Overhaulin'

Would it be a bad idea to have an older classic or muscle car as a first car?

Bear with me. I'm 16, and I'll be getting my license in late october, and I am currently looking for a job. So, to the point. I absolutely LOVE older cars. I'm not so much worried about the size of the car, because I've driven a couple big cars, and those are easy for me. The next thing I'd have to worry about, is gas milage. So, here the next part of this. Depending on insurance, I don't know if I should drive any real muscle cars, because it would be classified as a sports car. (Maybe they wouldn't worry about it, because it'd be so old. But I don't know) So I was thinking of a 1971, 72, or 73 Monte Carlo. They are bigGER cars, but I've driven bigger, and they weren't a problem for me. How would the gas milage be for a 71-73 Monte Carlo with a turbocharged V6? I don't think a 4-cylinder would even MOVE a 71' Monte Carlo, and the turbocharger would actually save some gas. If the car had a turbocharged V6, would the insurance company bite me in the ass? Monte Carlos have never really been considered sports cars in the last 30 years anyways. They were just cars with 2 doors. (Apparently, if i car has only 2 doors, its considered a sports car; according to insurance companies) Like I said, I am looking for a job. Reason 1.) I want one. Reason 2.) I need one because my parents told me as soon as I got a car, I'd be paying for my own insurance. (And of course its gonna be high anyways because I'm 16) I asked both my mom and stepdad about those older Monte Carlos, and they said they were good, SAFE, solid cars, and they wouldn't have a problem with me driving one. My real dad wants me to get a really small car, like a Chevy Cavalier, or a Ford Ranger, or ANY small car that you can total just by hitting it anywhere with a baseball bat. And the SAFETY ratings on Cavaliers, Rangers, any small car, are Terrible. My real dad is more worried about insurance rather than my safety, and my dad wouldn't even be paying for the insurance!!!! Since I love older cars, I'm trying to make a compromise with myself about getting a 1971, 72', or 73' Monte Carlo. They're nothing compared to a 1969 z28 Chevy Camaro, or any 60's or 70's era Dodge Challenger, or 1972 Plymouth Barracudas, but Monte Carlos CAN have the potential to turn some heads if they look nice. (Since I'd might drive it to school, I'd probably make it look like a piece of shit. Probably put some scratches or small dents in the car, etc. But in reality, it'd have a hell of an engine, transmission, and other great parts. I wouldn't want anyone to want to steal it, but nobody my age is interested in older cars anyways, because they think they'd break down, even if they are completely restored......I think that's hilarious.....lol) Also, I CAN drive a manual transmission, so that's no big deal. Give me any advice. I appreciate your knowledge.

Public Comments

1. first sports cars are not just two doors, a two door honda civic is not a sports car. it depends on a few factors such as horse power and having rear seats are just two. second good luck on finding a running and affordable muscle car, most are classics. and most use premium gas $5.00/gal x 20 gal cap x 7mi / gal, well at least you save on the smog checks. repairs should be cheaper because there are less parts and easy to get to. and some one will steal your muscle car some day when you dumped $$$$ into it. come down to earth and drive a reliable car less than 4 years old perhaps a sporty looking two door honda. p.s a stick shift gets old fast and will make your knees ache in traffic. been there done that.
2. You would be lucky to get 10 mpg. And to Start off, listen to your dad. Get a cavalier or ranger, drive it a year And get to know the road, then get a Montie.
3. i felt the same way when i got my first car, i had the exact same ambitions and goals with the vehicle and after owning the 1990 toyota supra that i got, im not much further with it than i was when i got it over 4 years ago. its one thing to say it will be reliable after i rebuild this and that but the reality is with the kinds of jobs you will be getting and how much is going to be going towards insurance and other things that you want to get outside of car stuff it will take a very long time to completely restore the car, and it will be a lot of money and work. my advice to you is get something cheap and reliable that isn't fast enough to get yourself in trouble with and save up your money to get an older car and fix it up. its a great thing to have two cars because if one breaks down you aren't stuck at home or fighting your parents for a car while you are fixing the issue. your 16, you have plenty of time to earn money and get a fun car so until you can actually afford it just get a cheap car like a tercel or even a civic.
4. The old cars are not reliable. They will break you on repairs. They are meant to be your hobby car while you do your daily drive in a far more reliable newer car. And the old tanks were deathtraps compared to even the smallest newer cars.
5. I love your attitude about wanting to get an older car as your first car. I had that same spirit when I bought my 1987 Camaro IROC-Z as my first car. I don't understand why most kids find cars like Hondas so attractive. Classic cars are where its at. You will love every minute of owning one. If its in good condition it will be as reliable as any newer car and you will be able to take it and show it off at car shows. Personally I am more so in love with 80s cars (especially Camaros and Monte Carlos) but if you prefer 70s ones that's cool too. Either way its way better than what most kids get for their first cars. Good luck!