ISO: Single Mom Car

In search of a Single Mom car.

I'd rather not get too involved in this one but as has likely happened to you too, people approach you as "the cheap car guy."

Friend of the family approached me stating that she wanted to buy a $3k car. I encouraged finding a $2k car and reserving $1k to get it perfect. This comment from me then drew the response of, "could you really find a good car for $2k?" And, here we are...

I did ask her what car would you have in mind? She responded with something like her friends '05 Chevy Malibu.
I took this as a good sign that the goal was somewhat in line with the possible result.

I see this answer as it does not have to be SUV 4wd. The choice seems to be somewhere between not too big and not too small.

Just 1 three year old kid. Could maybe be a 2 door since the youngen could belt self.

Automatic preferred but manual is possible.

What cha' got?
What do you know of?

Located in Ohio.

TL:DR
Hey Patgizz, do you have another "rusty but trusty" like the '00 Impala that I bought from you last year for my babysitter? (which continues to be great.)

I got a Vic in PA for sale right now. Needs about $600 to be perfect(intake tube, maf sensor, battery, 2 tires) and has a cage for keeping the kid away from the parent.

Might be a bit big for a single mom, but just think of all the crap that can be hauled with her and the kid.

For reference, you should probably post a photo of the single mom.

Woody wrote: For reference, you should probably post a photo of the single mom.

May help with negotiations....

Ill keep my eyes out down here. Never know what ill find....

Woody wrote: For reference, you should probably post a photo of the single mom.

I will assure you that in this situation that picture would hurt the transaction, not help it.

JohnRW1621 wrote:

Woody wrote: For reference, you should probably post a photo of the single mom.

I will assure you that in this situation that picture would hurt the transaction, not help it.

Understood.

JohnRW1621 wrote:

Woody wrote: For reference, you should probably post a photo of the single mom.

I will assure you that in this situation that picture would hurt the transaction, not help it.

So there was alcohol involved. Understood.

I quit drinking because of things like that.....

Lets also be very clear; I am not the other half of this child making situation either.

In reply to JohnRW1621:

The thought never crossed my mind, actually.

And in poking around down here, apparently tax season has doubled the asking price of beaters. Wow.

JohnRW1621 wrote:

Woody wrote: For reference, you should probably post a photo of the single mom.

I will assure you that in this situation that picture would hurt the transaction, not help it.

Ouch!

single mom car, isn't that Scion TC?

Tons!

I drove one of these with two kids and it was wonderful: https://sandusky.craigslist.org/cto/6009688347.html

Like a top: https://sandusky.craigslist.org/cto/6014659236.html

https://sandusky.craigslist.org/cto/6013114887.html

https://sandusky.craigslist.org/cto/6013564038.html

I stopped looking because they are all great choices.

If you are on Facebook, join a local trading/yard sale group. The couple that I'm on are pretty much swimming in sub-$3000 vehicles that don't look too bad.

Shouldn't be too hard to track down a 4 cylinder Camry for that kind of money.

In reply to tuna55:

Yep, we're looking at same/similar.
The Impala is a sketchy low end used car lot that does all their advertising on the "by owner" section.

I saw the Civic earlier today.

I have shyed away from PT cruisers because I am under the impression that engine work is tight and that when paying for repairs at retail, I am under the assumption that "book hours" for many jobs are higher than they might be for similar cars.

I've got an eye on a Saturn Ion 4 door also as a forgotten model that seem to sell cheap for what they are.

Used Town and Country. They run for ever and great with kids.

I can find cheap cars all day I just wondered if someone had an inside line and some back story on a real possibility.

At this price point, many sellers are running from some undisclosed problems. Pat did me right last year with an honest disclosure on a good buy.

JohnRW1621 wrote: In reply to tuna55: Yep, we're looking at same/similar. The Impala is a sketchy low end used car lot that does all their advertising on the "by owner" section. I saw the Civic earlier today. I have shyed away from PT cruisers because I am under the impression that engine work is tight and that when paying for repairs at retail, I am under the assumption that "book hours" for many jobs are higher than they might be for similar cars. I've got an eye on a Saturn Ion 4 door also as a forgotten model that seem to sell cheap for what they are.

Find a mechanic who can verify that on the PT Cruiser. I did all my work, so I can't comment directly to the cost, but it wasn't much more difficult than anything else, and it was surprisingly competent from a reliability and kid-carrying perspective.

I have a 99(?) Saturn SL1 in Blurple I could let go for under a K if you knew someone willing to swap the "valve body" into it and tighten the input shaft nut. (I have the parts) Couple hundred more if I do the deed. (not that deed- I'm married) Good little driver with hot heat and ice cold air. Used to be my DD, but I am transitioning to an all longroof and truck fleet for versatility.

(no, the Rotas and Direzzas don't go with, but I wish I never sold them)

I'm neck deep in rust free corollas down here....most well within budget

JohnRW1621 wrote: In reply to tuna55: Yep, we're looking at same/similar. The Impala is a sketchy low end used car lot that does all their advertising on the "by owner" section. I saw the Civic earlier today. I have shyed away from PT cruisers because I am under the impression that engine work is tight and that when paying for repairs at retail, I am under the assumption that "book hours" for many jobs are higher than they might be for similar cars. I've got an eye on a Saturn Ion 4 door also as a forgotten model that seem to sell cheap for what they are.

My wifes had an 04 ion for 10 years and 112k miles. (150k total on it). The ecotech 2.2 has a bad reputation but using quality synthetic oil we have managed too avoid the rattle and oil burning. The 03-04 cars have a glass transmission for an auto.

Its hauled 2 kids all over the place without an issue. Needs a midpipe now but the only common issue is it eats sway bar endlinks about every 50k

she could buy mustang for $1500 and maybe change that single status

tdrrally wrote: she could buy mustang for $1500 and maybe change that single status

The type of people that want a girl with a 1500$ mustang are not the type of people you generally want in a relationship. Especially if she has kids.

$1500, buy my Saab