Originally Posted by derburger

1980 300cd bought in high school. In retrospect it was too much effort keeping it in good condition and I should have bought a huge crap wagon as my first car. Actually it was either a volvo 240, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, or diesel MB to buy.

I bought a Subaru XT this January because driving the 300cd in the winter with no garage was a huge PITA. Good luck even getting into the 300cd to start it at -20f outside, the door locks freeze shut, and the key head broke off when I tried to turn the lock. The 300cd got a new set of tires, a new headunit and four speakers. The price for that stuff is near the same amount my Subie cost.

My subaru XT is a fun car, but not terribly reliable or good on gasoline. It's a fun goofball with the 80's future car wedge shape, digital dash, turbo decals everywhere, psuedo-arcade interior, air suspension, 4wd, popup headlights, etc.

Conclusion: My first car is a 300cd and it made me anal about auto care and maintenance.