Picky father, please god help!

[BuckNasty]

OK, here's the quick breakdown. . .I have a horrible ass pontiac that keeps breaking, it's a 96 grand am which looks mint, but has terrible (1,200 ABS brake situation) problems. So it's come time where my dad's allowing me to buy a new car.

I live in New Jersey, i'm 17, and don't want a slow ass car. Everybody even knows I want a fast car, so there's no problems with my dad not wanting me to have it, anything like that. . .fast cars are cool with them. I have, tops, 10,000 dollars to buy a new car. I almost financed a 2002 WRX, but it would've cost 4000 a year for insurance, so f-that. . .so I need a car I can pay for without financing (damn NJ insurance bastards).

So, the problem now is. . .my father hates every car I bring to his attention. He liked the WRX, but he'll be damned if he's helping me out with paying for it, so I started looking at eclipses. The major problems start here.

If I don't worry about things like crankwalk in my search for a 2g car (a 6-bolt swap would rule, no doubts there), there's certain "guidelines" my dad want's me to look for. . .here goes.

1. Under 100,000 miles : I got my pontiac from my aunt with 63 thousand miles on it. . .already, at just 65, it's been in a shop for a collected two weeks, and cost me over fifteen hundred dollars. He assumes that since I have a shitbox pontiac, that all cars fall apart by 90,000 miles, and 100,000 is out of the question. . .no regard for the fact that foreign cars can have long-lasting motors.

2. Dealer bought : He wants me to trade in my car so I don't have to go about selling it. . .so this means, I get underpaid for the trade in, and overcharged on the car. . .awesome

3. Varied choices : What the HELL is this all about. . .he won't let me focus in on an eclipse, he wants me to make a list of about 5-10 cars that I would want, and then give that to him to search around. . .honestly, I'm picky about my car, I'm pretty narrow minded and can't think of much more than 3 or 4. . .and not many at ALL that are under 10 thousand dollars.

So please, anybody give my advice. . .How should I deal with these problems, what could I do to get a nice, used, fast car under 10 grand. And what the hell are 4 other cars that would be worth buying for that little price, and how does he want me to find all this under 100,000 miles.

Any help is appreciated. . .I'm in a hell of a spot.

peace

 

[boostedinaz]

I look at it this way. If you dad wants you to get eductaed them tell him to do the same. He should look and see what the reliabilty issues of some cars can or cannot be. It is ignorant to say that anythign over a 100k will be crap. I would rather have a car that was onwed by and old lady with 120000 on it than a car with 25000 that has been driven by a kid that thinks its a race car. If he uses comon sense and educates himslef then you will both be better off in the end.

As far as cars go if insurance is a big problem you may want to stay away from late model F bodies and Mustangs. The insurance company will see a young kid with a fast car and rape your butt. Perhaps look for an older fox body Mustang. they can be had for cheap and be in decent condition plus they respond to mods very well. If you get certaion years (89-92) then they have forged bottom ends stock. If not then look for a GSX and give it time the right one will surface. If not then get a GST and start with that.

This may sound wierd, but if there is an area that is know as a retirment area or that has alot of old people then look in those areas. They will usually have the nicest cars and they are the least beat on. Its not the dealer but like some said you dont get a warranty anyway. Plus if the car is cheap then just put the Poncho for sale and wait.

 

[cuttheduck]

One more thing, i can't believe how bad the prices are around here. . .i'm on my auto-trader (mag) now, and every GSX, costs over 9k. . .this one here is a 97 GSX with 100,000 for 10,500. . .is this possibibly a "living in new jersey" thing?

Its a "people selling online are usually an enthusiast thing" and they know how people will overpay for the now hot AWD/turbo combo. Look for the older person in papers or print mags selling there stock car for its real worth.

