I'm fairly sure you can pick up an elderly car for 1410.50$. When I sold Little Shitty, my 1986 mercury lynx, it was for 200$, and she was still, technically, drivable.
I'd also make sure that whatever car you buy, you have checked out by a mechanic first to make sure that the damage is all regular wear and tear and cosmetic, and that the electric/drive train is intact. After 14 years, what finally caused Little Shitty to become unusable was a corroded electric system that was going to cost me 2k to repair.
I'd also stay away from Dodge neons, they don't seem to last long. We were having serious problems with the engine and alternator by year three with The Mistake's Neon. On the other hand, my VW Bug at 7 years is still in great shape, and hasn't required anything beyond routine maintenance and the usual age related repairs (new tires, new serpentine belt).
So far, the only two things I've seen in this price range, in print or online, have been the aforementioned Merkur and a Civic in Arlington (which wouldn't have a MD inspection, and I'm nervous about a Civic that old + my driving style -- more on that aspect in an upcoming journal entry).
Thanks for the warning about Neons. I'd had a bad feeling about them before, but it was all gut -- no objective basis for it. Sounds like maybe my gut was right.
(no subject)
I'd also make sure that whatever car you buy, you have checked out by a mechanic first to make sure that the damage is all regular wear and tear and cosmetic, and that the electric/drive train is intact. After 14 years, what finally caused Little Shitty to become unusable was a corroded electric system that was going to cost me 2k to repair.
I'd also stay away from Dodge neons, they don't seem to last long. We were having serious problems with the engine and alternator by year three with The Mistake's Neon. On the other hand, my VW Bug at 7 years is still in great shape, and hasn't required anything beyond routine maintenance and the usual age related repairs (new tires, new serpentine belt).
(no subject)
Thanks for the warning about Neons. I'd had a bad feeling about them before, but it was all gut -- no objective basis for it. Sounds like maybe my gut was right.