: A practical, reliable choice that can often be found with high mileage but solid maintenance records.
: Excellent fuel economy and parts are cheap and plentiful. Be wary of automatic transmission issues in 2001–2004 models.
The best strategy is to target older models from brands known for high-mileage endurance.
: Ensure seat belts, airbags, and brakes work perfectly. Ownership Reality Check 2004 Toyota Camry
: A seller with a binder of receipts is often more valuable than a "cleaner" car with no history.
When inspecting a $3,000 car, use these criteria to avoid a "lemon":