 

[Iwantaneclipse]

I'm definatly considering a 1g. . .but just on auto trader (thanks awd), i saw this . . . http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...e=&advcd_on=y&doors=2&fuel=GSL&&ac_afflt=none


What do you guys think. . .If it's not sold yet, i might be able to get my hands on it

Do GSX's come with those tiny crap spoilers? I thought those were only on the RS and GS?

 

[b17tuner]

GSX and OZ editon comes with the big spoiler, RS, GS, and GS-T come with the small one?

 

[khartley]

The dealer thing definatly does suck, but it's because he wants me to just trade in my pontiac, he doesn't want me to deal with selling, putting it up, etc. . .he just wants me to get rid of it for as much as possible. . .i wonder how much i COULD talk those guys down for that 2g

I would tell the dealer that you have $5,000 cash in your pocket, and if he will take the Pontiac you will buy that GSX on the spot WITH cash. If he says no, then leave your number in case he changes his mind and go home. He might call you when he realizes you won't pay anymore.

Dealers like instant cash.

 

[Black94TSI]

I agree with boostedinaz, my car has over 220 thousand KM's on it, or nearly 140 thousand miles, and my car is MINT. It was well taken care of, oil was changed often, not driven hard, and it was taken care of. Convince him not to go through a dealership either, you get shit all out of dealership for used cars after you buy them, and you get ripped off on the price when you buy it to start with, so why go through the hassle?

How about This Talon? AWD, 5-speed, 85 thousand miles, and it's all stock for 6 thousand, mind you it is 200 miles away so I don't know if you want to drive that far to check it out.

 

[Denji]

just for starters dont worry about crankwalk.... Talons have cheaper insurance. Are we a one sided source? YES! go and buy a dsm! Ive never owned anything else... I think i will always own a dsm, even if i buy another car! Oh and welcome to the forums.

 

[pacent]

Keep looking...I just bought a 99 GS-T with 31k miles on it for 9500 from a Subaru dealership. Heres a link to some pics. You have to scroll down.

http://www.clubb5.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=85203&sid=6a3167976603a4721eb17e7ef5fc497a

 

[awd4g63]

2 quick things. . .first offf awd, is your prelude nice and fast though? I'm fairly certain I want a turbo car, almost a rule, and I have heard a bunch about them, but is it fast enough with some work to it? (just checking my bases)

#2, i'm quite honestly suprised at the amount of help on this board. . .i never really expected this much. . . i posted the same thing on a WRX forum, nothin' at all.

To tell you the truth, it's not all that fast at all. However, I've seen people with slicks and a 75-100 shot running in the low 14s. Still not fast, but it can hold its ground with some imports with nitrous, if that's what you're concerned about. It's just a good looking car for a good price. Here's some more pictures since the others didn't work:

www.jbailie.com/pictures/preludeside1.jpg
www.jbailie.com/pictures/preludeside2.jpg
www.jbailie.com/pictures/preludestereo.jpg

 

[asexton6969]

Yea i bought my 96 eclipse gst for $1200. Its the most beautiful car. The body is perfect. Engine needed a lil work. I only have $2000 in it right now including the price i bought it for. My dad put it under his insurance so i only pay $84 every six months and im almost 17!!! Awesome huh. GL with your dsm search.

 

[khartley]

Basically the DSM is going to be just like any car - if you take care of it and service it regularily it will last as long as you want it to. I have a friend here in town that has a GSX that has over 250,000 miles on it - the car is completely stock, though. But he's never had a problem with it. But if you cut corners, buy cheap oil, filters, belts, etc. or just don't check everything all the time, then more than likely it will not last you very long. But if you do that to ANY vehicle you don't deserve to own one anyway.

It's not what you own, it's how you take care of it. If you do get a DSM, take care of it, and it will take care of you.

