Most $2,000 cars will need some major repairs. I think putting $1,000 into it would be expected. I would expect a little bit of rust, high milege, a dent or two, ect... I mean $2,000 is really not a whole lot of money these days, is it?
What are your expectations when you look at a sub $2k car
- Thread starter WhyMe
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Rust.
Personally I don't expect much of anything, but a lot of people expect a perfect car at any price. You could price it at $500 and still have someone nit pick, it's just the lower the price the quicker someone who isn't like that will pick it up.
I do think under $2K is probably low, but should be a quick sale. If you have patience, try for more.
My cousin is going through private seller [censored] trying to sell a clean, well kept, but 2WD 2001 Jeep Cherokee Limited. Worst vehicle to ever sell privately is a clean 2WD Cherokee.
I do think under $2K is probably low, but should be a quick sale. If you have patience, try for more.
My cousin is going through private seller [censored] trying to sell a clean, well kept, but 2WD 2001 Jeep Cherokee Limited. Worst vehicle to ever sell privately is a clean 2WD Cherokee.
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Under $2k? Around here, that get's you nothing more than a mechanic's special. When I found my Cadillac for $1,200 I knew it would need some work. It ran, drove, and stopped so I knew I was getting my money's worth. However, in the first 5K miles it needed:
Intake gaskets
Intake bellows
Radiator
Thermostat
Overflow tank
Horns
Radio head unit
That's just to make it a daily. It still needs struts, shocks, springs, both front wheel bearings, front sway bar links, an AC compressor and probably more. At the end of the day, it does what it needs to do. But for $2k, don't expect anything more.
Intake gaskets
Intake bellows
Radiator
Thermostat
Overflow tank
Horns
Radio head unit
That's just to make it a daily. It still needs struts, shocks, springs, both front wheel bearings, front sway bar links, an AC compressor and probably more. At the end of the day, it does what it needs to do. But for $2k, don't expect anything more.
If that car runs as good as it looks I would ask $3,000 at least. They sell for more then that here in my area.
Ask a higher price & let them talk/beat you down to what you actually want.
The last vehicle I sold was a 1939 Buick Special that I had $6,500 cash in along with @ $4,000 in labor. Really nice car that I would have been happy to get $15,000 for.
Couldn't sell it at $15,000 firm, Waited a full year & listed it for $30,000 & ended up getting $22,000!
Extreme example, But people have to feel they got a good deal!
The last vehicle I sold was a 1939 Buick Special that I had $6,500 cash in along with @ $4,000 in labor. Really nice car that I would have been happy to get $15,000 for.
Couldn't sell it at $15,000 firm, Waited a full year & listed it for $30,000 & ended up getting $22,000!
Extreme example, But people have to feel they got a good deal!
Originally Posted by hallstevenson
Based on many of the responses, I'm not sure if folks have actually looked at low-cost, used cars (around $4000 and lower). Your expectations are way out of whack !
I've sold a few cars for around $2k that were in good running condition needing nothing... But they were high mileage, most of the life used up only having another year or two of life before likely needing something major... What's the big deal? 2k can get you a decent car, you just have to find it and pass by all the junk.
Based on many of the responses, I'm not sure if folks have actually looked at low-cost, used cars (around $4000 and lower). Your expectations are way out of whack !
I've sold a few cars for around $2k that were in good running condition needing nothing... But they were high mileage, most of the life used up only having another year or two of life before likely needing something major... What's the big deal? 2k can get you a decent car, you just have to find it and pass by all the junk.
So you're pretty much in agreement. High mileage, a year or two of life left, "decent", and pass by all the other junk (in that same price range).
Are there good, reliable, safe cars for $2000 ? Sure there are - never said there wasn't. Are they the majority ? Doubtful....
Are there good, reliable, safe cars for $2000 ? Sure there are - never said there wasn't. Are they the majority ? Doubtful....
Originally Posted by hallstevenson
So you're pretty much in agreement. High mileage, a year or two of life left, "decent", and pass by all the other junk (in that same price range).
