Is this car a reasonable deal

[GamerMON]

Okay, before I begin let me stress that I don't now much about cars. I am looking at cars on craigslist. My truck is currently waiting on a clutch that comes in tomorrow. I want another car. So, I have one when mine or my fiance isn't working. I am looking at getting a car with only a couple reasonable problems. I saw a 76 olds cutlass that looks to be in good condition for the age. It says the motor is knocking. They are only asking $1000. How much do you guess I would have to put into to make is a fully working vehicle. http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1778391976.html

[GamerMON]

Looking more seriously at this one (sheldon is like 2 hours away from me), but same question.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1778378501.html

[FiftyDollarCurse]

Need to know how much money you have / are willing to spend before making a value judgment...

[Hobie-wan]

Are you specifically looking for a boat? Those are both going to get terrible mileage and probably need a lot of fixing. If you just want a cheap reliable backup I'd look for a Japanese econobox beater.

[otaku]

yeah I wouldn't buy those either. Wouldn't buy anything over a decade old or so and get something with a 4 or 6 cylinder for mpg purposes (6 if you want/need some power) they'll be cheaper to maintain as well. American cars and japanese are the way to go on the cheap try to get something clean with as few owners as possible and as much history as possible and I'd get a mechanic to look at it to. If it makes any weird sounds or blows smoke or looks like hell run like hell!

[CRTGAMER]

For a second reliable daily runner grocery getter, maybe go for an older under 10 years Japanese import such as Toyota, Mazada, Nissan or Honda. All of which have have proven reliability records. Not including the current crop, Toyota older vehicles seem to run forever. Here I am saying this with a 1962 Impala in my driveway. Difference is it took hard work and money to get her where she is at. Now with 4.11 gears takes a lotta gas. Strictly a weekend cruiser though, cost too much as a commuter vehicle.

Have Mazda MPV min van, two toyota trucks, a 4 Runner and Sequoya, very happy with reliability of all my cars.

[Devezu]

Knocking = VERY BAD STAY AWAY LIKE THE PLAGUE! On it's last knees.

[Jrecee]

If you don't know much about cars and you're looking for some quick reliable transportation, these aren't it. These would fall into the category of restoration projects, which will take thousands of dollars and weeks/months/years to get into good condition. With the olds you are not paying $1000 for a quality car, you're paying $1000 for the collectible value. Go search early 70s camaros and challengers on ebay for under $3000, you don't get a car, you get a rusty shell with a vin number.

Buy an early 90s honda/toyota/volvo if you're looking for a beater.

[GamerMON]

Looking for more of weekend cruiser. My old lady wants more of a reliable car (crazy that). If I can find a volvo station wagon, I might go with that. Thanks for the sounding board.