And with your dad - sounds just like mine. My first car had to be a big old Buick, cause that was the car HE wanted, so that's what I had to get. Don't let him push you into getting something you don't want. It is your money. Listen to what he has to say, let him voice his opinion, just be sure that you voice yours as well. I'm sure you are so excited to get a new car, but don't jump on the first one you see because of that. Shop around, check out all the papers, all the online ads, don't be afraid to travel. These sites will help you

www.kbb.com
www.intellichoice.com
http://fast-autos.net/list.html#m

DO YOUR HOMEWORK so you will know what is overpriced and what is a good buy.

Hope this helps you out, and I hope you join us DSMers!!

 

[BuckNasty]

ok guys. . .This is one of the weirdest things that's ever happened. Before, about 2 months ago, I had the chance to sell my car, but my father, Mike "Pontiacts last FOREVER" Kroehling decided that i'm not allowed to drive a GSX. . . The car was on ebay, for about 6,100, it was at a wholesale place which is owned by my good friends cousin, and i could've gotten it for less. . .but no avail

Just online last night. . .I found the car, on dsm tuners, for sale, from the guy who bought it. . . it's http://www.dsmtuners.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=6155&sort=1&cat=4&page=1 and i contacted the guy about it. . . wish me luck guys. . .everything seems to be doing well, but i need a mechanic visit (for my dad's sake) and wait for his title to come in. . .then i might be home free.

I'm going down Sunday to check it out, from then on, i'll be praying. . good luck to me!

 

[khartley]

Well, good luck I hope it works out for you, let us know what happens!

 

[BuckNasty]

Heh, there I went, getting my hopes up again. . . Apparantly, for no reason, my dad decides that he won't let me buy a car, unless it's inspected by OUR mechanic. . .so i need to find a way to coax the guy an hour and a half down here just so we can use a mechanic. . .I'm not sure if he'll go for it, but i'm calling him tomorrow. . .i hate trying to appease that man.

 

[ckozlgod]

I am so lost.

Is he paying for this car?

If not tell him to leave you alone for God sakes.

Your money=your car.

 

[khartley]

I'm sorry, but I think if he was my dad, I would freak out and leave. I don't know whether you said you were 18 or not, but if you are then he can't say anything. From the way it sounds, you should definitely should not buy anything more than $10K, pay for what you buy outright - no payments. Also, try to pay for your own insurance and parts and mechanic work, etc. Don't ask your dad for any help with it at all, so he has no grounds whatsoever to claim the car as partially his. Because if he is anything like my dad, he will.

One, thing, MAKE SURE when you get a car, that it is your name ONLY on the title - you will thank yourself later. If your dad is on it, then he can take it away from you and sell it if he wants without you even knowing.

Why the hell does it need to be inspected by a mechanic?? If you drive it and look it over carefully, then there probably isn't anything a mechanic could tell you that you couldn't see yourself.

My god, this isn't my car, my dad, or my money and I'm PISSED about this whole thing. Why can't he let you just make a decision on your own? If it's a bad desicion, then you will learn from it and make it right yourself. He shouldn't try to shelter you like that, he'll only make things worse in the long run.

Well, what I would do is learn all you can about the car from this site. Then tell your dad about all the good things DSM's have to offer. Don't mention anything about crankwalk or whatever, that would be stupid and it probably won't happen to you anyway if you drive the car nicely.

Let's see, what does my Consumer Reports guide say...

...On Pontiac Grand Ams and Grand Prixs (95 and up)
Alot of electrical and brake problems
hardly any exhaust, tranny, and ignition problems
engine is fair in the mid 90's, better in the upper 90's and 2000's
hardware and integrity is decent

as for reliability, the say Grand Prix is fair, Grand Am sucks

...on Mitsubishi Eclipse and Galant (95 and up)
basically everything is good until '00 to '03
brakes, suspension, integrity, hardware, electrical, and A/C are exeptional for all years
engine, cooling, fuel, and tranny are great until '00, then they are ok

for reliability, the Galants' best year is 95 and 99, Eclipse is in mid 90's

Pontiac Grand Am is on the worst used cars list

It also says to avoid these years because they have below-average reliability
Grand Am '95-'02
Grand Prix '97
Eclipse '01
Galant '01


The Eclipse and Galant are marked as models recommended by Consumer Reports

It has this comment about the Grand Am:
Pontiac's best-selling model has little to recomment it. The Grand Am's handling is adequate but not very crisp, and it's ride is unremarkable. Wind noise is quite pronounced. The cabin offers plenty of headroom, but the front seats are soft and unsupportive.

