Runs: Kind of

Runs: Kind of Utility Value: Dregs

1996 Toyota RAV4 Sport – $900

3 Comments

Suspension by Optimism, Price by Desperation

This first-gen Toyota RAV4 has survived 219,000 miles, but its suspension clearly gave up somewhere along the way. The rear wheels are bowing out thanks to rusted spring mounts, but don’t worry—the seller is throwing in a donor car’s rear section, because nothing says “easy fix” like needing an entire chunk of another vehicle.

The ad insists it “runs great,” which is a bold claim for something that lists “rear wheels might fall off” as a known issue. It has a new battery, fuel pump, and studded snow tires, meaning it’s technically prepared for winter—assuming the suspension doesn’t eject itself before the first snowfall. At least the Kenwood stereo works, so you’ll have something nice to listen to while wondering why you bought this.

Buy Rating: Dirt cheap for a reason. Cleaner first-gen RAV4s go for $2,500–$4,000, so if you’re willing to become a part-time welder, this might be a steal. Otherwise, consider it a $900 gamble with questionable odds.

Steamboat Springs, CO

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BV71gYzR8/

Project Runs: Kind of Value: Mid

1982 Honda Prelude – $3,500

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1982 Honda Prelude: A Prelude to Regret

This 1982 Honda Prelude is a relic from an era when shoulder pads were big, and car performance was… not. With an odometer reading that’s probably rolled over more times than you can count, this “classic” boasts a faded paint job that screams neglect. The interior? Let’s just say it’s seen better days, with upholstery that looks like it’s been through a war zone. The seller claims it “runs and drives,” but that’s about as reassuring as a politician’s promise.

Buy Rating: Only if you’re a masochist with a penchant for early ’80s mediocrity. Comparable 1982 Preludes in pristine condition have been listed for $24,777 to $34,000, but given this one’s likely state, it’s generously priced at $3,500.

Vancouver

https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/d/vancouver-1982-honda-prelude-classic/7825926296.html

Pimp'n Runs: Kind of Value: Dregs

2002 Lexus SC430 Convertible – $2,000 

2 Comments

Luxury Dumpster Fire on Wheels

This 2002 Lexus SC430 is luxury for the delusional. It’s got body damage, a towing requirement, and the audacity to wear gold like it’s still relevant. The only thing working harder than this car’s broken suspension is its seller’s imagination. You’d think a Mark Levinson sound system could drown out the embarrassment, but nope—nothing hides the shame of rolling up in this disaster.

Buy Rating: Run. Fast. Comparable disasters sell for $1,800–$2,300, but this seller wants $2,000 for a towable embarrassment.

Aurora, CO

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/aurora-2002-lexus-sc430-convertible/7824625921.html

Project Runs: Kind of Value: Mid

1983 Mustang convertible – $1,200

2 Comments

Fox Body Convertible or Fox in a Trap?

This 1983 Mustang GLX Convertible, a first-year Fox Body, is hanging onto relevance by a frayed convertible top and faded dreams. It “starts…runs…stops,” but with its last journey back in 2020, you’ll be spending more time wrenching than cruising. The interior’s shot, but hey, Fox Bodies have their cult following—just hope your wallet has the same dedication.

Buy Rating: Good for Mustang die-hards or someone who wants to practice restoration on the cheap. Comparable beat-up Mustangs sell for $1,000–$1,300, and this seller is asking $1,200.

Thornton, CO

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/denver-1983-mustang-convertible/7825414625.html

Runs: Kind of Utility Value: Mid

1997 Mercury Villager – $1,500

1 Comment

The Minivan That Time Forgot

This 1997 Mercury Villager is like that distant uncle who refuses to retire despite being way past his prime. With 191,000 miles, a cracked windshield, and the promise that motor mounts and spark plugs have never been replaced, it’s basically a time capsule of neglect. On the bright side, it’s a one-owner van with good tires and plenty of room for hauling whatever broken dreams you’ve got lying around.

Buy Rating: An okay deal if you’re looking for a rolling storage unit or something to break down on a budget. Comparable Villagers in similar condition sell for $1,500–$1,900, and this seller is asking $1,800.

Commuter Runs: Kind of Value: Dregs

2001 Acura TL – $1,000

2 Comments

Luxury’s Fallen Star with a Leak Problem

This 2001 Acura TL was once a respected mid-range luxury sedan, but at $1,000, it’s more like the haunted shell of better days. Power steering fluid leaks, an incorrect gear ratio code, and “sold as is” tell you everything you need to know about this rolling bundle of compromise. On the bright side, it still drives, and hey, Apple CarPlay is there to distract you from the mechanical chaos under the hood.

Buy Rating: Worth a gamble if you’re feeling brave, have a spare bottle of power steering fluid, and know a mechanic who works for beer. Comparable TLs in similar condition sell for $800–$1,200, and this seller is asking $1,000.