Which is better for first car?

[Darren319]

So I'm gonna be getting my first car soon... I'm pretty set on the 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante, or should I get sonething like a 2016 McLaren 675LT?

 

 

 

 

But for real though. Which is better for a first car? 2004/5 Audi A4 AWD or an NA Miata? I feel like I could use the extra space in the audi but I love the miata.

 

 

Edit: Or does somebody know about a manual 4-door convertable that is cheap like an a4? I like the convertibles but I'm not sure about 2 doors

[brodskyb]

I would say the McLaren 675LT or 570s haha.

 

But in all seriousness, the Audi would probably be a better choice IMO, but both will probably be expensive and a pain in the ass to fix if something goes wrong.

[Darren319]

8 minutes ago, brodskyb said:

I would say the McLaren 675LT or 570s haha.

 

But in all seriousness, the Audi would probably be a better choice IMO, but both will probably be expensive and a pain in the ass to fix if something goes wrong.

From what I see Audi A4 goes for under 10k for an 04/05... and an NA Miata is even cheaper, plus cheap to fix.

[WhatTheHell]

Wanna know a secret? the miata (what we call the MX-5 in England) all those are still on the road because the engine is solid and well It's rear wheel drive with a light mass so.....

(practice developing skills somewhere safe, learn how to actually drive an out of control vehicle rather then being surprised one day years after you learn)

 

It's cheaper to run/fix.and it's not 'just another audi' on the road.

 

The miata will be more fun.

 

[Canada EH]

3 hours ago, Darren319 said:

But for real though. Which is better for a first car? 2004/5 Audi A4 AWD or an NA Miata? I feel like I could use the extra space in the audi but I love the miata.

I would say neither, but for your needs the audi awd!

[mr moose]

I might be biased with usual mechanics BS, but I've repeatedly been told to stay away from European designed cars after their warranty expires when not in Europe (usually the cost to repair is unjustifiably high).   Mazda's and toyota's have never had a bad word said about them in regard to reliability or cost of repair.

 

I'd go with miata on that.

[Ginger_]

4 hours ago, Darren319 said:

4-door convertable

No, just... no. Convertibles should be 2 doors, no more. Backseats are fine, mine has one. But only 2 doors.

 

Really between those two it depends on where you live and how you drive. Convertibles are loads of fun, but if you live somewhere its not nice out very often, they arent practical with the extra maintenance. Also AWD is a huge bonus, but if you arent around snow its not as important.

[divito]

Can't really answer without knowing more about your habits and needs in terms of weather, etc...

Audi will be beneficial in northern climates, and will be slightly more practical, but is fairly costly in terms of repairs. If you're unlikely to ever see snow, and don't need something that has the ability to transport more things or people, then I'd go with the Miata. 

 

Personally, I'd go Japanese over German/European in most situations.

[TheKDub]

I'd go with the Miata, it'd be way more fun. (Especially if you mod it )

 

^{_{*cough cough* ls swap *cough cough*}}

[Darren319]

43 minutes ago, Ginger137 said:

No, just... no. Convertibles should be 2 doors, no more. Backseats are fine, mine has one. But only 2 doors.

The only reason I was asking about 4 door convertibles was due to insurance costs being higher on 2 doors in the US. Especially for a first car

[Automobili3XF]

Get the NA Miata, easier on the pocket.

[Donut417]

5 hours ago, Darren319 said:

From what I see Audi A4 goes for under 10k for an 04/05... and an NA Miata is even cheaper, plus cheap to fix.

10k for your first car. Damn. I though I spent big with 6k for my 3rd car. The only advice I can give, is buy a car for the season your experience. For example I have a 2006 Ford Focus (the one I spent 6k on), its a piece of dog shit in the snow. An absolute pile a cow turds. I hate every winter. So if you live in an area that can get snow fall, make sure you have a car that can drive in it. 

 

Also my dad has a 07 Camry which he is the only owner of and its been a great car. He just had to replace the struts and hes had the car since 07, so I think that was the most major thing that he has done on it, rock solid. 

[mr moose]

24 minutes ago, Darren319 said:

The only reason I was asking about 4 door convertibles was due to insurance costs being higher on 2 doors in the US. Especially for a first car

ha, I remember back in the 80's we used to call it a 2 door sedan because sometimes you got cheaper insurance and stamp duty at the road office.

[dalekphalm]

6 hours ago, Darren319 said:

So I'm gonna be getting my first car soon... I'm pretty set on the 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante, or should I get sonething like a 2016 McLaren 675LT?

 

 

 

 

But for real though. Which is better for a first car? 2004/5 Audi A4 AWD or an NA Miata? I feel like I could use the extra space in the audi but I love the miata.

 

 

Edit: Or does somebody know about a manual 4-door convertable that is cheap like an a4? I like the convertibles but I'm not sure about 2 doors

What's your budget?

 

How much space do you need? What kind of weather will you be driving in (keep in mind year round weather such as snow/rain)? Do you have a reliable job? Are you a student? Are you paying for it yourself?

 

To be frank, neither an A4, nor a Miata, sound like a good first car. The A4 (non-convertible) would be a better one, but you'll be paying a premium based on the fact that it's an Audi.

 

Getting a convertible specifically will mean reduced overall carrying capacity, due to the convertible mechanisms. It will also mean the car is significantly less safe in the event that you roll it.

[bimmerman]

Of those two, Miata.

