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30 great cars listed on KSL Cars for under $5,000

30 great cars listed on KSL Cars for under $5,000

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Estimated read time: 13-14 minutes

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It’s springtime, and in Utah, that could mean any type of weather. Here’s a list of 30 cars under $5,000 on KSL Cars that should let you take advantage of the season without taking much out of your wallet. In this price strata, you can expect some dings, rips, and mileage but you can still find some great deals out there with a little digging (which we’ve already one for you).

Note that some listings might already be gone by the time you read this article. We’ll do our best to keep it updated.

We’ll start with the convertibles, and move on to other spring-worthy rides from there:

1. 1998 Chrysler Sebring convertible

These can be pretty practical for a car with cloth where its roof should be. This one seems like a clean one with bigger (as opposed to sports car) ride.

View the listing here.

2. 1998 Ford Mustang convertible

This one has just 127,000 miles on it. The paint has issues, but that’s the beauty of convertibles: They are fun no matter the condition. Dents, fading, ripped tops don’t take any wind out of your hair.

View the listing here.

3. 2000 BMW 323Ci convertible

An almost 20-year-old BMW is going to have some issues, but this one has a manual transmission. Make sure to ask questions about its history and future outlook.

View the listing here.

4. 2007 Volkswagen Beetle convertible

Nothing but cute here. And fun. This one’s green, but there are other colors out there that make you happy as you walk up to the car.

View the listing here.

5. 1998 Mustang GT convertible

The owner says this roofless muscle car has a V-8 and a manual transmission and it may need paint. Photos show it needs a top. But it’s a convertible, so getting fixed is optional, except in heavy rain.

View the listing here.

6. 2000 Chevrolet Camaro convertible

The Mustang listed above will beat this six-cylinder Camaro in a race, but it’s springtime, so you should slow down and enjoy the weather anyways. This Camaro probably won’t be in a car show any time soon, but it’s $1,700.

View the listing here.

7. 1985 Toyota Celica convertible

At just 115,000 miles and in decent shape, consider this $2,500 1980s Celica an investment. Vintage Japanese prices are on their way up. Buy low, enjoy a top-down spring, and then sell high.

View the listing here.

8. 1988 Toyota Celica convertible

At $2,995, ’88 is the next generation from the ’85 above. It’s a bit nicer, but will probably lag behind the ’85 in market appreciation, though you might appreciate it more on a sunny day.

View the listing here.

9. 2000 Toyota Solara convertible

The owner of this car claims it has solid reliability and a soft price. It’s probably the most reliable convertible of this list.

View the listing here.

10. 1964 Plymouth Valiant convertible

Re-read the part above where we say any convertible in any shape is cool, and then pick up this classic 1960s. There’s even a punk rock song that mentions a ’64 Valiant. It needs a top and all kinds of other stuff you can fix (or not).

View the listing here.

11. 1972 Jeep CJ5

If you like your Jeeps simple and capable, this could be the one for you. The listing claims it has an engine out of a 1976 Jeep, and you can attempt to settle the debate of whether fiberglass bodies are better than steel.

View the listing here.

12. 1988 Chevrolet Suburban Camper

Look at this ad for kicks and ideas. The owner built a camper out of it complete with stove, sink, and sleeping areas. Looks ready to get to any area to camp, as soon as some minor mechanical issues get fixed.

View the listing here.

13. 2004 Mazda Mazda3

Want to a little more than just get around when you hit the road? Try shifting your own gears in the sporty compact. It makes a commute an actual drive. Unless you hit traffic.

View the listing here.

14. 1997 Toyota RAV4

Finding an original-body RAV4 is tough. This one claims it has no mechanical issues, but the paint on the hood is an obvious cosmetic one.

View the listing here.

15. 1985 Nissan D21

Ever wish Nissan had come out with a truck-based SUV just a few years before the Pathfinder, right after Toyota came out with the 4Runner? Try this rare Nissan truck dealer-option conversion for $2,000, firm on the price.

View the listing here.

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Shutterstock

16. 1993 Ford Taurus Wagon

What says “Let’s road trip!” more than a wagon? The ad doesn’t say if it has the 3rd-row seat or not. If it does, it is family-trip perfect.

View the listing here.

17. 2003 Ford Taurus Wagon

All the wagon nostalgia described in the last listing, but the newer body style, and very, very shiny paint.

View the listing here.

18. 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser

Take a look at this if you’re serious about off-roading (i.e., you like to fix stuff yourself) and you don’t care about how pretty your ride is. $3,000 is a decent point to start building an unstoppable rig.

View the listing here.

19. 2002 Mazda Protege5

These little sporty wagons Mazda’s (sadly) secret fun cars. The word’s out now, so they’re a little tough to find. This ad claims recent work that has it ready to really drive.

View the listing here.

20. 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport

Five-door Jeeps abound on KSL Cars. What made this one stand out is it keeps it simple with the smaller, 2.5-liter engine, a manual transmission, and crank windows.

View the listing here.

21. 2002 Volkswagen Passat

You can find plenty of older VWs on KSL Cars. We picked this one because it has some cool photos, and this mechanical caveat: “when you adjust the mirrors it usually blows a fuse (if the car is running) and the car won't start until you replace it, however, the car will come with multiple fuses if it happens.” Seems like either a way to get the price down, or make driving an adventure.

View the listing here.

22. 1999 Mercedes M-Class

It’s not rare to find a first-generation Mercedes for $2,800 on KSL Cars, but this one’s in sweet shape, if the entire description of “Very good condition, everything works” is to be believed. Interior looks good in the photos.

View the listing here.

23. 2003 Chrysler PT Touring

PT Cruiser styling is polarizing; you love it or hate it. If you’re a PT lover, this one is the loaded version for$2,495, and you get a stick shift, which even if you’re a hater, you gotta respect.

View the listing here.

24. 1994 Toyota Celica GT

This interesting-looking Celica could use some paint, but not mechanical work. It claims mature ownership, meaning some kid didn’t chop it up and swap out all the parts for aftermarket stuff.

View the listing here.

25. 1985 Chevrolet Camaro

Mid-80s Camaros were very popular. The six-cylinder in this one might make it less appealing to drivers more interested in passing Mustangs than gas pumps, but it has a stick, and… pause for effect… T-tops.

View the listing here.

26. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic

It’s red, but that’s where the glamor stops in this econo-hatch, unless getting 38 mpg is sexy to you. Listed for $2,800, you’re starting out ahead, and the fuel bill will keep you there.

View the listing here.

27. 1980 Honda Civic

Wanna get smiles from people over 40? This Civic is a survivor, avoiding cool kids’ modifications the last 39 years. The ad says it needs has seat and minor body issues, but most people who give you a thumbs-up for your car never get that close to it anyway.

View the listing here.

28. 2005 Kia Rio Cinco

It’s small, it’s $1,200, and it won’t kill you on gas. The Cinco (wagon) is a little rare, though car collectors won’t be making you offers on this basic transportation for a generation or two.

View the listing here.

29. 1984 American Motors Eagle SX4

Ask someone over 50 what options we had for 4-wheel-drive wagons before Subaru blossomed, and they might tell you about this. It’s capable enough to take on any quest, but since it’s an orphaned AMC, finding certain parts could be a quest itself.

View the listing here.

30. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon

There are plenty of Jettas out there under $5K. This squeaks onto the list ($4,995) because it’s a little red wagon and because of its big sunroof. Seriously, you’ll take the most rays possible without going convertible.

View the listing here.

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