Alright, here's the situation: I sold my car back in October to help finance my wedding. Ever since my wife and I have carpooled with her car, our only vehicle. With night classes beginning on top of my work schedule, I now need something to get me around. There are several areas in which I could use thewolfweb's garage wisdom.

I am not tech savvy. I can change the oil, lights, and other elementary things. With my budget being $1,300 I will be treading through a minefield of lemons. What is the absolute best way to go about this? I have been in Raleigh for only a month now and have zero contacts, knowing zero mechanics.

A bit ago someone posted questions about a local car auction held weekly. Is this a more viable way of finding something within my small price range, compared to craigslist?

thanks guys

5/30/2011 6:04:20 PM

it's fairly easy to find a reasonably reliable car for $1300 on CL if you have some car knowledge, which the tww garage has plenty of

post what you find and i'm sure these guys will be more than happy to give you their opinions on it. they don't hesitate to give their opinions on everything else

5/30/2011 6:31:21 PM

message_topic.aspx?topic=613107?

Assuming you're willing to drive to Wilmington to look at it.

5/30/2011 7:34:02 PM

oil leak + automatic + Wilmington makes it a no go for me


I am looking for a hatchback/5-speed

5/30/2011 8:12:26 PM

Now don't go getting choosie on us for 1300

5/30/2011 8:18:50 PM

You really should double that. Or get a scooter

5/30/2011 8:56:28 PM

Beggers can't be chosers. Buy an $800 car and fix what needs to be fixed

Your best bet is a volvo.

5/31/2011 12:02:29 AM

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2410381744.html


http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2411137214.html

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2410883347.html


http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2409272704.html

The jetta looks promising... The others are meh.. but hey, there's a variety for you.

[Edited on May 31, 2011 at 2:19 AM. Reason : .]

5/31/2011 2:01:08 AM

the jetta is the only one i'd bother looking at

5/31/2011 7:21:33 AM

Quote :

"You really should double that. Or get a scooter"

5/31/2011 8:11:29 AM

The range is actually 1300-1600, and I cannot double those numbers without mugging an old lady.



I found a super sweet ride just now: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2411020632.html It's worth a look, you have my word

5/31/2011 9:36:39 AM

if you have limited ability to work on cars, an auction is a terrible way to go.

5/31/2011 9:50:22 AM

why do people think good cars are at auctions. They are one step from a junk yard

5/31/2011 11:24:27 AM

A intercooler for looks just pisses me off

5/31/2011 12:00:13 PM

Yeah, I'd stay away from auctions if you're not mechanically inclined.

I picked up a 2003 325i a few months ago from a dealer auction, and i've had to fix quite a few little things on the car. Nothing major, and it's definitely worth the price I paid for it...but you dont necessarily know what all needs fixing since you typically cant take the cars out for a spin before bidding on them.

[Edited on May 31, 2011 at 4:43 PM. Reason : .]

5/31/2011 4:43:24 PM

How hard would this be to fix:


http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2414227582.html

6/1/2011 8:40:44 AM

Quote :

"Two airbags on the right bounced out"

I'm guessing this means they were deployed? This could be a pretty expensive fix from what i've seen...and wouldnt this keep you from being able to get the car inspected until it's fixed properly?

The lights might not be too bad to fix...and you may be able to find some cheap stock or aftermarket tail lights on ebay or something.

6/1/2011 9:58:38 AM

^^That's gone.

6/1/2011 11:51:41 AM

Not fun by any means, but cheap basic transportation:

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2399644819.html
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2390221306.html
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2350015159.html

6/1/2011 12:11:46 PM

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2414653079.html

1999 $700 vw passat

"The car broke down and I decided not to fix it. Don't know what is wrong with it, so you would have to come check it out."

6/1/2011 12:43:43 PM

and thanks for the help guys

6/1/2011 12:45:28 PM

^^You'd easily double the price of the car fixing it. Or you could be like my friend with an '02 Passat...seriously lunched his engine when the timing belt broke. And that ain't cheap.

6/1/2011 1:34:56 PM

you need to double that budget or spent the money on a bike or some comfortable shoes.

