What should I do?

[DieselNuts]

Okay, I have decided that I want to get rid of my car to get something with cheaper payments and insurance so I can get myself out of debt quicker so I can go back to school sooner.

Here is my delima(sp). The car that I have been leaning towards getting is a 99 or 01 Cobra. The price on these ranges from 12-16K. Another car I was looking at is the 96-98 Cobra which range from 8-12K. 3rd choice is another foxbody 5.0 mustang which can go from 2k with a stupid amount of miles, or up to 9k for something pretty nice.

As you can tell from my top 3 choices, I'm not a big import fan. I give respect where respect is deserved and I think a lot of these imports are nice, but I cant see myself owning one, much less modifying one. (I say import in general because I dont know what 4 banger i would go with, but the cars i have in mind are civics coupes and hatches 92-2000, DC integras, or maybe even an H22 accord or prelude. Not sure, thats why Im asking for advice )

So, my question is this: If you needed to get out of debt and wanted to go back to school to change your career, what route would you take as far as automobile choice goes?

If I go with one of the mustangs, the insurance will be higher and the payment will be higher (unless I go foxbody) but I will have a car that I will enjoy, sounds great, fast in straight lines, and makes torque(HUGE factor for me).

If I go with an import, It will be cheaper payments, cheaper insurance, paid off pretty damn quick, better gas mileage but my exhaust will sound like ass, will have to add FI to be decently quick and will make no power untill 5Krpms and to be completely honest, probably have a car that I wont be happy with.

As far as a "living in the now" stand point, I want to get a 99-01 cobra and modify the hell out of it and be proud of my ride, but looking at it from a "big picture" point of view, the smart thing to do would be buy a cheap "economical" import and get my bills straight asap.

Right now, I am kind of leaning towards the Import just because it is the mature choice and I think I am in the point in my life where I really need to concentrate on the future beyond "whats goin on next weekend".

With that being said, either choice I make, the car will be modded. Thats just me, its in my blood. I cant leave a car stock. If I get a mustang, I will put money all over the car, but if I get an import, I will mod it to look clean, but thats about it. no engine mods. If I get an import, I want it to already have an engine swap or some sort of forced induction.

What would you guys do if you were in my situation?

Sorry for the long dramatic post

[Tech5]

get a stock daily honda civic 92-95 cheap insurance, cobra an mustangs are alot higher,

[DieselNuts]

Yeah, but like I was saying, I want something with a little bit of go and Im going to mod it to my liking as far as looks go. Any stock civic is going to be slow...

[Tech5]

an dont fix it up...cars are a waste an dont hold any value.... ...... so dont spend any money into unless its a need of repairs, but take your money an save it, get a IRA or some type savings....

[Tech5]

well you ask for smart wise help...to get out of debt remember this is my 0.02 cents

[DieselNuts]

yeah, i know, but either way, i will put some money into the car. thats just me, thats just how it is. I 100% agree with what you are saying though from a financial standpoint.

[Vayda]

What about a european car? BMWs and Volkswagens/Audis have great reliability records at higher mileages, so you could go with an older one with less worry. They also tend to pack on the safety features, which will drop your insurance. Most aren't coupes, which also lowers insurance. You wouldn't have fart can complaints or that sort of thing, engine parts aren't really as expensive as everyone says, and it's fairly easy to find a manual if you're into that.

I only suggest this because it's a third option you didn't detail at all in your post - you just covered japanese imports or domestics.

[03RCode]

i know where an incredibly sick 92 LX old state trooper car with a VERY healthy carbed aluminum headed 302 is in excellent shape for around 7k... pm me or hit me up on aim for details...

[DieselNuts]

What about a european car? BMWs and Volkswagens/Audis have great reliability records at higher mileages, so you could go with an older one with less worry. They also tend to pack on the safety features, which will drop your insurance. Most aren't coupes, which also lowers insurance. You wouldn't have fart can complaints or that sort of thing, engine parts aren't really as expensive as everyone says, and it's fairly easy to find a manual if you're into that.

