Finding the perfect first car can be a daunting task, especially when you’re on a budget. You want something that’s affordable, reliable, and fun to drive, but also won’t break the bank. Fortunately, there are plenty of great options out there that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best affordable, fun first cars, including 4th generation Mustangs, 4th Generation Camaros, Honda Civic Si’s, Mitsubishi Eclipses, Volkswagen GTI’s, Pontiac Fieros, Honda Preludes, Mini Coopers, 4th generation Pontiac Firebirds, and Honda Civics.
Mustangs and Camaros
To be more specific, let’s start with the 4th generation Mustangs and Camaros. These cars are known for their classic American muscle car style, but they also offer a surprisingly fun driving experience. The 4th generation Mustangs were produced from 1994-2004 and the 4th generation Camaros were produced from 1993-2002. We found a 4th gen Camaro in Burley Idaho here. Both cars are available with a range of engine options, from the V6 to the V8, and offer a great combination of power and handling. Something wanted from these cars are the manual transmission, which are optioned in both of these cars. These cars can be found for a relatively low price, making them an affordable option for those looking for a fun first car. We found a Mustang for only $7,200 here.
Honda Civic Si
Next up is the Honda Civic Si. The Civic Si has long been a favorite of car enthusiasts, and for good reason. The Si offers a great combination of performance, style, and reliability. The 6th generation Civic Si, produced from 1999-2000, is particularly sought after, but later models are also great options. The Civic Si is known for its responsive handling and peppy engine, making it a fun car to drive. A manual transmission is a must for these cars. They handle great, have better performance than the base Civic (which we cover later on), and are a solid, all-around car. Here’s one we found for only $8,200.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is another great option for a fun first car. The Eclipse was produced from 1989-2012, with the 2nd and 3rd generation models being particularly popular among car enthusiasts. These cars are known for their sleek styling and sporty performance. The Eclipse offers a range of engine options, from the 4-cylinder to the V6, and can be found for a relatively low price. We found a Mitsubishi Eclipse for $8,500.
Volkswagen GTI
The Volkswagen GTI is a classic European hot hatch that offers a great combination of performance and practicality. The GTI has been around since the 1970s, but it was the 4th generation model, produced from 1998-2005, that really put the GTI on the map. The 4th generation GTI offers a turbocharged engine, sporty suspension, and great handling, making it a fun car to drive. The GTI is also surprisingly practical, with a roomy interior and plenty of cargo space.
Pontiac Fiero
Seen as the poor-man’s sports car, the Pontiac Fiero is a bit of a cult classic among car enthusiasts. The Fiero was produced from 1984-1988 and was Pontiac’s attempt at building a mid-engine sports car. While the Fiero had some issues, particularly with its early models, it’s still a fun car to drive. The Fiero’s mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive setup offers great handling, and the car’s unique styling makes it stand out from the crowd. The Fiero can be found for a relatively low price, making it an affordable option for those looking for a fun first car. Here’s one we found in Burley, Idaho for $3,800.
Honda Prelude
The Honda Prelude is another great option for a fun first car. The Prelude was produced from 1978-2001, with the 5th generation models being particularly sought after. The Prelude offers a great combination of performance and style, with a responsive engine and sporty handling. The Prelude also has a roomy interior and is surprisingly practical for a sports car. Here’s a super clean Prelude we found for $8,000.
Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is a small car with a big personality. The Mini Cooper has been around since the 1960s, but it was the 2002-2006 model that really put the Mini Cooper back on the map. The 2002-2006 model offers a sporty engine, agile handling, and a fun-to-drive personality. The Mini Cooper also has a unique styling that sets it apart from other cars on the road. While the Mini Cooper can be a bit more expensive than some of the other cars on this list, it’s still a great option for those looking for a fun first car. Here’s a Mini we found for only $5,500.
Pontiac Firebird
The 4th generation Pontiac Firebird, produced from 1993-2002, is another classic American muscle car that offers a great combination of power and handling. The Firebird is available with a range of engine options, from the V6 to the V8, and offers a sporty driving experience. The Firebird is also known for its unique styling, with its distinctive hood scoop and spoiler. Here’s one we found for $9,950.
Honda Civic
Last but not least, the Honda Civic is a great option for those looking for a reliable, affordable, and fun first car. The Civic has been around since the 1970s, and there’s a reason why it’s one of the most popular cars on the road today. The Civic offers great fuel economy, reliability, and practicality, while still being fun to drive. The Civic Si, mentioned earlier, is a sportier option, but even the base model Civic offers a great driving experience. The base model Civic came with a manual transmission, has great fuel economy, and can be optioned with the VTEC engine. Here’s a Civic we found for only $3,300.
In conclusion, there are plenty of great options out there for those looking for an affordable, fun first car. From classic American muscle cars like the 4th generation Mustangs and Camaros to European hot hatches like the Volkswagen GTI, there’s a car out there to fit every budget and driving style. It’s important to do your research and find a car that meets your needs, but with so many great options out there, you’re sure to find a car that you’ll love driving for years to come.