Buying my first car!

[PaulineSinclair]

I'll be buying my first car this summer!  I can't decide on which car to choose.  I've been researching for months and I seem to change my mind multiple times a day.  I've been looking at cars with a 20k sticker price or lower.  What is the best performing car in this price range?  I've been looking at mainly the 2014 models for the Mazda 3, Ford Focus sedan, Lancer and Subaru Impreza, all in the lowest trim models.  It seems like neither the Lancer or Mazda come with a/c at that trim, which is unfortunate.  I would like to test drive all of these vehicles, but that won't happen likely, until the summer actually arrives.  I also want to get a manual.  I heard that the Impreza has a "bad" manual gearbox.  What would you guys recommend?  I'll be going to university next fall.  I'm sure I'll have to get used to driving an economy car, as I've been driving my parents' cars for the last two and a half years.  My mom drives a 2007 Range Rover Sport Supercharged and my Stepdad drives a 2007 Chrysler 300 Limited, both automatic.  I don't have a lot of experience when it comes to driving a wide variety of cars, but I love driving those two.

[Twin Turbo]

Hi, and welcome to Auto Lanka,

Congratz on the first car,.. if possible get a manual, it will be cheaper to buy, depending on where you are,..And A/c will be essential in the summer.

Buy your car with purchase price+ insurance and other expenses like road tax taken into account.

I won't led you to a small car as safety should be an important consideration in your shortlist. so go for a car with atleast driver's airbag, stability control+ ABS.

Goodluck !  ??

 

TT.

 

[iRage]

Welcome to the forum Pauline...may I ask...where exactly are you based ? Where will you go to college at ? Because what we can throw about as ideas do largely depend on that...