I only suggest this because it's a third option you didn't detail at all in your post - you just covered japanese imports or domestics.

Thats true, I haven't really thought about the European market. I'm really not sure where to start as far as a euro car goes. A 95 M3 would be sweet, but then again, there goes the insurance thing again...damnit

[DieselNuts]

i know where an incredibly sick 92 LX old state trooper car with a VERY healthy carbed aluminum headed 302 is in excellent shape for around 7k... pm me or hit me up on aim for details...

PM'd

[Vayda]

My roommate's boss has an older 3-series (early 90s i think) that he was looking to sell for around 5k (but he can't anymore, because someone wanted just the head and...he sold them just the head....now the car doesn't go much of anywhere)... But anyway my point was it's not really that expensive to get one.

As for insurance, my fiance traded up from an '02 suzuki aerio to an '01 audi a4. His insurance went up by 11 bucks every 6 months. So its not a huge difference.

[On_Her_Face]

i agree with the guy who says get an economical car

[quickdodge®]

Yeah, but like I was saying, I want something with a little bit of go and Im going to mod it to my liking as far as looks go. Any stock civic is going to be slow...

If you're serious about wanting to get back into school, then modding a car on any scale should be the least of your concerns. Why not get you a good, dependable DD and save any money you don't spend on buying the car and school and living expenses and when you get out and get a good job, you'll be that much further ahead of the game in getting a car that you really want and be able to mod it the way you really want to.

But who am I but an old dude that knows nothing, lolol. Later, QD.

[DieselNuts]

If you're serious about wanting to get back into school, then modding a car on any scale should be the least of your concerns. Why not get you a good, dependable DD and save any money you don't spend on buying the car and school and living expenses and when you get out and get a good job, you'll be that much further ahead of the game in getting a car that you really want and be able to mod it the way you really want to.

But who am I but an old dude that knows nothing, lolol. Later, QD.

Thanks QD, your wise opinion is always valued

[noobcake88]

my buddy has a 4 cyl swapped fox body for 3500, it will be cheap on insurance for you and give you the sound you desire . btw i cant answer pm's my **** wont let me repy hit me up on aim . illcmonu is my name .

[Tech5]

go QD man he is on a roll , when you think he is watching in the back he pops up with some Great opinions !!! If i could rep him i would, not like he needs anymore lol

[blackshine007]

Some european cars are alright up until you have to buy parts for them. Then they just start getting rediculous. Some of the european cars require special tools to work on them. If it were me, I'd find an old turbo Volvo 940 ('92-95) and at least upgrade the turbo to something slightly bigger and it won't cost you much. Besides, those things are dead easy to work and they're RWD. Mostly all of those came in ATX only but they came with toyota transmissions. Which means that if you really wanted to upgrade you go find you a supra transmission and go crazy on power upgrades.

But if you must go FWD, I wouldn't buy a honda because there's thread here that I don't particularly like to find myself posting in that this brand is commonly dominated in,check here! I would buy something that's low under the radar and meet all of your needs. I'd consider cars like the Nissan Maxima or Altima V6 or even an Accord V6. Both the Nissans are available in 5 or 6 speed with plenty of oomph. If you don't like 4 doors, the Accord coupe came with a 6 speed (V6 of course) but it would have to be after '03. I'd probably go with a Mazda MX6 or Ford Probe GT because I know how to work on them and as long as you buy them in 5 speed, they are pretty damn reliable and the V6 makes good power. Besides, the insurance is cheap on them too and there's a decent aftermarket for them.

[The Ninja]

Cliffs?

[Tech5]

yea cliffs

[DieselNuts]

its really not that bad of a read, just run through it once.

[The Ninja]

I think you should get a 4k civic, and suck a cawk.

