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Well, my boy has turned 17 and will be going for his P1 in about 6 weeks. He has managed to save $4K over the past years from working and we started looking at cars a couple of weeks ago. My plan was to get him looking at a few different cars in a price rang of $2-3K so that he can start to get a feel for the crap that's for sale lol

I found on gumtree a 2002 Mirage for $3.5K and sent a message asking if they would consider $2.5K if its in good condition. Expecting a no, but got a txt to organise a look-see. I delayed having a look for a week and a half but finally agreed to time and took my boy to view it.

The damn car was in very good condition, only 100K on the clock but had an issue with remote not unlocking door and tyres needed replacing. So with my hand firmly over my boys mouth (he was nearly pleading to buy it) we left with me saying we had several more to look at lol but please txt me if he sells it.

About 5 days later i finally give in to the constant harping from my boy about calling up about car. So I call and decide to put in a silky offer of $2K, highlighting my previous txt and the problems I found. Guy says he has to talk it over with partner but will call me back. 20 minutes later he calls and accepts my offer with no haggling lol.

Rego, VIN and securities checks are done and car comes up good. Now just to take the boss out to see it.

What was planned as an education in buying cars ended up being a first see buy lol...

Before anyone starts talking bikes he isn't into them but that's cool cause it means he won't try to ride BEE lol

Anyway...... That's been my weekend so far.

My daughter had a 2001 Mirage for 2 years .
At 100,000k you better check if the timing belt has been replaced. If not then it's due now.
I found them a terrific little car , reliable and economical.
Easy to work on and parts were well priced.

He should enjoy it !

Thx pa king... I think he will enjoy it and Iona they are a cheap reliable easy car that's why I choose it lol
And of course being a boy he has already put on hold a new stereo system with amp and sub lol next is MSG and tint..... I think he lists to much to what I am doing to my bikes LOL

C/lock should be a easy fix

we recently traded our mirage, 97 model, bought it new, very reliable car mate, top 1st car for your lad, maintain it and garage it it'll last him ages.

I thought I did well getting my young bloke into a corolla for his first car.
It lasted a few months until .. "This car is too small Dad", so we went out and found a 6 cyl 5 speed commodore. Now we spend all our money on petrol ..
Funny thing is, my mate bought the corolla off him and it hasn't missed a beat or used a drop of oil or water.

yeah Dale... we had many "talks" about getting the big 6's or even a v8. Thankfully my boy is NOT a petrol head and can see that a larger motor uses more fuel which costs money.. so it was a smaller car that drives lots, or larger car that drives less for your dollar.

(17-06-2014, 10:28am)Dale Wrote: [ -> ]I thought I did well getting my young bloke into a corolla for his first car.
It lasted a few months until .. "This car is too small Dad", so we went out and found a 6 cyl 5 speed commodore. Now we spend all our money on petrol ..
Funny thing is, my mate bought the corolla off him and it hasn't missed a beat or used a drop of oil or water.

We are on our 2nd Corrolla as the main in town run about car. Last one was a rear wheel drive 84 model. This one is a 2004 model, has now got 110,000k's + on it. Both great little cars, change the oil, add fuel go forever. Dad has a 97 model he bought new as his only car, has now done over 350,000 klm, timing belt changed once only still does not use any oil, legendary.

Been slack on the update lol

Got him the Mirage and helped him install BIG bass and amp, showed him how to do a basic service and let him loose. Unfortunately 6 weeks later his car decided it was an Eco warrior and hugged a tree. No personal injury other than bruises but car written off.

You can probably see that there has been a while between posts and I am guessing you are wondering why? Well long story short, a 17 yr olds first crash and being scared left out some thing from the crash that meant a long, LONG time sorting out when lies are found out. We live and learn.....

Finally the light at end of tunnel is turned back on and we are looking for another car for him. His choice of a 2010 Maloo Ute is put on hold until he find the $30K needed lol. I have been trying to nail down a "type" of vehicle but every time you talk to a youngin about cars it always seems to end up back in fantasy. I would bet my years Salary I was the same back at that age too lol.

Idea 1: any car that is mech okay and doesn't look like a hobos home under $650
Idea 2: a mid ranged car, low-med Ks (boy likes Holden Atsra) up to $3-5K
Idea 3: use all his savings and add some for a 2010+ car

Reading this makes me smile, picked up an '05 380LX Mitsubishi for a song 3 months ago and it hasn't missed a beat nor a rattle, squeak or anything wrong . Apart from a blemish here and there it's like a new car at 96k's only.

Quietest car I've ever owned and I've done the Falcon and Commodore thing too. Always had them as company vehicles.