30 Fun and Cheap Cars For Around $3,000

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.