Concur, thats 1K of damage to the rear...if you wanted to fix it. At a minimum, I would swap out the duct tape for flex tape
Beater: Should I buy this car?
- Thread starter Kurtatron
- Start date
Wheel bearings are easy to change. I'd buy it fix a few issues and drive it.
Probably some combination of cheap factory paint, climate (UV), aggressive pad on an orbital buffer.
I had 2 days. If I had more - I'd likely end up with a Honda Fit. But due to time constraints it's the Vibe. But I'm happy with it so far.
It's more fuel efficient than my 2009 Scion xB was with the same powertrain. And it's more peppy than either of my 2003 or 2008 Pontiac Vibes ever were. So a good balanced combo there.
Now just gotta sand that roof and hood and give it some paint. Still debating between spending money on professional, or going Rustoleum Turbo can route.
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
Because Florida sun and parked outside. You should see older Arizona cars that live outside.
Ok, there are better deals out there for sure. I guess I should keep looking, but I'm not completely diregarding this xD. I like the maintenance history and health of the mechanicals. The issues are only cosmetic. I'm also just sticker shocked by car prices out there today. I don't know how I could find a comparable car for $2,900.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
AutoTrader is for newer cars at dealerships.
Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist.
salt water
Don't look on AutoTrader.
^This. I was exclusively on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. No other way to find a good deal. But it does take lots of patience. I looked at 100-150 listings, and only 5 were worthy enough to look at in person, and out of those 5 came the 1 I purchased.
With paint and body in that condition, I wouldn't be asking more than $2000 and be happy to get $1500. No safety inspection in FL so it could be a rotted out northern car a snowbird is trying to unload that failed inspection at home.
Ford Fusion. Should be good. Same as Mazda 6. Make sure it's a 4 cylinder though. As 6 cylinder ones are gas guzzlers and have weak automatic transmissions. The 4 cylinder ones (should be 2.3L) do go through a thermostat once every 50k-80k miles. On highway should tickle 30-31MPG, or at least my 2008 Mazda 6 2.3L/5MT did.
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I'll take a look at it today. It's the 4 cylinder.
I learned to never believe everything the listing says, which is why I said to verify that it actually is a 4 cylinder. Got burned on that one plenty of times.
You do know it's a manual transmission. That would be a positive in an old car, and more fun to drive.
If you're on Craigslist, maybe these cheap cars look good,
miami.craigslist.org
miami.craigslist.org
miami.craigslist.org
2004 volkswagen jetta for sale by owner - Hollywood, FL - craigslist
2004 VW JETTA--------4 CYL---2.0L-------JUST 120000ML------AUTOMATIC--------COLD A/C---PERFECT TIRES--------CLEAN TITLE----RUNS AND DRIVES PERFECT- SAVE GAS!!!!!! SAVE MONEY!!!!! ALEX 2004 VW...
2009 CHEVROLET HHR for sale by owner - Hollywood, FL - craigslist
2009 CHEVROLET HHR. A/C VERY COLD! 4-CYLINDER! GREAT ON GAS! 87K.MILES! NEW TIRES! AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION! ALL ELECTRIC! POWER WINDOWS! POWER MIRRORS! POWER LOCK! VERY CLEAN INSIDE! RUNS AND DRIVES...
2001 FORD RANGER for sale by owner - Hollywood, FL - craigslist
2001 FORD RANGER. PICKUP TRUCK! MANUAL TRANSMISSION! 5-SPEED! VERY ECONOMICAL! ORIGINAL PAINT! VERY GOOD MOTOR! 4-CYLINDER! A/C VERY COLD! NEW TIRES! RIMS! CLEAN INSIDE! RUNS AND DRIVES GREAT! CLEAN...
If you are mechanically able to do the repairs yourself to save $$$, in this day and age that is not a bad price.
It will need approx $500 in DIY parts (i'm spitballing) for brakes, wheel bearings, all fluids changed.
Hopefully the tires are good.
Good luck.
It will need approx $500 in DIY parts (i'm spitballing) for brakes, wheel bearings, all fluids changed.
Hopefully the tires are good.
Good luck.
Its a beater! - lots of life left, I'd buy it.
That thing is what parents buy for a 16 year olds first car with a C minus grade point average. An unmarried adult would be embarrassed to be seen in it. There are beaters and there are nasty beaters. This is the latter.
