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Ive seen many mechanics specials on Craigslist and sometimes autotrader for $500-1000, typically that have a bad engine or transmission. I also see the thousands of other cars that sell for $2000-4000+ with 150K-200K and many of these, you have no clue how much longer the engine or transmission might last if there are no maintenance records to prove if it was neglected or not.
If you had up to $5000 cash, would you buy a mechanics special and just have a transmission or engine put in it for $2-3000 or just get a $3-5000 car and hope the engine lasts.
Nicely maintained used cars are out there in the $3-$5K price range. you just have to know what you are looking for and know a nice one when you see it.
Heres 2500 privately owned used cars the Atlanta Craigslist, = https://atlanta.craigslist.org/searc...max_price=5000
I'd be looking for a wel maintained Honda or Toyota with around 150K on the mileage.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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You will not likely come out ahead on an engine replacement in a used car. There are plenty of 'fixers' that are 'runners and drivers'. "mechanic Specials' are no bargains.
$5k would by a VERY nice used car.
I stay sub $100 and usually get 'running / driving' for that fee, and they go many thousand miles beyond. (over 200k in several cases). I usually buy from towing company (more risky than 'by-owner', but cheaper too (I would NEVER pay more than $300 for a 'towing company car')). CL might make me pay $500 (which I will do for the right car). Records are OK, but no guarantee of condition.
Best bet is buy a One Owner, by-owner. You can tell a lot from the brand of filters / tires / condition of belts and hoses...
Of 50+ used cars I have NEVER bought one where the engine or transmission failed any time soon. If you are not comfortable finding a good car... you need to get some training from a knowledgeable friend. (Edmunds.com has some good advice too, but not 'mechanic quality'.)
A mechanic's fixer upper is no bargain, other hidden problems will arise and the cost to fix it up will continue to be a nightmare.
If you have a retirement community nearby look for low mileage well maintained cars there for around $5000. I've bought several that way and they were great vehicles.
I would regard a mechanics special as just that, something a mechanic or someone that can do their own work should buy and fix up himself with used parts to get back into running condition for cheap. My local Pick a Part sells complete motors for about $300 and transmissions for about $150. Plus they have 40% off on holidays. I would not buy a mechanics special and then pay a mechanic to repair it.
I would regard a mechanics special as just that, something a mechanic or someone that can do their own work should buy and fix up himself with used parts to get back into running condition for cheap. My local Pick a Part sells complete motors for about $300 and transmissions for about $150. Plus they have 40% off on holidays. I would not buy a mechanics special and then pay a mechanic to repair it.
This. If you can't DIY, then don't buy a car that is being marketed to DIYers.
If you're buying an A-B car, or just getting a car to have a car, buy a good used one, not a mechanics special. If you're an enthusiast who can DIY, then a mechanics special of the model of car you're looking for can be a good buy, IF you know what you're looking for/at.
Ive seen many mechanics specials on Craigslist and sometimes autotrader for $500-1000, typically that have a bad engine or transmission. I also see the thousands of other cars that sell for $2000-4000+ with 150K-200K and many of these, you have no clue how much longer the engine or transmission might last if there are no maintenance records to prove if it was neglected or not.
If you had up to $5000 cash, would you buy a mechanics special and just have a transmission or engine put in it for $2-3000 or just get a $3-5000 car and hope the engine lasts.
If you have to ask those on this forum if you should buy a car that needs an engine or transmission then the answer is YOU SHOULD NOT.
If you have to ask those on this forum if you should buy a car that needs an engine or transmission then the answer is YOU SHOULD NOT.
Don in Austin
Im mechanically inclined, and can do brakes, some struts, tuneups, most fluid changes, most belts, and fuel filters, just have never changed out a engine or transmission or have the equipment or try that. But with people asking $4-5000 for trash cars now, I just asked if it would be any better or worse just buying something for $1000 and have a transmission put in for $1-2K with a 1-2 yr warranty and know that part wont be an issue for a couple of years, than buy a $3k+ car and not know whats around the corner or what the person was hiding.
I can usually tell if something is off during a test drive, but most people dont put their car for sale because it runs perfect, its usually because they dont want to fix an expensive upcoming issue and if its intermittent, it can easily go undetected during a test drive.
If the engine has no leaks and runs smooth, the suspensions seems tights, brakes good, AC works, and no electrical glitches, I possibly might consider a car with a failed transmission, if I could get it for $1-2K and I could find a shop that could replace it for $1-2K and warranty it for atleast 2 years, but still would prefer to just find something that doesnt have a major repair needed. Enough issue to worry about of most used cars as it is.
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