Best Craigslist/FBmarketplace staples for under $3k?
Posted by JakeTimesTwo@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 12 comments
My car broke down. I would consider financing something nicer to get myself into wheels ASAP, but given the fact that I just finished high school and don’t want to hold myself down to a job, I don’t want to bind myself to a bunch of debt.
With that being said, I would love to buy something to drive while I save up for a long term option. If I could get something from $1500-$3000, that would be stellar. I just need something that will last me 20 or so thousand miles while I’m saving for a long term, more expensive vehicle.
Suggestions? I’m in NorCal.
KeekuBrigabroo@reddit
Find the "GenVibe" group on Facebook for Pontiac Vibe enthusiasts. They love those cars more than their own grandmothers and when they have to sell, they've taken VERY good care of them. You can likely snag one in your area for 1-3k easy, and the engine lasts well beyond the 300k that the odometer resets at.
Worganizers@reddit
Nissan Versas before 2011 are pretty reliable or after with the manual transmission are much cheaper than Toyotas and Hondas...electric power steering as well less stuff to leak. And the hatchback is nice.
Worganizers@reddit
Idk how far this is from you but you said Nor Cal and this is near Sac.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1056454966694544/?ref=category_feed&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A33088c86-a8b8-4ef9-9f99-c2239c958050
Gunk_Olgidar@reddit
Get a pre-purchase inspection on whatever you choose.
Worganizers@reddit
It seems kind of ridiculous to get a pre-purchase inspection on a $3,000 car. Sure, you should look it over yourself or bring someone but it seems that's not what you're implying but bringing it somewhere. I don't imagine any seller on a cheap car like that to bother to take it to a mechanic with you let alone the comparative cost.
JakeTimesTwo@reddit (OP)
Of course
xXCodfishXx@reddit
Like others said old Japanese cars, but certain older American models can also make for good beaters and be a little cheaper, such as crown vics (and sister models), buicks with the 3800, older v8 rwd impalas, and s10s/blazers and tahoes/yukons. The reality is a car that cheap is a gamble, and you're gonna need to learn how to do some work yourself if you want to own a shit box. Also I think getting a PPI is pretty unusual for cars this cheap, not a bad idea if the seller lets you do it, but generally you gotta inspect it yourself.
Fun_Variation_7077@reddit
I'm not sure what it's like where you live, but where I live those old RWD Impalas cost more than a kidney.
xXCodfishXx@reddit
Not talking about the desirable sixties ones, talking about the seventh eight and ninth generation. I see several in my area for under three grand in decent shape.
Impressive_Dealer281@reddit
I hear that. I am not young or in your situation as to school, but I live in a resort community (was fortunate to pay for townhome when I could still work) but I do not have a car and looking for about the same as you. Just need to get a few miles here and there for a bit. Even a golf cart would work here, but of course not for you. Will keep my eyes open though especially for you because many times the wealthy out here will help out a student or person trying to achieve goals.
dmarve@reddit
A higher mileage Toyota is a good bet
Are you handy and able to do maintenance yourself?
JakeTimesTwo@reddit (OP)
Nope. But I would like to learn, a buddy of mine is real handy