Cheap cars

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FuLL_MeT4L

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I know we all love the Giulietta's and the GTI's around here but a friend of mine is looking for a really cheap car, ie something for under 15,000.
I've been looking at Uno's, Golf's and Fox's on gumtree for the past couple of days but I don't really know what to look for; aside from avoiding the rust-buckets and ill-conceived conversions.

Tips of any kind would be appreciated. What should I steer clear of or look out for?
 
eish 15k
At that price No oil leaks and no smoke are considered optional extras!
http://capetown.gumtree.co.za/c-Car...cars-R35K-1996-Madza-Midge-W0QQAdIdZ268420558

Something like that, reliable cheap to maintain and so simple your friend can work on it himself. These cars are usually driven by old folk unlike the uno's & citi's the young ones screw up and crash

Also this ones body work looks good from the picture, 1996 model which is good, open for an offer, great. Look out for any oil leaks and any smoke(rev the crap out of it and have your friend check the tail pipe) If you can get that for 15k you're on a roll, look for body work if you cant spot any panel beating by looking under the trimmings in the boot and under the bonnet you're on as hell of a roll. Check the service manual, if the services where done on time thats a hell of a extra right there

Check that the doors line up properly. If you can get those things for 15k you're one of the fortunate ones.
 
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If you get a service manual. To be honest for R15 000, don't expect wonders.
 
I'm in the market for a cheap car and one thing I've always seen the last few years is your going to pay R30K for a cheap car no matter what.

If it sells for R15K, then your going to spend the balance to get it reliable.
 
Vegeta said:
eish 15k
At that price No oil leaks and no smoke are considered optional extras!
http://capetown.gumtree.co.za/c-Car...cars-R35K-1996-Madza-Midge-W0QQAdIdZ268420558

Something like that, reliable cheap to maintain and so simple your friend can work on it himself. These cars are usually driven by old folk unlike the uno's & citi's the young ones screw up and crash

Also this ones body work looks good from the picture, 1996 model which is good, open for an offer, great. Look out for any oil leaks and any smoke(rev the crap out of it and have your friend check the tail pipe) If you can get that for 15k you're on a roll, look for body work if you cant spot any panel beating by looking under the trimmings in the boot and under the bonnet you're on as hell of a roll. Check the service manual, if the services where done on time thats a hell of a extra right there

Check that the doors line up properly. If you can get those things for 15k you're one of the fortunate ones.
Click to expand...

Some great points, thanks Vegeta.
Also, does anybody know what sort of forms you need to fill out when buying a second hand car?
And how does the transfer of funds and ownership normally take place.

Thanks again!
 
Normally, it would be something like, you pay the man and take delivery of the car. He would need to do a change of ownership or, iirc, you can do it as well... The problem comes in when you have to pay the man and when you are getting the car...
 
R15K is rather low these days but you can still find a few old bargains around if you hunt enough for them. Drive around town and see what's available at the smaller secondhand dealers. Toyota, Ford, Mazda, VW, and probably Opel would also be on the cheaper end to fix. I imagine at that price he won't be too fussy about brand?

Oh, and insist on a road worthy certificate.
 
You could pick up a Fazda for that sort of price 96 - 99 Ford Lazer/Tracer or Mazda Tree to Tree. their motors are bullet proof if they've been regularly serviced. Total rust buckets if they've been at the coast, but should be OK inland.
 
I'm with Fazda on the Fazda 323/Meteor - old tech Japanese cars are what you are looking for. But the ones I have seen here in Cape Town all have substantial amounts of rust on them so you are going to look far and hard for one that is rust free.
 
Rouxenator said:
I'm with Fazda on the Fazda 323/Meteor - old tech Japanese cars are what you are looking for. But the ones I have seen here in Cape Town all have substantial amounts of rust on them so you are going to look far and hard for one that is rust free.
Click to expand...

I know right. Sea air sucks like that. =/

Thanks for the great tips everybody. Will try to keep it all in mind! :)
 
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