod-ablilty" is verrry limited as its a mitsubishi mirage hatch. im in australia. here are a few cars i would like nothing better than to own, although i have ruled out many, such as FD series RX7, Supra RZ and skyline GTR
-----------
1. late 80s s13 nissan silvia K's or Q's
2. late 80s nissan 180sx
3. series 4 or 5 rx7
4. r32 or r33 skyline (but not GT-R)
5. late 80s toyta supra, or 96 non-turbo supra

what u guys think? maybe i've missed some good ones, let me know...


Uhhhhh... are you a rich 16 year old?

[PsychoChimp22]

Very nice cars, however, by mod them, i hope you don't mean slap on fast+furious dildo stickers w/ neons and a fart can exhaust. Also, don't add gay bodykits and oversized spoilers. I dont know if I'd start w/ one of these real early, im 16 as well, but you should just stick w/ the mirage until you become a more responsible and experienced driver.


I wouldnt do it to my car, but respect peoples right to ruin their car if they chose.

BTW: wtf is a dildo sticker?!?!?!?! lol :p

[shadow]

i have 10K saved, and my dad is matching whatever i save dollar for dollar. assuming i were to buy tomorrow, is an s13 silvia any good?

[dydzi]

you're so lucky guys, i cant drive a car until i'll be 18 :(
at least ive got a motorcycle :)

[Lagonda]

you should just stick w/ the mirage until you become a more responsible and experienced driver.
That's the only comment that's needed in this thread. Period.

I'm not saying this to annoy you, I know I sound like an overconcerned parent when I say this but, it's for your own good. You haven't got the slightest grasp of the dangers involved.

OT: That said, driving a car at 16 should be forbidden.

[Blue Supra]

i have 10K saved, and my dad is matching whatever i save dollar for dollar. assuming i were to buy tomorrow, is an s13 silvia any good?

if you get an S13 (my advice is yes for 1st car) dont get a turbo one, just makes sure its the 2L SR20DE engine in it, dont buy one with a CA18 or a 1.8L in other words, Lagonda is right, iv been driving for 2 years now and i dont think im ready to step up to a turbo car yet, i enjoy driving them when i can but driving one everyday would be too much of a temptation to do something stupid. S13 would be my recommendation, you should be able to pick one up for 20k in good nick easily, but yeh make sure its the SR20DE NOT CA18 and youll be sweet:)

[TheOne]

yeah, like everyone else said, first keep driving the mirage till you learn how to drive right and be responsible, then start thinking about a better/faster car.
tho i started drivin when i was 15(hardship license here in US), i'd still say that, specially since me eclipse isn't fast, it can still spin the tires on a wet road.
oh and.....believe me, half the school where i go that are able to drive, have crashed at least once, even if it was just a small ding.(and about 90% have gotten tickets......for speeding, bunch of rich freaks...)

an early 90's silvia(240sx here in US) would be more than enoff:).

[Rockefella]

I wouldnt do it to my car, but respect peoples right to ruin their car if they chose.

BTW: wtf is a dildo sticker?!?!?!?! lol :p
If you look at the stickers they have on the side of the cars, they kinda remind me of dildos. (first f+f, not the 2nd.)

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

If you look at the stickers they have on the side of the cars, they kinda remind me of dildos. (first f+f, not the 2nd.)

intresting imagination u got there

true, flames and stuff are stupid but they're cool

as for sponsor stickers they're WAYYYY COOL cuz thats what sponsors are, they pay you to put the sticker on ur car so other people can see it, its just advertising, why do you think nike puts their logo on their products? so other people know its a nike, if u bought it obviously ud know but no one else would without that lil check

[F1_Master]

So if your dad is matching dollar for dollar, you have 20K. I guarentee you it is best buy a used car. You buy new, you screw it up, and the dealer'll be all over you. Used however, you can afford a dent here and there. It's used.

Seriously, though, I have used Fiero (Obviously) that had a front bumper missing. A little cash, and bang! Fixed. Anyways, the Silvia S13 is good car, but again, stick with the Mirage. Try driving a Silvia S15. Well, actually the one I drove had engine work. Anyways, too fast for me. As well, I am 16. My Fiero does just fine.

[Blue Supra]

S15! OMG SOOO HOT, id def buy an S15 over over anything BUT a Supra:D

[shadow]

if you get an S13 (my advice is yes for 1st car) dont get a turbo one, just makes sure its the 2L SR20DE engine in it, dont buy one with a CA18 or a 1.8L in other words, Lagonda is right, iv been driving for 2 years now and i dont think im ready to step up to a turbo car yet, i enjoy driving them when i can but driving one everyday would be too much of a temptation to do something stupid. S13 would be my recommendation, you should be able to pick one up for 20k in good nick easily, but yeh make sure its the SR20DE NOT CA18 and youll be sweet:)
hehe i may be 16 but i no my nissan engines. got a mate, hes 20 now, drives a commodore VL with an RB26DETT in it. dunno how, but its there, seen it for myself

[Blue Supra]

Id believe that, they come with the RB30, and had the option of RB30DET so why not a 26DET? woulda been soooo expensive though:D

[sandwich]

i agree with these guys, with one stipulation. if you really want to become a better driver, get a car with a measily engine and RWD. I personally hate FWD, i think it's for people that can't drive period, thus they go for the thing that's easiest to manage.

