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Is this a good deal for a first car?

I am looking around for a first car and I do not have that much to spare. Even over a$1000 would be too much. So I was browsing thorugh craigslist yesterday and stumbled upon this. http://houston.craigslist.org/car/374241754.html Would this be a good car. The girl is willng to accept $400 for it. Are these cars good and reliable by history? Here's some pics: http://photos.msn.com/Slideshow/Viewer.htm?locale=en-us&config=%2fSlideshow%2fConfig.aspx%3flocale%3den-us%26folder%3dnBuRgwTGIGiSFa47hr6eGVw6q21dpOhaJ00B0zmfQnQ%24&data=%2fSlideshow%2fData.aspx%3ffolder%3dnBuRgwTGIGiSFa47hr6eGVw6q21dpOhaJ00B0zmfQnQ%24%26index%3d1 It ain't pretty but its only for commuting between home and college and possibly work. She told me that it has had a tune up in the last 6 weeks, new wipers, fluids, working signals and lights. Its missing a door panel but the window still works. Of course, it needs inspection and registration but that's why its so cheap. So what do you think? There were some working cars around this price range about a few weeks ago but I think those are gone now. Never been reposted. My dad was waiting on this car (1993 Camry) from some patient at his job, but the guy is dragging his feet and undecided about whther or not to sell the car.Not to mention his condition is getting worse (dialysis clinic). No use in waiting for that car. It was supposed to be sold <$1000, around $800. Doesn't matter. My dad only had about $500 saved up but he went and used it all >:( so that's why I have even less to work with. The car had faded paint and a window that wouldn't roll down anymore b/c the mtor went out so tape covered up the gap. Anyway, college starts Sept. 4 and I just wanna make sure I have transportation. Believe me, the bus line on that side of town is scary! the bus driver just got raped the other morning. Ew. Okay found another one. How 'bout it? http://houston.craigslist.org/car/376056694.html Already sent an email. Waiting for reply. Better deal?

Public Comments

1. No, don't buy based on price. there is more wrong with that car than you have been told...
2. Get the VIN and check the history and also have a mechanic or guy friend look at it for you. That's your best bet
3. Don't do it!!!! I have a car you can purchase for 1000. I am sellin my jeep cherokee. Rebuilt motor and transmission. I have all receipts and tickest for repairs. Bought the car for 1,500 and repaired in over 7,000. If you buy a car for less then 1000 you are askin for trouble. Lucky for you my jeep is in good condition, if you want to look at it email me dustin_fuller@yahoo.com i also live in houston
4. well your definatly going to have a problem first and foremost with the title and regestration i dont know how things work out that way but here in nj it takes about three to six weeks for a title to come in and you wont be able to register the car in your name without it. all the things she named are very superficial..... trust me ive been in a car that was suppose to be reliable that looked okay with a motor that needed some work... and it was a horrible semester.... what you wanna do is ask her to look at the car bring your dad or someone who knows about cars with you... check to see how it starts, runs, if theres n e knocking, check the transmission, recheck the fluids, alllll of that.... and be sure to do some research i hear the grand ams were notorious for problems in the earlier years. ive owned a 2003 at one point it didnt give me n e problems, but double check so you know.
5. The only thing that worries me is the lack of title. Other than that, any car at that price is a pretty good deal (as long as it's running!) However, I would probably steer clear of it since you're obviously going to need a RELIABLE vehicle, and at that price, you probably won't get much! Keep checking the newspapers, used car lots, bulletin boards and even the College bulletins as well as those small circulars that are available in front of the supermarkets; you can probably get more car, with less hassle for a similar amount of money. Good luck!
6. No title. Why not? Big problem. I don't know about where you live,but don't even bother showing up at the MVD here without one.
7. Pontiacs are terrible cars. Buy something...... anything (well, almost anything) Japanese like a Toyota.
8. NO!!!!!!!!!!!! The fact that it hasn't a title is reason enough not to buy it. It could be stolen.