Craigslist Crapshoot

The World’s Worst Car Is For Sale On Craigslist
Welcome to Craigslist Crapshoot, our weekly search for the most bizarre, awesome, and/or terrible vehicles that the online classifieds has to offer. 
Do you like to play the ponies? It sure seemed like it last week, despite the handicap that was the exclusion of the most common of the category – Mustangs, Camaros, and Firebirds. There was still a lot left from which to choose, and we’ll get to the best of the herd in a sec. First however, this week’s quest.
Pony cars are great and all, but with their typical V8 engines and 4bbl carbs, they are often not the most fuel efficient of ways to get from point A to point B. This week we want to look for deals that give you some of the experience, but are far more likely to be able to pass a gas station. What we want are the following criteria: four cylinders, rear-wheel drive, hard top (no Miatas sorry), and under $5,000.
As always, we want your finds to go down in infamy and not in the site’s spam filter. Follow any of the following advice and you’re crap will be known far and wide.

  1. Easiest way to not get caught in the spam filters is to create an IntenseDebate account. If you do so and your posts aren’t appearing, let us know at tips@hooniverse.info and we can put you on the whitelist
  2. If you don’t want an IDC account, you can create a wordpress.com account and do the same thing.
  3. If you’re the Ted Kaczynski type and don’t want any kind of account, then try to place only a single link in a comment and just drop any outgoing link in via its raw URL and not as a text link.

Got that? Good, now let’s pony up.


Someone once said “If you throw out the F-bodies and Mustangs, you’re looking at a mighty short list of candidates…” Actually it was neight428 who said that, and it was a pretty accurate assessment of the pony car scene. Still, giving up on the Mustang and F-Body addiction can result in a new world opening up and the consideration of rarer and more unique contenders in the pony car melieu. Or, you might find that a cool old Fox body Capri really floats your boat.
We were looking for good deals in uncommon ponies last week, and with its bubble back and built V8 this 1983 Capri found by Manic_King on the LA Craigslists seemed to be a pretty good deal at $5,500. Yeah, it’s Mustang of a different color, but seriously these were the last Capris that could honestly be called a pony. Well done, Manic_King and thanks to you all for playing!
83 Mercury Capri DSS 306, TFS Heads & Cam

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  1. PotbellyJoe ★★★★★ Avatar
    PotbellyJoe ★★★★★

    very Rare corolla GTS 5spd trueno body kit mint body – $3000
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00y0y_eI2zNZyyg3W_600x450.jpg"&gt;
    http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4893424462.ht
    selling my corolla Gts
    has 136,000 original miles I'm the third owner
    car had a fresh paint job year ago
    body is clean
    racing seats
    Mt ts short shifter for a exhaust
    racing springs suspension
    c
    racing rims new wheels
    racing wing
    racing bucket seats
    mechanic said
    car needs the head
    call with any questions but please
    no head beating !!!!!!!
    only reason I'm selling I don't have the money or space to put it until I can fix it and my wife wants a new car is pretty and rare paint job alone worth about $3000 on the paint no dents or dings

    Thank God he won't be beating heads.

    1. Tomsk Avatar

      Sorry to be That Guy, but the AE92s were front-drive.

      1. PotbellyJoe ★★★★★ Avatar
        PotbellyJoe ★★★★★

        Noted.

    1. frankthecat Avatar

      It's a hardbody living in Canada… and has no visible rust? I call shenanigans.

  2. Feds_II Avatar
    Feds_II

    oooh, am I the guy who gets to post a Fiero? Vertical phone screenshots for the win.
    http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/kitchener-wat
    <img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjQwWDM2MA==/z/dHQAAOSw2s1UrVwX/$_20.JPG&quot; width=500>
    If you're looking for something more interesting, how about a '78 Dodge Colt, with "picture of a picture" advertising pictures.
    http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/mississauga-p
    <img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDQ4WDYwMA==/z/xlcAAOSwZjJU4gt~/$_20.JPG&quot; width="500/">

    1. nanoop Avatar
      nanoop

      That screenshot.. fits perfectly on my phone! Now I realize why people make upright videos: they fit on their phone!

