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Smart Shopper Good, Cheap Beater Cars & Inexpensive Commuter Cars - how to find one?
345 messages, Last post on Nov 25, 2009 at 9:00 AM
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Replying to: raybear (Mar 29, 2001 2:14 pm) Mrdetailer, thorough and excellent advice in general. As far as the recall thing goes, I think that advice is relevant unless you're talking about a way-old car for which the recalls no longer apply. I just bought an '87 Accord ($500), and for the price I can't be bothered or worried about recalls. There are lots of people who sell their cars (unbeknownst to buyers) because they can't pass inspection, which isn't a problem til the new buyer gets the notice in the mail, at least in IL. This can happen quickly or several years later (our government at work). Of course, I would be quite happy if any $500-1000 lasts six months without total failure or a necessary repair costing over the car's value. That's always the gamble. |
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Replying to: raybear (Mar 29, 2001 2:14 pm) thanks |
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Replying to: raybear (Mar 29, 2001 2:14 pm) Our neighbors just bought an '00 Blazer (without asking me first, can you imagine)... they still have their old car, a '91 Honda Accord Wagon, silver, auto, 16V engine, 14x,000 miles, nice shape for a car that old in MI, but a few light rust spots starting around the wheel well or the doors here and there.. but really minor. Car will look good for another year, I'd guess. Interior is OK, not super nice, but not bad. AC works but the switch doesn't, so when it gets hot, they turn it on permanently, and off again in the fall... that's a new one to me. They were driving it until a month ago or so, BUT: it started to overheat on them on really hot days, and they don't want to spend money to investigate... So I checked it out; tailpipe clean, no evidence of oil in the coolant, no evidence of water under the filler cap, no smoke of any kind on startup... so I'm thinking they head gasket hasn't blown yet, and either there are plugged passages in the engine from not changing coolant enough... or it's something stupid like a stuck thermostat... I'm thinking minor. SOOOOOOO... what's this thing worth? In its present condition??? I told them to take it to a shop and spend <$100 to diagnose; it may be a really cheap fix.. What's it worth w/ the funky air if the overheating gets fixed? And for Mike: If you're interested, I'll put you in touch with them; I can even take a picture... I think they'll be realistic... where in MI are you? -Mathias East Lansing, MI |
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Replying to: raybear (Mar 29, 2001 2:14 pm) Anyway, in the local autotrader: 1983 volvo turbo wagon (the 240), 5 speed, good interior and body (picture looked OK), no mileage specified, strong motor, original star mags (all this is from the ad). Needs clutch, $350. If I had a place to put it, I'd tow it home and figure out how to replace the clutch myself (never done it, how hard can it be)? Heck, you could part it out for more than that (seats, wheels, etc). Could also be a giant money pit, but ya gotta be in it to win it. $350? how can you go wrong? |
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Replying to: raybear (Mar 29, 2001 2:14 pm) Mathias, is that wagon an LX or EX? Old Hondas sell really well, as you know, and the wagons are kind of rare. I'd say they could eeaasily get $2k minimum for that thing, even as is, here in Chicago. I'd definitely spend a few bucks and have it looked at, it's probably the thermostat (if radiator, gaskets, hoses are all OK). |
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Replying to: raybear (Mar 29, 2001 2:14 pm) Terry. |
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Replying to: raybear (Mar 29, 2001 2:14 pm) This afternoon, I drove 50 miles in the northern Chcago suburbs. I saw at least 100 FSBO cars on the side of the road, in shopping centers and in driveways facing the streets. It looks like there are a lot of folks who have taken advantage of the 0% financing and are selling their cars rather than trading them in. While the cars were not all beaters, some could be had for a decent price. One warning. Some of the owners have delusions of grandeur. I have a neighbor who is sitting on a car that is worth maybe $3200 at market who will not budge after 6 months off of $5k. |
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Replying to: raybear (Mar 29, 2001 2:14 pm) I agree on doing a 'drive around', check the streets, there are cars all over for sale here. |
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Replying to: raybear (Mar 29, 2001 2:14 pm) He must be related to my neighbor .. l.o.l... He has had this vehicle for sale since "May" .. it's a 99 Maxima GXE, almost 60k, no options except auto, no Leather, no slider, no Bose, just a hi mileage cloth interior GXE that needs tires and some paintwork, it's in his driveway for $14,9 - was asking $15,9 back in May .. l.o.l... I have tried to "Splain" to him (Hey Lucy!) .. but it's his driveway and I don't see it but once or twice a month, cuz I go the other way .. Terry. |
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Replying to: raybear (Mar 29, 2001 2:14 pm) He drives 125 miles to work and back every day, says no paintwork at all, clean, 3k oil changes... and he's taken a deposit, so waving $$$ in his face won't do any good... wow, a princpled seller. I hope it goes through, I need another Prizm the way I need mumps... just sold one of those last year... but sounds like a heck of a deal... I should get about that much for my '93 Corolla LE w/ 178k miles... -Mathias East Lansing, MI |
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