I was given a Volvo 144 at about fifteen. I'd avoid that sort of car. Parts are going to be rare and expensive. Compare that to, say, a Camry or Commodore. Parts are easy to get at wreckers or on ebay, and youtube will have videos of many common fixes.
I would argue that second-hand parts are pretty easy to find for 240s, for example, as well. Especially around Melbourne They're pretty popular cars, were produced in much the same form for about 20 years, and there are still plenty kicking around these days. Reliable and pretty easy to work on, and safer than your average Japanese or Australian shitbox from <2000.
There's a series on how all these luxury cars are made, been on eztv.it the last few days.
You just have to watch that 'Ultimate Factories' to know why some of these things cost so much. The fastidiousness with which they are built, and the attention to detail is just astonishing. Almost psychotic in some cases.
If you were looking for a car for under $1000, what would you look at? This would be for a first time owner :)
Nothing. Death traps and money pits. Budget at least $5k including the car, insurance, servicing and new tires in the first year, otherwise the $1k will turn into much, much more
Yeah $1k is a bit low - anything you get for that will be a piece of crap and more trouble than it's worth.
Get something like a Volvo 240 if you want bang for your buck, as long as you find one in reasonable condition.
I was thinking drive it till it dies, then go buy another car. Cheap 3rd party insurance...
You'll want to be careful doing that and not completely disregard maintenance. Having parts of the suspension/steering fail, or breaking down/losing throttle in a bad spot, can be pretty dangerous. I would at least get it serviced and checked over at least once a year.
Dad was a part time mechanic and seems to be okay with anything that doesn't have too much electronics in the car.
If you were looking for a car for under $1000, what would you look at? This would be for a first time owner :)
Nothing. Death traps and money pits. Budget at least $5k including the car, insurance, servicing and new tires in the first year, otherwise the $1k will turn into much, much more
Yeah $1k is a bit low - anything you get for that will be a piece of crap and more trouble than it's worth.
Get something like a Volvo 240 if you want bang for your buck, as long as you find one in reasonable condition.
I was thinking drive it till it dies, then go buy another car. Cheap 3rd party insurance...
You'll want to be careful doing that and not completely disregard maintenance. Having parts of the suspension/steering fail, or breaking down/losing throttle in a bad spot, can be pretty dangerous. I would at least get it serviced and checked over at least once a year.
Dad was a part time mechanic and seems to be okay with anything that doesn't have too much electronics in the car.
$ 1000? lt could cost you twice as much as that again to make sure it is roadworthy.
If you were looking for a car for under $1000, what would you look at? This would be for a first time owner :)
Nothing. Death traps and money pits. Budget at least $5k including the car, insurance, servicing and new tires in the first year, otherwise the $1k will turn into much, much more
Yeah $1k is a bit low - anything you get for that will be a piece of crap and more trouble than it's worth.
Get something like a Volvo 240 if you want bang for your buck, as long as you find one in reasonable condition.
I was thinking drive it till it dies, then go buy another car. Cheap 3rd party insurance...
You'll want to be careful doing that and not completely disregard maintenance. Having parts of the suspension/steering fail, or breaking down/losing throttle in a bad spot, can be pretty dangerous. I would at least get it serviced and checked over at least once a year.
Dad was a part time mechanic and seems to be okay with anything that doesn't have too much electronics in the car.
I won't claim to be the most knowledgeable on this topic but I would be inclined to go an older toyota camry or corolla. Fairly solid if unexciting things mechanically and pretty cheap parts and servicing.
If you were looking for a car for under $1000, what would you look at? This would be for a first time owner :)
Nothing. Death traps and money pits. Budget at least $5k including the car, insurance, servicing and new tires in the first year, otherwise the $1k will turn into much, much more
Yeah $1k is a bit low - anything you get for that will be a piece of crap and more trouble than it's worth.
Get something like a Volvo 240 if you want bang for your buck, as long as you find one in reasonable condition.
I was thinking drive it till it dies, then go buy another car. Cheap 3rd party insurance...
You'll want to be careful doing that and not completely disregard maintenance. Having parts of the suspension/steering fail, or breaking down/losing throttle in a bad spot, can be pretty dangerous. I would at least get it serviced and checked over at least once a year.
Dad was a part time mechanic and seems to be okay with anything that doesn't have too much electronics in the car.
I won't claim to be the most knowledgeable on this topic but I would be inclined to go an older toyota camry or corolla. Fairly solid if unexciting things mechanically and pretty cheap parts and servicing.
Few years back (02) got a 83 Laser for $500. Drove it to Sydney and back from Perth, and used it as daily commute for 5 years. Only reaso I got rid of it was because the heater core let go inside the car. Spent $120 to replace the rear left suspension, and never did a plug or oil change.