  3. Tomsk Avatar

    For just 10 Benjamins, you can be the next steward of this tangerine turdblossom.
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00c0c_dyejcQsgo2J_600x450.jpg&quot; />
    <a href="http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/cto/4863787418.html” target=”_blank”>http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/cto/4863787418.html

    1. giannibu Avatar
      giannibu

      OR maybe this *brown* Vega GT Wagon in Nawlins:
      <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00i0i_15ZhwNbUOYv_600x450.jpg&quot; width="500">
      No asking price, so it must be free.
      <a href="https://neworleans.craigslist.org/cto/4891246752.html” target=”_blank”>https://neworleans.craigslist.org/cto/4891246752.html

      1. dukeisduke Avatar
        dukeisduke

        That doesn't make any sense – it's a GT, but with a one-barrel engine. Being a GT, it should have the RPO L11 two-barrel.

        1. Wildcat_445 Avatar
          Wildcat_445

          Do what any sane person would do: drop in a 454. That'll fix it.

          1. Tomsk Avatar

            Nah, I say keep it a four-banger. An LNF or LTG Ecotec 2.0L turbo would do nicely.

    1. Eric Rood Avatar
      Eric Rood

      Except it's a six-cylinder because I'm a moron.

  4. Devin Avatar
  5. PotbellyJoe ★★★★★ Avatar
    PotbellyJoe ★★★★★

    96 s14 240sx 5spd ka-t – $3500 (barnegat)
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00I0I_6bTFtNuq9us_600x450.jpg"&gt;
    http://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/4873930757.html
    Ok well it has come to a point where I don't have a place to keep this car and I need it gone. I moved to CT and the car has been in NJ in a garage for the past 6 months. I just had to move it down to a friend's house now.
    The good:
    550cc injectors
    Fuel lab fpr
    Tial wastegate
    Adjustable rear control arms
    18" rims
    Aftermarket clutch (not sure which)
    SafcII
    Jwt Ecu
    Aem wideband
    Garrett 50 trim turbo
    Godspeed Fmic
    Kouki tails
    Etc…
    The bad:
    There's a rust spot on each side under the passenger and drivers seat and some cancer on the drivers rear quarter from water getting in through the antenna. Rails are all good
    Car runs and drives. Could use a dyno tune but is fine for getting around on the safc tune for now.
    First $3500 takes it. Don't ask if I'll go lower. I would like it gone this weekend. Email me if you're serious (that means you have cash in hand)
    NOTE: I was unable to show the car upon my first posting and haven't responded to many emails due to the fact I couldn't find the title. I have the title now. Also, the current asking price is 3300 since the passenger side window is damaged and will be the asking price until I get it fixed.
    txt the number in this ad or reply via email.

    Sounds like some issues to get sorted, but it's a 240SX.
    PS. If you want a clean one for over our price limit there is one for $6500… <a href="http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/cto/4896743961.html” target=”_blank”>http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/cto/4896743961.html

  6. Alan Cesar Avatar
    Alan Cesar

    Old Corollas are a good choice. Plenty are available in central Florida for the right price, with a variety of modifications.
    Flared and JDM'ed SR5 liftback. http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/4888326602.html
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00000_1mPyosFtL5D_600x450.jpg&quot; />
    Clean-looking, square-headlight wagon. http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/4896332202.html
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_YxPPNteivb_600x450.jpg&quot; />
    Deliciously brown sedan with 2.4-liter Tacoma engine swap. Probably PDQ. http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/4862147809.html
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00000_h87DP27RHbZ_600x450.jpg&quot; />
    Red wagon with an unfortunate improvised roof rack, but with a 1.8-liter engine and 5-speed manual. http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/4893688952.html
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_9nSWYu4eHEh_600x450.jpg&quot; />

    1. JayP2112 Avatar
      JayP2112

      $6500 but cash talks…
      <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00p0p_5xCC2OswGPj_600x450.jpg&quot; width="600">
      http://killeen.craigslist.org/cto/4854666912.html
      Edit:
      The may be the most desirable Corolla IN THE WORLD!!

    2. Andrew_theS2KBore Avatar
      Andrew_theS2KBore

      I've never seen an SR5 liftback outside of promotional materials… other than the red wheels, i REALLY like that. It's just crying out for more engine to back up all that tire.

