When looking for a used car, there are a few places you can look. You can go to a dealership, order it through a platform like Carvana, or look on platforms like eBay Motors or Autotrader. But if you’re a teenager looking for a reasonably priced car, there is one main place to look: Facebook Marketplace.
Yes, there are many scams, and yes, buying a car from a private seller who most likely doesn’t have a lot of mechanical knowledge can be sketchy. But no platform offers a wider variety of cars at better prices. You can find anything from a Toyota Camry to a retired police cruiser to a V8 Jaguar convertible, all for under $7k. With that said, here are five cars I’d buy this week within 100 miles of Iowa City.
Specs:
2.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline 4
6-Speed Auto Transmission
112,000 miles
$4300
A more practical option, this A3 is the perfect car for a high schooler. Essentially a nice Volkswagen Jetta, this black hatchback has a decent fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. This is the car for the sensible student who has $4.3k and wants a practical but fun car. Located in Davenport, IA.
Specs:
3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline 6
6-Speed Manual Transmission
192,000 miles
$5500
Another great German 2000’s wagon, this 530xi is much more powerful than the A3, and it has a built-in anti-theft device in the form of the manual transmission. This car has had a lot of work put into it, with the driveshaft, battery, alternator, brakes, sway bars, and clutch all having been replaced. This car does still require a few repairs, mainly due to the faulty all-wheel drive system causing a check engine light. Overall, though, this would be another great car to purchase. Located in Moline, IL
Specs:
2.5L Inline 5 Turbo
5-Speed Auto Transmission
114,000 miles
$3500
This red sedan is another great purchase for a high schooler. Volvos of this era are renowned for their safety and reliability. This car does require a few simple repairs, namely it just needs some new tire rods. This car is for you if you just want some fun yet practical transportation. Located in Davenport, IA.
Specs:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated Flat 4
4-Speed Auto Transmission
175,000 miles
$3500
Another sensible wagon, but this one has a couple of problems. There is a check engine light with a code for an O2 sensor, an easy and cheap fix. However, when the owner replaced it the code didn’t go away. However, this is another cheap, practical car for a mechanically inclined teen. Located in Lowden, IA.
Specs:
3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline 6
4-Speed Auto Transmission
157,000 miles
$7500
Finally, a much more flashy option, we have this beautiful red Lexus SC300. This car is known as the “diet Toyota Supra” because, while sharing many parts with the famed Toyota sports car, it appeals to comfort rather than speed. It has the 2JZ-GE engine used in the base A80 Supra, not the legendary twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE, which makes 320 horsepower. Unfortunately, it also has a four-speed auto transmission instead of a five-speed manual transmission. It’s not necessarily bad, but a stick shift is typically more reliable and engaging. However, for $7.5k, this garage-kept SC300 would be a great buy. It is located in Iowa City, IA.
