Which Car/Truck Features are a must have?

[BFloFoxRider.]

Its that time im finallly going about getting my permit. Once i sit through 30 hours of a class, i can get my permit and drive.. This weekend, my dad and stepmom wanted to take me out to look at cars and small trucks to get an idea of what i wanted and what would suit me best. My idea is something at least big enough to fit my own bike in, any more bikes would be a plus.
So im trying to think of accesories or options that are mainly needed. My list so far is pretty short

• Air Conditioning
• Remote keyless entry
• A Decent Stereo System, AmFm radio+CD player
• Power Mirrors would be nice, so if i needed to adjust them i wouldnt have to play with them.
• Power windows

So far thats the extent of my list. So my question to the STR members is....

Being owners of cars, what features/options do you have and not find use for, and which options did you not select which you wish you had selected?

Any help would be appreciated, Afterall, this will be my first vehicle

[destroyer]

One that gets you from point A to point B reliably.

Do you really need anything else for a first car?

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by destroyer

One that gets you from point A to point B reliably.

Do you really need anything else for a first car?

i dont need anything else for a first car, but since im buying it myself, i mine as well get something close to what i want

[dkr92886]

Go for good gas mileage too. No need paying lots of $ for gas. I paid $70 to fill up this week. You haven't even seen what your car insurance will cost either.

Welcome to the driving world.

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by dkr92886

Go for good gas mileage too. No need paying lots of $ for gas. I paid $70 to fill up this week. You haven't even seen what your car insurance will cost either.

Welcome to the driving world.

Well, i have it to the point where my dad will pay my insurance i think...
that leaves me with Gas and Car Payments, and i would barely make enough for that


Also, i've never driven a stickshift (heck, i barely have driven an auto), so would it be easy for me to learn stickshift? i ride dirtbikess so i know how to do it, but is it worth it getting the stickshift since usually its almost 1 thousand dollars more than the automatic version of the same car

[Evil Chocula]

Heated seats.

Oh... wait, you don't need those there .

[dkr92886]

If your dad is anything like mine was he'll let you know how much he's paying for your insurance.

If you have a cell phone you will need some type Bluetooth setup. The new cell phone law goes into effect on July 1st.

Crap, I'm talking like my dad.

Crap, I'm talking like my dad.

Go for an automatic, there's nothing more annoying than sitting in traffic and having to play with the clutch and gas.

BTW - you just gave me my first THANKS since I joined. I'm on my way baby!

[ohyeah89]

Have you got insurance quotes already? I just got my own insurance after driving for 5 years (I was previously driving a car under my parents' name and wasn't excluded from their insurance) and the CHEAPEST I could get was around 1800/yr!!! AND that was ONLY because I put my dad's name on my car title so I could get his name on my insurance (long time customer with good driving record) and we both get the science profession discount. I have absolutely no tickets, no accidents and like I said I have been driving for 5 years. You will be a brand new driver, 15/16yrs old, Male, they take all that into account. That means the car I just bought is an additional 2k a year... Just keep that in mind when weighing options and setting the priorities for you car! I had NO idea insurance would cost me THAT much, it was quite a reality check! Good luck!

[CPATCRASH]

Check out a Honda Element two wheel drive. It is the perfect cycling rig. Great stereo, AC and good mileage. I have the 4 wheel drive and get about 24 if I don't put my foot into it and I can fit three bikes and three people with gear in it for a road trip. Splitting gas three ways is good!

For what it's worth, this is my 10th car in 17 years and I have had it almost three years. I am keeping it till it dies! If they still make them I would buy it again too.

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by ohyeah89

Have you got insurance quotes already? I just got my own insurance after driving for 5 years (I was previously driving a car under my parents' name and wasn't excluded from their insurance) and the CHEAPEST I could get was around 1800/yr!!! AND that was ONLY because I put my dad's name on my car title so I could get his name on my insurance (long time customer with good driving record) and we both get the science profession discount. I have absolutely no tickets, no accidents and like I said I have been driving for 5 years. You will be a brand new driver, 15/16yrs old, Male, they take all that into account. That means the car I just bought is an additional 2k a year... Just keep that in mind when weighing options and setting the priorities for you car! I had NO idea insurance would cost me THAT much! Good luck!

