Efficient, cheap beaters! Used car ads: 35 mpg highway or more for $1500 or less

[User1]

Hello,

Was going to post up on this thread but it said something about I only had one post and can't post up links. So I guess I'll just start getting some post up.

[MetroMPG]

Or just omit the "http" part from the link. We'll figure it out.

[User1]

It's still not letting me post links.

[User1]

It states;

" To be able to post links or images your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 3 posts.

Please remove links from your message, then you will be able to submit your post."

But this is post #5! :-))

[User1]

OK, here you go.............

Hello all,

I just got done reading every post on this thread! Lots of good info on it! Bummer that the links are no longer working on lots of them. Lets see if I can do a better job on posting up.

I didn't see if you were allowed to post up cars that sold. I happen to call on my two examples and they're both gone! Kinda reassures you're on the right track at spotting something yeah?

OK so anyways (bare with me if I screw this up),

1997 Nissan Sentra Runs Great * - $1200 (Oceanside)

I'm selling my 1997 Nissan Sentra Runs Great no mechanical problems passes smog tags good until Oct 2015 Well maintenance . It's just needs cosmetic fixing 192 kkk salvage title passanger side air bag deployed. I'm selling this vehicle because I no longer have room to park it. Great car to drive to and from work. Price is firm 1200 it has new tires tint windows recent oil change. Please read the complete add before calling.

1988 Ford Festiva, low miles, 40+ MPG manual transmission - $1500 (los angeles)

rear factory spoiler, great running compact car, stick shift, 161k miles, great commuting car, any questions call
(213) 884-6943

[War_Wagon]

I like that the guy with the Festiva took the time to point out that it was a factory spoiler. "Well, I really wasn't in the market for a Festiva with any aftermarket performance modifications, but if it's a factory spoiler I guess it's ok!" haha And is a salvage title, 18 year old car with 192k miles really worth that much in California? Is it the fact that it has a current smog inspection where the value comes from?

[User1]

Whats everyone's view on salvage titles? I have an old '87 Toyota Van that has a salvage title on it and really there wasn't anything other than the issues seen in clean titles. Granted I haven't been that keen on getting the thing running, but still.

[mikeyjd]

Originally Posted by Allan Alessio

Whats everyone's view on salvage titles? I have an old '87 Toyota Van that has a salvage title on it and really there wasn't anything other than the issues seen in clean titles. Granted I haven't been that keen on getting the thing running, but still.

I've always taken the view that they're worth 20-40% less than a car with a clean title.

[War_Wagon]

I agree. On older cars I don't think it matters to the same degree, seeing as you are not buying a $1200 car for it's resale value. That being said, if you do want to sell it at some point, it will always be a harder sell, and worth less. However, salvage titles mean it's time to really look hard at the car before you buy it. Assume it has no resale value, so it had better have been repaired well as you are going to be stuck with the thing.

[cowmeat]

And is a salvage title, 18 year old car with 192k miles really worth that much in California?

Man, you gotta overlook the minor details like the salvage title, it's a GL! Completely tricked out with a passenger side mirror that practically doubles the car's value.

Seriously though, don't underestimate the eco value of the lowly Festiva until you gaze with awe at Black Widow's fuel log. Talk the guy down to a grand and you have the perfect platform for a 60 mpg car

I struggle to get 10 mpg better in the Insight than I was pulling regularly in the Festiva!