$1000 beater car needed

[FirstNissan]

Hi, I'm looking to buy a cheaper beater car that can use to take my dogs to the park daily as well as haul junk is needed. I'm interested in an early 2000s sedan. Plan is to keep it for a few years at least. Any suggestions on models to look for/ watch out for. Thanks

 

[Andrew1972]

Tough market, happy hunting. Condition over model at that price range.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Try to find a higher >200K mileage 2WD cherokee.

 

[callbay]

Older mini-vans are usually a better buy. I have found some under $2,000 that are still good ones.

Sedans for a $1,000 that I see are usually junk.

 

[cptbarkey]

15 years ago, the sky was the limit friend. today you are lucky if it moves on its own power at $1k.

 

[Chris142]

Double your price if you want something that runs

 

[Andrew1972]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
Try to find a higher >200K mileage 2WD cherokee.


Around here a fred flinstone car with rot.

 

[Ramblejam]

Originally Posted By: FirstNissan
I'm interested in an early 2000s sedan.


Dogs to the park, and haul junk? Yeah, I'm not going to even entertain the idea of a sedan.

Here's your car: http://www.copart.com/us/Lot/26379625

- Clean Title
- Run & Drive
- Normal Wear

This is in Arkansas, so no license required (most states require a dealer license, or that you go through a broker, adding significant cost for a cheap car).

 

[zzyzzx]

What would you want a sedan for this?
Something like a vintage Ford Escort wagon would serve you better (or some other small station wagon).

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
Originally Posted By: FirstNissan
I'm interested in an early 2000s sedan.


Dogs to the park, and haul junk? Yeah, I'm not going to even entertain the idea of a sedan.

Here's your car: http://www.copart.com/us/Lot/26379625

- Clean Title
- Run & Drive
- Normal Wear

This is in Arkansas, so no license required (most states require a dealer license, or that you go through a broker, adding significant cost for a cheap car).



+1
Those NA red blocks go forever on minimal maintenance!

Or an Escort wagon as also listed would make a great option. Also cheaper parts than the Lolvo

 

[eljefino]

Saturn s-series
98-02 corolla/prism. The oil burning years, yours will invariably have the 3 speed automatic.
Taurus/sable
Neon/PT Cruiser
Cavalier/Sunfire
Early Focus/ Late Escort
W-Body Century
A-Body Century/Ciera (better!)
Malibu "Classic" with ecotec

 

[SLATRON]

Cherokee, cavalier, neon, maybe a Granny's olds/Buick, Saturn, police auction? crown Vic. GL

 

[jigen]

My buddy just grabbed a 98 Subaru wagon for $1000 for this exact reason. Not perfect but overall very nice for the price. Keep hunting craigslist and you'll come across something.

 

[Donald]

I saw a Covair on Saturday.

 

[Donald]

But the best condition Corolla you can afford.

When it breaks down and the dogs are in the vehicle it will be a pain.

 

[IndyIan]

2wd or 4wd Tracker with rusty rockers? Rear seats fold flat and a dishwasher fits. Patch it up and "enjoy".

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Any running car that can pass inspection is worth $2000. You could probably pick up a good Focus wagon or ZX5 in your budget.

 

[901Memphis]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Saturn s-series
98-02 corolla/prism. The oil burning years, yours will invariably have the 3 speed automatic.
Taurus/sable
Neon/PT Cruiser
Cavalier/Sunfire
Early Focus/ Late Escort
W-Body Century
A-Body Century/Ciera (better!)
Malibu "Classic" with ecotec


This man knows his beaters, good list.

 

[gabriel9766]

Find a beater taurus

 

[mrsilv04]

Originally Posted By: eljefino

Taurus/sable


If it were me, I'd prefer the 3.0 engine. Many 3.8's had issues.