Looking for a “reliable beater” and a simple, older vehicle that I can learn to DIY

He wants $3,000 firm

I4 M5 RWD
213,000 miles
He’s owned it since 2003
Recently replaced tires and fuel pump
Temperature gauge is broken, but the motor doesn’t overheat.
No known issues with the powertrain, steering, suspension, or electrical
Runs and drives fine with no peculiar sounds on a 10 minute test drive
Doesn’t burn oil
Surface corrosion, but no rust holes or flakes
Sits a lot
A/C needs recharge and needs compressor
No service records, but he tends to keep his vehicles well maintained and gently used

This was from a quick visit with them, I haven’t had it professionally inspected.

I just graduated from school and moved from boston to houston, I’m a first-time car buyer, just got my license, with zero experience, and I need a car soon because there’s no T here like in boston. Last week I saw a listing for a 2017 Honda Civic, 80k miles, clean title, for $16k. The price looked good, so I went to see it. The seller told me the car was fine, clean title, and had only had some bodywork done. I thought “Clean Title” meant “No Accident”, so I Zelle'd him a $500 deposit.

That night I ran a Carfax report and found the car had been in 4 accidents, one of them a serious rear-end collision.

I politely messaged him and asked for my deposit back. If he wouldn't refund it, I said the price couldn't stay at $15,500, since multiple accident records will obviously hurt resale value. I think $16k is fair for the car if it’s without any accidents, but with 4 accidents it’s insane. He responded with a long, hostile rant saying he would never lower the price and would never fix anything on the car.

I said I'd file in small claims court. He then replied that he's a US Army veteran, that I should go ahead and try, and that even if I sued, the judge would believe his word over mine.

Honestly, what does his military service have to do with whether he misrepresented the car's history? I thought everyone was equal under the law. It feels like he took my $500 and is now hiding behind this to act superior. When I confronted him, he admitted he knew about the accidents. The Carfax lists only one owner, his girlfriend, but he never mentioned that there were 4 moderate accidents.

Is it worth filing in small claims court over a $500 deposit? What's the realistic chance of getting it back? I want to sue him not just for the money, also because I felt bullied

I have an option to buy this salvaged title Elantra. They sent me pictures of the accident, no Airbags deployed apparently and no frame damage. No lights on or issues with the engine. I test drove it and it drives pretty nice.

It would be $11.000.

Am I crazy for considering this?
Thank you!

2016 model year 125k miles 14,200 obo v6 touring model

Considering a 2002 Carrera 4S with over 100K miles. IMS has been replaced, but I'm curious about bore scoring on the 3.6L M96.

• How common is it compared with the later 3.8L?
• Is a borescope essential even without symptoms?
• Does reaching 150k miles without issues offer any reassurance?
• Any particular warning signs I should look for?

Would appreciate some firsthand insight from owners or specialists. Thanks!

bought enough sketchy cars to learn this the hard way lol. For any new buyers, or repeating ones which want a refresher:

before I hand over cash now I check…
1. cold start, seller warms it up first? walk tf out
2. ask when the timing belt/water pump was last done. if they shrug, that's a $1k+ conversation. Btw, not all cars have timing belts, some are chains.
3. scan for codes, parts stores do it free if you just go there.
4. drive it with the radio OFF. listen on hills and around turns. Some creeks are fine, expected for older cars. Clicks, clacks, bangs, those are turnoffs.
5. $150 independent pre-purchase inspection. if seller says no, that IS the answer. Usually that investment is worth it in the long run. Better than paying a few grand and getting f’d over after you’ve signed the title.

I got tired of forgetting steps so I also built a free checklist tool that also flags known problem years for the exact model. no ads, and its pretty easy to use if anybody cares to try:

folk.com/f/used-car-check

For some context i’m looking on facebook marketplace for a used car around $7500 specifically an SUV and i’d like it be around a 2016 with rear view cameras but a lot of them are super expensive now maybe it’s because my standards are higher than my wallet but regardless when I find a car that meets my standards and is priced nicely I would search up how reliable it is using google AI but then it almost always says avoid this car it’ll blow up on you or something. Are some cars really that bad? For example I’ve seen some nice 2016 KIA Sorentos and Sportages along with Chevy Equinoxes. Idk if it’s just me or that’s how cars are. Anybody have any thoughts?

Title , my grandma is selling her car , 2008 Hyundai accent, it’s got 40k km on it and has a few scratches. My uncle is trying to sell it for 4.5k, and I’m calling it 3k. What are your opinions ?