 

Early 2000s Audis are horrible on maintenance. The B5 generation is truly abysmal. Great cars when they work, which is never.

 

Your first car should be something boring and reliable (civic, camry, etc). Buy the fun car after college.

[ATFink]

Neither. Audi will break down all the time and cost a fortune to repair (the old ones from 04/05 are doozies... I'm looking at you Audi all-road). It will also likely cost a lot to insure. The Mazda will only be able to drive you... it has no utility other than A to B with one other person tops and pray the weather is nice. Trust me, having a car that's utilitarian is VERY useful.

 

Find a used Toyota Yaris. Maybe I'm biased since I own one, but it is surprisingly capable. 

 

They have a surprisingly large amounts of storage space since the rear seats fold flat, they fit 4 comfortably and 5 without any real issues at all, you're not gonna kill yourself in it (because it's not fast enough to... I've never gone much past 100 mph and I've tried really hard), they're cheap as all get-out to buy (this car should be relatively inexpensive anywhere, but they're freakin' bargains in the southern states in the US), they're almost unbelievably reliable, I can drive it up mountains on snow covered roads with no problems, I've taken it off road averaging between 30-50 mph on dirt/rock trails with large rocks I had to swerve around and it handled like a champ, the brakes are powerful, they get great mileage, they're cheap to insure... the list goes on and on. It has a manual handbrake as well... for reasons... that happen to be fun.

 

Also, lets face it, most first cars end up totaled. If you crash it you don't lose much but sentimental value because although Yarises look odd at first and may seem a little slow, they grow on you.

Here's an IIHS crash test:

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/toyota/yaris-4-door-hatchback/2016

 

My mom has a fully loaded Honda CRV and said if she was looking at cars again she'd buy my Yaris in a heart beat and that she's sad she didn't consider it at first.

 

P.S. - Believe it or not lots of girls seem to like this car. I know everyone is different, but I'm often told that it's a cute car  

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

9 hours ago, brodskyb said:

I would say the McLaren 675LT or 570s haha.

 

But in all seriousness, the Audi would probably be a better choice IMO, but both will probably be expensive and a pain in the ass to fix if something goes wrong.

An NA Miata will probably be easier to fix if you are willing to get your hands dirty. And since the Miata has always been a very popular vehicle in the customization world, after market parts are everywhere. The Miata is a much simpler car as well so less things that tend to go horribly wrong. Electronics are a major issue with cars these days. 

[Darren319]

9 hours ago, dalekphalm said:

What's your budget?

 

How much space do you need? What kind of weather will you be driving in (keep in mind year round weather such as snow/rain)? Are you a student? Are you paying for it yourself?

I don't want to go above 7 USD

I don't really know how much space I need, if I got the miata then I could put up with little space, but otherwise I'd like a little more. I live in pennsylvania so out winters can get bad every few years. I am in high school. I would be paying myself.

[SlipperyPete]

Miata's are really cool and fun to drive... but from everything I have heard they are expensive to get repaired...

i dont own one. this is only what i have heard so i could be wrong

i have driven one though... lots of fun

[dalekphalm]

3 hours ago, Darren319 said:

I don't want to go above 7 USD

I don't really know how much space I need, if I got the miata then I could put up with little space, but otherwise I'd like a little more. I live in pennsylvania so out winters can get bad every few years. I am in high school. I would be paying myself.

With this in mind, I'd suggest you drop both suggestions completely, and look at a more practical, utilitarian car.

 

Yeah it won't be as "cool", but you shouldn't be buying your first car because other people will think it's cool. Your first car should fulfill the needs you have.

 

Look at: Honda Civic, Toyota Camry/Corolla, Mazda 3, Ford Focus, VW Jetta or Golf, etc. You'll get a much newer (and lower KM) car out of these models, for $7K, vs an Audi, and they'll be 100% more useful than a Miata.

 

You can get plenty of these cars in a sportier version, if that's something you really really value.

 

Also, please god buy real snow tires - not all season, 3 season, etc. Even if you have a light winter year, snow tires are extremely important, as regular all season tires start to lose grip at low temperatures, even if there's no snow.

[Eduard the weeb]

How is your first car SO expensive lel

 

anyway I would personally get a 2018 Huracan 

[Drak3]

An old Camry or Civic. Something cheap enough that you can rrplace it easily if you wreck it.

[Donut417]

4 hours ago, Darren319 said:

I don't want to go above 7 USD

I don't really know how much space I need, if I got the miata then I could put up with little space, but otherwise I'd like a little more. I live in pennsylvania so out winters can get bad every few years. I am in high school. I would be paying myself.

Are you guys required to carry car insurance? If so, you might contact your agent about what vehicles you looking at, this way they can give you a quote on insurance. Keep in mind that insurance will be insane for you, because your soo young. 

[dfsdfgfkjsefoiqzemnd]

The NA Miata is a fun car, but I wouldn't get one as a first car. 

If you do get one, be extra careful in the rain, especially on highways.  On rainy days it really can use some extra weight in the rear.

[Zusafek]

Miata is a fun car. Audi is a well built car. But for 7 k USD I would actually not rule out a Dodge Dart. The 2013 models can be picked up for around 7 k and they are well built with nice options. Plus pretty cheap to insure. I myself drive a 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye with the 1.4 turbo engine and a 6 speed manual transmission. I have had zero issues with it and now have 190k miles on it.