With credit tightening up many people are looking buy a used car under 1,000 dollars instead of getting an auto loan to buy a new car or late model used car. Although many consider a car under 1,000 dollars quite a bargain over time it is likely to cost you much more.
Cars for sale under 1,000 dollars rarely are in optimal working order, many will need frequent repairs over the remaining life of the vehicle. A new transmission, for example, costs is rarely under 1,000 dollars. Another consideration is the cost of gasoline. Many used cars under 1,000 have horrible mpg when compared to new model vehicles.
It is true that insurance costs may be cheaper; there is no need for full coverage insurance on a cheap used car. Aside from the cost of car insurance many people would be better off using the 1,000 dollars as a down payment and financing a new vehicle. Even with bad credit consumers can still get an auto loan to buy a car. New and used car prices have fallen considerably and now may be the best time to buy and finance a new or used car.