6/1/2011 1:40:29 PM

If you're handy with simple repairs, perhaps consider something a little older?

-mid 80's to early 90's Accord/Civic/Camry
-late 70's/mid 80's Volvo 240
-late 70's to mid 80's GM A/G-body or B-body (Your gas mileage will royally suck, but they're easy to work on, minimal or no computer/electronics to worry about, and hold up well)

An older car can be a time commitment, as small things will go wrong, but it can be a way to make a small budget stretch farther. Granted it was a while ago now, but I got two years of solid service with fairly minimal investment out of my $800 '82 Chevy Malibu.

6/2/2011 12:42:41 PM

also, a big '80s GM that runs well is becoming more and more valuable for donk conversion

6/3/2011 5:40:07 AM

There is a recently rebuilt Subaru svx in Winston Salem listed for 2k. I'd get the car if I had time to swap the auto or a manual but I dont. The auto is rebuilt though so it should be fine for quite a while.

6/3/2011 7:48:16 AM

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2418497966.html

6/3/2011 10:20:36 AM

http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/cto/2381449509.html

6/3/2011 10:53:44 AM

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2420079540.html

"
$500 FIRM
1994 Nissan Sentra 2Dr 5 spd.
171,xxx miles
Drives, runs rough, needs cat conv. (clogged)
New plugs, wires, coil, fuel pump, oil change,
TOO MANY CARS MUST GO!!!
Title signed and ready to go!
Needs a little bit of work and you have great transportation!
(919) 619-5558
"


This could work...I don't know about diagnosing a rough running car though to make sure it is the cat...and also don't know how much it would cost to replace that

6/4/2011 9:54:29 AM

"1991 Volvo 940 SE with 235,000 miles is for sale. It is an automatic. The only problem with the car is that there is a leak in the oil pan of the transmission which causes it to drain out faster than it should. This will be a great car to fix. Want it to get rid of it as soon as possible. Will take $900 or best offer. Email if interested or call 919-536-9295. "

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2418111766.html

6/4/2011 10:19:33 AM

I might try to get this: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2417696941.html

Opinions of it are appreciated. I am going to offer 1200.

6/4/2011 11:02:36 AM

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2428966068.html

6/8/2011 5:26:11 PM

1200 is too much to pay for an s10 with that many miles

6/8/2011 6:04:05 PM

Still haven't found a car yet.

6/9/2011 8:50:47 PM

one thing to keep in mind is that cars in this price range don't often stick around. when you find something you need to be ready to pull the trigger quick, someone selling a car for $1300 isn't going to want to deal with tire kickers for a couple weeks, they want to sell it quick.

6/9/2011 8:53:41 PM

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2431576418.html

6/10/2011 5:54:56 PM

i have a nice (for $1500) 1995 ford windstar. I built it as a motorcycle hauler so it has a winch and wheel chock inside in the front but I can remove them and put the seats and carpet back in. gets ~23mpg highway. 3.8L v6 automatic with ~150k on the clock. I have all the maintenance receipts up until I got it, including a transmission rebuild, recent alignment and tires, plugs, etc. I'll be able to sell this in the next couple weeks when I secure a new tow vehicle. This should be before 6/26.

6/10/2011 9:59:38 PM

I need something with better gas mileage but thanks for looking out.

6/11/2011 6:08:33 PM

i dont know if you're going to find much better mileage on that budget with 4 wheels that doesn't need work

