My dad's bugging me to get a car. What car would be good for about $2000? (I'm willing to go a bit higher)

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Sea_Shop_5578@reddit

Hey I got my car for 200 😂 runs completely fine no leaks only driver side front bumper damage

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Gear-Discombobulated@reddit

look at older volkswagens. mk3/4 with 2.0 engine

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OldTough9446@reddit

Only good $2000 car will be if you have a generous relative willing to sell you their $8000 car for that.

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Nothing. It will need work. Make sure it starts right up, idles smooth, and the transmission shifts smooth. Ask about oil consumption. A quart in a month/3000 miles is ok. Make sure the coolant bottle is at the max line. If there is a engine light on ask to pull the code. Research the code. Bad brakes are easy-ish to fix, crappy interior can be corrected or lived with, bad paint can be dealt with or lived with, loose steering can be fixed ( but can get expensive ), noisy wheel bearings can be easy or hard depending on the car. Bad A/C is expensive to fix but you can roll the window down. Engine and transmission problems are seldom easy/cheap to fix for a novice. Research before you buy. If you are spending $2000 expect to spend another $1000 soon.

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bmxracers@reddit

2000 gets you a lawn tractor from Lowe’s. Not a safe car for your daughter.

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AgonizingGasPains@reddit

There is probably nothing "good" about a $2000 car, other than it may move on its own power briefly, but if you are handy with tools and not a complete moron (just dumb enough, like me, to like cheap cars, lol) there are deals to be had. There are tons of good running but hideously ugly cars out there that need light work. Look for faded/cracked paint, torn seats, dog hair, puked-on seats and bloodstained trunks (hopefully the dead Hooker was buried before you bought the car) and torn/drooping headliners. Get a PRE-Purchase Inspection, not a POST-purchase "how screwed am I" Inspection. I was a VW mechanic, and always took a buddy along (another set of eyes). Anything these days sub-$8k, figure high miles and/or work that needs done.

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SparkyMallard15@reddit

I would argue that trying to get a mechanic to do a pre purchase inspection is a waste of time at that pricepoint, having a buddy or dad checking it out is one thing, but like you said no mechanic is going to tell you its a good buy that will be reliable beyond getting to HS

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AgonizingGasPains@reddit

I used to do PPI's for about $200. I would never recommend "buy or don't buy" for liability reasons - just a thorough condition report, then let the customer decide based on his/her intentions, skills and needs. I had people reject buying perfectly good "near new" condition cars after a PPI, just because "it isn't the color I want". I've also had people buy a complete shitbox as a project car.

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Agile_Boysenberry508@reddit

Almost any Toyota. Corolla, Yaris, Matrix, or Scion.

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ownyourhorizon@reddit

Most sub-$2k 4runners will be in need of timing belt replacements etc or MAJOR rust repair.

im not trying to nitpick, but I know that model quite well and feel certain ways

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Agile_Boysenberry508@reddit

Don't worry. I know it's true but forgot it for a moment.

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fuego0scuro@reddit

Tell your dad to stop bugging you

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ownyourhorizon@reddit

riiiiiight

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Ok_Demand_3197@reddit

Honestly, a Pontiac with a 3800 engine is a badass option at this price point.

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Gunk_Olgidar@reddit

As long as the transmission still works.

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Gunk_Olgidar@reddit

$2k is a discounted version of a $3k disposal running and driving vehicle. And $3k is about the minimum you can spend for a running and driving vehicle these days.

Consider it disposable, because any repairs that you cannot DIY will likely cost more than you paid for it.

40 years ago when I was your age these cars were $500. They lasted 6 months ... or a year if you were lucky. Then you sold it to the scrapper and got another one.

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Gr8tWh1te@reddit

Early 2000’s Buick Lesabre or park avenue with 3.8 v6 can be had in that price range and are extremely reliable.

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Necessary-Drag-2874@reddit

I got a '98, 3.8 LeSabre off craigslist for FREE 5 years back. Guy that got it from me is still driving it in 2026.

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Ragelikebush@reddit

This is the answer it’s ugly grandpa car but they are insanely reliable and easy to and cheap to repair. Any mechanic would gladly work on one.

