can u get a reliable used car for under $3k anymore?

1996 Camry Wagon, 1 owner, $3600. Somebody save this thing, it needs to live with an enthusiast. It has the reverse 3rd row seats too!

Screenshot_20240317-194627~2.webp
Screenshot_20240317-194629~2.webp
Screenshot_20240317-194633~2.webp
Screenshot_20240317-194635~2.webp
 
To those saying you cant find a car that runs well under $5, There are tons of good condition vehicles now that are beater priced, just can’t be picky on what badge or powertrain it employs.
^I agree with this. You can still find very drivable cars for $3K if you are religiously checking FB. I peruse the cars for sale section often and see quite a few that would fit the bill. As was said though, you can't be picky about what you get and you have to have cash in hand, ready to buy when you find something decent. First off, at that price I wouldn't even bother looking for any of the popular Hondas and Toyotas. People seem to think they're bulletproof so generally ask ridiculous money for them. I personally don't find them to be bulletproof, but whatever. I often see deals though on Mazdas (I own an incredibly reliable '90 Miata myself), and smaller cars like the aforementioned Yaris or Versa which someone else posted links to, and sometimes Corollas and Sentras as well. Also many less popular American cars. People that think anything for $3K is ready for the junkyard and/or is totally unreliable are simply not looking regularly. I feel confident if I needed to find a car tomorrow and had just $3K to spend I could have something pretty decent within a few weeks.
 
Lexus, with buttery smooth 1MZ. I had multiple 1MZ engines and none of them were "sludge monsters" that internet preaches. Pretty sure this one may be good too.
1000031632.webp

 
Not seeing anything like that in Texas. Got notice of a free car:

Too far away for me. A station wagon would be great for hauling my Bass amp and cabinet. We do have a 3rd gen 99 Escort 5 speed manual that's been sitting for a while. Good interior and body. 5 speed needs work. Considering putting money into it instead of the Fiesta as it is much easier to work on and there is a large group of enthusiasts and easier parts situation.
 
I’ve never had success buying a turnkey beater car for less than $3k. Every car I’ve purchased needed something. Best I ever did was a 1992 Miata that needed tires and a new rear window only.
 
Dang, some nice prices--and in an area where I bet rust is low.

Wonder if any would make the 1,000 mile drive back home. Without incident.
 
I’ve never had success buying a turnkey beater car for less than $3k. Every car I’ve purchased needed something. Best I ever did was a 1992 Miata that needed tires and a new rear window only.
Yeah, unless its friends/family selling the car, in that price range there is almost something needing to be done. My current Focus was $2200 and needed rear shocks and a rear bumper bar. I had the shocks from my previous one, and I found a repairable rear bumper at a local wreckers, and my buddy patched it up to get it certified. 4.5 years, 110,000km later, its still going pretty well, just rust is the main problem. I do all the work myself on it now, and it would've been a few bucks to have a garage do all the work. The only real difficult repairs have been the thermostat(it is quite buried, and broke a bolt) and the front subframe, but I got them done in a weekend, and learned a few things.
 
When the OP said 'reliable' I assumed he meant something would reliably get him from point A to point B. I didn't read as if it needs any work at all it's not reliable. Of course(!) a used vehicle will need something, in any price range. Many of the things people are saying a car they bought needed are not things that would necessarily stop the owner from using the car as a daily driver. Some posters some to have read 'reliable' as meaning 'needs nothing' for under $3K. Yes, I agree finding a vehicle that needs nothing is probably not possible for under $3K.
 
Back
Top