Looking for a reliable winter car under $5k in Erie — Where to look and what to avoid? (Car newbie)
Hey everyone,
I’m looking to pick up a cheap, reliable daily driver before winter hits. My budget is pretty firm around $5,000, and to be completely honest, I know very little about cars or mechanical stuff. I really don’t want to end up buying a rusted-out money pit.
With lake-effect snow right around the corner, I’d love some advice from locals:
Where should I actually look? Is Facebook Marketplace my only real shot at this price, or are there honest small lots / mechanics around Erie/Millcreek that sell decent beaters with fresh inspection stickers? Anyone I should completely avoid?
What cars hold up best around here? Everyone says old Toyotas and Hondas, but at $5k they’re getting hard to find in good shape. Are older Buicks (the 3800 engine), Pontiacs, or specific old Fords worth looking at for Erie winters?
Mechanic recommendations for a pre-purchase inspection: Since I don't know what I'm looking at under the hood, is there a trusted local garage you'd recommend taking a car to for a quick once-over before I buy?
Rust red flags: Erie salt is brutal—what are the biggest structural rust areas that will cause a car to fail PA inspection right away?
Any tips, lot recommendations, or advice for a first-time buyer around here would mean a lot. Thanks!