What Is a Beater Car?
Beater cars are usually older, higher-mileage vehicles that still run. And although they may be a little unattractive to look at, they do the job of taking their occupants from points A to point B, regardless of their cosmetic issues or minor flaws.
When properly maintained, it’s not unheard of for a better car to last for years & years. Beater’s cars range in prices from $500 to $2,000 but can be more or less depending on a number of factors.
A beater car has little intrinsic value, & while not “easy on the eyes,” a beater car is generally a smart choice for high-mileage commutes and normal, everyday driving. Beater cars are rarely pretty, but they “get the job” when it comes to getting you and yours from here to there.
Some people refer to their beater cars as their “daily drivers,” which are cars they use only to get to and from work, or even during work hours, such as to deliver food.
#1. Getting Around on Cheap
If you’re vehicle shopping on a budget, you may want to look into beater cars. As long as there are plenty of reasons to prefer a new car, a solid beater can be a perfect choice, and it can be totally worth it if you get the right one.
Driving a beater may not sound as luxurious as driving a new car, but the affordable price point lets you save money while ensuring you’re able to get where you’re going.
#2. Insurance Savings
Another great car benefit is that you are able to get the minimum required insurances coverage, saving you even more money. If your cars cost more than $5,000, you’ll need full coverage auto insurance, which can cost more than three times the minimum coverage.
Driving a beater can, in facto, save you thousands of dollars in cars insurances expenses. This makes the low price of this beater car even more attractive.
And because you’re not financing your beater cars purchases, you don’t have to worry about the bank or finance company taking out full coverage collision and comprehensive insurance on your purchase.
With beater cars, you just need to make sure that you meet the minimum insurance requirements of your state and that you choose an adequate level of coverage to protect against potential damages.
#3. No Depreciation Worries
The beater has already passed its depreciation phase, so you know your beater’s car value isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Their odometer may also be “rolled up” already. They say that cars lose 20 to 30 percent of their value as soon as you remove the car from the lot.
Older cars have already depreciated in value over the years, so they aren’t going to lose much value during the period of your ownership.
In actuality, you may even be able to resell your beater for close to what you paid for it. It’s difficult to justify pricing cars for under $500, even if you just sell it for junk at a local junkyard.
#4. Beater Benefits
Saving amounts money is the most obvious reason to buy a beater car. Whether you have limited funds available or are trying to be a little more frugal, you can buy a reliable car without breaking the bank. Beaters are great because you can usually pay for them in advance in cash.
If you don’t want to make monthly car payments to worry about, then buying a beater car is a logical choice. In fact, some roadmen buy beater cars for everyday driving & channel the money they spend into savings so they can buy their dream cars later on the road.
#5. Peace of Mind
Apart from improving your personal finances, driving a better car gives you peace of mind. Self does not have to worry about ruining your beater’s paint job, and dents and dings aren’t a big deal. If your beater car has a problem that isn’t worth fixing, you can simply buy a new beater.
While driving a nice car like a new Mercedes, BMW or Lexus can be enjoyable; you’re probably going to be paranoids about parking in crowded places. Most people don’t have the same kind of affinity for their beater cars, so they don’t need to be overly cautious with them.
#6. Low Operating and Maintenance Cost
Compared to a newer car, an older car will typically use cheaper gas. Many modern vehicles sometimes require premium gas, & the cost of filling your tank can actually add up over time.
Running an older beater allows you to lower fuel costs and means you have more money in your pocket.
In addition to cheap gas, beaters usually have cheap parts. Cars from the 90s & 2000s have parts that are generally readily available, so you don’t have to worry about a hefty bill from your mechanic if the check engine light comes on.
#7. Tax Savings
Lastly, if you live in a territory where you are required to pay vehicle taxes, you are going to save money by driving a car with low blue book values.
Taxes are generally assessed based on the values of the car, so a beater car with a lower book value is going to be relatively cheaper from a tax point of view.
Again, beaters are just cheap to own. It’s not just the low initial purchase price that saves you cash — owning a new car is expensive, even if you paid it off. Cheap cars keep your bills low.
