Back to GuidesBuying a brand-new car is almost always fun, because you get to hand-pick the vehicle you like, but the problem with new cars is that many people hate to see them get dirty and beat up. That's why some people choose older used cars over new ones—there's just less to worry about.
A beater car is more well-used than most other cars at a dealership or from a private seller, and will typically run and drive but could have cosmetic damage and high mileage. It usually comes with a lower purchase price because of its flaws.
Because beater cars are typically in rougher shape than most other vehicles, those who buy them have little need to worry about depreciation, and they usually won't mind adding to the preexisting dings and dents on the vehicle.
There are no hard and fast rules that separate a run-of-the-mill used car from an actual beater car, but several general criteria can be considered when looking for one.
Affordability
Some of the best used cars are the most affordable, but the best beater cars will likely be cheap cars that allow you to buy them with cash and without a car payment. How much you are willing to spend on a vehicle will depend on your circumstances, but those on sale for up to $5,000 will likely hit the sweet spot for many potential beater buyers.
High Mileage
High-mileage used cars are becoming more common as prices are some of the highest they have ever been, and owners are keeping their cars for longer as a result. That means many of the most affordable old beaters will have high odometer readings.
Don't let high miles scare you away, though. A vehicle that has been well-maintained throughout its life can be in excellent mechanical condition, even if its interior is torn up, it has some dings and dents, and its paint job is fading. You can seek to verify a vehicle's service history by obtaining a vehicle history report, taking any prospective vehicle for a test drive, and even having a trusted mechanic look over any car before purchasing it.
Multiple Owners
Just because an older car has had five different owners doesn't mean they bought the car, found out it has issues, and dumped it shortly after. Most people just use cars to get from A to B, and they may well just have found a better replacement.
However, some people still like purchasing a different car every few years and moving to a different one. A more alarming red flag would be if a car has had an excess of owners within a short space of time. It may be abnormal, for example, for a 10-year-old car to have had 12 different owners.
Accident or Cosmetic Damage
Most older cars will have some wear and tear if they have not been meticulously garage-stored for their entire lives. Minor dings and dents can even be expected on well-kept used cars, and as long as they don't lead to the vehicle rusting out or affecting how the car runs, you could get a great daily driver for cheap, because cosmetic damage can lower a car's value.
Cosmetic damage, dings, dents, or paint wear can be extensive before it starts affecting the reliability of the car's main running components. Accident damage might be a different story, and it's usually displayed with varying levels of severity on a vehicle history report.
Minor accident damage is usually the most common and can be repaired easily, while moderate or severe damage may be harder to repair. Some history reports will show whether or not the vehicle has frame damage. The more severe the accident damage reported, the more critical it is to examine the car before purchasing it.
The advantage of buying a vehicle with accident damage is that modern repair methods can fix it up to a good standard. Still, resale value can also be affected, providing you with a potential deal on an old beater. Make sure to inspect any vehicle with accident damage well before purchasing.
Possible Mechanical Issues
Any issues a vehicle has can affect its overall value. Problems like an engine that runs poorly, a slipping transmission, or a worn-out clutch in a manual transmission vehicle can all cost thousands to repair. It could defeat the purpose of paying a low purchase price for a car or allow you to fix it with the cash you save on the upfront purchase price.
Other mechanical issues such as a broken air conditioner or a power driver's seat motor may be nice to have fixed. Still, some car buyers may be willing to ignore these inconveniences for a better purchase price.
Still, other issues like burned-out light bulbs, worn brake pads, or a squeaky serpentine belt can be fixed easily and cheaply. As long as the affected systems are not vital to the vehicle's running and driving, plenty of people are willing to fix the necessary items or put up with unnecessary conveniences to have a reliable daily driver.
Simplicity
Most of the cheapest cars are also the simplest. Many of the best beater cars have manual transmissions, few features, and small engines. Fewer features translate to fewer things going wrong and lower maintenance costs when something does break.
Age
Depreciation affects nearly every car and, along with mileage, wear and tear, age is a huge part of it.
Older vehicles make great cheap cars, because they can be easy to maintain, they tend to be simpler, and the best ones are abundant.
Advantages of a Beater Car
There are a couple of advantages that old beaters have over new cars or even nice used examples.