Are there good, reliable, safe cars for $2000 ? Sure there are - never said there wasn't. Are they the majority ? Doubtful....
I'd say, carry cash, and jump when the opportunity shows up. First with cash wins on CL.
Just make sure you are ok with dropping a couple grand afterwards on repairs, in case you overlooked something. That's why most move on--they aren't ok with spending that kind of money on something "old and worn out".
So you're pretty much in agreement. High mileage, a year or two of life left, "decent", and pass by all the other junk (in that same price range).
Are there good, reliable, safe cars for $2000 ? Sure there are - never said there wasn't. Are they the majority ? Doubtful....
I'd say, carry cash, and jump when the opportunity shows up. First with cash wins on CL.
Just make sure you are ok with dropping a couple grand afterwards on repairs, in case you overlooked something. That's why most move on--they aren't ok with spending that kind of money on something "old and worn out".
Originally Posted by supton
I'd say, carry cash, and jump when the opportunity shows up. First with cash wins on CL.
A number of years ago, I was looking for a new-to-me, used car and was focusing on Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys and maybe (not preferred) a Civic. On many, many occasion, I'd find a listing for a nice Accord, for example, and within a few hours of the seller posting it, it was either gone or "a guy is on his way right now". A couple of times I asked the seller how quick it went (one guy posted his around 6-7am and it was gone before noon) and they told me "a guy with a car trailer and cash bought it", making me think used-car dealers were buying them to flip on their lots.
I'd say, carry cash, and jump when the opportunity shows up. First with cash wins on CL.
A number of years ago, I was looking for a new-to-me, used car and was focusing on Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys and maybe (not preferred) a Civic. On many, many occasion, I'd find a listing for a nice Accord, for example, and within a few hours of the seller posting it, it was either gone or "a guy is on his way right now". A couple of times I asked the seller how quick it went (one guy posted his around 6-7am and it was gone before noon) and they told me "a guy with a car trailer and cash bought it", making me think used-car dealers were buying them to flip on their lots.
It depends. In my experience $2k will not get you much when looking at something popular like a used Honda or Toyota. But the same $2k willl usually get you a domestic in better shape and lower miles.
Regardless of make though, I would budget at least $1k more to either pass inspection/smog or other unexpected repairs. This is assuming the vehicle is bought as is.
Regardless of make though, I would budget at least $1k more to either pass inspection/smog or other unexpected repairs. This is assuming the vehicle is bought as is.
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At 2K I don't expect much a solid frame with a serviceable engine and transmission.
Originally Posted by Willclark
I would also check the VIN numbers on all major parts and make sure they match. Some of these sub $2,000 cars could be stolen and the paperwork forged. It's easier to do than most realize.
The only parts with vin numbers are on the body like fenders and doors. Likely not to match on a cheap car that has been in accidents. Doesn't mean it's stolen.
I would also check the VIN numbers on all major parts and make sure they match. Some of these sub $2,000 cars could be stolen and the paperwork forged. It's easier to do than most realize.
The only parts with vin numbers are on the body like fenders and doors. Likely not to match on a cheap car that has been in accidents. Doesn't mean it's stolen.
Originally Posted by WhyMe
here is a pix from last last summer after a wash. never been in accident ,but its on its 3rd hood. twice its been dented above the kidney grills. very odd that it happened twice
![[Linked Image]](https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/attachments/usergals/2019/04/full-53496-31594-bmw.jpg "[Linked Image]")
I'm thinking around $5k for a car like that, maybe sell it for a bit less... assuming a clean interior in good condition and no major current problems.
here is a pix from last last summer after a wash. never been in accident ,but its on its 3rd hood. twice its been dented above the kidney grills. very odd that it happened twice
I'm thinking around $5k for a car like that, maybe sell it for a bit less... assuming a clean interior in good condition and no major current problems.
If you can get that car on a trailer and get it up to Montana, I'll meet you at the border and give you $2,000 U.S.
$2,000 here and the car won't even make it home. Or it will drive fine but you can put your foot through the rusty floors.
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