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30 Fun and Cheap Cars For Around $3,000

Vukasin Herbez November 19, 2017

16. Early ’90s Chevrolet Camaro

The year, 1993, marked the return of the Camaro and Z/28 model. Chevy placed it in a new body they mated with an improved and slightly modified F-Body platform. But they retained the live rear axle setup. However, the fourth-generation Camaro was a modern-looking, capable muscle car that came in two body styles, a coupe, and a convertible. The engine lineup consisted of V6 and V8 units. But in the Z/28 version, the Camaro got Chevrolet’s LT1 engine with 275 HP.

Even though it doesn’t sound like much today, for the early ’90s it was a good number. In fact, it translated to a lively performance. And they gave the Z/28 package updated brakes and a six-speed manual transmission. So, for $3,000 you probably won’t find a nice Z/28. However, you can find a decent V6 Camaro.

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15. Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Do you need something for cruising your local streets with the top down while blasting some tunes, but don’t want to spend a fortune? Well, the Sebring Convertible could just be the car for you. They presented the first generation in 1996. And it featured a cool look with decent motorization in the form of a 2.7-liter V6 unit.

But in 2001, Chrysler put out a new model with more improvements and better technology. Today, some decent Sebrings are in the $3,000 range. So if you want an affordable, cool summertime cruiser, the Chrysler Sebring Convertible is the car for you.

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14. Dodge Neon ACR

Back in the ’90s, the Neon was one of the best compact cars America produced. However, the Dodge engineers realized that their chassis had the potential to be something more than just a grocery go-getter. They decided to offer a race-ready Neon they called the Neon ACR. Basically, it came with a twin-cam engine and four-wheel disc brakes.

Also, it had a different speedometer, a stiffer suspension, and radio delete. They derived the name from the American Club Racer. Soon, the Neon ACR was the favorite car of amateur racers on track weekends. Today, you can find lots of affordable ACR Neons. However, most car enthusiasts tend to invest in restoring this interesting piece of Mopar performance history.

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13. BMW E46 3-Series Touring

One of the most unlikely driver’s cars you can get at a bargain price is the 1998 to 2005 BMW E46 3-Series Touring. If you’re unfamiliar with BMW model designations, this is the station wagon version of the old 3-Series from the late ’90s and early 2000s. The trick with this car is that the E46 chassis is one of the best in its class with 50:50 weight distribution and perfect handling.

Add to it a rev-happy six-cylinder engine with 230 HP and six-speed manual transmission and you get an immensely capable enthusiast wagon. It comes with decent space and great performance for just around $3,000. Importantly, the maintenance should also be much less expensive compared to those more modern BMWs.

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12. Lexus SC 300 Coupe

The common opinion about the early ’90s Lexus is that they built those cars with special care. So they’re much more durable than their competitors as well as other Toyota products. For just $3,000, you have the chance to buy a nice example of the SC 300 Coupe.

Toyota equipped it with a plush interior and a 3.0-liter straight-six engine with 225 HP the ’90s. In fact, the Lexus SC 300 was a capable competitor to the Mercedes SL and Cadillac Eldorado. Even today, this Gran Turismo didn’t lose much of its appeal. Luckily, it is still a great cruiser for a small price.

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11. Mid-90s Ford Mustang GT

Ford introduced the Mustang’s long-awaited fourth generation in late 1993 as a 1994 model. The new car was sleeker and more modern. Also, it was better built and more powerful thanks to the new 4.6-liter modular V8 that pumped 260 HP. Although that’s not a big number for today, it was more than enough by mid-1990s standards.

Since the Mustang GT was a popular, common car, you can find them today at low prices. Also, for $3,000 you will have plenty to choose from, too. Although the 260 HP engine provides decent performance, you will not beat any new 911s at those stoplight drag races. However, if you want a wallet-friendly muscle car, you can’t go wrong with the mid-’90s Mustang GT with a V8 engine.