Yeah, if my dad wont pay for y insurance im screwed.. only plus for me is some long time friends that my mom g rew up with and their kids justt opened an insurance agency so she may be able to work something out with me..

Also, since im on an old computer that takes forever, does anyone know if its cheaper to maintain a stick shift versus automatic?

Originally Posted by CPATCRASH

Check out a Honda Element two wheel drive. It is the perfect cycling rig. Great stereo, AC and good mileage. I have the 4 wheel drive and get about 24 if I don't put my foot into it and I can fit three bikes and three people with gear in it for a road trip. Splitting gas three ways is good!

For what it's worth, this is my 10th car in 17 years and I have had it almost three years. I am keeping it till it dies! If they still make them I would buy it again too.

I've heard only positives from them. I was actually looking at the Scion, which is a bit smaller, gets similar gas mileage, but it starts around 1-1500 less than the element. Ill keep the element in mind though

[CPATCRASH]

Originally Posted by BFloFoxRider.

Yeah, if my dad wont pay for y insurance im screwed.. only plus for me is some long time friends that my mom g rew up with and their kids justt opened an insurance agency so she may be able to work something out with me..

Also, since im on an old computer that takes forever, does anyone know if its cheaper to maintain a stick shift versus automatic?



I've heard only positives from them. I was actually looking at the Scion, which is a bit smaller, gets similar gas mileage, but it starts around 1-1500 less than the element. Ill keep the element in mind though

You can't go wrong with either Honda or Scion (Toyota). In the long run you will appreciate the additional room though.

Good luck!

[Steve C]

<Ninja edit> I'm going to leave it because it's funny but look at the beginning of the previous post.

can't go wrong with the xb2




i think my car is classified as a 5 door wagon. Cheap insurance!

[Kid A]

bike rack!

[carbonman]

auto-pilot

[Steve C]

^^^ it was serving surf duty that day

[chongoblanco]

Also, since im on an old computer that takes forever, does anyone know if its cheaper to maintain a stick shift versus automatic?

for a first car try not to look at too many extras if your going to have a car payment, a small toyota pickup would be good, extendid cab helps alot, a/c for sure, power windows are nice but not needed, keyless entry nice but not need, save yourself money for gas and going to do things and insurance is going to kill you.


Pay for your own car insurance that way when you do somthing stupid your parents cant have that card in their favor or threaten to take it away.

YOU live in california get an automatic trans, and just do the recomended vehicle maintenace and you'll be fine, stick shift is fun but clutches wear out faster than torque convertors, especially when your learnig to drive stick.

IF your going to take out a loan your parents will have to co-sign for you this is okay, after six months or so see if you can refinance the car in your name only this will help your credit score alot.

I would definatley go small pickup, you can get a truck tent for it, haul your bikes easier and so on. 4 or 6cyl.

[Rascal]

For a newbie, ABS!

[jasonmason]

Learn to drive a stick, even if you don't buy one. If nothing else, if you ever need to drive one to get a buddy's car home, you'll be able to. It'll take you half an hour to get it down. Personally i think it makes you a better driver, simply because you have to pay attention to your driving, insead of tuning it out with an automatic. And maintenance depends a lot on the vehicle - don't thrash your clutch, and it'll last you a long time. I've replaced one clutch, ever.

Anyway, other things to look for...i'll second the low insurance and high gas mileage comments. Maybe a 4 cylinder toyota truck, like was mentioned above? They run forever, are bulletproof, and have room for a bike or 3. Plus you can sleep in the back to save money when you spend it all driving to mammoth. You mentioned the element - my sister has an older cr-v, which has essentially the same setup though less funky looking, with honda reliability, tons of room, and great mileage.

Scions and civics are always good to consider. Ask jesse (integradriv3r) about his honda fit - it's got a whole lot more room than it looks like. We fit 2 bikes, a 100 gallon cooler, and all our camping gear in it with the back seats down to get to hurkey!

[Jordansrealm]

I would suggest something like a Honda Civic. Reliable, good on has, quick, will be cheap enough with all the features you want, etc... You can get a roof rack for your bike. Or if you can afford it something like a Toyota Tacoma. Reliable great all around truck and you can carry your bikes in the bed.