I don't know a lot of the older nissans and such, but stick with a small engine in a solid car. You don't need a turbo yet. Your insurance will thank you, and so will everybody else on the road. With the RWD you can get a better feel for performance driving without killing everything. Also, it most definately can be fun to drive. My civic was fun to drive, but it was mushy and was FWD so it just plowed through turns. Maybe an old Datsun or something? Maybe an early escort? Early RX7 Fb3s or whatever?

That way you can satiate your need for a new car without getting in over your head. 16 is too young to drive a real fast car.

Think of it as dating. You don't want to get it on with a supermodel right away. You might get in there and screw the whole thing up, and everybody will walk away disappointed. Stick with something you can handle (and that can handle you) and when you're ready, play game with the big boys.

[Lagonda]

i agree with these guys, with one stipulation. if you really want to become a better driver, get a car with a measily engine and RWD. I personally hate FWD, i think it's for people that can't drive period, thus they go for the thing that's easiest to manage.
complete bull

[Matra et Alpine]

if you really want to become a better driver, get a car with a measily engine and RWD. I personally hate FWD, i think it's for people that can't drive period, thus they go for the thing that's easiest to manage.
Your advice on small engin RWD is valid to learn with, more power just makes things happen too fast :(

But you're way out with FWD.
it takes a diffrent driving skill and technique and if not undestood and practised FWDs are slow.
The best advice came for the rally Minis.
"Go in to a corner 20 miles per hour faster than you EVER imagine you coudl get round the corner. Turn the wheels in and come OFF the power, let the speed scrub off. The fronts will then grip and turn-in and then apply power as you start to see the apex lead to the exit"
I can assure you it works very well :)

[sandwich]

perhaps you misunderestimated me.

perhaps i misunderstood myself.

FWD has its merits. In snow, in small cars. It's not useless, agreed. I think what I meant was that the car manufacturers go for what's easiest. FWD can manage where RWD can excel. Also, do note that the mini weighs HALF of what most other cars weigh.

However, for most performance driving, RWD is more exciting and efficient. I won't buy another FWD car unless it's a mini, or if I have to.

[Matra et Alpine]

FWD has its merits. In snow, in small cars. It's not useless, agreed. I think what I meant was that the car manufacturers go for what's easiest. FWD can manage where RWD can excel. Also, do note that the mini weighs HALF of what most other cars weigh.
Even modern FWDs are excellent when driven correctly in rallies on some surfaces. :)
But equally a light RWD will do as well or better on other surfaces :)

However, for most performance driving, RWD is more exciting and efficient. I won't buy another FWD car unless it's a mini, or if I have to.
Shame you've had the bad experience.
Hopefully you'll get the chance to have a Mini reteach the fun :)
RWD really only wins when you've got smooth tarmac and can repeat to find the perfect line in lap after lap.
Also it clearly excels when the power is allowed to go beyond the 250bhp :)


AND concur on the 'fun' part, it's more like playing getting a huge power slide on and balancing it fighting teh traction :)

[Blue Supra]

nothin like a controlled powerslide on a wet road:D

[Matra et Alpine]

nothin like a controlled powerslide on a wet road:D
Just so I'm consistent about my road v. track comments :)


Yes there is ....

a 4 wheel drift in in a rear engine RWD car using power to control steer in a corner to keep you to the inside and overtake a racing M3 at over 120mph


..... me .....Brands Hatch, sadly the outcome a few laps later confirmed it's for the track not the road.


so readers, please practise drifting and using power to steer on tracks with safety for you, others on the road , anyone watching and anyone just 'passing by' :)

[Blue Supra]

Well in two weeks, ill be out on the track, so ill have the chance to "apply" my road skills:)

[85RX7]

how about...

[85RX7]

and...

[85RX7]

I have 717 1st gen rx7 pic's, but im not gonna poat them all, it would take all week, so thats all. Obviously that's what i think u should get!!!

[GeNiX]

well im looking for a second car too. id love to get a nice big TT v6 such as a 300zx or gto/3000gt vr-4 but by the sounds of it i would be stepping into a whole new and dangerous territory from a mildly powerful integra. but i was wondering if a smaller turbo 4wd type car such as a familia gtx/gtr or nissan gtir be a more suitable option.