Specific Needs
Good beater cars are great for several purposes. The two most common are simple transportation and certain buying situations. They're perfect for those who have longer commutes. Buying an old beater that runs and drives while getting good fuel economy can save your other family vehicle from excess wear and tear.
Mindset
A shiny new car or a used car in excellent condition is a beautiful thing to have. It has that new car smell, the paint is blemish-free, and you want to keep it tidy.
You just don't worry about that stuff with the cheapest vehicles. It's easier to get in and drive worry-free, because the car will likely have some preexisting dings, dents, and scratches.
Disadvantages of a Beater Car
Of course, there is a flip side. There are some disadvantages to buying a well-used car that only costs a few thousand dollars with high miles on the odometer.
Hidden Issues
The higher the miles a car has, the more owners it has been through, and the rougher the shape of any vehicle, the more likely it will have at least some hidden issues.
With the potential of hidden issues comes a higher potential for necessary repairs than most newer cars. It is expected that parts will eventually wear out, and you can often see which parts have been replaced by looking at the car's history record—but it may not show everything.
Potential Lack of Safety Features
Vehicles 10 to 20 years old can be great candidates for a beater car, but they lack the modern tech and the safety features of newer cars. It may not mean the vehicle is unsafe, but it is certainly a disadvantage.
Good Candidates for Beater Cars
Even though there are no hard and fast rules for what kind of car makes the best beater, good candidates are typically between five and 25 years old and in good enough shape to get you where you need to go.
Japanese Manufacturers
Japanese car manufacturers are known for making high-quality, affordable, and reliable cars. Because of that, plenty of cheap used cars are on the market. The Honda Civic, Honda Accord, the Nissan Sentra, the Toyota Corolla, the Toyota Avalon, the Toyota Camry, and even the Lexus ES are all great choices if you're looking for some of the cheapest transportation possible. None are flashy, but all should get the job done.
Vehicles such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V are scattered across the used car market if you need something with a bit more utility. The Subaru Outback is unique as a lifted wagon with an excellent all-wheel drive system standard across each trim level.
Vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Toyota 4Runner, and the Toyota Tundra are also great candidates and are among the top models most likely to hit 200,000 miles. However, these models can be complicated to find at a reasonable price, because they're known to hold their value well. You can find a Toyota Sequoia, a Honda Odyssey, or a Toyota Sienna more easily. They also make the list of vehicles most likely to hit the 200,000-mile mark.
The Mazda Miata is even available for the automotive enthusiast. These are common on the used market and can be pretty cheap. Many people buy them as project cars, because they are easy to work on and parts are abundant—both qualities of a great beater.
American Manufacturers
If you want to look elsewhere for some affordable options, several American manufacturers offer different types of vehicles that might fit your needs. Some of the most affordable options on the market include the Buick LeSabre and the Buick Park Avenue. Both cars feature the legendary GM 3800 V6 engine, known for its relatively high efficiency, excellent reliability, and robustness. Alternatively, the Ford Crown Victoria is another excellent cheap car.
Pickup trucks such as the Chevy Silverado, Ford Ranger, and the Ford F-150 are all great options that can easily be found for a low purchase price. The Chevy Tahoe, the Chevy Suburban, the GMC Yukon, and the Ford Expedition are also great options that offer spacious cabins for the largest families or buyers who demand the most practicality. These trucks offer four-wheel drive options, too.
European Manufacturers
Luxury cars are not exempt from beater status once they've been through the brunt of their depreciation. That can be undesirable for some people, but a great opportunity for those looking for a cheap beater with a few extra features. The BMW Series, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class or E-Class, and the Audi A4 are all easily obtainable on the used car market for an affordable price.
Even though these types of luxury cars are more complex than typical Japanese or American models, they can provide years of reliable transportation if basic maintenance practices are observed. Just be aware that, if these vehicles have issues, maintenance costs will generally be higher because of their added complexity and features.
Volkswagens such as the Jetta and the Golf also make great cheap cars if you want to forgo European luxury options.
Hybrid and Electric Options
You'll likely not be able to buy that Tesla you have always wanted for $5,000, but there are plenty of other options if you're looking for a cheap car with good fuel economy. The Toyota Prius is the obvious answer. Used Prius models are all over the used market at low price points. The Prius is also one of the vehicles most likely to hit 200,000 miles thanks to its reputation for reliability.
