was my first car, tehcnically my second, but I only had the first for about a year. Never wrecked it, I did come kind of close sliding off some road into a ditch because I was being an idiot and tried to drift around a corner, but inadvertantly hit a patch of sand which proceeded to send me skidding into a ditch. So in that respect, it was too much for someone like you, or me. But I ended up with just some light rim scratches. Other than that the car is nearly mint condition after 2 years. I think I've handled this car very well, and no speeding tickets either. Granted I do drive like a wild man sometimes but who doesn't?

But the new accord looks promising, I would go for it, get the beefed up v6 too. You will be happy with it, although I would be happier with the 8. My buddy has an accord v6(06) and I ended up with the 8, thank god. He's put an intake, exhaust, and short shifter on it, and I'm just a touch faster than him in the straight, but DESTROY him on real roads baby. It's so much fun, because he lives down a curvy road so he will be bragging about how he kicked my *** down the straight then I will eat him for lunch going to his house.

OK, I'm sending mixed messages here. If you are spoiled little kid like me and your parents will pay for the car, insurance, and gas bill(while your in school) then get it. If not the gas, do yourself a favor and get the accord.

 

I understand why you are being told NOT to get an rx8 for a first car. On the other hand, you could be a very responsible young man. The rx8 might push you more in that responsible direction because you will HAVE to be damn responsible if you drive this car. But if you are this way and intend to continue on that path, why not get an rx8?

Your parents seem to have the money to put down on a new car, a lot of money. They don't want you in some broke-back piece of crap that is dangerous to drive and probably will lead to some expensive repairs. Unlike many on this site, I have zero mechanical skill (except clear corners!) so any repair has to be done in a shop. All my early cars broke down and needed fixing. I'm just amazed that your parents would even consider buying you an 8.

Maybe you can be the one to break this cycle we all suffer from ... the pieces of crap we first drove (although loved, perhaps). If you can get the rx8, and you're prepared to do some maintenance and are a cautious driver, break the cycle. Get the car YOU love, learn to drive it well, remember you are representing 8's and Mazda when you drive so drive responsibly.

I had a Comet GT at age 16. Smashed it after 10 days, no collision ... and it was gone. You can have an accident in any car and many of us probably drove our first cars like they were 8's. Just because it looked like a lemon to others, it was OUR first car and we thought it was the ****.

As far as driving manual goes, learn right away. Take a course. Find an older brother and have them teach you, too. Drive slow, learn the gears, don't go on the highway too soon. After a couple weeks, find a long stretch of road and practice in high revs. Always wear your bloody seatbelt! Don't drink/take drugs and drive EVER.

Good luck.

 

My first car was an Alfa Romeo Guiletta Spider, about 7 or 8 years old and fairly worn out. Put a real dent in time I should have been doing other things, but it was an excellent learning experience.

Second car (three years later) was a 10 year old Ford, a classic $50 car. Also a learning experience in its own way.

IMHO, if you think you're a car person, then getting a good car for your first one takes away one of the treasured experiences of youth.

Ken

 

my first car was a corolla that was a year older than i am, anyways that car had so much problems, the headliner fell down and turned itself into a curtain one day, we had to staple it back on, and then my interior door panel fell off and my window wont crank up, my suspension was so messed up that when it lifted the car up on a jack, the shocks dislocated themselves, and my rear camber was so bad i squeel my tires on taking turns from a stop sign, eventually the alternator died and even donation places wont accept the car, we had to pay someone to get rid of it

all in all though im glad that was my first car, cuz i got into a million fender benders with it, but i didnt care since it was gonna break anyways. Now i take care of my cars