Toyota Camry

[ozarkman417]

I driven a 2012 Toyota Camry for the first time when I was still in driver's ed. It felt good! I wish i took that car home.

Meanwhile in Missouri driver's ed is not required. Instead I need forty hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a parent.

SM-G965U

That's not fair really. For here, you need 30 hours of instructional time and 6 hours of behind the wheel test to get your permit.

Well, maybe MO Does need driver's ed. NC is fairly high (or low if we're talking numbers) on this list: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-for-teen-drivers/4598/

[tolbs17]

I driven a 2012 Toyota Camry for the first time when I was still in driver's ed. It felt good! I wish i took that car home.

Meanwhile in Missouri driver's ed is not required. Instead I need forty hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a parent.

SM-G965U

That's not fair really. For here, you need 30 hours of instructional time and 6 hours of behind the wheel test to get your permit.

Well, maybe MO Does need driver's ed. NC is fairly high (or low if we're talking numbers) on this list: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-for-teen-drivers/4598/

Didn't know Wyoming was the worst. Driver's ed is the way to go if you want your license! You take it through high school or you pay a driving school.

[D-Dey65]

The second you drive it off the lot, it usually depreciates anywhere between 10 and 20%, which means if you have payments that you are already upside down because you owe more than the car is worth.  Insurance is another variable you have to consider, you are a young man so you are considered a high risk until you are 25 years old.

And I'd like to add that if you have younger relatives who drive and neither you nor they can afford to move out of your parent's place, even turning 25 won't get you out of hock to the insurance companies.

FYI, my Camry has over 233,000 on the odometer.

[tolbs17]

Who likes steel wheels?

[Max Rockatansky]

Who likes steel wheels?

I have steel on my Impreza, they look just fine to me without hubcaps IMO.  The problem is that they scratch somewhat easy and are rust prone if you get them hacked up. 

[Scott5114]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

[J N Winkler]

Alloy wheels are considered more stylish and upscale than steel wheels, and if they are designed so that they actually weigh less than steel wheels, they offer better suspension performance because they reduce unsprung weight.  But they are also more fragile because the finish is protected by a coating that is susceptible to dulling and various forms of chemical and mechanical attack.

Curb rash (the result of rubbing the wheels against a curb) basically cannot be repaired short of refinishing the wheel.  Brake dust also combines with wet to create a corrosive paste that dulls the finish, and simply leaving the car parked outside where it is exposed to occasional spray from a timed sprinkler system is enough to dull the coating through UV being concentrated by water droplets.  Alloy wheels are asking for grief in large cities where parking is so scarce that it is frequently necessary to parallel-park--San Francisco is a classic example.

I know a few people who insist on steelies (as well as minimum option provision) for vehicles that they buy new to use as daily drivers.  I understand the philosophy behind such an approach, but before I followed it myself, I would want to ensure that the cheaper trim offered satisfactory NVH characteristics.

After owning a first car that had neither A/C nor cruise control, renting a car in Alaska that had no cruise control, and running a daily driver for almost 10 years with working cruise control and nonfunctional A/C, I have come to realize I am not interested in owning a car for any length of time that does not have cruise control.  I can accommodate absent A/C by using the blower fan, changing into sweat-ready clothing before I drive, and rolling down the windows as needed.  Meanwhile, not being able to rely on cruise multiplies the effort required to track in a straight line by at least four and makes it much harder to keep a clean license.

[tolbs17]

My mom is looking to get me some accord or camry that's under $12,000.

[tolbs17]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

[ozarkman417]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

[Max Rockatansky]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

More or less that's what I was getting at.  At that age the focus ought to be getting yourself to/from places as easily as possible. 

[tolbs17]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

So, I shouldn't really be looking at full-size cars like genesis or avalon then. I'm only looking at compact and mid-size.

[Scott5114]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

What I am trying to say is "If you are going to drive a car, you should really consider sitting in the front seat."

[Max Rockatansky]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

What I am trying to say is "If you are going to drive a car, you should really consider sitting in the front seat."

Unless it's a Super Stock racer you built for NHRA competition.  Weight distribution usually is a huge factor. 

[tolbs17]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

What I am trying to say is "If you are going to drive a car, you should really consider sitting in the front seat."

Well with a Nissan Versa, if i'm the only one sitting in the front seat i'm fine. but if i sit in the back, the legroom is ok, but the headroom is a little cramped for me. Even with an Acura TSX i'm alright driving it. My mentor has one and I had fun driving it! I driven my brothers 2011 Toyota Corolla and it wasn't that bad, really. So I kind of agree you on that one, but if you have many people wanting to ride with you, then I think you will need a larger car.

