17 year old looking for first car
Posted by Jidbi@reddit | Autos | View on Reddit | 17 comments
I'm stuck between these two cars. I need something that's both decently reliable and cheap to maintain, while also being something fun to drive around when modded. I don't mind doing any minor/major fixes myself, but something that will remain relatively cost-effective is what I'm looking for
hindey19@reddit
Impreza 100%. Better for Canadian winters, and the Mazdas are notorious for rusting out.
Jidbi@reddit (OP)
That's what I was thinking too. I also like rally driving and want to find somewhere near me to participate and so a subie would make sense for me. Also, I go camping 2-3 times a year so having something that wouldn't look like a p.o.s when lifted would be nice
Qwirk@reddit
You can have cheap to maintain or you can have something you like to rally in but you can't have both.
It's not mentioned, but I would be concerned with a clutch replacement, this shouldn't happen unless someone is driving it like ...a rally car.
Jidbi@reddit (OP)
I changed my mind onto the Mazda, I'll just bring my parents car camping instead 😂
HEBushido@reddit
Keep in mind racing is likely to break parts.
Jidbi@reddit (OP)
Yeah that is true, I just can't see me both enjoying a mazda3 rally build and it making sense and it having enough aftermarket support for that
HEBushido@reddit
The problem with any form of racing is that its super expensive. Even on a budget. If you don't have the money or other transportation then don't do it. It's also best if your good at working on cars.
Jidbi@reddit (OP)
True true. I'm not looking to competitively race my first car, just see if each performance mod really makes a drivable difference, without breaking the law 😅
LARPingFetus@reddit
Impreza would be better for the Canadian winters
But it really depends on the miles on it. NA EJ25s need timing belts and headgaskets around 100k miles. And can quickly add up the price
Jidbi@reddit (OP)
It's at 180000kms
cdsbigsby@reddit
I would try to track down maintenance records for it, or plan on getting it done as soon as you get it.
Jidbi@reddit (OP)
I'm pretty much replacing anything that could go wrong so I'll check and refill coolant,oil, all fluids the car had, and I'll also probably pull the engine out and replace the head gaskets and timing belt with the help of my buddies
Dead0nTarget@reddit
I would image the Impreza would be better in Quebec for driving in snow with its AWD. But the Mazda 3 wouldn’t be a bad choice either and says it comes with winter tires which makes a big difference. Impreza’s boxer engine can be a little harder to do maintenance on compared to the Mazda’s inline. Honestly it seems like you have done some research to get to this point and would say at this point it comes down to personal preference.
Jidbi@reddit (OP)
I honestly can't decide between the two, I used to have a Mazda3 so it's a sentimental car but my grandma used to have the same Impreza so I'm torn between the two ðŸ˜
Dead0nTarget@reddit
Personally I partial to hatchbacks and would take the Mazda 3 all day long. AWD would be nice for your winters but not absolutely necessary with the right tires. Maintenance cost would be lower and that is a big factor especially at your age where money can be tighter. Lastly, it can be easy to under sale sentimental value but as you get older (especially if you keep it long term) it becomes more appreciated.
Jidbi@reddit (OP)
I am starting to lean more towards the subie for the awd but I'm keeping my options open
Jidbi@reddit (OP)
Sounds good