I urgently require a car for the next few months?

Question

I don't care if it's beat up since I'd like to purchase a new car eventually. So I need a cheap second hand car for now. Who should I buy from? Is a $500 car an obvious lemon (a person is selling it). Or should I buy from a dealership?

Answer 1

A $500 car is not necessarily a dud, but you have no way of knowing unless you get the car inspected by a mechanic BEFORE you buy. Since used cars are sold "as-is" you can't take them back after the sale, even if the seller lied to you about the car's condition. Never take the word of a seller about a car's condition. It's not that all sellers are lying, it's just that they might not know all the car's problems.

Good luck.

Answer 2

usually your "good deals" turn out to be money pits always take it to a shop you trust and have it checked over before you buy if they don't like that then that tells you that its a lemon

Answer 3

I have payed $500.00 for cheep beaters, driven then several thousands of miles and sold them for a slight profit. Don't discount it because its cheep. Be careful. If it leaks or is wet from oil don't buy it. If it smells in the engine compartment, don't buy it. If it knocks at or below 2,500 rpms or smokes, don't buy it. If the brakes shake when slowing from high speeds, don't buy it. If it needs tires, be careful, if worn make sure they are worn evenly. Any of these things could be costly to fix.