Hello, so i just recently went to buy a new car at motozone in beverly, nj. See picture. I decided not to fo with it because it is way too much for what ots actually worth, ive heard ppl who tried selling the car but was for very cheap. I thought maybe i can negotiate down but they were not budging even though there are things that needs to change. Anyway i had an inspection and everything so im sharing what you might need for the car if you really want it.
The mechanic said overall its a good car but need to change 2 brake pads, routers, sensors. The inside definitely needs a deep clean. Also keep in mind if you ever want to get a new battery for the car it will be 5000$. To get refurbished battery it will be about 1k-3k. Ive seen ppl try selling and its sold from 500-2k.
If you need the sheet from what the mechanic gave i don’t mind sharing if needed.

Good luck.

90k miles for $6500. A car mechanic from my neighborhood is selling it. He has put new tires and tuned up the car. The car looks pretty good to me. I’m going to CARFAX it before buying tho. What do you guys think

We are needing a second vehicle rather quickly due to a change in my husband’s job that makes carpooling no longer feasible. I think we will have about $5k give or take depending on this paycheck on Friday that we can put towards it. My husband is pretty mechanically inclined so I’m not too afraid of some work but obviously don’t want to get something that immediately breaks down or costs thousands to fix.

I’ve been looking at used Toyota Camrys as I’ve had a Camry before and it seems like a good option but I’m not sure what years are good and what is too high for mileage etc. other red flags to look out for.

Also not sure if a Camry is better or Corolla. Or if we’d be better off with another make like Honda for example.

He also has a coworker who is selling his ford focus that apparently he bought for his teenager but is now selling because she’s ungrateful lol. He’s asking $4k so that’s a consideration but my husband still needed to ask about details and that isn’t a car we would likely have sought out on our own.

My husband thinks we should get a sturdier family car but I think a sedan would be just fine for our current needs.

Some background info on our needs: my husband will be driving around 25 miles each way for work but will likely use the car we have now which is a 2011 Toyota Highlander ~185k miles but well maintained and going strong. I have a pretty small 5-10mile radius I drive for school drop offs, errands, dr appointments, and soon part time work. We really just need something that’ll last us a few years until we’re in a better position to upgrade to a newer car. Recommendations? Also opinions on used dealerships through CARFAX vs private sale on fb?

He’s asking 2000.00 for each vehicle. I drive a 2017 X4 m40i but need a beater for short trips errands etc.

I am 23M , is this worth buying , and what potential problems will I come across . Most used cars in my area Honda Toyota are all around $8k plus with 250k mileage

It’s a clean title, 120k miles, selling for $7,800. Haven’t asked for the VIN yet but I will once they respond to my previous message. Assuming carfax is all good would this be worth?

Is this weird to anyone else? 3 years and it drove 8 miles and dealer sent it to auction in 4 days!

Hey I’m a 23m doing research on used cars trying to decide what’s the best band for my buck. I want something reliable that won’t break the bank. I’m also 6’5 so something I can fit decently in is a slight factor. I’m curious to know what’s too much mileage and too much money for certain vehicles. I just get the vibe most say between 3-5 years old is a good sweet spot. I plan to put at least 5k down on whatever vehicle I get and make extra payments to get rid of a car note asap. I have around 25k in savings but want to keep a good chunk for an emergency fund. I’ve mostly used carfax to look for vehicles. Any advice or tips is much appreciated.

I'm looking into purchasing a 2008 Ford Fusion S that was owned by a rental/housing management company for nearly 18 years. The car has exceptionally low mileage (27,000), 1 previous owner and isnt salvage, lemon, rebuilt etc. The carfax report supports the claims. It was sold at an auction, and now being sold by a used car dealership. They're only asking $4,000 for it.

They have no problem with a mechanic inspecting the car. Is this a good deal or am I not seeing something? The only issues are things that don't impact the driving, like a cracked windshield, stained seats, cracked plastic, small dent and a non working passenger window.

I don't care about how dirty a car is, I can clean it and stains/damage doesnt bother me. I just need an A to B vehicle. I'm desperate for a car and need one soon but I don't want to just ignorantly buy something that's got a glaring issue I don't have the experience or knowledge to see. Any advice helps, thank you.

• Year: 2008
• Make/Model: Ford Fusion S
• Engine: 2.3L four-cylinder
• Transmission: Automatic

Looking at a GLS 450 with 68k miles for $21k OTD. I has it’s 60k miles service done at mercedes. Has 3 owners. 18 service records. Runs perfect.

What’s are your guy’s advice if i should go ahead and buy this

2012 VW Passat Rear Underbody

I know the wheel hubs are absolutely atrocious and thats fine id be replacing them. Thatshow it looks for both rear ( Fronts are fine ) I just want to get someones opinion on the rust at the rear This will be a tiny project for me to get the car running on the road but if the rust is too much id probably pass.

Everything on it looks good but it’s at 153,000 miles.

Is this a good buy?

What should I look out for?

Thank you!