I needed a car for under two-hundred quid for my characters and was surprised to find they exist. They're sold as 'useable' and 'runs great'. So what are the facts here? Can you really buy useable cars for two-hundred quid?
A friend of mine used to buy cars in the UK and export them to the US. Though he stuck with a particular model (vintage Minis) he did inform me that there are plenty of older model cars that can be bought for a pittance. Conditions will vary but if it is a pedestrian car with a less than stellar reputation even one in good nick with a current MoT can be had for a few hundred quid. Short answer: yes, they exist. Scan the classifieds in the Auto Trader or completed auctions on Ebay to see what models are bringing what kind of dosh.
so long as you aren't bothered about it failing the MOT when that comes due (or the equivalent roadworthiness test in other countries) it shouldn't be an issue. when my car was off the road for a month I bought an old X19 (with three month MOT ) for £250 and sold it again a month later for £225. Hell if you aren't worried about having an MOT you can get a running car for £100 or less (course it won't be road legal, but your characters might not be bothered about that)
Thanks, @big soft moose. Road legal is a factor, as I don't want them detaining / car confiscated if they should get pulled. But it's good to know I'm not stretching plausibility.
course any old car stands a sporting chance of not being road legal if checked (MOT'd or not), but so long as its taxed and has functioning lights ,indicators etc, and they are driving within the law, they aren't likely to be pulled over
Thank you, @Francis de Aguilar but I'd just like to bring it to your and everyone else's attention that I've long since moved on from the problem outlined in the original post. I think the forum needs a 'Mark as resolved' function.
