Published: October 23, 2018, 5:30 PM
Updated: November 21, 2021, 2:58 PM
3-figure sum used vehicles
Nothing telegraphs a smart consumer like an automobile that couldn’t possibly depreciate any lower, so how about some really cheap rides for the billionaires and millionaires that really want to make a statement? Here are 15 serviceable vehicles selling for 3-figure sums we’d recommend to our tycoon pals.
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1999 Saturn SL1
Remember Saturn, GM’s import killer? It got slayed itself. But we found one on Autotrader that’s enjoyed some tender loving care. The engine and manual transmission mounts were recently replaced, and the floors are solid thanks to liberal rustproofing (Hey, it pays to rustproof a plastic-bodied car.) The 100-hp 1.9-L 4-cylinder engine on this particular model may be a little tired at 223,000 km, but parts cars abound. At least the polymer body panels make this $700 Saturn shine.
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2001 Honda Accord
A dream in beige inside and out, this is the Accord that everyone bought at the turn of the century. The one we found, with 240,000 on the clock, still has a lot of life left in Honda’s durable 2.3-litre 4-banger. Pay attention to the automatic transmission changing gears; lots of these have been rebuilt in this model, sometimes more than once, but it’s still a good deal at $900.
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2007 Chevrolet Uplander
We like minivans because they have sliding doors that can’t harm the pricey Land Rovers that invariably park next to them at the mall. We found a base-model 2007 Chevrolet Uplander with 217,000 km on Toronto’s Craigslist that just needs a power-steering line to make it whole again, according to the owner. This short-wheelbase minivan fits seven, though cargo room is hardly generous. Still, $900 for a practical, 12-year-old people mover is a bargain
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2000 Mercedes-Benz C230
Also found on Toronto’s Craigslist, a no-rust Mercedes with 220,000 km that just needs a new transmission. What could possibly go wrong? Mercedes components are very expensive, and there aren’t many independent shops that will tear down a Merc tranny on the cheap. The model for sale is equipped with Mercedes’ supercharged “Kompressor” 2.3-litre 4 cylinder, an engine of ill repute. While cheap to buy at $800, this car may bury you in repair bills.
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2002 Mazda Protegé
The predecessor to the Mazda3 is a pretty sweet driving car, and we found one for $700, although it’s somewhat of a fixer-upper. These cars are notorious for rusting but this one is from British Columbia, so there’s little rust. The odo shows 210,000 km, which is relatively low.
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2005 Ford Focus Wagon
Small wagons are rare and practical workhorses; this one can earn its keep lugging tools and ladders, if that’s your thing. With 230,000 km, the engine will likely keep on ticking, especially if it’s been sourced from Mazda. We found one on Auto Trader with good records and very good condition inside and out. At $900, why is it so cheap? Owner notes a quick sale is needed as he’s moving to the UK. Why are car sellers always leaving the country in a rush?
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2000 Honda CR-V 4WD
A hardy Canadian favourite, we were surprised to find a Honda CR-V on Auto Trader so cheap, especially with 245,000 on the clock. Being a first-generation CR-V, this one uses Honda’s 2.0-litre 4-banger that absolutely refuses to quit. Owner claims the engine and transmission are trouble-free, as are the suspension and steering. Awesome all-wheel-drive goodness for the $800 asking price.
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2007 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5
We’re not big on high-mileage German iron, but we spotted a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta selling for $900 at a Toronto-area VW dealer. If it was a rolling disaster, it wouldn’t be on their lot. The “2.5” badge refers to the oddball 2.5-litre 5-cylinder gasoline engine that’s good for 150 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. This engine is tailored for the North American market where automatic transmissions rule, but this car has a 5-speed stick. Arguably, this is the most durable powertrain VW sold in recent times. No wonder this one’s amassed 288,000 km.
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2005 Saturn Vue
Saturn’s sport utility was not a particularly stellar ride, but there was one redeeming feature found in certain models: a Honda V-6. This 250-hp gem gave the Vue a sleeper reputation among those in the know. Priced at $600, our Auto Trader example has a lofty 400,000 km on the clock, and it needs some expensive attention to pass the safety inspection. The Vue’s plastic body, on the other hand, is undoubtedly mint.
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2004 Saab 9-3
Another automaker that’s bitten the dust, Saab still enjoys some fandom around these parts for its venerable sports sedan. We located a nice-looking 9-3 on Kijiji with a torquey 2.0-litre turbo engine that had accumulated just 188,000 km. If you like sporty European cars with heated leather seats, a sunroof and alloy wheels, this is a screaming bargain at $650.
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2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
A Chevy Cavalier with 253,000 km is not a misprint; these econoboxes can go the distance with regular maintenance and some luck. The one we found on Auto Trader is a steal for the $500 asking price, but it reportedly comes with some issues. This model year marks the last of the Cavaliers, which makes this somewhat of a collectors’ edition. Or maybe not.
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2005 Nissan Sentra
Here’s an innocuous gas saver for $800 that works as a good alternative to a transit pass. Nissan’s Sentra never sold as well as the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, but it has some of the same basic goodness baked in. The one we found on Kijiji, with 180,000 km on the odometer, should run nicely for some time. This model year uses a conventional 4-speed automatic transmission and not Nissan’s delicate CVT.
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2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
Mitsubishi isn’t quite a household name in Canada, which bodes well for bargain hunters. We found a big Endeavor all-wheel-drive sport ute in our local Kijiji listings selling for $799 with 264,000 km on the odo. This model comes loaded with all the creature comforts, including heated leather seats. Mitsubishis are pretty dependable, as it’s a popular vehicle in parts of the world where repair shops are few and far between. This one’s an uncommon bargain.
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2006 Ford Crown Victoria P71
This fleet staple worked both as a police car and a taxi. Canadian-made and equipped with all the right heavy-duty hardware, it was running and driving great until recently. With 320,000 on the odo, this one we found on Auto Trader is actually a creampuff. Many police forces won’t dispose of their Crown Vickies before amassing at least 400,000 km. They don’t make them like this anymore. A steal at $750.
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2000 Toyota Corolla
It’s no auto-show turntable queen, so the Toyota Corolla got to be world’s bestselling car the hard way: by proving to be indestructible. We found a decent example on Kijiji with 220,000 km on the clock, which is relatively low for an all-in price of $650. Unfortunately, this Corolla is peppered with spray-paint touchups, partly due to creeping rust and partly to correct some fender benders. Hey, it’s an urban warrior.
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