How to Find the Right Car for the Best Price

When I was younger and inexperienced, I always had a hard time finding a good car for myself with a budget of about $1,500. That, my dear readers, is no longer a problem so I want to share a series of tips with you so you can find a car you actually want and not get ripped off or end up buying a lemon.

I'm going to use the above figure of 1.5k for my examples.

The first thing you have to do is ask yourself some questions and think about the answer if you have to. First of all, are you looking for one specific car? Because I would encourage you to look into similar vehicles if you can't find the model you want. It's best if you give yourself some things you want in a car so that you have a wider variety and are not limited.

Are you looking for a sports car or an economy car? Do you want a V8 or do you not care as long as it satisfies your needs, whether that's economy, power, or a mix of both. Are you going to daily drive it or is it a project car?

So let's say I want a rear wheel drive sports car. I would like something with a V8 but I'm open to other considerations. I just want a 'quick' car, not anything with the most power possible although that would work if I could find the right car.

You would first want to make a list - in your head, even - of cars that potentially fit that category of needs. You need a sporty rear wheel drive car for $1500 running. The reason I say that is because you can buy a car that needs a new radiator for $600 and install a new radiator yourself for $1-200 leaving you with a running car for $800 which is the route I would take.

In my head I'm starting my search with older Mustangs, Miatas, 240s, Camaros, and maybe some Pontiacs or whatever else may come to mind.

I do some searching on Craigslist  and contact a few people. So let's assume I find a guy with a Miata for 1.7k. I've looked at a couple other cars but they had qualities I didn't like such as a sluggish-feeling engine or a completely torn interior (it's fine if the seats are torn - seat covers are cheap and can help you change the look of your interior).

This is the time you have to perform if you want to get that car for 1.5k or less. It's very helpful if you know how to work on cars or bring a friend that does. Also, bring CASH. People see cash and they will take $200 less than they planned in their head.

You want to do a quick check of the interior which you can do while test driving it down the block. I would be wary if the person was to object to a test drive. Make sure the headlights and everything work. Anything that doesn't will take money off the final sale price. When you drive the car, you need to listen to the engine and make sure it runs smooth and has a steady idle after it warms up.

If the car is extremely modified, that's a red flag if it wasn't done correctly. See if the car needs an alignment by letting the wheel go for a few seconds while going in a straight line. Check engine light?

You should then do a visual inspection of the engine, brakes, suspension, and anything you can see.

Just assuming this Miata (not the one in the picture - trust me) had a bad temperature gauge, needed an alignment, and new tires, you can easily haggle the person down $200. Have a price in mind and if the person doesn't come to agree, just walk away. There's other cars.

And if you are a mechanic then you are in a huge position to get a great deal. For example, I bought a Honda Accord that had a bad radiator and was overheating for dirt cheap because of it and made some money flipping it. Also, it is NOT a bad idea to invest in something that has potential, like my current car. I bought it after it was crashed in the front. It was at a slow speed but the hood, radiator support, AC condenser, and radiator all needed to be replaced. The PS pump was going bad too. I bought that '95 Lexus LS400 for $300. Here it is now waiting to get a hood hinge and radiator support replaced (I have them both and everything else is finished).

Sometimes you also have to have some patience. It's not a good idea to buy a car you're not sure of just because you can't find anything (yet). Luck also helps. I was able to pick up an E30 for $500 (running) because the owner was moving and I told him if he can't sell it by the time he has to move, I can give him $500 for the car and he ended up calling a week later.

Lastly, do some research on the car to find out when (and if) it needs a timing belt change and to see if there is something catastrophic that the engine is known for, such as the Northstar 32v engine in older Cadillacs frequently blowing head gaskets. Good luck with your search and don't be shy showing me what you got by sending me an email to norgin@gmail.com.