To go along with the other "What DD?" threads recently, I wanted to know what the S2KI community thought of in terms of a serviceable DD in the $1000-2000 range. I'll likely drive 20mi per day tops, for just a few days a week. It will be parked outside most of the time (ok, all the time).

What types of cars should I be looking at? Any suggestions? Please let me know!!

 

i drive a 95 civic dx as a DD. 140,000 miles and the car feels very strong
bought it for $1,000, average 35-40 mph, insurance with multi car discount = $12 a month.

=P

 

In that price range, it's a crap shoot. You may end up with a trouble free beater. You also may end up with a car that blows a head gasket right after you buy it. I had a Corolla that I was planning on selling for about $2000 in a few months. The car had about 180,000 miles. Well the head gaskets blew while driving home. I had to have the car towed and the head rebuilt. The total bill for all the damage was near $1000 not including my labor. Keep in mind the Corolla is one of those "last forever" cars. Basically, really look the car over and pray.

As an aside, I wish I still had the Corolla as a beater. It was a good car issues aside.

 

Check my sig.







S2000 antenna ....

 

a miata is pretty reliable and a fun dd as well. a few of my friends pick there up for dirt cheap and the engines run strong, and if they don't they only cost 500 for a used engine with lower miles.

 

E30. I got my 89 for $1000 with 114k miles.

 

BMW E30 318is

Good gas mileage, and very fun to drive....

 

This reminds me of the Top Gear episode where they went on holiday in the states and each bought a beater for $1000 or less to travel across four states.

It was some funny sh!t. Their perspective is that all Americans are overweight murderers with a hillbilly accent. Their choices: 80's Dodge Pickup, 89 Cadillac Coupe and a 90's Camaro RS.

I like Jeremy's approach to finding a vehicle for each of these episode challenges. He always goes for the fastest he can get.

====

As for my input on the topic, find a hwy driven, one-owner vehicle with high miles. As long as the oil has been changed and maintenance done as recommended, you should be good.

Another recommendation is to go to your local good will auction. A lot of families have a loved one that croaks and don't know what to do with the vehicles so they donate them. You can find vehicles that are one-owner and usually babied by an older driver.

Good luck with the search!

 

1991-1994 Nissan Sentra SE-R.

Andrew

 

Mr Clean, I watched that episode in re-run yesterday!

That was some funny stuff. The Camaro, choice of murderers! "Look, that's jacket of the last man killed by the driver!"