really cheap used car?

[chas]

Late 1990s Ford Escort Station Wagon, manual transmission.

 

[Nataku]

any Mk2 (1985-1992) VW with an 8v engine. I had an '91 GTI with a 5spd. Bought it when it had 150k, sold it for $500 less than I paid for it at 235k. Other than basic manintenance, it gave me no issues. Liability only insurance was $50/mo.

 

[Cavalier]

I have had good luck with two different cars in particular used like this:

Civic, (92-97) preferably EX or 89-92 SI

XJ inline 6 Cherokee (92-97)

Obviously you want to find the cleanest, lowest mileage one with lease amount of rust.... In proper shape they are both bullet proof!

You should be able to find something nice if you have time to sort through the crap. There are a handful of others in this price range that other posters probably know better as well..



Re: Zip car--- depends if you want to live that lifestyle or if you want to live the lifestyle of someone who has a car...

 

[TheFusilliJerry]

early 90s civic or accord. will run great even at 275,000+ miles and, while not flashy, won't be embarrassing to drive as long as it's in good condition(ie no dents) and clean.

 

[nicad2000]

Pick up an older Infiniti or Nissan Maxima. They don't hold their value as well as Honda/Toyota but are at least as nice and reliable. The mid 90's ones can't be worth anything these days and will be a good deal more reliable than the Germans mentioned in this thread.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by TheFusilliJerry

early 90s civic or accord. will run great even at 275,000+ miles and, while not flashy, won't be embarrassing to drive as long as it's in good condition(ie no dents) and clean.
+1

 

[Jekyll]

Bump. Thinking about getting a beater. I basically want something that's somewhat reliable and has decent acceleration and handling. Craigslist has a 90 Maxima, a 95 Volvo 850 turbo wagon and a 99 Contour SVT. They're all around two grand. Opinions? Suggestions?

 

[intent]

Why does it seem like all the worst drivers on the road are driving beaters?

 

[celery]

So no one else thinks this is absurd? Getting a car because of dog training? Anyone? Beuller?

 

[Jekyll]

Originally Posted by intent

Why does it seem like all the worst drivers on the road are driving beaters?

Cuz they're mostly kids? In my experience, the worst drivers are normally in Buicks, Oldsmobiles, etc.

 

[impolyt_one]

Originally Posted by Jekyll

Bump. Thinking about getting a beater. I basically want something that's somewhat reliable and has decent acceleration and handling. Craigslist has a 90 Maxima, a 95 Volvo 850 turbo wagon and a 99 Contour SVT. They're all around two grand. Opinions? Suggestions?

10 years ago, the '90 maxima would've been $2000, and wouldn't have been a bad gamble. Chain-driven engines that are known to go a good distance, etc. Not worth much in the end though.
Volvo 850's can be expensive (as in a one-shot $2000 or more service if you're unlucky) if you need real maintenance on them, and have the same kind of reliability as an American FWD sedan, so you don't win anything by going imported there. Safe, though, and probably a lot more car than you would expect. Most basic luxury features, some good standard safety, okay handling and braking. (had one once)

No idea about the Contour, but it's probably not the worst car on the face of the earth, nor is it theworst modern Ford. Might be the cheapest to work on, out of the three, but if it goes kaput, you may end up paying somebody to take it.
All might need new CJ joints at some point, timing belts, maybe some transmission work if pick an unlucky one, maybe some AC work considering the age... etc.

 

[leftover_salmon]

I vote for a Maxima, if only as a sentimental choice since it was my first car. But really, a mid-late 90s Maxima drives quite well.

 

[Big Pun]

I just bought a 99 Contour for $700. I normally try to steer clear of Ford, but it was a great deal.

 

[Jekyll]

^^How does it drive? The one I'm looking at is an SVT. Just found out the Maxima was in a fire and is a salvage.

Pics look nice though. Thought about getting an old SHO for lulz, but I can't find one cheap enough to be worth it to me.

 

[Duff_Man]

Zipcar is still your best bet.

The majority of auto premiums are based on personal liability more than the value of the car. If you're driving a Hummer and get in a collision, it'll cost them the Hummer and a bandaid. If you're in a 1993 Taurus with a rusted up frame and torn up windshield-webbing, it'll costs them six digits in medical.
Cheaper car does not necessarily equal cheaper premium.