[DieselNuts]

Some european cars are alright up until you have to buy parts for them. Then they just start getting rediculous. Some of the european cars require special tools to work on them. If it were me, I'd find an old turbo Volvo 940 ('92-95) and at least upgrade the turbo to something slightly bigger and it won't cost you much. Besides, those things are dead easy to work and they're RWD. Mostly all of those came in ATX only but they came with toyota transmissions. Which means that if you really wanted to upgrade you go find you a supra transmission and go crazy on power upgrades.

But if you must go FWD, I wouldn't buy a honda because there's thread here that I don't particularly like to find myself posting in that this brand is commonly dominated in,check here! I would buy something that's low under the radar and meet all of your needs. I'd consider cars like the Nissan Maxima or Altima V6 or even an Accord V6. Both the Nissans are available in 5 or 6 speed with plenty of oomph. If you don't like 4 doors, the Accord coupe came with a 6 speed (V6 of course) but it would have to be after '03. I'd probably go with a Mazda MX6 or Ford Probe GT because I know how to work on them and as long as you buy them in 5 speed, they are pretty damn reliable and the V6 makes good power. Besides, the insurance is cheap on them too and there's a decent aftermarket for them.

This is the kind of answer Im really looking to get. Options of what to get on an economical level. Thanks for your input.

[DieselNuts]

I think you should get a 4k civic, and suck a cawk.

I would hate to bring your business down by working on your clients though

[toxxxic]

honestly, the difference between an import & a mustang on insurance isnt all that huge. i only pay 120 a month for my z28. and that's on my own policy and i have 3 speeding tickets that are above 16 mph over. but i'm also a girl -- so good luck with that =P

i'd go for the mustang. although if you're trying to get OUT of debt i wouldnt go for the fox (actually that was a lie, i'd go for the fox no matter what) because its older and its more than likely to need repairs than the newer mustang. BUT then again you'll probably spend less on it than you would on -- **** it. go for the fox.

[DieselNuts]

honestly, the difference between an import & a mustang on insurance isnt all that huge. i only pay 120 a month for my z28. and that's on my own policy and i have 3 speeding tickets that are above 16 mph over. but i'm also a girl -- so good luck with that =P

i'd go for the mustang. although if you're trying to get OUT of debt i wouldnt go for the fox (actually that was a lie, i'd go for the fox no matter what) because its older and its more than likely to need repairs than the newer mustang. BUT then again you'll probably spend less on it than you would on -- **** it. go for the fox.

HAHA! That made me lirl. Thanks for the advice!

[Johnny Chimpo]

Okay, I have decided that I want to get rid of my car to get something with cheaper payments and insurance so I can get myself out of debt quicker so I can go back to school sooner.

Here is my delima(sp). The car that I have been leaning towards getting is a 99 or 01 Cobra. The price on these ranges from 12-16K. Another car I was looking at is the 96-98 Cobra which range from 8-12K. 3rd choice is another foxbody 5.0 mustang which can go from 2k with a stupid amount of miles, or up to 9k for something pretty nice.

As you can tell from my top 3 choices, I'm not a big import fan. I give respect where respect is deserved and I think a lot of these imports are nice, but I cant see myself owning one, much less modifying one. (I say import in general because I dont know what 4 banger i would go with, but the cars i have in mind are civics coupes and hatches 92-2000, DC integras, or maybe even an H22 accord or prelude. Not sure, thats why Im asking for advice )

So, my question is this: If you needed to get out of debt and wanted to go back to school to change your career, what route would you take as far as automobile choice goes?

If I go with one of the mustangs, the insurance will be higher and the payment will be higher (unless I go foxbody) but I will have a car that I will enjoy, sounds great, fast in straight lines, and makes torque(HUGE factor for me).

If I go with an import, It will be cheaper payments, cheaper insurance, paid off pretty damn quick, better gas mileage but my exhaust will sound like ass, will have to add FI to be decently quick and will make no power untill 5Krpms and to be completely honest, probably have a car that I wont be happy with.

