What car would you buy your 17 y/o self?

[Badhobz]

Nc miata when you’re 17 ?!?!?? My man tits were sagging already by the time the NC was out.

I’d buy myself one of these pretty hookers from temple street in Hong Kong and send her back in time.

[Dbone]

I bought this when I was 18. I have no idea how I didn't crash it. I came very close several times.


I think I might buy the nicest E36 M3 I could for 20k and send that. I haven't looked lately.. can you still get E36s for under 20?

[68style]

Yes... but super high mileage or questionable histories. Really you wouldn't want it any other way though... adventure time?

[Qmx323]

Easy choice for 2007 high school me on 20K of today's money

2nd gen Lexus RX (2004-2009) preferably hybrid model so I can crush some environmentally conscious ass, so much room in the back

Although the today me might be a vastly different person...

[Gerbs]

Originally Posted by donk.

S2000 was my dream car in highschool, e z 8k budget, blow the extra 12k on rims, rice, and subwoofers

Same, a high KM or RHD S2000 for $20K and sending that back. That thing was so fun during uni, can't imagine having it in high school lol.

[westopher]

Not sure what this cost in 2002, but I'd be buying this if it was 20k. I'm sure it was something close after the e46 m3 was just released.

[radeonboy]

Originally Posted by Gerbs

Same, a high KM or RHD S2000 for $20K and sending that back. That thing was so fun during uni, can't imagine having it in high school lol.

If RHD cars counted then a self-imported RHD S2000 or ISF can work in my case if I can land it within $20k. It'd be illegal drive on the road though

[Klondike]

I passed by a SAAB 900 convertible everyday on my way to school and thought it was the shit. (I guess it's period correct but the car was getting close to 20 years old by the time I was fawning over it)



Rest of the money goes to restoration, BBS wheels and an Alpine deck

YouTube

[PDKGD3]

...and I'd do it again

[twitchyzero]

definitely a 4dr so easier to skip class with friends



if i wanted to flex though

[68style]

Those years of the Mazda Protege in all its forms.. sedan... MP3/MPS... P5... they're so underappreciated. Just great driving cars. Miles ahead of anything else at the time, just never got much aftermarket support or tuner interest.

[radeonboy]

^too bad those things rusted just by looking at them

[GLOW]

Originally Posted by Traum

I know the early model year RX8 are prone to the engine being flooded, and somehow I seem to think that the 2004 model year is still early enough to suffer from the problem. So maybe you don't want to setup your 17 yr old self to failure and repair bills?

2006 to help curb engine flooding but i'd still be too scared #yolo
that or an MKII MR2

actually a GC8 impreza, never should have sold it, could have saved it when my kids hit 17

[whitev70r]

Originally Posted by Traum

On second thought, a DB1 in white would also work very well for my 17 year old self. It would even be practical with 4 doors, and I liked it better than the 2 door hatch version.

I'm with you!



Would also love the following gen Integra 4 Dr GSR (with a JDM front of course)

[red kryptonite]

Originally Posted by twitchyzero

definitely a 4dr so easier to skip class with friends
]

whoa, forgot all about these.
i still love that orange with gold pearl paint job and oem racing harts

[RabidRat]

Originally Posted by RabidRat

How come it's like every 1 in 5 of these has smashed inner tail lights? The little squircle pieces.

Spoiler!

Anyone else notice this or have I gone crazy?

There! Spotted another with smashed inner tail lights!

[punkwax]

Probably the same car I had at 17.. 92 GTI but I’d look for a clean 16V example. Same colour as well. Something like this:



Mine was a lemon and soured my taste for German vehicles. I’ve only owned Japanese cars since.

[mb_]

Too bad ITRs are now $20k+ easily, they were like $15k when I was 17

So I'll pick 8th gen Civic Si or Acura CSX Type S

[bcrdukes]

Originally Posted by punkwax

Probably the same car I had at 17.. 92 GTI but I’d look for a clean 16V example. Same colour as well. Something like this:

Mine was a lemon and soured my taste for German vehicles. I’ve only owned Japanese cars since.

My dad's former boss' son was into VWs back in the day and had this exact GTI brand new as they did a lot of business with the old Wetmore Motors in West Van back when they were a VW dealer. This car was always a lemon and always failed and spent more time in the shop than on the road.

Despite this, my dad still ended up buying an 88 or 89 VW Cabriolet for my mom and it was equally as bad. That ruined my dad's taste for German cars as well, as it did for me.

Fast forward to my late 20s/early 30s, I ended up with two BMWs, two Porsches, a classic Alfa Romeo, and this Mini. They have their fair share of problems so I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. This only fueled my dad's disdain for European vehicles.

I went to test drive a 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti the other day with my wife. I love the damn thing so much. But we both know it's a total POS. I want it. Not sure why my wife married me. Edit: A very wise and amazing member who posted in this thread shared a lot of great insight into how shitty Alfa Romeo is.

[68style]

You told me the Alfa was straight trash!! Did not mention still wanting.

[bcrdukes]

There's a laundry list of issues that impact the ability to even drive the car. We can discuss later when we meet after my HK trip. I still want one but will pine for it.

[EvoFire]

^ I love the Giulia, it evokes so much more emotion compared to the similar vintage F30 3 series. The BMWs feel so business.

So now I need to put a coin into the box that James May had when he reviewed the Alfa.

[radeonboy]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

I went to test drive a 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti the other day with my wife. I love the damn thing so much. But we both know it's a total POS. I want it. Not sure why my wife married me. Edit: A very wise and amazing member who posted in this thread shared a lot of great insight into how shitty Alfa Romeo is.

I found mostly good feedback regarding the reliability of the current Giulia TIs - the general public is scared of their reliability but owners seem have few to no issues with them. The Quad had a rough go for the first few MYs but 2020+ should be solid as well.

I recently booked a Giulia Ti for my LA trip next month - wanted to see for myself how good these cars actually are.

[bcrdukes]

I hope you don't get stuck on the 10 Freeway and interchange with the 60, 101, and 110!

Post back with a review!

[Badhobz]

I think that weirdo door placement (small opening for the Guilia) impacts us taller drivers.