Advice on first car

[DanielRai]

Hi I'm new here and Im soon to be buying my first car I have TWO options:

Option 1: 1994 Mazda MX-5 clubman NA8

Option 2: 1984 Toyota Supra (celica supra) MA61

Both priced at $10,000

Just looking for advice and opinions on which I should buy, both are very clean examples and have been tastefully modified any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

-Daniel

[tescoking]

This forum is for MX5, otherwise at least something with the Mazda logo on the car
Honetly it is really depends on what do you want the car for. If you are looking for speed and fast and furious style then I think Toyota supra. If you want to experience driving and having fun with your car then MX5. Since these cars are not new and they are selling for $10000, I would guess that they are turboed. Isn't it? How about tell us a bit about yourself and what would you like to get from the car?

[DanielRai]

I know I'm sorry for including Toyota
Well they are not turbo'd but the Supra has just had a ground up restoration and the MX5 has had a lot of work done to it
I will be buying the car as I'm on my P's so no turbo for me unfortunately I just cant decide which to buy I mean the mazda isn't a really fast car but it doesn't need to be.
I would like to get at least 4-5 years from the car and my mentality towards leaning the supra way is because the 84' Supra is in amazing condition and I could always buy an MX5 as a project car for 2-3k
where finding a MK2 supra is a lot harder especially on in this condition, and if I were to restore it I don't think I'd have the finance to do so

[Okibi]

First car needs to be safe and reliable.

When you say the Supra is in good condition, how old are the shocks, suspension bushes and tyres etc.?

For $10k you could get an NB MX-5.

[tescoking]

Thats right. $10K you could get a NB. I bought my NB in 2011. It costed me $13K. When you choose this car, will you think about your friends or you don't worry about them at all? Will you care how your friends look at you if they are driving WRXs or Skylines around you? If you want to get a sport sport car to "stick" with your mates, I think you sure get the Supra. On the other hand, if you don't care about how they look at you, and you don't need to "stick" with them. You should get a MX5, just like Okibi said. They are reliable and stable. They are utilisesing the minimal mechanical complexity. I am sure you will know how to work on your car later on if you do a bit research. Since you are thinking about the NA, why don't you get into the NA and drive around with the top down? Just to feel it, experience it. Try to turn off the music and drive to the beach or wherever. I am sure you will fall in love with it. This is how the MX5 kidnapped my heart when I had my first test drive with a NA. Honestly that NA was very old and nasty, but when I was in the car, I just can't resist the grasses smell float into my nose. I felt so close to the nature. After that I didn't buy that car, but I end up with my NB. Even now, my 5 still kidnapped my heart like terrorist.

[sailaholic]

First car - pick the one that cheap on parts and fuel.

Remind me, 2nd gen supra was the one that still ran celica supra badges yah? 4 or 6 cyc? Injected or carb?

Had a mate with a st162 celica. Was a better car in many ways then his current mx5 but parts could be a real pain to locate.

Is having a two seater with a small boot going to be a problem for you?

Personally anyone that suggest buying a nba instead of a good na8 is crazy. Your looking for something fun, a bit old school / classic the nba just dosent have that.

You'll struggle to get a na6 for 2-3k and it will require plenty of work. It's cheaper to buy a better one.

Finally. Tip for the car world. It's ALWAYS cheaper to buy a good project car when it's done the do it yourself.


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[Apu]

The more important question is which car can you afford to comfortably maintain - adequate insurance, rego, fuel, repairs, etc.

[93_Clubman]

If you haven't already dríven them both, have a drive - should be an easy decision after or even during the drive.

[maxgus]

Why get a big heavy car and then modify to make it handle like a sports car? Why not just buy a sports car?

[tbro]

Seriously,
A clubby for your first car, hope you have dríven it for a few miles, if its original clubman specs, you won't want to drive it as a daily,
bloody horse and tray are just as or maybe more comfy,
Supra, if its just had a resto or has been very well cared for , can you accept that you MAY mark or put a scratch on it, and that it won't worry you too much.

For my money, go and buy a reasonably priced car and get over the first car syndrome that most people go through, like oppps!!! that was too close, oh! sh*t!!!
where did that come from???/.

You only have to look around and see what some people do to their first car, my daughter is getting the Camry (poor bloody car)its safe,reliable and big enough
that people won't intimidate her.

But if your going to pick one, go for the TOYOTA
My 2 c worth

T

[CatchyD]

Just my 2 cents here.
For which car to get, drive both, do research on which one costs more to do servicing, repairs etc. especially since you plan to keep the car for 4-5 years.

My first car was a 03 Lancer CG, sedan like body similar shape to the Evo 7. Anyway, being a young P plater and not being experienced in driving yet, I had a rather scary crash caused by not necessarily poor driving but poor road conditions which I didn't adjust correctly to while travelling on a cruise with the local Lancer club, I lost traction and I hit a dirt berm. I luckily walked away with nothing but a broken front bumper. Moral of the story here is you're most likely to have some sort of a bingle with your first car, than you are later on.
Obviously it's not guaranteed that you will or won't, but its best to buy a car that's easier/cheaper to replace parts both mechanical and cosmetic for your first car.

Not trying to say go out and buy some cheapo bomb of a car, but remember to research and look up the costs of repairs and so forth so you understand if something, touch wood, does happen then you are prepared and know what sort of costs you are looking at.

Also remember to pick a car that you enjoy driving because well you don't want to have to drive a car you hate driving.

Happy car hunting!

[CQYD]

30yr old car or 20yr old car....

Not knowing your financial situation but if you are a student or apprentice can you afford to fix and maintain the car? me personally I'd go for a 10 yr old corolla or something with at least ABS and airbags.

Being a young person, both these options are considered sports cars for insurance purposes. If you cant afford full comp, can you accept the possible risk of having a total loss, $10k out and searching for another car?

If I had to choose from the two:

MX5 for being newer, more abundant parts, cheaper to run and if you are in a steady relationship and your GF can look past you driving a hairdressers car.

But if you have no committments or a open minded GF with similarly hot open minded friends, the supra could increase your chances of winning.

my 2c

[OurCognitiveSurplus]

Get a mostly stock NB in good condition.

[hks_kansei]

I'm always wary of another person't restoration.

There's a lot of people who think a "full restoration" means you replace the carpet, bog the rust, and give it a respray.


I'd suggest, if it has to be an MX5, just buy an NA6 for cheap, do the basics for safety (tyres/replace worn stuff) and just enjoy it.

Save the rest of the money and buy something nice for the next car.