Pontiac Vibe (it’s a Toyota Matrix in disguise), Buick LeSabre (the 3800 engine is legendary), or older Ford Crown Victorias. 3. Marketplace over Dealerships

Pull the oil dipstick. If it looks like chocolate milk, walk away (head gasket failure). If it smells burnt, the engine is tired.

You get to meet the owner and ask questions directly.

In today’s market, a "cheap" car that actually runs usually sits between . Anything under $2,000 is likely a "mechanic’s special"—meaning it needs immediate work. Factor in an extra $500–$1,000 for immediate registration, taxes, and the inevitable first oil change or tire swap. 2. Shop the "Boring" Brands

Ask the seller not to warm the car up before you arrive. A car that struggles to start when cold is hiding battery or starter issues.

Spend $100 to have a local mechanic look at it. If the seller refuses to let a mechanic see it, they’re hiding something. 5. Check the Paperwork