This topic came up in another forum. A kid wanted to know what he could get for $500. The answer is: nothing worth having. But a teenager can save up a good sum of money with a summer job, so let's up that to $5,000 (US).
Given $5,000 what would you get? This has to be a car that you would actually be willing to own and drive.
I jumped on Auto Trader and found a couple of early to mid 1990's Mercedes 300D sedans for $4,000 and $4,700.
However I think that this is the winner for me. 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300TD. Power everything, cruise control, AC, leather seats, and it looks really clean inside. I especially like the old lady booster seat pads, it keeps the wear down on the leather and it means the car was probably babied by the former owner. Racers and young kids don't buy this kind of car, they couldn't afford it at the time even if they wanted one. It's a comfortable car for a guy my size and I know I like driving them. It's a diesel so it would get great mileage. I don't care what Clarkson says, there's nothing wrong with diesel cars and they're actually highly sought after in California.
Ok, it does have 185,000 miles on the clock, but for a car like this that's nothing. This old Benz will probably run for another 100,000 miles with the right care. Anyway, how many teens can say they have the title to their own fullsize Mercedes-Benz? It's probably a nicer car than what Mom and Dad are driving.
All of that for $3,000, easily within the reach of a teenager with a summer job. With the budget of $5,000 that leaves $2,000 for insurance costs or whatever else you want to spend it on.
So, what would you buy with your $5,000 US?
EDIT - Please read!
Ok, I think I need to clarify a few things about the challenge
1- This must be a car you would actually buy and drive as your only car. That means that if you buy a Nissan 300Z you will end up with two seats and no boot and no other car to fall back on to carry people or stuff. You have no wheels and only $5,000 to spend on the vehicle cost. We will ignore licensing fees and insurance for the purpose of this challenge.
2- Don't just post a photo of the car you want to buy, the purpose of the challenge is to actually find that car for your budget.
3- Auctions. Auctions are acceptable, but only if they have already ended and are within your price range. Don't post an auction of a Ferrari with only one $4,000 bid on it and three weeks remaining.
Given $5,000 what would you get? This has to be a car that you would actually be willing to own and drive.
I jumped on Auto Trader and found a couple of early to mid 1990's Mercedes 300D sedans for $4,000 and $4,700.
However I think that this is the winner for me. 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300TD. Power everything, cruise control, AC, leather seats, and it looks really clean inside. I especially like the old lady booster seat pads, it keeps the wear down on the leather and it means the car was probably babied by the former owner. Racers and young kids don't buy this kind of car, they couldn't afford it at the time even if they wanted one. It's a comfortable car for a guy my size and I know I like driving them. It's a diesel so it would get great mileage. I don't care what Clarkson says, there's nothing wrong with diesel cars and they're actually highly sought after in California.
Ok, it does have 185,000 miles on the clock, but for a car like this that's nothing. This old Benz will probably run for another 100,000 miles with the right care. Anyway, how many teens can say they have the title to their own fullsize Mercedes-Benz? It's probably a nicer car than what Mom and Dad are driving.
All of that for $3,000, easily within the reach of a teenager with a summer job. With the budget of $5,000 that leaves $2,000 for insurance costs or whatever else you want to spend it on.
So, what would you buy with your $5,000 US?
EDIT - Please read!
Ok, I think I need to clarify a few things about the challenge
1- This must be a car you would actually buy and drive as your only car. That means that if you buy a Nissan 300Z you will end up with two seats and no boot and no other car to fall back on to carry people or stuff. You have no wheels and only $5,000 to spend on the vehicle cost. We will ignore licensing fees and insurance for the purpose of this challenge.
2- Don't just post a photo of the car you want to buy, the purpose of the challenge is to actually find that car for your budget.
3- Auctions. Auctions are acceptable, but only if they have already ended and are within your price range. Don't post an auction of a Ferrari with only one $4,000 bid on it and three weeks remaining.