#8. Choosing a Good Beater Car
Not all batsmen are the same. A beater can save you a lot of money, but it can also cost you a lot of money if you’re not careful. Firsts, check the mileage. Cars that have been treated can last 200,000 miles or even more.
If the vehicles in question have 200,000 miles on them, you should really only expect to last 50,000 miles or more, if you’re lucky. You will also want to research vehicle ownership history by doing a car history report.
The best beater cars have only one owner. The reason why you might want fewer owners is that if a vehicle has multiple owners, there is a good chance that one or more owners have not maintained it properly.
Cars that have been well-loved by one person are much less likely to run into problems in the future. When you shop for a beater, be sure to compare the seller’s asking price with the Kelley Blue Book price.
If the asking price is low enough, make sure you find out. While you’re just getting a great deal, usually, if a price seems too good to be true, there’s a reason for it. While it is not always possible, it is ideal to purchase beaters from friends, family members, or even friends of friends.
If you feel bad about the seller, it’s probably best to move on. Trust your instincts, & try to find a lot from a seller that seems trustworthy.
Ask why they are selling the vehicle. For example, if they’re moving abroad or if they just bought a new car, it’s understandable that they want to get rid of their beaters. However, if they do not have a solid reason to sell the car, that’s a red flag.
Before you buy a beater, make sure it is checked out by trusted mechanics. Evens if the vehicles in question seem like good cars on paper and on the roads, there are always chances that there’s a potential difficulty under the hoods.
Who Should Get Beater Car?
People are in a different situation when they are buying a car. Bests customers for beater cars are either first-time cars buyers or those who need to save some money to reach their stated financial goals.
First-time drivers may suffer some accidents while driving or may accidentally damage the car somewhere.
If you have a cheap used car, you won’t have headaches and worry about repair costs. Similarly, people who want to save should never get an expensive new car. For the same reasons, they will incur no serious maintenance costs when running the beater.
On the other hand, if you like reliability, make money from your cars, enjoy looking for goods, or don’t know your way around a car, maybe you should give up on a beater car.
Beater Car Benefits:
#1. Cheap Price
The first obvious reason is that these cars are much less expensive than regular cars. Because of it, it is quite easy to buy them with cash.
#2. No Car Payments
Because they’re cheap, you don’t need a loan, and so you won’t have monthly car payments to worry about. There’s only one amount you’ll spend when you buy it, and that’s it.
#3. Cheaper Gas
Old and beaten-down cars that don’t require premium fuel will be heaven for your wallet. You’ll save hundreds, maybe even thousands, per year.
#4. Cheaper Parts
Like everything else, parts for older cars are incredibly less expensive than new models. Cars that appeared between the 1990s & 2000s tend to have parts that are very easy to locate. Mechanic shops and junkyards are full of them, meaning they are very cheap too.
#5. Minimum Insurance Coverage
If you buy more expensive cars or take out a loan, of course, you will get full insurance. However, it tends to be very hard on the pockets. With a beater, the minimums coverages are plenty, and you’ll save thousands because there’s no point in having such a car so sure.
#6. Less Depreciation
Beater car has already gone through lots of depreciation in their lives. Most of them are at least ten years old, which means you won’t lose that much money when you want to sell them. You’ll be able to get some cash back, and since you spent very little in the first place, it’ll feel like you never spent anything.
#7. More Freedom
It’s an unconventional cause but stay with us here. Whether you return the car to the lamppost, get scratched by another car while it’s parked, or drop something inside, you won’t feel like your life is over.
You won’t automatically think about how much money you just lost because you won’t care much about it. In other words, you will feel free and comfortable.
Beater Car Downsides:
#1. Less Safety
New and modern cars are equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems and are made from more durable and safe materials. Older cars don’t have these, and what’s worse is that their natural systems and features are broken or not working properly.
You should always take care of the safety of everyone living in your car. If the car doesn’t have safe basics like tires, brakes, or lights, skip it.