  7. Devin Avatar
    Devin

    1971 VW Squareback Ran when parked eight years ago.
    <img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/20cAAOSwrklU4o9N/$_20.JPG&quot; width="500">

    1. 1slowvw Avatar
      1slowvw

      Oh, hello temptation. I had almost forgotten what you looked like.

    2. Wildcat_445 Avatar
      Wildcat_445

      That looks more abandoned than parked.

  8. JayP2112 Avatar
    JayP2112

    Since 4 Cyl Rangers are all over the CL… I guessed there would be a cheap BMW 318 somewhere. And I found it for $500!!!
    1993 bmw e36 5 speed lowered – $500 (Crockett)
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00X0X_dnMlas88pwk_600x450.jpg&quot; width="600"> <a href="http://nacogdoches.craigslist.org/cto/4841696808.html” target=”_blank”>http://nacogdoches.craigslist.org/cto/4841696808.html

  9. giannibu Avatar
    giannibu

    1981 Fiat X 1/9 in Fremont, CA. $4,300 ask. Hopefully the targa top doesn't DQ it.
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00m0m_b91nmYh8Boh_600x450.jpg&quot; width="500">
    <a href="http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4890214270.html” target=”_blank”>http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4890214270.html

    1. Tim Odell Avatar
      Tim Odell

      I think that car might be walking distance from my house…

  10. Kiefmo Avatar

    Here, to render every other argument invalid, is a time-capsule 1982 Mazda B2200 diesel:
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00F0F_4sxggfsGfjs_600x450.jpg"/&gt;
    <a href="http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/4888638005.html” target=”_blank”>http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/4888638005.html

  11. James Avatar
    James

    1972 Mercedes 220 Slammed – $1000 (Chestertown)
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00A0A_fIWsPbUXvG2_600x450.jpg&quot; width="600"> http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4875352746.html
    Against all better judgement, I totally want this thing.

  12. 1977chevytruck Avatar
    1977chevytruck

    I found that one weird unpronounceable car. You know, the European sports-car that American dealers did NOT want to sell? And with a bi-plane spoiler for the win!
    1986 Merkur XR4Ti
    <img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/QogAAOSw8d9UztCO/$_20.JPG&quot; width="600"> http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/1986-
    And finally, a Kijiji ad with enough pictures, albeit through a link! https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0By2urMb5R

    1. Eric Rood Avatar
      Eric Rood

      MARE-KOO-ER

      1. 1977chevytruck Avatar
        1977chevytruck

        But all my friends say MUR-KER! Kidding, of course, i actually bothered to find out how to pronounce it. Also my group of friends is strangely lacking any interest in cars, other than me of course.

        1. Wildcat_445 Avatar
          Wildcat_445

          One thing (of very few) I enjoyed about that car was either turning heads (what the heck is that thing??) or being asked what kind of car it was. One buddy of mine says for years that he XRATI was a weird name for a car. Only recently did he learn it was XR4Ti.
          Sure, I'll take it…if someone pays me $5000 to take it. Yes, it was that bad…which was a shame. It did a lot of things right, but was as reliable as a politician's campaign year promise.
          BTW, that bi-plane spoiler actually worked. I could drive in a complete downpour for an hour and never get a drop of water on that glass.

          1. nanoop Avatar
            nanoop

            It's pronounced "FOAD SARAH" over here, I think.
            And:
            "I could drive in a complete downpour for an hour and never get a drop of water on that glass. "
            I'm sure the engineers are happy to hear that their design worked so well!

          2. Wildcat_445 Avatar
            Wildcat_445

            That's about the only thing that DID work reliably on that rolling turd. 😀 The hatch it was attached to quit opening during the last year of its life, though. The latch got so jammed up that I couldn't even push it in anymore. (And it couldn't be tapped with a hammer since it would buckle the metal.)
            Personally I think part of the problem with that car was the "Americanization" of it, changing the bits and pieces away from the original design.

  13. muthalovin Avatar

    I think Conquests are a good non-Corollas option:
    Conquest TSI Turbo 5 speed – $1750
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00V0V_jxQxg9dTMwt_600x450.jpg"&gt;
    "Conquest TSI 1988, Needs turbo rebuilt, has 14b on it with bad seals, comes with 12a with shaft play."
    ::okay::
    <a href="http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/4886170542.html” target=”_blank”>http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/4886170542.html

    1. smalleyxb122 Avatar
      smalleyxb122

      Even with a bad turbo, that undercuts asking prices on much rougher examples, while not being cheap enough to be an obvious scam.