[Max Rockatansky]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

What I am trying to say is "If you are going to drive a car, you should really consider sitting in the front seat."

Well with a Nissan Versa, if i'm the only one sitting in the front seat i'm fine. but if i sit in the back, the legroom is ok, but the headroom is a little cramped for me. Even with an Acura TSX i'm alright driving it. My mentor has one and I had fun driving it! I driven my brothers 2011 Toyota Corolla and it wasn't that bad, really. So I kind of agree you on that one, but if you have many people wanting to ride with you, then I think you will need a larger car.

But if you build your car out to a racer and can do donuts in the parking lot you'll be the coolest kid at school...or you would have been 2/3 decades ago. 

Regarding full size cars if you aim for the Grandpa Sedans you might have some luck grabbing a deal.  Cars like the Impala and Avalon generally lose a lot of their value over 5 years which means you might find a lightly used one for a good price.  I briefly had a 97 Deville I picked up in 02 for $9,000 with 80,000 miles on it.  The only problems that car had was a bad ride control chip and it was in need of a good polish.  I wasn't winning any style points but that car was cozy and had a ton of room.  I ended up flipping it and making about $2,500 dollars on it.

[tolbs17]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

What I am trying to say is "If you are going to drive a car, you should really consider sitting in the front seat."

Well with a Nissan Versa, if i'm the only one sitting in the front seat i'm fine. but if i sit in the back, the legroom is ok, but the headroom is a little cramped for me. Even with an Acura TSX i'm alright driving it. My mentor has one and I had fun driving it! I driven my brothers 2011 Toyota Corolla and it wasn't that bad, really. So I kind of agree you on that one, but if you have many people wanting to ride with you, then I think you will need a larger car.

But if you build your car out to a racer and can do donuts in the parking lot you'll be the coolest kid at school...or you would have been 2/3 decades ago. 

Regarding full size cars if you aim for the Grandpa Sedans you might have some luck grabbing a deal.  Cars like the Impala and Avalon generally lose a lot of their value over 5 years which means you might find a lightly used one for a good price.  I briefly had a 97 Deville I picked up in 02 for $9,000 with 80,000 miles on it.  The only problems that car had was a bad ride control chip and it was in need of a good polish.  I wasn't winning any style points but that car was cozy and had a ton of room.  I ended up flipping it and making about $2,500 dollars on it.

Not really that good, bro. So you're saying full-size cars are dying now? I love looking at the Avalons over the Camrys. You seriously damaged your car and you got that much money for it? I'm sure it wasn't badly damaged if you flipped it. Because if it was badly damaged I'm sure you would get NOTHING out of it.

[Max Rockatansky]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

What I am trying to say is "If you are going to drive a car, you should really consider sitting in the front seat."

Well with a Nissan Versa, if i'm the only one sitting in the front seat i'm fine. but if i sit in the back, the legroom is ok, but the headroom is a little cramped for me. Even with an Acura TSX i'm alright driving it. My mentor has one and I had fun driving it! I driven my brothers 2011 Toyota Corolla and it wasn't that bad, really. So I kind of agree you on that one, but if you have many people wanting to ride with you, then I think you will need a larger car.

But if you build your car out to a racer and can do donuts in the parking lot you'll be the coolest kid at school...or you would have been 2/3 decades ago. 

Regarding full size cars if you aim for the Grandpa Sedans you might have some luck grabbing a deal.  Cars like the Impala and Avalon generally lose a lot of their value over 5 years which means you might find a lightly used one for a good price.  I briefly had a 97 Deville I picked up in 02 for $9,000 with 80,000 miles on it.  The only problems that car had was a bad ride control chip and it was in need of a good polish.  I wasn't winning any style points but that car was cozy and had a ton of room.  I ended up flipping it and making about $2,500 dollars on it.

Not really that good, bro. So you're saying full-size cars are dying now? I love looking at the Avalons over the Camrys. You seriously damaged your car and you got that much money for it? I'm sure it wasn't badly damaged if you flipped it. Because if it was badly damaged I'm sure you would get NOTHING out of it.

