A couple weeks back, the MotorBiscuit team chatted a bit about the sheer number of surprisingly cheap cars coming up on Facebook Marketplace. We’re all Millennials, so some of the rides we envied in high school are now, dare we say, “Classics.” As such, several models are popping up in an “accessible” light. If you’re looking for something neat that won’t bankrupt you to get into – and you don’t have a particular vehicle in mind – here are a few to keep an eye out for.

First, a note: For our purposes, buying a “fun, old car” for “cheap” doesn’t indicate the costs of keeping them roadworthy. Obviously, you should have someone you trust inspect a classic car before buying one. Or, at least have a decent understanding of what you’re getting into before driving (or towing!) one home.

Saabs

Saab was fairly popular in the 1990s…I’m pressed to describe them as if Porsche and Volvo had a baby. Jerry Seinfeld helped with their popularity as his character drove several on the show.

There isn’t just one model out in the wild for super cheap right now, so this goes for a variety of classic Saab listings on Facebook Marketplace. Keep in mind that Saab stopped making cars back in 2014. As such, they’re good for DIYers or folks with a good independent shop nearby. Depending on your location, you can find some that were “parked and sitting forever” or the owner’s daily driver posted up. Prices range anywhere from less than a grand to several thousand. Some examples I found today near me in Central Ohio:

• 2007 Saab 9-5 Aero with 119K miles for $2,400. Slate grey exterior. Dark leather interior. Small amount of rust.
• 1995 Saab S Hatchback with 173K miles for $2,000. Green in color. Sitting, but the engine and transmission work.
• 1989 900 sedan with 127K for $1,900 in Grand Rapids, MI. Red color, clean tan upholstery inside. Small rust spots, otherwise clean.

Lexus LX 470

Arguably, this isn’t an enthusiast SUV only just now having a moment, since the car has a healthily dedicated following already. Still, for those outside the know, it’s a fabulous Land Cruiser, Bronco, or Jeep alternative, no doubt. Lexus sold the LX 470, its third-gen of the lumbering full-size SUV, from 1998 to 2007. The three-row, eight-passenger hulk might be a gas-guzzler, but if you’re looking for a large SUV without worrying about V8 reliability with age, you’d be hard-pressed to find much else.

At this point, you can catch them on Facebook Marketplace for less than $10K. It’ll take a bit of searching.

VW Cabrio

I attended a public high school, but the community was one wherein lawyer or doctor dads bought their daughters brand-new VW Jettas. If you were really privileged, you got the convertible Cabrio. As for me, I picked a formerly junked ’86 Jaguar XJ, which I promptly wrecked after getting the hood repainted. It was into a pine-green 90s Toyota Camry after that.

If you’re into Y2K style, or just can’t find a Miata, check out 1998-2003 VW Cabrios. It’s impossible to resist the prices…not to mention the charming looks of these two-door, square-body convertibles. For just a couple/few grand, you’re in.

Honda Fit

This fall, I wrote a whole piece on the pros of owning a Honda Fit if you’re looking for a fun, cheap manual. Honda released the Fit in the U.S. market in 2007 and stopped selling it here in 2020. While it isn’t technically a classic, I’m seeing it come up on insider feeds…and on Facebook Marketplace.

There are a ton near me – all manual transmissions – in a variety of colors and odometer readings, ranging in asking price from $3,500 to $4,800. If you’ve got more budget to play around with, you can get a pristine version in a cool color for more like $8K-$10K. 

1996 – 2004 Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

My household has had a couple of Jeeps over the years, and while I can’t say maintenance and upkeep is cheap, if you live in the states, it’s a good idea to own at least one Jeep in your lifetime.

You’ll find about a bazillion Cherokee listings on Facebook Marketplace. The older you go, the more square-bodied they get. I’d advise against spending more than $4K or $5K to get into one. And don’t expect the spending to stop at purchase, especially if you drive them regularly. Think coolant clogs and oil leaks, brittle plastics, malfunctioning windows and door locks, and glitchy HVAC actuators.

1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette (C5)

This one’s for folks with some cash and a desire to get into a “supercar for the people.” Fifth-gen Corvettes are all officially 20 years old. In my mind, owners who purchased new may be looking to pass the car to the next line of enthusiasts.

There are a decent number on Facebook Marketplace in the Midwest (Ohio and Michigan) for less than $15K. Up the budget to $20K and you’ll have your pick of the litter.

Honda Element

Another Honda, but the Element is nothing like the rest of the automaker’s production catalog. These things are crazy! Honda made them from 2003 to 2011. Even the oldest ones are still going.

You can recline the back seats down flat, and then clip the assemblies up like rescue boards running along the interior side body. The floor is plastic, making cleaning a breeze. They had manual and 4WD options.

Facebook Marketplace listings ask for anywhere from $850 to $10K, and they’re not “rare.” Land where you want budget-wise and you’re in for some fun in any case.

1994-2004 Ford Mustang (SN95)

If you’re looking for a V8 packed into a cheap American muscle car, you might look at the SN95 Mustang. These Ford ponies are all over Facebook Marketplace now. Seems like folks who daily drove them for years are looking to modernize or just need some extra cash. Here are a few hanging up now in my area:

• 1996 Ford Mustang GT Coupe with about 100K miles. Stick shift. Green two-door. $3,500.
• 1999 Ford Mustang GT Convertible two-door with 197K miles. Black with black leather interior. Many new parts and upgrades. $5,000 OBO.
• 2005 Ford Mustang Deluxe Coupe. 163K miles, stick. Black with black leather. Dealer listing, $3,900.

Honorable mentions

Hard to believe I had trouble trimming this list to just eight cars? Well, I did. Along with the fun, cheap vehicles above, Facebook Marketplace had tempting listings for the following models:

• Pontiac Firebird
• Late 90s-mid 00s Honda CR-V
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Honda Acty
• Suzuki Samurai

Well, this was a hoot and a half. Is there anything better than spending Monday morning window shopping for fun, cheap cars on Facebook Marketplace? Happy hunting!