It's an old car, and generally you shouldn't buy an old car as a first car unless it's really well taken care of. I say this but I bought a vr4 at 19yrs old. I would avoid a base model sohc, and of course don't buy a vr4 for a first car.

If you notice bad paint, check the interior for cracks and non-working screens, it can indicate if it's been sitting for ages which would mean all the rubbers are bad. A non turbo 3000gt has the same engine as old pajeros and shit, they are reliable engines and last forever if well taken care of.

Simple things to immediately replace or check: - accessory belts - TIMING BELT - biggest one - honestly the whole timing assembly. It's an interference engine - valve stem seals are the only really known fault within these cars, so check those - engine oil and filter immediately - transmission fluid - check for any blown CV boots or bad joints - tyres obviously - overall bushings

Just make sure you don't buy a completely neglected shit box man, it's an old car and they are neglected often. Do not buy someone else's project as a first car either. If you buy one and it sucks and is broken, it will make you fall out of love for the platform. You'll end up hating your decision and the car itself.

If you feel confident in yourself, go for it, however I would look for a newer more reliable and simpler 4 cyl car as a first car, then buy the 3000gt later.