I bought the car when it had that damage on it.  The guy who was selling it wanted $10,500 for it and I talked him down. The damage wasn't serious and only took a couple weekends to repair in my garage.  I repainted the rear bumper, installed the replacement sensor it needed and just did a good through buff to clear up the paint.  Back then I had a side detail business that I did for extra money.  It was a piece of cake to do, all I really had to get was OEM paint and a sensor from the local Cadillac dealer.  Not having to pay anyone for shop labor netted more profit.  It didn't hurt that I could have patience selling the Deville whereas the previous owner wanted to dump it. 

Big cars aren't dying they've essentially been dead as a big market demographic for decades.  The market share for big sedans and personally luxury drops have really dropped to a niche demographic.  Cars like the Avalon appeal mainly to an older generation which is why they are a tough sell on the used car market since they lose value fast.  That's why I said you can find some really good deals if you're willing to go for a full size car.  Now you'll suffer on the back in terms of fuel economy and getting around small places but it definitely is a better place to look for extra carrying room over mid-size or CUV on the used car market. 

[tolbs17]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

What I am trying to say is "If you are going to drive a car, you should really consider sitting in the front seat."

Well with a Nissan Versa, if i'm the only one sitting in the front seat i'm fine. but if i sit in the back, the legroom is ok, but the headroom is a little cramped for me. Even with an Acura TSX i'm alright driving it. My mentor has one and I had fun driving it! I driven my brothers 2011 Toyota Corolla and it wasn't that bad, really. So I kind of agree you on that one, but if you have many people wanting to ride with you, then I think you will need a larger car.

But if you build your car out to a racer and can do donuts in the parking lot you'll be the coolest kid at school...or you would have been 2/3 decades ago. 

Regarding full size cars if you aim for the Grandpa Sedans you might have some luck grabbing a deal.  Cars like the Impala and Avalon generally lose a lot of their value over 5 years which means you might find a lightly used one for a good price.  I briefly had a 97 Deville I picked up in 02 for $9,000 with 80,000 miles on it.  The only problems that car had was a bad ride control chip and it was in need of a good polish.  I wasn't winning any style points but that car was cozy and had a ton of room.  I ended up flipping it and making about $2,500 dollars on it.

Not really that good, bro. So you're saying full-size cars are dying now? I love looking at the Avalons over the Camrys. You seriously damaged your car and you got that much money for it? I'm sure it wasn't badly damaged if you flipped it. Because if it was badly damaged I'm sure you would get NOTHING out of it.

I bought the car when it had that damage on it.  The guy who was selling it wanted $10,500 for it and I talked him down. The damage wasn't serious and only took a couple weekends to repair in my garage.  I repainted the rear bumper, installed the replacement sensor it needed and just did a good through buff to clear up the paint.  Back then I had a side detail business that I did for extra money.  It was a piece of cake to do, all I really had to get was OEM paint and a sensor from the local Cadillac dealer.  Not having to pay anyone for shop labor netted more profit.  It didn't hurt that I could have patience selling the Deville whereas the previous owner wanted to dump it. 

Big cars aren't dying they've essentially been dead as a big market demographic for decades.  The market share for big sedans and personally luxury drops have really dropped to a niche demographic.  Cars like the Avalon appeal mainly to an older generation which is why they are a tough sell on the used car market since they lose value fast.  That's why I said you can find some really good deals if you're willing to go for a full size car.  Now you'll suffer on the back in terms of fuel economy and getting around small places but it definitely is a better place to look for extra carrying room over mid-size or CUV on the used car market.

When you bought the car it had damage on it? Interesting. I'm sure many people that have a first car WILL have damage on it but it's not always. People try to look for an older sturdy nice low mileage first car rather than a newer car with more miles and it's about the same price. Unless you want those extra tech features, go ahead. It's worth it to have fun, but it's not necessary. You got L, LE, SE, XLE, XSE for the Camry, and for the Accord, LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. My teacher wants me to have a base model car since it's the cheapest and I don't need the extra stuff really, unless you are spoiled and just want the extra stuff. The only stuff i really like is leather seats and SiriusXM. I would like to find a car that's a really good deal! Here where i live, it's harder. But in New Jersey, it's easier because you got way more choices up there.

Try going on Carfax.com or Carmax and you will see one of the websites is cheap and the other is expensive. Most full-size cars are 6 cylinder (Volvo has four cylinders now), and you can go up to 8, but it's deteriorating as newer cars are getting made. BMW still uses 8 cylinders on their SUVs: X5 and X7, and Mercedes just stopped producing 8 cylinders and you can only do 4 or 6. I was born to drive and be in roomy cars, really, my parents like roomy cars. They don't like cramped cars because one of them has back problems.

[Max Rockatansky]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

What I am trying to say is "If you are going to drive a car, you should really consider sitting in the front seat."

Well with a Nissan Versa, if i'm the only one sitting in the front seat i'm fine. but if i sit in the back, the legroom is ok, but the headroom is a little cramped for me. Even with an Acura TSX i'm alright driving it. My mentor has one and I had fun driving it! I driven my brothers 2011 Toyota Corolla and it wasn't that bad, really. So I kind of agree you on that one, but if you have many people wanting to ride with you, then I think you will need a larger car.

But if you build your car out to a racer and can do donuts in the parking lot you'll be the coolest kid at school...or you would have been 2/3 decades ago. 

Regarding full size cars if you aim for the Grandpa Sedans you might have some luck grabbing a deal.  Cars like the Impala and Avalon generally lose a lot of their value over 5 years which means you might find a lightly used one for a good price.  I briefly had a 97 Deville I picked up in 02 for $9,000 with 80,000 miles on it.  The only problems that car had was a bad ride control chip and it was in need of a good polish.  I wasn't winning any style points but that car was cozy and had a ton of room.  I ended up flipping it and making about $2,500 dollars on it.

Not really that good, bro. So you're saying full-size cars are dying now? I love looking at the Avalons over the Camrys. You seriously damaged your car and you got that much money for it? I'm sure it wasn't badly damaged if you flipped it. Because if it was badly damaged I'm sure you would get NOTHING out of it.

I bought the car when it had that damage on it.  The guy who was selling it wanted $10,500 for it and I talked him down. The damage wasn't serious and only took a couple weekends to repair in my garage.  I repainted the rear bumper, installed the replacement sensor it needed and just did a good through buff to clear up the paint.  Back then I had a side detail business that I did for extra money.  It was a piece of cake to do, all I really had to get was OEM paint and a sensor from the local Cadillac dealer.  Not having to pay anyone for shop labor netted more profit.  It didn't hurt that I could have patience selling the Deville whereas the previous owner wanted to dump it. 

Big cars aren't dying they've essentially been dead as a big market demographic for decades.  The market share for big sedans and personally luxury drops have really dropped to a niche demographic.  Cars like the Avalon appeal mainly to an older generation which is why they are a tough sell on the used car market since they lose value fast.  That's why I said you can find some really good deals if you're willing to go for a full size car.  Now you'll suffer on the back in terms of fuel economy and getting around small places but it definitely is a better place to look for extra carrying room over mid-size or CUV on the used car market.

When you bought the car it had damage on it? Interesting. I'm sure many people that have a first car WILL have damage on it but it's not always. People try to look for an older sturdy nice low mileage first car rather than a newer car with more miles and it's about the same price. Unless you want those extra tech features, go ahead. It's worth it to have fun, but it's not necessary. You got L, LE, SE, XLE, XSE for the Camry, and for the Accord, LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. My teacher wants me to have a base model car since it's the cheapest and I don't need the extra stuff really, unless you are spoiled and just want the extra stuff. The only stuff i really like is leather seats and SiriusXM. I would like to find a car that's a really good deal! Here where i live, it's harder. But in New Jersey, it's easier because you got way more choices up there.

Try going on Carfax.com or Carmax and you will see one of the websites is cheap and the other is expensive. Most full-size cars are 6 cylinder (Volvo has four cylinders now), and you can go up to 8, but it's deteriorating as newer cars are getting made. BMW still uses 8 cylinders on their SUVs: X5 and X7, and Mercedes just stopped producing 8 cylinders and you can only do 4 or 6. I was born to drive and be in roomy cars, really, my parents like roomy cars. They don't like cramped cars because one of them has back problems.

Like I said the damage was minor and was mostly from owner neglect.  If that car ended up on a used car lot they probably would have just sold it as is.  It wasn't like I was replacing a frame member or really even a body panel.  Bumpers are the easiest part of a car to repaint since they aren't metal and generally don't have clear coat. 

There is a huge difference over stuff like a Toyota Avalon versus a BMW 7 Series, might want to steer those expectations out full luxury brand territory at your age.  The 8 cylinder cars getting replaced with more efficient 6 cylinders just as much as 6 cylinders are being replaced by 4 cylinders.  That's just progression of more efficient engine technology. Personally I'm not an options guy, I have a base Impreza and a Challenger Scat Pack with no additional options. 

[tolbs17]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

What I am trying to say is "If you are going to drive a car, you should really consider sitting in the front seat."

