Best car for people with little money

[Angel]

Hey y'all, you seem like a bunch of people that know a lot about cars

Sometimes I find myself helping a person fix their car and I think "this person just needs a new/different car"

But the reason I'm helping them fix it, is because they need it to get to work and they dont have money/credit for something else.

So, if you only had $1500 to buy a car (or $1k) what the best bet ?

granted, nothing at $1k is going to be in decent shape, but its gotta be better than the 2000 impala that needs a new steering rack and drinks oil like an overused metaphor...

Best car for $1500 ?

-John

[JuiceMan]

Maybe search for a used GEO/Chevrolet Prizm. In my experience they are extremely reliable if they have been remotely well maintained.

[t walgamuth]

full sized rear wheel drive ford or gm.

[catmandoo62]

pre 98 toyota camry's with the 2.2 4 cyl.

[tjts1]

Used 600SEL.

[Mölyapina]

Originally Posted by tjts1

Used 600SEL.

Win

[Mölyapina]

Originally Posted by JuiceMan

Maybe search for a used GEO/Chevrolet Prizm. In my experience they are extremely reliable if they have been remotely well maintained.

Exactly what I was going to say. These cars are basically rebadged Corollas. Corolla quality without the Corolla premium. Just be aware the the Chevrolet Prizm (1998-2002) has the potential to burn oil, so that generation might not be the best bet for her if she isn't the kind to keep an eye on that stuff.

Panthers are also a good bet, but if she's hard up on money, the ~20 MPG probably might not be desirable.

[Mölyapina]

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/5343799112.html

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/5280467800.html

Prizms/Corollas may not be the flashiest of cars, but they serve their purpose -- reliable, cheap transportation -- perhaps better than almost any other car.

Here are some Corollas. At this low a price point, there really isn't much of a difference between the two in price:

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/5339828048.html

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/5345343725.html

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/ctd/5346543474.html

[Angel]

Thank you guys for the responses so far, the Prizm/corolla stuff is excellent (also like the Vibe/Matrix...)

Many people hold the opinion that you need to stay away from old V8's if you don't have a lot of money. I'm not sure those numbers hold out for someone who doesn't drive very far, very often, and always in the City. I'm not sure that this (one person in particular's) V6 impala would cost that much more on fuel than a V8 panther party...especially if the panther comes in cheaper or with fewer miles.

I really didn't want to focus on this latest situation I found myself involved with, I know way more people that are years from owning a new/newer car than I know people with BMW Z4's... Just looking for good model lines, with some kinda proven lineage, that generally start and run in the morning when neglected. Any car will go 100K or 300K if you throw enough money at it...

-John

[Delibes]

—Geo Prizm
—Buick Park Avenue
—Honda Accord
—Nissan Maxima
—90's Toyota Camry (4-cyl)
—Toyota Corolla
—Mazda Protege
—Jeep XJ (4.0)
—Crown Vic / Mercury Grand Marquis
—Nissan Pathfinder
—Toyota Previa
—90's Ford Taurus
—90's Saturns
—Lexus LS400
—Chevy Caprice / Buick Roadmaster
—Honda CRV
—Acura Vigor
—Kia Sportage
—Honda CRX

There's plenty more, but these are just a few based on a couple Craigslist searches I did. I would include pre-1985 Mercedes diesels if you are mechanically adept and can do plenty of junkyard diving...

[E150GT]

I paid $1500 for a 1995 F150 with a 4.9L 6 cyclinder and a 5 speed. Runs great. I average about 15.5 mpg mixed cruising.

[tbomachines]

Nobody suggested a Honda Civic yet (although delibes mentioned a crx). Mid 90s manual civics are in that range if you can find a stock one. Really, most small 4cyl Japanese cars from the era would be a solid choice. To be honest, I'd probably try and fix the impala. Those engines are readily available and cheap to work on, unfortunately the 3.4 (assuming the year and model here) has a reputation for blowing head gaskets/intake gaskets but otherwise pretty solid.


Sent from an abacus

[Angel]

I hadn't heard about head gaskets on the 3.4 - thank you, that would explain the coolant smell, oil consumption and my recommendation that she scrap the car. (150k, hasn't been maintained at all I can tell....)

I appreciate the list Delibes, but finding one under $1k is tough.

-John

[kerry]

Often times a 20 yr old luxury car bought by a retiree upon retirement and driven about 35k before they die and it moves into their estate is a good bargain. Frequently Buicks, Olds, Cadillacs etc.

[BAVBMW]

Under $1k is going to be really tough. At least, it is here. I tell people to figure on approx $5k. Anything less is going to have significant things wrong with from the perspective of a daily driver. This is assuming that basic needs such as braking, starting (without pushing or bumping or opening the hood for any reason), shifting, steering, being able to reach and maintain at least 70mph (safely, so good suspension as well), doors that open and close without unusual measures, windows that at least stay closed, and locks that allow the vehicle to be secured, are all required. Vehicles can often be found and purchased for less, but the repairs in the first 6 months to a year raise the price right back up to the $5k area.

MV