The Chevy Cavalier: True Love For Under Budget!
Times are tough. The job market is still trying to rebound and many businesses are still wary of hiring. If during this “Great Recession” you are looking for a great used car for under $2,000, you are not alone!
There are probably hundreds of cheap used cars under two grand in your immediate area, but some of them are that cheap for a reason! But this doesn’t mean you can’t find a quality used car at a great bargain price.
If you needed some helpful tips when thinking about how to find good used cars within your budget, you’ve come to the right place.
Private Parties—When negotiating with a private party seller, always work in the question “what’s the lowest you will go?” to establish that you are not going to pay sticker, and if you are prepared to only buy a used car under $2,000, be prepared to walk out if they can’t sell it for less than $2,000.
Play the Field—It’s always best to shop around. Checking the local paper’s classifieds and then giving up will really handcuff your search. We suggest that you check as many different sources as you can and check them often. The Internet has blown the used car market wide open, making it easier than ever for people to buy and sell vehicles that would normally be easier to just trade-in and let dealers resell. If you take your time, you can find some great deals.
Act Fast—“But didn’t you just say take your time?” Well, yes…buuuuut once you find a good deal there is no reason to drag your feet. Go ahead and contact the seller immediately. You aren’t the only one looking for used cars under $2,000, so any hesitation or procrastination will result in a lost opportunity. However, and this is especially true when dealing with private sellers, be careful and reserved after initial contact. There’s no reason to rush the transaction after you’ve expressed interest and it’s best to make sure you test drive the vehicle and have it inspected before handing off your cash because, often times, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Know what to look for—To get a good deal you want to find a solid, dependable used car that has been well-maintained with regular servicing (it’s common practice to ask for the car’s records) with around 125,000 miles or more; but consider avoiding any cars that are nearing or have surpassed 200,000 miles. These cars might require extensive work in the short-term, which may end up costing more than the car itself. The appearance of a car can also tell a lot about its upkeep—a fresh paint job, for example, can indicate recent bodywork.
Every car is different and there are many different choices out there if you take the time to look; below is a list of great used cars that you can find for under $2,000 and will still give you some good years of operation, as long as you follow the tips above before buying.
Give these a gander—
- Honda Accord (late 90s)
- Ford Ranger (2000-ish)
- Subaru Impreza (2000-02)
- Hyundai Accent (2000-ish)
- Chevy Cavalier (94-2000)
- Toyota Celica (90-92)
- Ford Taurus (94-99)
Feel free to list in the comments some other great used cars out there for under $2,000!
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
u cant buy a car for 2000
When looking for “Low” Priced cars, there are tooooooooo many adds that show up because they advertise a “per month” price. This should not be allowed. Per Month price depends on, #1, down payment, #2 legnth of loan, #3 the person’s Credit. Only TOTAL Vehicle Price should be posted. Many web sights require the price of the item to be posted, looking for vehicled under $2000 here is a complete waste of time.
“always work in the question “what’s the lowest you will go?””
Bad advice. Number one, it’s a big turnoff for most sellers; number 2, it’s probably not going to get you the best possible price.
If you want to pay less than the asking price, shoot an offer lower than you’re willing to pay and negotiate something in the middle. And don’t be afraid to make a lowball offer; it might make the seller think his asking price is out of line, even if it’s not.
Every car has a “story”,If you know how to read it.
Look everywhere!!!!!!!Pull carpet back,look for welds that dont match the factory ones,go places like trailerparks for cars,And most of all Don’t discount “dead brands”,IE Saturn,oldsmobile,pontiac,If you want a really nice SUV look at the Oldsmobile Bravada,Very nicely equipped and usually priced well below the GMC or Chev.counterparts and youll get options like heated seats AWD trip computer,and much more!And buy a Car MD!!!You will use it!!!and this little gadget will save you possibly thousands before the battery needs to be replaced,and just remember there is allways another one around the corner -DO NOT FALL IN LOVE!!! A car will break your heart as well as your bank balance!And if your stuck-find your “car friend”yes i know all they can talk about are cars and are usually shunned from regular polite company and tend to drool on -but-These are also the guys/gals that can buy a Lexus for $800 and for less than $200 have it up and running like a dream.and don’t buy from dealers on lots!!!!!!!!
I’m Looking For A Vehicle Now.. What Would I Have To Do.. Is Their A # I Should Call??
i want to buy a used ranger under $2,000.00. i live in falls church.
i am looking for a dependable cAR 2,000.
I am looking for a good running minivan for under $2000. You can email me with the finding. Thanks
Lookin for a great runing car wat sld I do
looking for Toyota or Honda……MECHANICALLY SOUND……. under $1500.00 to $2000.00 in Columbus,Ohio area, cash on hand serious offer.
All i need is a good running car, doesn’t matter make or model, as long as it’s not some old man car or a hippy van i’m good, in washingotn state, any one no of one??
Looking for a decent car for $2000.00. I know it’s possible, I’ve found one before. Usually a personally owned car. In Atco New Jersey area
im looking for a car under 2000$ or 2000$ everything must work great no cars under 2000yrs thank you i am located in NY LongIsland thank you
LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE CAR I CAN SPEND UP TO 1500.00 I AM A MEDICAL STUDENT AND WORK FAR AND NEED SOMETHING RELIABLE I LIVE IN WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA
I live in St.Augustine,Fla and will travel long as it’s near St.Augustine. I’m looking for a reliable car I can spend up between 1500.00 to 2000.00 for a car. Everthing must work and the car must be very reliable to get me to and from school, work, and travel. This will be my first car to ever purchase. So I will feel Blessed to be Blessed by someone to sell me a reliable car. Thank you and God Bless.
lookin for economical and safe car w/low miles for 2-2500 k. family w/child need reliable vehicle.
I was in a car wreck by a police officer in the city of frankfor and now i am without a vehicle.
My wife and I are looking for a used minivan for $2000 or under. We have three kids and just need more room. My car broke down and I am the only one with a job. My wife was laid off last year and going back to school. Money is tight but we keep on going. Looking not for anything special. Live in Sunbury, Pa.
shopping for my first car…looking for something at least 1500. BRONX, new york. NEED SOMETHING IN REALLY GOOD SHAPE, GOOD ENOUGH FOR ROAD TRIPS, WORK, SCHOOL. THANK YOU
Looking for a safe, reliable car 4 cylinder with inspection passed. Low miles preferred. Late models okay such as 1996 Toyota. If problems/repairs please do not contact. Budget limited to $1000 to $1500. I live in zip code 15214. Potential seller has to show me the vehicle in zip code 15214 only.
looking for a car under $2000… no specific makes or models …. need a car desperately .. thank you
I’m looking for a get me back and forth car been out of work for a while. Now I have an opportunity to have a dream job but I desperately need a car. please help! I live in 27406 zip N.C. limited budget hope and faith. Thank you in advance
im looking for a reliable car im a nurse in the columbus ohio area and need to get back and forth 2000.00 or under cash n hand ty
Looking for a car, mini van under 2000.00. Live in Cressona pa.
Looking for a car, mini van under 2000.00. Live in Cressona
Nice
i am a nigerian,i live in lagos nigeria i want to enter in importing cars under 2000 dollars to nigeria.i need an ugent feed back
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I need a van. good condition, i am a handy man
actually i need a cargo van. but not enough money
any kind van it’s o.k . within $2500.00