Well with a Nissan Versa, if i'm the only one sitting in the front seat i'm fine. but if i sit in the back, the legroom is ok, but the headroom is a little cramped for me. Even with an Acura TSX i'm alright driving it. My mentor has one and I had fun driving it! I driven my brothers 2011 Toyota Corolla and it wasn't that bad, really. So I kind of agree you on that one, but if you have many people wanting to ride with you, then I think you will need a larger car.

But if you build your car out to a racer and can do donuts in the parking lot you'll be the coolest kid at school...or you would have been 2/3 decades ago. 

Regarding full size cars if you aim for the Grandpa Sedans you might have some luck grabbing a deal.  Cars like the Impala and Avalon generally lose a lot of their value over 5 years which means you might find a lightly used one for a good price.  I briefly had a 97 Deville I picked up in 02 for $9,000 with 80,000 miles on it.  The only problems that car had was a bad ride control chip and it was in need of a good polish.  I wasn't winning any style points but that car was cozy and had a ton of room.  I ended up flipping it and making about $2,500 dollars on it.

Not really that good, bro. So you're saying full-size cars are dying now? I love looking at the Avalons over the Camrys. You seriously damaged your car and you got that much money for it? I'm sure it wasn't badly damaged if you flipped it. Because if it was badly damaged I'm sure you would get NOTHING out of it.

I bought the car when it had that damage on it.  The guy who was selling it wanted $10,500 for it and I talked him down. The damage wasn't serious and only took a couple weekends to repair in my garage.  I repainted the rear bumper, installed the replacement sensor it needed and just did a good through buff to clear up the paint.  Back then I had a side detail business that I did for extra money.  It was a piece of cake to do, all I really had to get was OEM paint and a sensor from the local Cadillac dealer.  Not having to pay anyone for shop labor netted more profit.  It didn't hurt that I could have patience selling the Deville whereas the previous owner wanted to dump it. 

Big cars aren't dying they've essentially been dead as a big market demographic for decades.  The market share for big sedans and personally luxury drops have really dropped to a niche demographic.  Cars like the Avalon appeal mainly to an older generation which is why they are a tough sell on the used car market since they lose value fast.  That's why I said you can find some really good deals if you're willing to go for a full size car.  Now you'll suffer on the back in terms of fuel economy and getting around small places but it definitely is a better place to look for extra carrying room over mid-size or CUV on the used car market.

When you bought the car it had damage on it? Interesting. I'm sure many people that have a first car WILL have damage on it but it's not always. People try to look for an older sturdy nice low mileage first car rather than a newer car with more miles and it's about the same price. Unless you want those extra tech features, go ahead. It's worth it to have fun, but it's not necessary. You got L, LE, SE, XLE, XSE for the Camry, and for the Accord, LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. My teacher wants me to have a base model car since it's the cheapest and I don't need the extra stuff really, unless you are spoiled and just want the extra stuff. The only stuff i really like is leather seats and SiriusXM. I would like to find a car that's a really good deal! Here where i live, it's harder. But in New Jersey, it's easier because you got way more choices up there.

Try going on Carfax.com or Carmax and you will see one of the websites is cheap and the other is expensive. Most full-size cars are 6 cylinder (Volvo has four cylinders now), and you can go up to 8, but it's deteriorating as newer cars are getting made. BMW still uses 8 cylinders on their SUVs: X5 and X7, and Mercedes just stopped producing 8 cylinders and you can only do 4 or 6. I was born to drive and be in roomy cars, really, my parents like roomy cars. They don't like cramped cars because one of them has back problems.

Like I said the damage was minor and was mostly from owner neglect.  If that car ended up on a used car lot they probably would have just sold it as is.  It wasn't like I was replacing a frame member or really even a body panel.  Bumpers are the easiest part of a car to repaint since they aren't metal and generally don't have clear coat. 

There is a huge difference over stuff like a Toyota Avalon versus a BMW 7 Series, might want to steer those expectations out full luxury brand territory at your age.  The 8 cylinder cars getting replaced with more efficient 6 cylinders just as much as 6 cylinders are being replaced by 4 cylinders.  That's just progression of more efficient engine technology. Personally I'm not an options guy, I have a base Impreza and a Challenger Scat Pack with no additional options.

Yeah, one time I was looking at an Acura TL and/or Acura TSX and I was thinking that shouldn't do really. For me, I should really be looking at a base model Accord or base model Camry from 2008-2012. it's not going to be fun to drive really, since it will most likely have steel wheels. But, you can always upgrade to alloy if you want to, however, steel is better in the winter. I'm really looking at Toyota and Honda, but i'm fine with Hyundai, VW, and Ford too. What do you think about the sporty trims like the SE? Do you think those will be fun and will do for a first car?

