How to buy a cheap car

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Older cars can be fun way to get to work!

Be realistic. You can find a great car for about $1000 if you can deal with a few facts about the cars available to you.
- most cars will be 10-15 years old; in rust belt areas, age is more important than any other factor. In sunbelt areas, old cars; ie. 60's,70's & 80's in good running shape are good bets, since they often are exempt from smog checks and are easier to repair.
-Choose mechanical integrity over appearance. In fact, many of the cars you can buy for this price may have dents or bad paint
-less desired models are better buys because good ones will often go cheap. For example, a Chevrolet Cavalier will be a better buy than a Honda Civic since the Cavalier has a lower resale value. You can find a nice Cavalier for about $1000, any Civic for that price will be thrashed.
Step 2

Now that you know you're not getting a show car, where do you look?
- The best place is in your neighborhood- people often need to sell extra cars in their household. Look for older model cars that have "For Sale" signs in yards and in driveways. Also, check in front of repair shops. People sometimes abandon cars when they can't or don't afford the repair bill and the shop has to sell them. The shops will usually sell the car at a price that covers the repairs they did. Most of the time the owners just want to get rid of the car and get a few bucks for it. Either way, This is the best way to find a go-to-work car.
-Ask around; someone you know may know someone with a car to sell.
-Media; although inexpensive cars are less likely to be advertised, there are some good sources such as "trader" publications, internet classifieds and craigslist and even newspapers. Many community papers have low cost classified ads that appeal to sellers of budget autos.
- Auto auctions are good for those who have a sense of adventure; you can buy cars for as low a $100; however, you won't get to test drive or have the car inspected and the process of buying can be stressful to say the least.
-New and used car dealers generally don't mess with cheap cars. You may from time to time find a go-to-work car at the back of a lot that the dealer had to take off a buyer's hand. Unfortunately, the lot's overhead will generally make the dealer price the car high. However, a dealer may see an advantage in selling the car cash for $1000 rather than sending it to an auction where it may net them only several hundred. Keep in mind, the dealer probably will not prep your bargain wheels the way he would a $15,000 used car. Expect to detail it yourself and take delivery as-is.
Step 3

Picking a peach not a lemon.

Once you begin to find some cars; here's some tips to pick a winner; please note for $1,000, there are no guarantees!

-Take along a "car person" when you look at cars, if you're not car savvy.
-Check all necessary accessories like wipers, windows, heater, lights etc. you may have to ignore faults like inoperative AC, minor electrical problems and broken switches or fix them after you buy.
-Make sure the car is not a "cop-magnet". Make sure all outside lights work and any body damage is cosmetic.
-Check all fluids;oil should be yellow or brown, if its black it needs changed, transmission fluid should be red or orange, not black- or the transmission may be burnt up. put a dropcloth or newspaper under the engine and let it run for a while. Then turn it off and see if fluid leaks show up on the ground.
-Check the tires; if the tread is worn, you will be buying new tires right away.
-Test drive the car; it should start easy, run relatively smooth- a little roughness is Ok in an old car, not stall and accelerate smoothly. The brakes should be firm and even with no loud noises. The car should steer easily and ride without feeling like the car is about to fall apart. Some suspension vibration is to be expected, but it should never be overwhelming or make the car feel insecure. The transmission should shift without hesitation or roughness.
-Ask the seller if she has any service records for the car.
Step 4

Buying the car.

-before buying; have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic. She can let you know if the car will need expensive repairs soon. A car at this price will often have flaws, make sure they're small and inexpensive if possible. Let the mechanic know that you're using the car as "transportation". Often the mechanic will advise you as to whether he thinks the car will meet your needs or if it is a lost cause. The inspection will cost about $75, but is essential, or else you might get a $1000 lawn ornament soon after buying:). If the seller will not allow you to have it inspected, walk away.
-check all paperwork and make sure the car doesn't have too many back fees due to register it. Also if the car needs to be smogged, this could cost from $50-$400, depending on repairs needed. Try to make sure the car has a current registration and that the owner has the "pink slip". If you have any doubts about the registration or title, check with your DMV before handing over cash.

Comments

bradfordfutures said

on 8/28/2009 Gov't auctions are a great place to find your dream car dirt cheap, and help the country at the same time!
http://404aackar3-yer8er4jzmm1iei.hop.clickbank.net/
(link is from a picture ad, but goes to the site)
Happy Hunting!

mission789 said

on 5/18/2009 hey i found this really cool blog that has a link to a websight were you can browse government repossed cars. fully worth a look!http://pay-ten-percent.blogspot.com/