So basically Grand Am's SUCK

If you want to know anything else about Mitsubishi vs. Pontiac, I will be more than happy to do some more homework for you to show your dad.

 

[xcon]

I got my 96 Talon Tsi AWD for $6800 it had 59k on it and still under warrenty till 75k.

The best part it was owned by a girl and bone stock.

 

[AWDrift]

I was in almost the same situation about 6 months ago. Parents were acting similar, etc. I basically looked through all the choices people have listed. Also maybe look into a GTI VR6, I have a friend with one and its a pretty fun car...thats only if you can't get a dsm though.

I ended up paying $4000 for my 5spd 95 Talon TSi with 74k on it w/ suspension mods, stock engine. I've been happy with it every day since.

All in all, keep your cool with the parents, no need to upset them and make matters worse (almost happened to me), and make an "effort" to look into the other options. Good luck on finding your dsm

 

[Thomas91169]

listen up. youre dad is just agreeing with you most the time cause he hopes that youll just forget aobut the whole buying a car thing. he prolly doesnt want his son to get a fast car thats why he freaks on you everytime he sees a deal that you could get, cause hes afraid that he might regret the day he let his son off with a fast car.

you need to set him down and talk things over. tell him that with a car thats already fast you have no need to prove yourself. tell him you want a car with aftermarket cause you like to do things to your car cause it makes you happy. he will get the point.

my dad was the same way. i had a tbird that was always in the shop, i drove it kinda hard, but the ford auto tranny for those are the worst ever created, and i found that out the hard way 2 trannies later. so i began a search for cars with mass aftermarket(cause i was sick of having little to nothing to get for my car), and cars that have 12 second potential thats attainable with a 5g budget. a GT mustang was out of the question cause of insurance, in fact any V8 was out of the equation. so it had to be a 4 or a 6. i didnt want a domestic 6 cause it would take too much money to hit 12's. i wanted a honda for a lsvtec swap, but after realizing that its too much work and money to get to 14's that was out of the question. so i saw eclipse turbos and got into them and realized their potential and following. took my dad to look at one(he bitched the whole way). he test drove it for me, i didnt know how to drive stick yet. he loved it. he asked "i like it, but the alternator guage keeps spiking, is it broken?" and im like "dad, thats the boost guage doofus" and he was like "this thing has a turbo? you should get it" and i did. 1997 GST spyder with 58k on the clock for 7500 at a bmw dealership.

that deal on the perfect one will smack you in the face when youre not looking. i found mine on ebay accidentally cause i forgot to click parts and accesories when i searched for 95-99 eclipse and it came up with cars and she was the first one so i clicked and bang, bought her 2 days later.

good luck.

 

[otofmyway6]

paid $9k cash for my 98 Spyder GST 5 speed wiht 63.5 miles on it about 3 months ago...it kinda fell into my lap...but i'm sure hte deals are around...keep lookin. $10k is a fairly remarkable high ceiling...
my dad was set against me getting a sports car. I really wanted one. I saved up and paid for it myself so he didnt have too much say in it. THen i started to mod it. At first, he was mad i was wasting money on the car, but then one day he lightened up. I asked him how come he wasnt so angry anymore...he said he's glad I'm learning the mechanics of cars, and that i'm not spending my money on drugs and cigarrettes. It makes sense, cuz i dont smoke, do drugs, or even drink much at all. Then one day I realized that making my cars faster will probably kill me faster than cigarettes and drugs. . jus tleave that last part out when you explain it to your dad. good luck.