[jakeroot]

Alloy wheels are considered more stylish and upscale than steel wheels, and if they are designed so that they actually weigh less than steel wheels, they offer better suspension performance because they reduce unsprung weight.  But they are also more fragile because the finish is protected by a coating that is susceptible to dulling and various forms of chemical and mechanical attack.
...
I know a few people who insist on steelies (as well as minimum option provision) for vehicles that they buy new to use as daily drivers.  I understand the philosophy behind such an approach, but before I followed it myself, I would want to ensure that the cheaper trim offered satisfactory NVH characteristics.

In British Columbia, where M+S tires are required about half the year (except in the Lower Mainland and along some of the warmer coastal areas), the vast majority of drivers use steelies on these wheels, in lieu of spending extra on a set of rims for the winter tires. During the winter times, it's easy to spot a vehicle from BC, as it's usually the one with steelies.

Personally, despite the lack of protection, I do actually enjoy the look. There is a certain look that is common around here during the winter: a hatchback or wagon with steelies (and winter tires), and a roof-rack with some equipment on it. Mostly because the weather in the urban areas is usually not snowy, so there's no point in purchasing a vehicle that was purpose-built for the snow...just adapt a regular one!

[Max Rockatansky]

Alloy wheels are considered more stylish and upscale than steel wheels, and if they are designed so that they actually weigh less than steel wheels, they offer better suspension performance because they reduce unsprung weight.  But they are also more fragile because the finish is protected by a coating that is susceptible to dulling and various forms of chemical and mechanical attack.
...
I know a few people who insist on steelies (as well as minimum option provision) for vehicles that they buy new to use as daily drivers.  I understand the philosophy behind such an approach, but before I followed it myself, I would want to ensure that the cheaper trim offered satisfactory NVH characteristics.

In British Columbia, where M+S tires are required about half the year (except in the Lower Mainland and along some of the warmer coastal areas), the vast majority of drivers use steelies on these wheels, in lieu of spending extra on a set of rims for the winter tires. During the winter times, it's easy to spot a vehicle from BC, as it's usually the one with steelies.

Personally, despite the lack of protection, I do actually enjoy the look. There is a certain look that is common around here during the winter: a hatchback or wagon with steelies (and winter tires), and a roof-rack with some equipment on it. Mostly because the weather in the urban areas is usually not snowy, so there's no point in purchasing a vehicle that was purpose-built for the snow...just adapt a regular one!

I should add that one of the reasons I was find with the base Impreza's steel wheels was the fact that I use cables (Subaru models don't spec for chains) at least a handful of times each winter.   Personally I really don't care if they take a beating, they kind of already have on a lot of dirt roadways in Sierra National Forest.

[Scott5114]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

What I am trying to say is "If you are going to drive a car, you should really consider sitting in the front seat."

Well with a Nissan Versa, if i'm the only one sitting in the front seat i'm fine. but if i sit in the back, the legroom is ok, but the headroom is a little cramped for me.

The joke is that the steering wheel is in the front so if you are sitting in the back seat you can't drive the car. It is considered funny because the image of someone being so tall that they sit in the back seat and reach around the driver's seat with their arms and legs to operate the steering wheel and pedals is absurd.

[tolbs17]

I'm 6'1 myself and I drove a Chevy Sonic in addition to a Ford Fiesta through the last 7 years as daily drivers.  That's a myth a lot of people try to perpetuate that sub-compact cars can't be operated comfortably by tall people.

How about sitting in the back seat?

I don't think any car can be operated comfortably sitting in the back seat, no matter how tall you are.

Have you looked at the Audi A8 or the Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse?

If anything, operating/driving the vehicle would be even harder in a longer car. "Don't worry about backseat space if you are going to be the driver almost all the time" is what I think he is trying to say.

What I am trying to say is "If you are going to drive a car, you should really consider sitting in the front seat."

Well with a Nissan Versa, if i'm the only one sitting in the front seat i'm fine. but if i sit in the back, the legroom is ok, but the headroom is a little cramped for me.

The joke is that the steering wheel is in the front so if you are sitting in the back seat you can't drive the car. It is considered funny because the image of someone being so tall that they sit in the back seat and reach around the driver's seat with their arms and legs to operate the steering wheel and pedals is absurd.

Yeah. I've never seen someone drive a car in the back seat! Haha