6/11/2011 8:25:22 PM

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2436137198.html

1997 Audi A4 1.8T - $1000

I have a 1997 Audi A4 1.8T that has been sitting in my driveway for a week or two because i haven't had the time to fix it.
I just replaced a load of parts on the car and just had it inspected and insured. The car wants to run but for some reason i cant get it running. It was just running recently after i did all the work on the car and then it stopped, i haven't really gotten back into the car and just decided to sell it. It is in very good condition. If you know a little about working on cars, it would be a great car to have. I have the title in hand. It has 165,700 miles on it. It has power windows, power locks, leather seats. Its an automatic. working sunroof, Bose radio system
The car needs a little TLC, but its a sharp looking car and for only $1000, it can be fixed pretty easy. It needs a few things. Some new tires soon. the drivers seat has a tear in it.
the parts i just replaced are:
Head gasket set
tensioner gasket
new head bolts
new intake camshaft
all new intake valves
all new exhaust valves
new timing belt tensioner
new timing belt
new serpentine belt
new v-belt
new water pump
new thermostat
just changed the oil
new antifreeze
new fuel filter
new fuel regulator
new spark plugs
I have window tint for the whole car too, but its not installed if you want to try to put it on or have someone put it on.
I have over $1000 invested in it. I have the paper work to show the parts list. But im willing to let it go for that. The Price is fairly firm. but im willing to negotiate.

6/12/2011 9:01:40 PM

dude,

stay

away

6/12/2011 9:02:15 PM

http://www.horsepowerjunkies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116584

6/14/2011 12:31:21 AM

If I were you I'd look for a 2nd gen Integra (1990-1993). Those things are solid as tanks, fairly roomy, good power (for an economy car), handle well and get good gas mileage (mid 20s city, low to mid 30s hwy). Parts for them are cheap as they're compatible with a lot of other Honda/Acura models and they're fairly plentiful. The only challenge would be finding one in good shape.

6/14/2011 9:31:26 AM

^ that second only to a 4th gen civic! Gotta love the epic cheap parts

6/14/2011 10:34:21 AM

Honestly man, for $1300, you're getting way way too picky. You just need something that will run with a minimum of major issues. gas milage and auto v. manual should be at the very bottom of your list if they make it on there at all.

6/14/2011 4:07:14 PM

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2448594368.html

1989 Saab turbo - $800

We have recently decided to sell our beloved Saab turbo. We recently had a cv joint replaced and the brakes repaired. It will still need the opposite cv joint and the front passengers side signal light replaced. the oil pan has a slight leak. This car is FUN to drive. We would like to sell this as soon as possible and will accept any reasonable offer.
more info to be posted later.




If this guy still has it I am probably going to pull the trigger. I wish I knew more about cars to help figure out what is junk and what is not. Playing around in the price range is seriously not for the mechanically inclined. I want to offer $600 for this car. Isn't there a TWW'er who does repairs? Is the slight oil pan leak something to be scared of? I am wondering why he didn't have that fixed when he had the cv joint/brakes fixed.

6/19/2011 9:18:04 AM

you think that car gets better than 23mpg? you'd be lucky to get 18. you also are considering a FORCED INDUCTION car. the chances that this doesn't have shaft play and or turbo seal leaks are slim and none.

[Edited on June 19, 2011 at 9:25 AM. Reason : there's a reason very few details are listed and there are only pictures of one side]

6/19/2011 9:24:50 AM

TEG--

I have yet to see a single integra!



I've been thinking for a while about just using this cash to put down toward a car worth ~4-5k at a used car dealership. I have issues with trusting people and feel like everyone is trying to scam at this price range.

[Edited on June 19, 2011 at 9:47 AM. Reason : and that's not to say the used car dealers won't try either...]

6/19/2011 9:46:14 AM

there's nothing cheap about a low priced car with a turbo

6/19/2011 10:28:27 AM

2001 Nissan Sentra - $1500


Original owner since 2001, bought at Southern States Nissan of Raleigh, currently has 182,000 miles.

-Awesome gas mileage, avg. around 35-mid 40's
-Base model XE (manual locks and windows)
-5 speed manual transmission shifts great
-Blue-green color (some clear coat peel on roof and trunk)
-AC and heat work great!
-Black and charcoal interior

Had recent timing belt and water pump work, however it is due for a tune-up. Car was driven daily til we bought a new one. Just had an oil change and air filter change this week. Clutch and transmission are strong and have no grinds, each gear engages perfectly. There is a small oil leak near oil pan which causes it to drip onto the exhaust, nothing serious but will eventually need replacement. Car is UN-modified and has always been adult driven, would be great for a student, first car, or great daily gas saver.

6/20/2011 9:41:11 AM