 

[Ryans99OZ]

wat bout a 300zx? or early model 3000gt

 

[fr33b1rth]

buy a 1gb for less than 5k and rebild the motor, trans and turbo with the other 5k. take care of it and you should be set for a good long time.

 

[BuckNasty]

buy a 1gb for less than 5k and rebild the motor, trans and turbo with the other 5k. take care of it and you should be set for a good long time.

Well, that's what my friend did, and the car works great, he paid 2250 for it, and it's a speedy bastard and he just got a new intercooler and is buying a 16g turbo. The thing is, it's hard enough to convince my dad that a newer GSX is reliable, much less one that is 10+ years old. . .he's a dick like that.

Continuing, to khartley. . .there's a few things about your post. One, that report was dead on. . .ABS system shattered. . .1,200 dollars worth of damage, but the good thing is that my dad is now letting me find a new car, since he was wrong with the pontiac.

Second, he confuses me because whenever I find a new car that I'd buy, he acts like he wants me to get it, suggests i buy it, says he's down with checking it out, then. . BAM . . .new rule or "well why is he selling it if it's such a great car" etc. I can't stand it, but who knows. . .i'm calling the dealer for this -->http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...e=&advcd_on=y&doors=2&fuel=GSL&&ac_afflt=none <--- tomorrow. . .if it's still in, i'm driving up there with my brother and putting a deposit on it for wednsday (big IF it's still there).

Then, if they hold it till wed. . .i'm going there with my dad and a check book. . .and i'm gonna offer 4 thousand dollars and my trade in, straight up. . . if they work with me, i might go up to 5 thousand (i'd be impressed if i could get 5 for my car, the hunk o' crap it is (yet it still "appears" to be perfect condition)), but I might, if everything goes perfectly (which i doubt), then i might have a new car wednsday.

Also to your post khartley. . .NJM is the worst insurance company in the country. . .of course, my dad thinks they eat coal and shit diamonds, but they over price for anybody who isn't 35 with a yugo and a perfect driving record. NJM states that if you live in the house with an NJM user, you must have NJM, no mixing-matching with NJM. . .So, more or less, i paid full insurance the entire 6 months i had my permit (new NJ law, must have it for 6 months, even if i was 17, which i was), and now i pay out my ass because my dad's too lazy to check into good insurance companies.

Of course, i'm not telling him any of this. . .i'm just riding it out until wednsday, or much sooner if the car's not available when i call tomorrow. I just wish i could have him see the way i want to be able to have a car i can be proud of, and work on, and tune, and mod, etc. . .i'm not doing anything to my damn grand am. . .because it's crap, and all i want is a nice, fast, reliable car. . .i just don't get it

 

[khartley]

I'm positive that if you get a nice DSM, once your dad takes a ride in it he will like it.

About the insurance, check out Geico - it really is worth 15 minutes of your time! I saved a lot, and as long as you have a checking account, they will do an instant transfer over the phone, and email you an insurance card, all in a matter of about 5 minutes. So why don't you get a quote from Geico and print it out to show your dad. If you all were to switch over, you would save even more.

As for that car, it looks really nice. If you haven't talked to the seller, do so. Let him know you are interested and are coming up on Wed. with CASH. There will be a greater chance it will still be there. Hopefully your dad won't try and screw you out of it somehow. Maybe you could make him feel useful and appreciated, and let him test drive it first. Let him know what the car means to you. Tell him that you have looked into many different cars, but you have decided that a 2G eclipse suits you best.

If your father has that much love for you, he will let you make an important decision like this on your own - after all, it will be you driving it every day, not him.

And don't forget what I said about the title - VERY important.

Good luck, and let us know what happens! I'll cross my fingers for you

 

[markgholland]

Spend $4000 on a very clean 1G and take the remaining $6000 and buy a daily driver :laugh:
~Mark