Sub $1k Car: 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
I was complaining the other day that you just can’t find sub $1k cars that aren’t “mechanic specials” and have functioning air conditioning the other day…but I was wrong. I was just being picky. I hadn’t lowered my standards enough, but that is something I’m willing to do. Find this 2004 Oldsmobile Alero offered for $799 in Orange County, CA via craigslist.
From the seller:
2004 oldsmobile alero
fuel: gas
odometer: 122000
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
Runs and drives great four-cylinder 30 miles to the gallon air conditioning dent in the back power windows power door locks clean title home all weekend 17632 Crabb lane Huntington Beach
See a better way to drive something cheap? tips@dailyturismo.com
Very subtle, nearly subliminal mention of the rear damage in the ad, as if it’s a standard feature.
“Runs and drives great four-cylinder 30 miles to the gallon air conditioning dent in the back power windows power door locks clean title”
That’s more than just a dent. That’s rear-ended and missing the bumper too.
If this ad were a dating profile:
“Tall attractive great personality love to laugh never been married no kids spiritual recently paroled from prison looking for someone who enjoys tennis and hiking”
In the photo taken from the front three-quarter view on the driver’s side you can see that the sheet-metal has a big fold in it and it goes all the way above the rear wheel well.
From the passenger side all of the lower bodywork or what used to be called the bumper cover before those things metastasized and took over the entire rear of the car is just torn away.
Both photos are cropped really tight and on the passenger side the actual end of the car is cropped out.
That said I have owned two cars that got rear ended so badly that the insurance company paid more than what I bought the car for and let me keep the car. A few hundred on stretching it back into alignment and I drove them for years. Nobody messes with you in NYC if you look like you already wrecked your car.
Wouldn’t occur to me to try and sell one like that although I gave the Subaru that had hit a deer, got rear ended by a Land Rover, and squeezed between a UPS truck and a parked car, to a friend that has been commuting in it for 5 years.
They all had clean titles.
Some people like a bump in the trunk. If you know what I’m saying. Not sure I know what I’m sayin. But I’m sayin’ it anyway.
I would have no problems driving a car like that. I don’t drive to impress, I drive to get somewhere and this is a perfect car for SoCal commutes. The damage is a big warning sticker to other drivers to stay clear. Meanwhile low miles, air conditioned, quiet comfort at the cost of a good night out.
Alero, Alero! If you want to suck on the warm teat of China, ya gotta lower your standards.
I’m not sure what that means…but I think I agree.
Just clicked on the ad, price is down to $625 now!