I don't know the average age of the readers of GIO but at one point in your life you will have to get a mode of transportation. And since racing is a big section of the gaming world why not talk about buying your first car.

I'm not talking about the car your parents give you to run to the local store to buy milk in, I'm talking about your own car. My first car was a 74 AMC matador 2 door coupe, But my first car I bought and paid for was a 1972 Ford Ranchero GT.

(mine was blue)

I paid $100.00 for it. It was a shell, no motor, or transmission. Interior was shot to crap,but it was mine. It took me 2 months to get it road legal, and I was still working on it customizing it when I sold it two years later. I had replaced the carpets, installed a sunroof,a sliding back glass, Floor shifter and of course a booming sound system.

Problem was you couldn't hear the radio over the glass packs I had installed, hey live and learn. I also had a 351 windsor  with strengthened C4 transmission. I worshiped that car, it was my life. I also learned some valued  lessons with that car.

One day I walked outside looked at the car and said, "It's time for you to go." It broke my heart but I had a lot of happy memories to keep.  However the car didn't break me in the money area because I did the work myself. I only had $1000 in the old GT due to a LOT of "horse trading" and junk yard crawls and self repairs heck I even mounted the tires on the rims. I sold it for $1200.00 and bought a 1987 pontiac firebird from my cousin.

Whats the point to this? Well what I did a lot of you can do too. All it takes is time and determination and repair manuals. You too can have this life changing experience.

So what car will you buy? That depends on you and your money. You can't buy steak on a Ramen budget. But you can make that Ramen, the tastiest Ramen you have ever had! How?, Simple. focus on a cheaper car.

The era of cheap muscle cars has passed but there are plenty of other cars to take their place if you give them love and attention.

Take for example the 1996 Ford Probe you can pick one up anywhere between 700 to 2000 dollars.

"But it's no Mustang." Actually you would be wrong. This was going to be it's replacement. It did wind up replacing the cougar.  This is a perfect first car cheap, good lines, and reliable. Plus you can buy body kits to make it look stellar.

While were knocking on fords, the Ford Taurus is another example of good first cars.

Now if your lucky enough to come across a SHO edition don't be stupid, buy it. However any model even the wagon has a brute look to make it a Euro fighter but I would recommend the sedan. Any year model. The mercury version of the Taurus is the Sable and it is just as good looking. A good solid buy.

Now before people start screaming "Ford man" Here is this fine car from Nissan: The maxima.

Don't laugh, This is one fast mean car. Any year model of the maxima is a good car, however the early 80's model were rear wheel drive and sported the same straight 6 the 280Z had!   A simple paint job,  rim change and decal removals and you would be hard pressed to tell this from a European car. However I would shave the door handles and loose the rubber trim.  I have seen these go for 300 to 3000 dollars.

Our old GM fans aren't to be left out in the cold either. GM has had some great looking cars. Caprices, carmaro, and this other C' car: the Cavalier

The cavalier and it's sister car the Pontiac sunbird have straight body lines and plenty of upgrades available. Don't think their fast? The v-6 z24 was a surprise to many people. 200 to 3000 dollar range.

This next car might be a challenge to find but it's worth it. The Buick Rivera, any year model are all good looking!

(I prefer the 70's model and the late 80's model) this one is just as good looking and fast! This car came with a Super charged OHV 3.8 L V-6 that was pushing 240 HP and 280 LB-FT of torque. These will be a more expensive car but the ride, the power, and style are worth it.   1200 to 10,000 dollars (1972-1999).

Pontiac has always shared bodies with chevy, take for example the Grand Prix. Chevy came out with the Beretta and it's value went up, it's sister car; the Grand Prix has remained low  and it was equipped with more goodies. These cars are in the range of 700 to 3000 dollars.

All that baby needs is a paint job, rims and some love to the engine. A perfect Friday night cruiser. The Grand AM is a really good looking car. The Buick Sky lark although weird looking in the front were just as nice cars both the Grand Am and the Skylark can be had very cheap.

I have seen some Skylarks earlier models that were customized and were very attractive.

The Dodge fans There are TONS of cars to choose from. I like the Lebaron myself.

The late 80's to late 90's Chrysler and dodge bodies are some of the best designed, and that 2.2 4cylinder engine was fairly snotty.  You can pick these up cheap. Prices range from a dead chicken to 1000 dollars.

The first run body of the Dodge avenger were a cool looking car too prices run from 1000 to 5000 range.

Have you seen one of these with a viper kit on it? Awesome.

So there's the list of your future first cars to shine, polish, hot rod, and worship. Good luck on your search and if need help you can check out these fine magazines:

They can get you started on a path that you will enjoy forever, and pass down knowledge to your kids, and grand kids.

Or some body reading your blog.

All comments are welcome, thanks for reading.

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/index.html

http://www.carcraft.com/index.html