As far as a "living in the now" stand point, I want to get a 99-01 cobra and modify the hell out of it and be proud of my ride, but looking at it from a "big picture" point of view, the smart thing to do would be buy a cheap "economical" import and get my bills straight asap.

Right now, I am kind of leaning towards the Import just because it is the mature choice and I think I am in the point in my life where I really need to concentrate on the future beyond "whats goin on next weekend".

With that being said, either choice I make, the car will be modded. Thats just me, its in my blood. I cant leave a car stock. If I get a mustang, I will put money all over the car, but if I get an import, I will mod it to look clean, but thats about it. no engine mods. If I get an import, I want it to already have an engine swap or some sort of forced induction.

What would you guys do if you were in my situation?

Sorry for the long dramatic post

PM sent

[toxxxic]

HAHA! That made me lirl. Thanks for the advice!

it was the best i could do -- no explaination needed =)

[AnthonyF]

pintos are rather cheap.

u want a mustang? wtf for? damn everyone switching sides. 'eh whatever. no1 will ever buy the model i have. haha.

[DieselNuts]

pintos are rather cheap.

u want a mustang? wtf for? damn everyone switching sides. 'eh whatever. no1 will ever buy the model i have. haha.

Actually, I would be switching back. I had a 92 GT that was pretty quick. The guy I bought it from said it ran a 13.7, but I never got to take it to the track. It had a decent amount of mods. I miss TORQUE!

[Spectic Tank]

if I get an import, I will mod it to look clean, but thats about it. no engine mods. If I get an import, I want it to already have an engine swap or some sort of forced induction.

What would you guys do if you were in my situation?

Cobra...or something with an LS1

[DieselNuts]

Cobra

Im saying that if I got an import, I would want the engine mods already taken care of. I wouldnt perform any engine mods myself. Honestly, I dont care to learn about 4cyl performance. Slap another bank of cylinders on there and call it a V8 and Im game!

[Spectic Tank]

Im saying that if I got an import, I would want the engine mods already taken care of. I wouldnt perform any engine mods myself. Honestly, I dont care to learn about 4cyl performance. Slap another bank of cylinders on there and call it a V8 and Im game!

I see what you mean...

check my edit...

[DieselNuts]

I'm see what you mean...

check my edit...

yeah, I got it. The only thing about something with an ls1 is that if its not a vette, its a camaro/firebird. Im not a big fan of half the engine being covered by the windshield...ya know?

[Spectic Tank]

...ya know?

You're gay...

I completely understand.

[DieselNuts]

hey now, who is the one that was talking about wanting a neon?

[Spectic Tank]

hey now, who is the one that was talking about wanting a neon?

LOL...Touche

I drive a Sentra though...

But, no car payment...

[Jimmy B]

dawg, im in the same situation as you are.. but remember, a v8 or a preformance car WILL cut your MPG in half.. i have 2 vehicles that get 15-17 per gallon.. i am dying for a car!!! but i want some preformance too.. stuck between a rock adn a hard spot

[SicStang03]

I would get a trans am over an older cobra or a fox.. They are cheap and easy to mod... They are also pretty stout cars...

[SicStang03]

dawg, im in the same situation as you are.. but remember, a v8 or a preformance car WILL cut your MPG in half.. i have 2 vehicles that get 15-17 per gallon.. i am dying for a car!!! but i want some preformance too.. stuck between a rock adn a hard spot

Nobody with a penis looks at MPG or the price of the gas they are pumping

[DieselNuts]

dawg, im in the same situation as you are.. but remember, a v8 or a preformance car WILL cut your MPG in half.. i have 2 vehicles that get 15-17 per gallon.. i am dying for a car!!! but i want some preformance too.. stuck between a rock adn a hard spot

I hear that. I dont really do a LOT of driving, but more than average. Mostly I want to be happy with the car that I am driving while still not paying out the ass to own and operate it.