#3. Low Probability of Longer Trips
If you combine the last two issues, the result is this. Driving beater cars on long journeys is not a good idea. This can be disastrous, and you will probably worry about many of its characteristics to your destination.
What would you do if the car completely dies? You will be trapped. This is the reason why these cars are best for city driving.
#2. Higher Risk of Fatal Malfunction
As cars get older and some beater as damaged, key parts like the engine, brakes, transmission, or something important are prone to dying on you in the middle of your drive.
It is never safe and can land you in serious trouble. You may also need a new beater after such a scenario. So, make sure the car isn’t the worst you can find.
Which Are the Best Beater Cars?
From the experiences of many people & a large number of surveys, the following five cars are considered to be the top beater cars that you should check out:
- Toyota Corolla
- Honda Civic
- Subaru Outback
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Camry
There are also some of the most common cars on the world’s roads, probably because they are reliable and affordable, so many people can use them as their everyday beater cars.
Fixing a Beater Car:
If something on your beater needs fixing, you can approach the situation in several different ways. The best option is always to do the repair yourself. Parts like headlights, sensors, & radiators are easy enough for anyone to fix, even first-timers.
Online research comes in handy here. If it’s a more grave problem, like something with the engine, you’ll need to consult a mechanic. The same goes for brakes, sensors, transmission, etc.
In addition, there are some things that you should do as soon as you buy a car, no matter what condition the cars are in. You should always get new steering wheels covers, replaces the floor mats, get a set of comfortable seat covers, get rid of odors, and clean it thoroughly both outside and inside.
Also, try replacing the headlights; if that will make a difference, trust us. It is unlikely that the cost of repair is almost as much as what you paid for the car; this is not worth it. In a situation like this, it’s better to buy a new beater altogether.
Selling a Beater Car:
When you’ve made the most of your beater and want to sell it, we recommend several options:
- Sell it to someone who fixes the car.
- Sell it to someone else who needs a beater
- Donate a Car
- Sell it to a junkyard or junkyard.
FAQ: Beater Cars – Affordable Reliability for Everyday Driving
What is a beater car?
A beater car is typically an older, high-mileage vehicle that is still functional despite its cosmetic flaws or minor mechanical issues. It serves the primary purpose of transportation from point A to point B.
Why should I consider buying a beater car?
Beater cars are significantly cheaper than newer vehicles, allowing you to save money on both the initial purchase and ongoing expenses like insurance and maintenance. They are ideal for those on a budget or looking to avoid monthly car payments.
Are beater cars reliable?
With proper maintenance, many beater cars can provide reliable transportation for years. It’s essential to choose a well-maintained vehicle with a known history to minimize the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
What are the downsides of owning a beater car?
Beater cars may lack modern safety features found in newer vehicles and could be less reliable on long trips. They may also require more frequent repairs compared to newer models.
How do I choose a good beater car?
Look for vehicles with a reasonable mileage, preferably from brands known for their reliability (e.g., Toyota, Honda). Consider getting a mechanic’s inspection before purchasing to identify any potential issues.
Can I save money with a beater car?
Yes, owning a beater car can save you money on insurance premiums, registration fees, and depreciation costs, as these vehicles have already experienced significant depreciation.
What are some popular beater car models?
Common choices include Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Subaru Outback, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry. These models are known for their affordability and durability.
How should I maintain a beater car?
Regular maintenance is crucial. Stay on top of oil changes, brake inspections, and fluid checks to ensure your beater car remains reliable. Consider DIY repairs for minor issues to save on mechanic costs.
Should I buy a beater car if I’m a first-time car buyer?
Beater cars can be a practical choice for first-time buyers due to their lower cost and reduced financial risk. They provide an opportunity to gain driving experience without the financial burden of a new vehicle.
How do I sell a beater car when I’m done with it?
You can sell a beater car to individuals looking for affordable transportation, mechanics who can fix and resell it, or scrap yards if it’s no longer drivable. Ensure all paperwork is in order and disclose any known issues to potential buyers.