    2. giannibu Avatar
      giannibu

      Here's a package deal of an '87 Starion and '86 Conquest for $3,600 for both + a bunch of extra parts:
      <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00o0o_kWZb10046yZ_600x450.jpg&quot; width="500">
      <a href="http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/4892206588.html” target=”_blank”>http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/4892206588.html

    3. Tim Odell Avatar
      Tim Odell

      If ever a car begged for LSXFTMFW…

    1. JayP2112 Avatar
      JayP2112

      I'd totally daily drive that.

  14. muthalovin Avatar

    How about a 4-cylinder Fox-body 'Stang?
    93 fox body mustang – $3000
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/01515_5nOxfYywShR_600x450.jpg"&gt;
    http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/4891431020.html

    1. JayP2112 Avatar
      JayP2112

      Hmm. Ecoboost, T-5, IRS… potential.

  15. Batshitbox Avatar

    1970s volvo p1800 wagon – $2500
    "project wagon complete , been park , no running, some rust , bill of sale only"
    Does it look like this…
    <img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3181/5842626504_20cf82e5a8_o.jpg&quot; width=400>
    …or this?
    <img src="http://www.surfaceprocessing.co.uk/car_portfolio/volvo_project/starting_repairs.jpg&quot; width=400>
    Who knows?!?

    1. Devin Avatar
      Devin

      Buy it quickly before the rest of it decomposes!

  16. PotbellyJoe ★★★★★ Avatar
    PotbellyJoe ★★★★★

    Can you come up $6000?
    <img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDgwWDY0MA==/z/YksAAOSwPYZU2gub/$_12.JPG"&gt;
    1988 Lotus Esprit
    1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE 2.2L, Black 25K Miles Project
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Esprit-Turbo-Coupe-
    BIN: $10,900

    1. smalleyxb122 Avatar
      smalleyxb122

      I don't care if that breaks the rules. I'm not liquid enough to drop $11k on a project, and no one is going to give a loan on an '88, but damn, I want that.
      He lost me a bit on "No visible rust …" Really? The plastic hasn't rusted? The hell you say!

  17. neight428 Avatar
    neight428

    You could buy three of these! http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/4840734833.html
    Porsche 924 – $1500
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00b0b_3UniEiUkk55_600x450.jpg"&gt;
    Or one of these that purportedly runs and has fresh paint!
    944 – $4800
    http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/4860029290.html
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00W0W_b4Ve4nfrN7G_600x450.jpg"&gt;
    or this with a rebuilt engine for $4500/a commercial zero turn mower!
    http://collegestation.craigslist.org/cto/48357272
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00W0W_eE63AiiNxSY_600x450.jpg"&gt;

    1. JayP2112 Avatar
      JayP2112

      Surprised these haven't been lapped up for spec racing.

    2. nanoop Avatar
      nanoop

      The 924 is a 924s, so same engine as the 944, but no interior pictures, no engine pictures, and the auto is rare for a reason.. if you are into tin works, it's a hobby car for you. Not for me.
      The red 944 has only two pics and no info on the engine – if in doubt, overpriced. Mind you: the odo has only 5 digits, so it's probably 170kmls – proof me wrong if you can.
      I'd take a look at the silver one: when somebody spent the 200USD for the workshop manual (which is floating on the internet as pdf), the engine is rebuilt (mind you: belts every four years, costs 1kUSD done)… just make sure the clutch is healthy, and you'll have a great ride for the summer.
      The

    1. nanoop Avatar
      nanoop

      That's a looker!

  18. ptschett Avatar
    ptschett

    Small pickups are a good answer for this, but I haven't seen an S-10 posted yet. Here's one with 73,000 miles, I4/manual/RWD but with a salvage title for $2800. http://fargo.craigslist.org/cto/4874770408.html
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00808_fhw0IdJwQWI_600x450.jpg&quot; width="500">

  19. neight428 Avatar
    neight428

    I had a cornucopia of timing belt Porsches posted up a couple of days ago. Not sure what happened there.