Saturday, November 14, 2015

What car should I get for my first car? - 1


Hi everyone, I'm turning 17 in March and my parents said they would get me a car as long as I pay the down payment (I have $3000 saved up but I don't really want to blow every last penny of the down payment) and its under $200/mo (I can probably get them up to $250 if it'll make a huge difference.)

Just to be clear, I'm looking to lease a new car not buy a car. I know that it's sometimes recommended to buy a used cheap car as a first car but I am a good driver so I won't be denting it up. Also, really want something reliable and safe that has the latest tech.

Right now theres a few cars I'm looking at and they are:
2016 Nissan Altima
2016 Honda Accord
2016 Kia Optima

Theres a few major things that the car I get must have:
Good Fuel Economy
Under $250/mo
Backup Camera
Touch Screen (not a deal breaker but I really want this in my car)

I'm open to cars other then the ones I listed but I've done a lot of research and these seem to be the best cars in the mid-size sedan class that are in the $250 range.

Thanks for any suggestions!
Added (1). By the way I live in Staten Island, it usually snows from December to early February so something that it safe in the snow would be good too. Obviously none of these cars are 4wd so they wont be great but I'm sure you get what I mean.
Added (2). I'm also looking at the 2016 Acura ILX I'm just worried it might be a little to small (its about 10" shorter then all the other cars I'm looking at.) I plan to drive some friends around occasionally so I would need a car that can seat 5 people comfortably.
Added (3). Also, I don't know if this makes a difference but it'll be a 3 year lease
Added (4). Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! I still think I'm going to wind up leasing a new car but after reading all of the answers I'm considering a used car more then I was before. Also, for insurance, I would wind up on my parents policy which is Geico.

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