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10. 2004 Buick Park Avenue Ultra

They are forgotten now, but those early 2000s Buicks were very good machines. The V6 engine had decent power, interiors were filled with creature comforts, the quality was acceptable and maintenance was cheap.

Of course, the design wasn’t interesting and the performance wasn’t impressive unless you opt for the supercharged model. However, for $1000 (or a little more) bucks today, this is still a decent cruiser.

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9. 1999 Audi A6 2.8 Quattro

Audi is one of the most sought-after luxury brands in the world. However, for $1000 you can get 2.8-liter, V6-powered, and Quattro all-wheel-drive A6 sedan from 1999.

Although a bit outdated, this capable sedan can still hold its own, especially on icy and slippery roads.

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8. 2002 Acura TL

Acura is well-known for its quality and dependability. In the case of the 2002 Acura TL, this could be the reason for buying, even if the car in question has over 200,000 miles.

With proper maintenance, good spare parts, and a reasonable person behind the wheel, it can go for 200.000 more.

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7. 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

Simple, early `2000s SUV with decent equipment, easy maintenance, and reliability for $1000? Sounds like a good deal.

Of course, you will get a 4×2 version which will limit your off-road actions a bit but still, Montero Sport is a good SUV even though it is a little cramped by today’s standard.

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6. 1990 Lexus LS 400

The early 1990s LS400 was the first Lexus model and car which made the company. Although it looked like a Mercedes S-Class, it had distinctive features, a V8 engine, good equipment, and was made to last.

For $1000 this could be a perfect daily cruiser with a leather interior and automatic gearbox.

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5. 1992 Mercedes E400 (W124)

V8-powered Mercedes sedan for $1000? Yes, you can get a W124-series four-door for that price if you opt for E400 from the early ’90s.

Those luxury sedans were known for their quality and durability and we are sure that there is plenty of life left in this elegant cruiser.

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4. 2002 Toyota MR2

Early 2000s Toyota MR2 could be considered enthusiast’s choice for its roadster body, mid-engine, and lively driving dynamics. We have found a tired but complete and registered example for just $1000.

Of course, we’re sure that you will need to invest some more cash if you want to be sure that this MR2 will perform like the day it left the factory.

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3. 1999 BMW 323 Convertible E36

If you’re a fan of open-air driving and you want to enjoy straight-six engines along with the wind in your hair then the 1999 323i Convertible is the car for you.

This Bavarian convertible looks decent and it is registered but we are sure that it will need some investment if you want to show it on car shows. However, it’s a good starting point.

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2. 1995 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

Although it is not a capable 4×4 version but a regular 4×2 model, the Cherokee Laredo is still a very usable and capable family SUV. The maintenance shouldn’t be a problem since this was a very popular car.

If you are looking for a safe transportation device for your family on a budget, this is it.

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1. 2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5

Back in the early 2000s, the Jetta with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder was a good proposition as a compact family sedan. Today, 15 years later it is still dependable transport with all the important features. Sure, you will not get satellite navigation or autonomous driving system but you will get decent power, comfort, and good safety. All for $1000 to $3000.

These are the top 30 fun yet cheap cars for around $3,000. So if you don’t have a lot of money in your car budget, don’t worry. Buying one of these affordable, yet fun cars is the way to go. But to avoid headaches, be sure to check the maintenance and accident history first. That shouldn’t be difficult to do, so now it’s time to go car shopping before its prices are sky-high.

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30 Fun and Cheap Cars For Around $3,000

16. Early ’90s Chevrolet Camaro

15. Chrysler Sebring Convertible

14. Dodge Neon ACR

13. BMW E46 3-Series Touring

12. Lexus SC 300 Coupe

11. Mid-90s Ford Mustang GT

10. 2004 Buick Park Avenue Ultra

9. 1999 Audi A6 2.8 Quattro

8. 2002 Acura TL

7. 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

6. 1990 Lexus LS 400

5. 1992 Mercedes E400 (W124)

4. 2002 Toyota MR2

3. 1999 BMW 323 Convertible E36

2. 1995 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

1. 2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5

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