Mafishman: That's definitely true, but whatever I get now I plan on having last me until at least half way, if not all the way through university. I may well end up going for one of the 'sportier' Hondas or Mazdas, but I don't want something that I'm going to hate driving, either.

James: Still thinking about the Audi, and that video definitely moved it up a bit in the rankings ;D. That Challenger is beautiful, too. Makes me want to look at some older 70s models.

 

if you can find a good clean one for that price, go for it

 

The rotary engine in the RX8 was only unreliable during the 04-05 years. Mazda fixed the problems during the 06 model year. I used to own a 07 RX8 and had no problems. I absolutely loved the car too. The 9K redline is addicting.

 

I could tell you to buy a sportbike. Acceleration on par with supercars, sex appeal with the ladies and you'll save so much money over cars...... But maybe not that best idea for the health of a teen.

The comment about wrenching on old italian or british cars being the mark of a car guy. Could be anything older really. I had a '69 mustang as my DD, constant fixes and upgrades. But if you're buying a first car and have a 25k budget, you could get something classic for 10k and leave the rest for repairs/upgrades. Example:

1971 Chevelle Malibu

Here is a nice coupe for you.

2000 Porsche Carrera 996

 

Are you all about rear wheel drive or would a hot hatch be interesting? My first car was a Mini Cooper S R56 and I felt that it had everything you could want when in your low twenties. It's got good safety, it's tons of fun to drive, has good mileage and is different from other cars. Just an idea

 

R32 would be a good one as well. Pretty quick, looks sporty, seats 4 or throw the rear sats down to haul crap. AWD, so good in the snow (ski/snowboard trips!), plenty of aftermarket if you want to mod it. Thats my final suggestion, perfect first car for a teen/college guy.

 

Go with something unexpected. Like a Lotus Elise or a BMW M coupe. Try and fool the insurance companies.

 

Let me put it like this: Are you a true car enthusiast? Do you follow car news sites every day? Do you fantasize about cars all day long?

If yes, get a Mazda MX-5. It'll make you an amazing driver. If you can't live with that, an RX-8 or S2000 are close enough to keep you smiling every day.

If not, you'd be happy getting one of the many Audis/BMWs mentioned. You can use them every day, anyone you show it to will like it, and it will be a little fun when you drive it aggressively.

Make no mistake though, German sport/luxury cars are quick, but absolutely cold. My 01 Honda Civic was 10x more fun to drive than my current '09 Audi TT, which is why I'm getting rid of it ASAP. I really like to drive, so I'm going to trade in my German boring-mobile towards a Lotus, or something else that's actually fun to drive.

So, to recap, figure out exactly what you like before you buy a car. Otherwise you'll hate it.

 

Not sure if serious...

 

996 c2