Some context: i've never needed a car, because i've mostly lived in cities where you can get around using transit.

I've recently moved to a rural area where unless you have a car, you're shit outta luck on the weekends, because there are either no buses or one bus a day to move around. I can make it decently far riding a bike, but it is not a substitute for a car, unfortunately. I make a modest salary, and while i don't have a lot in the way of savings, i just saw a car the next town over for sale for a very low price (under 1000). I spoke to the owner and they were very clear that the car is pretty old (1999) and needs some work, but that it still works regardless.

Considering that the car would be mostly a convenience, and that gas/insurance shouldn't be too much of a expense... am I dumb for jumping in on this bargain? might I be in over my head in case the car needs a whole bunch of repairs?

  • LaughingLion [any, any]
    ·
    2 years ago

    Do not do this. It will be a money sink. If you are asking strangers on the internet this question you almost certainly don't have the knowledge to do the kinds of repairs an aging vehicle needs. It will become a sunk cost and you will feed it far beyond the time you should have cut your losses. You should look into a better vehicle if you really need one. Even if you need to make a small payment for a good working used vehicle you will end up saving so much more in the long run over what you would spend to get the repairs done to the vehicle that admittedly needs repairs now and in the future.

    Don't buy a "fixer upper" vehicle if you are not mechanically inclined and knowledgeable. Just don't.