Revhead - Just giving my opinion. Exactly, they are cheap and built to a budget, meaning they are a good car to start in. They are newer and in better condition that a lot of older cars - if they are maintained. If not they go down hill rapidly! They don't have all the mod cons but the later ones - 1998 onwards aren't too bad.
I agree with you and am very thankful I wasn't in any accidents because they are shithouse when it comes to safety. With the right mods they don't go too bad either. Mine struggled but kept up with Commodore 6's.
Truthfully, my Excel handled better than my Skyline and corners I could take at 130km/h, I have to slow down to about 100km/h in Skyline. This wouldn't be the case with a R32 or R33 GTST as these cars handle choice. In my opinion, my Excel was better through the twisties, but the Skyline is way more quick in straight lines (well duh!) Maybe it's becuase my Skyline is an '82 model and stuff wears etc. etc. Earlier Skylines and such are also excellent first cars as they are bullet proof. I'm gunna shut up now before I put my foot in it again! :Paranoid: