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How do I choose the right beater when car shopping?
"I obviously want to save money by buying a beater, but I don’t want to be stuck with a hunk of junk, either. How do I pick the right car?
"
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Shopping for the right beater may seem oxymoronic, but if you do your due diligence, you might find a reliable bargain that you’ll have for years to come. To pick the right car, look for the following:
- The reliability ratings of the vehicle or the general lifespan of the vehicle (what parts give out after a certain number of miles)
- A Carfax report to ensure the vehicle hasn’t been in any major accidents and has been serviced regularly
- Availability and pricing of replacement parts
- Depreciation levels (find the right model year where a vehicle has depreciated about as much as possible and you can sell it for around the same price, if need be) “
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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