what kind of car can you get for 500

[McElliana]

For $500, you're not buying a car in the traditional sense; you're purchasing a project or a temporary solution. The realistic expectation is a "beater" car—a high-mileage, older vehicle that runs but has significant cosmetic and/or mechanical issues. Your primary goal should be finding a car that is mechanically driveable and can pass state safety inspection, not one that is reliable for long-term daily commuting. The most common finds at this price point are 15-25 year old domestic sedans (like Ford Taurus or Chevrolet Cavalier) or Japanese compacts (like an early 2000s Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla) with over 200,000 miles.

The single most important factor is a recent safety inspection sticker. This is your best indicator that the car is currently road-legal. Beyond that, prioritize a car that starts, runs, and shifts without major noises or smoke. Expect to spend an additional $500-$1000 immediately on essential repairs like tires, brakes, or addressing fluid leaks. This purchase is a calculated risk for someone with basic mechanical skills or access to a cheap mechanic.

Vehicle Model (Examples)	Typical Year	Likely Mileage	Common Issues at this Price	Primary Use Case
Ford Taurus	1998-2005	220,000+	Transmission wear, oil leaks	Short-distance beater
Chevrolet Cavalier	2000-2005	200,000+	Ignition issues, rust	Project car for learning
Dodge Neon	2000-2005	210,000+	Head gasket failure, electrical gremlins	Parts car or extreme budget fixer-upper
Pontiac Grand Am	1999-2005	215,000+	Intake manifold gaskets, brake lines	Temporary transportation
Saturn S-Series	1999-2002	230,000+	Oil consumption, plastic body panel damage	College student's first car
Early 2000s Honda Civic	2001-2005	250,000+	Rust, worn clutch, burning oil	High-mileage gamble on reliability

Your search should focus on private sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Be prepared to walk away from anything that doesn't start or has a check engine light on. This isn't a purchase for convenience; it's a financial stopgap.

[VonLouis]

Look, for five hundred bucks, you're basically hunting for a miracle that runs. Forget about looks or features. You want an old Toyota or Honda that some grandma just wants out of her driveway. The ad should say "runs and drives" and have a current inspection sticker. If it starts up without knocking or smoking, you might have something that'll get you to work for a few months. Just know you'll probably be putting another few hundred into it right away for tires or brakes. It's a roll of the dice.

[AbigailLynn]

I see a $500 car as a blank canvas. It's not about what it is now, but what it can become. I'd look for a structurally solid but mechanically tired car from the 90s—maybe a Mustang or a Miata with a bad engine. The value is in the platform. The $500 gets you the shell; the real investment is your time and sweat equity to bring it back to life. It's a hobby, not transportation. You're buying a project that teaches you everything about cars.