5 Cars For The First-Time Buyer

5 Cars For The First-Time Buyer

Patrick Rowlings
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Maybe you're heading off to college in the fall, or perhaps you just graduated and are finally living on your own. Or maybe you just got that long-overdue raise.

You're a guy just starting out and you need to buy your first car — and dad isn't going to help you pay for it. It's all up to you, big guy. You want it to look hot, have a low price tag and save you money on things like gas and insurance. Here's a list of some cars you'll want to check out. They're all 2004 models, so you'll likely be shopping secondhand. Original MSRPs are provided to give you a sense of the price range.

1- 2004 Mazda3
Manufacturer's retail price: Between $13,680 & $17,105 US

Mazda introduced this car to replace the Protege that it had manufactured under Ford's name (a model with a reputation for not having much in the guts department). The Mazda3 gives the driver plenty of zip for his buck, with a standard engine offering 148 horsepower. Thankfully, that power won't cost you at the pump. The Mazda3 gets a more than adequate 28 to 35 miles per gallon.

Why it's a good first buy: Space is always a concern with your first car. You'll want a big trunk because you'll be moving stuff around, but you don't have the cash to spring for a mid- or full-sized model.

While the Mazda3's hatchback design doesn't give you the largest trunk in the compact class, it does have a back seat that can be flipped forward rather easily, giving you some versatility that will make all the difference. A flip-forward backseat lets you haul stuff around during the day and take your girlfriend out at night, all in the same cost-effective car.

2004 Mazda3, Credit: Mazda.ca
What sets it apart: Some small cars feel like tin cans on the road, leaving you feeling like a sardine. That was the rap on the Protege, but a new frame fixed all that.

This Mazda is a very responsive small car, with tight handling that hugs the road. The comfortable ride makes it a pleasure to drive, which isn't always the case with smaller cars.

If you're going for pure pleasure with your driving experience, Mazda lets you go the full nine yards. For $590, you can add a leather seat option. That's a nice way to spiff up your first car. No, it won't compete with a Mercedes or a BMW, but it tells the ladies that you're a man on the move.

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