Edit: Pictures in post 43
Ok, so the other day I just happened into a 2006 Ford escape for $200. Long story short, the owner had it parked on the street downtown and it was going to be towed any day. So rather then loose it entirely he sold it for $200.
Turned out that after a new battery and minor tweaks it started right up and I drove it home.
Been tinkering with it the last few days and looks like I can get most of the issues fixed and still come in under $600. Mostly it just needs a complete tune-up and some TLC. It is in surprisingly good condition as well, interior is great, outside is decent. Drives good as well, I will know more once I fixed a few codes and issues I already ordered parts for.
The last big things to fix are:
The front bumped is just bungee corded on right now, so got to see if I can reattach it or need a new one. Looking like with some fiberglass work I can repair the bumper but watching one that is posted on ebay that is the right color anyways.
Rust, I am a Texas guy. Rusty to us is literally any rust at all. Brake calipers are a red color, that is rusty down here lol. This car came from North Dakota and for me the rust is really bad but I know it is actually fairly good for the age. No frame or structural damage I can see, just a solid coating of rust under it. The rear fender wells also have some rust bubbling under the paint.
Anyone have good suggestions on how to deal with rust now that it will never see salt again? The fender paint I can do but not sure about the under-car stuff.
Lastly the stock radio works but I need some way of getting MP3’s into the audio. I have been debating getting one of those sub $50 head units that can play from bluetooth or USB.
Anyone have experience with them?
Something like this (literally the first one I pulled up, there are tons to pick from).
Or even cheaper if you don’t go for the touch screen:
One of the nicer units with android and GPS would be great but also a little overkill for a $500 car.
My 4runner actually has a really nice setup, A/D/S/ Amps, Pioneer head unit, component speakers all around. Although something shorted out last year and now it doesn’t sound the same. Sad it used to sound really good, now it just sounds good at mid volumes, low or high is not very good anymore. So it is hard buying super cheap for this car.
Looking for any tips on dealing with rust or car audio options on a budget. Figure if anyone has tried these cheap radios they are here.