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Necessary-Drag-2874@reddit

Well, your biggest advantage is that you aren't in a rush to waste your money. Sounds like you aren't in a rush at all. That's really good. Smart move. Browse local listings on-line (whatever one's you feel good using) everyday at the same time, earlier-the-better. Educate yourself...an if there is someone knowledgable you can take with you, bring them to go look at a few that seem Cool. DO NOT buy the 1st Car you look at. At least, don't feel obligated to do so. Straight up. Watch a yt video about how to inspect a used car for purchase and Start looking in the 1,500-2,500 dollar range. Nature will take it's course. Owning a car is a very specific kind of Freedom, my Friend. Have Fun.

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741Q852A963Z@reddit

mini vans are not popular and you can get a good deal on a 20+ year old used toyota sienna if lucky.

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Ragelikebush@reddit

Buick lasaber

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Bubbly-Pirate-3311@reddit

Used to be that you could get a nice, reliable Corolla for $2k but now $2k gets you a really shitty car that kinda sorta runs.

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Highergenius@reddit

I sold a 98 Infiniti I30 with around 105k that someone crashed while parked out front. I fixed up the front with junkyard parts and sold it for 750. EASILY would still be driving till till this day 7+ years later. Find some listing for that price range and go with someone you may know thats experienced with cars that could be a better judge if its worth it.

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Appropriate-Paper412@reddit

Motorcycle

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twelfthfantasy@reddit

Honestly, almost anything you get for $2k is going to need at least another $3k work of work within 6 months. You're going to need to be patient, diligent, and very lucky to find something in decent condition at that price.

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SparkyMallard15@reddit

Not always true. Sometimes you get lucky with an elderly person's car, but there will be headaches even if they aren't expensive headaches, sure.

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twelfthfantasy@reddit

Like I said. Patient, diligent, and lucky.

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SparkyMallard15@reddit

Whatever. I'm just saying you make it sound like "almost" every beater is a flat out money pit, some cars are shitty but at least 1-2 out of ten are at least worth the money you put into it

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SatanicBeaver@reddit

About to sell my 22 yo beat up camry for about 2k, probably less judging from similar listings. I've put like 500 bucks into it max not counting tires over 14 years, and I have no reason to believe whoever buys it is going to have to do that much more.

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tads73@reddit

2007 honda accord

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Jeepncolo@reddit

Ya,,, its time.... your 30. Time to move out also.

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These_Net9966@reddit (OP)

im 15 twin

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GaryO2022@reddit

Who's going to pay for your car insurance? Even if you do find a $2,000 car insurance is going to be very expensive

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InsaneInTheDrain@reddit

Where tf can you drive at 15

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These_Net9966@reddit (OP)

idk ask him

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InsaneInTheDrain@reddit

You don't know where you live?

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These_Net9966@reddit (OP)

ohhh i thought you asked where id drive to im in chicago

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bluearavis@reddit

Yea. You should just save up now until you get your license. So he wants you to get a car that you can't drive by yourself anyway...what kind of car does he have? I guess he's afraid of your driving. Also. A permit at 14 seems CRAZY

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chugged1@reddit

The dakotas allow you to get permits at 14

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InsaneInTheDrain@reddit

Yeah but there's no point in buying a car if you just have a permit

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SatanicBeaver@reddit

Alaska at 14, last time I checked

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HobsHere@reddit

Are you in a state that has strict inspections? If not, the best thing to look for in a really cheap car is a pre-2010 Toyota, Honda, or Mazda that runs well but has body damage.Hail or treefall damage is ideal. A deer hit isn't bad either. Hard collisions are less good because you might have frame or suspension damage.

That pushes the price way down for what you're getting.

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MishkaShubaly@reddit

FWIW my buddy just got a one owner 2002 Toyota Tacoma yesterday for $1000. Very well maintained but it’s got 275k on it. In ten years of buying and selling vehicles, I’ve made one other deal like that. Good luck!

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annyongggg@reddit

An old honda civic, honda accord, toyota camry, or toyota corolla.

It most likely will have 200,000+ miles

If you find one with 1 owner, you’re golden

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