Good first car? Has to be manual?

Question

So im going to get my license in a few weeks. And i want to know my choices out there. I want a japanese car. That is sporty. But doesnt have to be incredibly fast like a supra or something. And before u say that manual is not reccomended for new drivers. My dad taught me how to drive manual about 1.5 months into getting my permit. Ive had my permit for almost a year now and have been driving manual with my dad at my side pretty often. I am proud to say that i have improved a lot with driving stick and my dad feels i am experienced enough that he offered me his car. But being my car loving self. I wanted my own car. 

Back to the subject. I want this car to be gas saving. Doesnt have to be like a prius. Just something between 22-35 mpg. My dad wants me to get something that is 1994 and newer due to the air conditioning regulation law thingy that apparently passed that year. 
Ive looked into the following cars:
240sx, miata, sc300, civic si, integra gsr, acura tl, subaru. 

If you can. Name some other jdm cars u can think of. Plz nothing over 7k. 

PS. My dad owns a 1994 civic hatchback VX
And yes a civic VX. For those of you who dont know what it is. Honda made a VX which features a gas saving vtec engine called vtec-e. E standing for economical. That car has no abs. No traction control. No power steering. The only luxury in that car is the AC. 

Thanks advance for those who give me a honest helpful answer.

Brent · Answer

My dad wants me to get something that is 1994 and newer due to the air conditioning regulation law thingy that apparently passed that year. 
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Say what?  You mean the conversion to r-134a?  Um...hate to break this to you or your dad, but pretty much all r12 (the old stuff) is gone.  Most any car that came with is has been converted over most likely to to AC repairs that were already performed.

So, going by your needs, you're looking at mainly...older luxury cars.  Not shocked.  Not a good idea, since repairs are still pricey on them.  The Lexus won't have a stick, the Acura TL won't have a stick, the rebadged Civic will (GSR), but it uses premium as well.  Subarus are finicky creatures.

Why not just try a base Civic?  Si models use premium fuel, for starters, and aren't all that great on gas.  I think my F150 nearly matches his 2008 Si on highway MPG rating.  My truck has two more cylinders and uses cheapie gas, btw.

As for VTEC, not necessarily a fuel saver idea.  That part can be done with a smaller engine.  Much like the variable intake manifold on my F150, the real idea was to increase efficiency at higher RPMs and still have more zip left when the pedal needs to be punched down on.

Old Man Dirt · Answer

What you want to do is make sure the shifting linkage is tight and has little play. Some shifters wear out sooner then others. It also depends on the cars age. Anything with FWD will develop problems sooner in the shifting linkage when compared to a car with a front engine and RWD.
A sloppy gear box makes learning more difficult!
So just I would suggest finding the car with the crispest shifting pattern for sale where you live.

? · Answer

Definitely the civic.Try driving the others though but hondas do inspire brand loyalty. Fyi honda  Integra is often considered the worlds best handling front drive car

JoshBased · Answer

Check out a Toyota MR2. Very fun cars to drive, very reliable and pretty good on gas.

Anonymous · Answer

Buy a FIAT 500 best car ever for a rookie driver!!!!

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2009-FIAT-500-Overview-c21448

? · Answer

I have no clear concept about it,but you can search Google.
 
Thank you.

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Good first car? Has to be manual?

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