[sandwich]

it would be a very fun option....I looked at Mazda 323 gtx's (Not sure what they're called there, has a 1.6l turbo/4wd), test drove an isuzu impulse (again 1.6l turbo, double LSD's [think mini evo]), and now own an audi quattro. These are incredibly fun cars. The lower displacement engines should be cheaper to insure, and 4wd may actually lower insurance costs as well. I've heard of it with the Celica...even though it is turbo, the awd version cost less to insure, for at least one guy.

On top of that, these smaller, very hot hatches pack some good punch, and are fun cars to drive and to toss around, my audi being on the much larger end of the spectrum. You don't get the incredible boost of a big GT, but think of how much fun people say mini's are. Check out rallyclassified.com to see what people do with cars like these. They are the ultimate rally car, cheap, quick, AWD, and easy to replace. The 323/impulse have really low resale values too, nobody knows what they are, but they can probably beat you off the line!

[sandwich]

some neat links

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/233875

http://www.rallyclassified.com/photo.php?cat=7&de=1610

http://www.geocities.com/rocketscienceracing/323GTX.htm

[Spastik_Roach]

I personally think an S13 or a 180SX would be a pretty awesome car. But what about an old Datsun? Plenty of em around and they're just so cool. Also if you can find any Peugeot GTI's, take them into consideration aswell!

I don't think Impulses were sold in New Zealand or Aussie.

A Mitsubishi Galant VR4 is also a great car to take into consideration. The 2nd Generation Twin Turbo V6 one is a real sleeper.

Here is a 3rd Generation VR4 for 18 grand. (http://www.goauto.co.nz/vehicle_detail.asp?site=http%3A%2F%2Fellisutting%2 Egoauto%2Enet%2Enz%2Fthe5thdimension%2Fvehiclelist ings%2Easp%3FvehicleID%3D110) Thats 2 grand for insurance.

Thats a 2.5L V6 Twin Turbo putting out 206kw. Full-Time 4wd Transmission. But i've seen these as low as 10 grand and less than 100,000KM on the clock. Ofcourse might be a bit fast for a beginner but its a thought, hey? Maybe a 1st Gen VR4 with only about 157kw's.

Heres a 2nd Gen VR4. (http://www.goauto.co.nz/vehicle_detail.asp?site=http%3A%2F%2Ffastfours%2Eg oauto%2Enet%2Enz%2Fthe5thdimension%2Fvehiclelistin gs%2Easp%3FvehicleID%3D53)

[ScionDriver]

I looked into late 90s Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS's. Good report for them and there are turbo kits available.... :)

[japcar]

Hey shadow, im in oz as well and i know what u feel. i have just bought an 89 Supra 1GZGTE, and it came packed. HKS pod filters (twin filters) 52mm cat-back exhaust, twin HKS TO4R turbos (high mount). Ran it with a G-Tech and recorded an awesome pass of 11.325 (my first time!!!!!)

[Blue Supra]

got any pics man, that sounds like a pretty cool ride... what part of AUS you in?

[shadow]

nice work japcar! got any pics?

[charged]

Hey shadow, im in oz as well and i know what u feel. i have just bought an 89 Supra 1GZGTE, and it came packed. HKS pod filters (twin filters) 52mm cat-back exhaust, twin HKS TO4R turbos (high mount). Ran it with a G-Tech and recorded an awesome pass of 11.325 (my first time!!!!!)Are they the same engine thats in the first and second generation soarer

[charged]

I personally think an S13 or a 180SX would be a pretty awesome car. But what about an old Datsun? Plenty of em around and they're just so cool. Also if you can find any Peugeot GTI's, take them into consideration aswell!

I don't think Impulses were sold in New Zealand or Aussie.

A Mitsubishi Galant VR4 is also a great car to take into consideration. The 2nd Generation Twin Turbo V6 one is a real sleeper.

Here is a 3rd Generation VR4 for 18 grand. (http://www.goauto.co.nz/vehicle_detail.asp?site=http%3A%2F%2Fellisutting%2 Egoauto%2Enet%2Enz%2Fthe5thdimension%2Fvehiclelist ings%2Easp%3FvehicleID%3D110) Thats 2 grand for insurance.

Thats a 2.5L V6 Twin Turbo putting out 206kw. Full-Time 4wd Transmission. But i've seen these as low as 10 grand and less than 100,000KM on the clock. Ofcourse might be a bit fast for a beginner but its a thought, hey? Maybe a 1st Gen VR4 with only about 157kw's.

Heres a 2nd Gen VR4. (http://www.goauto.co.nz/vehicle_detail.asp?site=http%3A%2F%2Ffastfours%2Eg oauto%2Enet%2Enz%2Fthe5thdimension%2Fvehiclelistin gs%2Easp%3FvehicleID%3D53)Spastik could you tell me of any good websites over there.I have a second gen surf and want to import a 97-2000 model one,just reply on this thread about any imformation,wished I lived in NZ you have some great imports over their.

Cheers