Looking for another interesting beater/project car
- Thread starter Elkins45
- Start date
you are already showing your age here. Miatas aren’t ridiculed like they used to be. The internet silenced all but the most devoted of trolls. I had a Miata and got nothing but interest and compliments from dudes.
Buying a good, cheap, used car has been really, really, really difficult for years.
The last three I've had were through acquaintances (friends, friends of friends, family, coworkers, etc). If you can, look for a car this way. Maybe someone is getting a new car soon and is going to trade their old in for not very much money... maybe they have a parent who is giving up driving... or someone passed away... Sad but those things happen and those are usually well maintained, low mileage vehicles as long as dings and dents are OK.
The last three I've had were through acquaintances (friends, friends of friends, family, coworkers, etc). If you can, look for a car this way. Maybe someone is getting a new car soon and is going to trade their old in for not very much money... maybe they have a parent who is giving up driving... or someone passed away... Sad but those things happen and those are usually well maintained, low mileage vehicles as long as dings and dents are OK.
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- Oct 19, 2025
- Messages
- 167
I found this to be a 100% true. I was looking at cars priced between 3 and 5k. At car lots it was almost impossible to find one that didn't need many thousands in repairs. Even on Facebook (which l hate) they were not that much cheaper and many of the sellers were either liars or scammers. Occasionally l would come across a car that was good on paper but it would sell almost instantly.
Some wise people on this forum said people rarely get rid of cars without problems.
After purchasing a money pit of a vehicle l found my boss selling a well maintained car for 4k. I jumped on it even though l didn't need it
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How does the OP feel about Turbos?
I didn't just buy an xB from you, did I?
In all seriousness - a Fiat 500. Yes the engine bay is a little tight, just like the back seats. But the good thing is that 1.4T MultiAir has gained a reputation of quite a reliable engine. I had it in the bigger Fiat 500x with 6MT, and absolutely loved it.
Great power, (up to 43) MPG, and reliability. The usual Tony joke does not fit these Fiats. And best part is: they are cheap, plentiful, and very fun. I have even seen the great tiny scorpions: the Abarths for 5000-6500 in very good condition. Just like 90s Hondas - gotta swap the timing belt once per 90k miles. Which is a VERY small price to pay for the package you'd be getting here.
If a FIAT 500 is too small - a Jeep Renegade (Sport trim specifically) with 1.4T/6MT/4WD is also quite a reliable fun bargain on Marketplace.
This 1.4T engine is a certified hooner, no matter what body it's in. With a muffler delete or full straight pipe it makes some VERY wonderful noises.
And if you considered a Miata - its twin, the Fiat 124, is much cheaper and comes with that 1.4T engine.
In all seriousness - a Fiat 500. Yes the engine bay is a little tight, just like the back seats. But the good thing is that 1.4T MultiAir has gained a reputation of quite a reliable engine. I had it in the bigger Fiat 500x with 6MT, and absolutely loved it.
Great power, (up to 43) MPG, and reliability. The usual Tony joke does not fit these Fiats. And best part is: they are cheap, plentiful, and very fun. I have even seen the great tiny scorpions: the Abarths for 5000-6500 in very good condition. Just like 90s Hondas - gotta swap the timing belt once per 90k miles. Which is a VERY small price to pay for the package you'd be getting here.
If a FIAT 500 is too small - a Jeep Renegade (Sport trim specifically) with 1.4T/6MT/4WD is also quite a reliable fun bargain on Marketplace.
This 1.4T engine is a certified hooner, no matter what body it's in. With a muffler delete or full straight pipe it makes some VERY wonderful noises.
And if you considered a Miata - its twin, the Fiat 124, is much cheaper and comes with that 1.4T engine.
A neat 'throwback' car is a Golf GTI with VR6 engine. What a blast to drive. They are rare now, but if you find one, drive it. It is up there with the cars that are most fun to drive. From the mid 1990's on they were an absolute blast.
Elkins45
Site Donor 2026
Elkins45
Site Donor 2026
For that kind of coin, it is certainly worth a look.
