O/T Beater car.
 

Well, I seem to have the beater (grand cherokee) running well now. Although, it still has some valve clatter when i first start it up. I think I'll replace the oil pump soon, see what happens. I hope I can bring myself to drive it so that I can keep miles off the svx. We'll see if that lasts. I snapped some pics of it and stuck them in my locker.

-Mike

I believe my Justy would be considered a beater car. Anyone want to share their opinion as to what they consider a beater?

My points:
1. < $1000
2. only purpose is to get you from A to B (commuter)
3. getting it fixed is not very tempting at all anymore
4. you WILL be the last owner

Anyone have anything to add/remove from this list?

maybe 'daily car' is a better description.

-Mike

other name for "beater car"
 

Hi,

Beater Car might be misconstrued..... I like to call them RAT BOXES! There can be no doubt at all when you tell people that you are driving a RAT BOX!

mines a 1994 Hyundai excel
add the following.

door lock might or might not work, but you dont even lock the door anymore :)

Additional points:

1. Won't take it to class reunion
2. Girlfriend won't ride in it during the daytime
3. Smells like someone elses used car
4. Rust and rattles just add to the styling points
5. Your friends ALWAYS offer to drive


Randy (Has owned my share of beaters) ii

If it's valued at over a $1000 it's an "Urban Assault Vehicle". :)

and..
 

You can burn the really cheap gas and only have to fill the tank once a week.

More criteria:

- It was last washed in 1999.
- You need to check your registration to see what color it is.
- You change the oil when the oil light comes on.
- The color of the tranny fluid & coolant are a perfect match.
- It has 4 tires, none of which are necessarily the same brand.
- You use a leaf blower to clean out the interior.
- The headliner is held in place with push-pins.
- The only thing kept in the glovebox is duct tape.
- You keep it because it has a functioning cup holder & you're
ashamed that Goodwill would reject it as a donation.

I loved cars like these.

Ron.

Hey Mike, I agree with you on the daily car name for what you drive. Some people would be glad to have a vehicle like yours as their only car.:) My current daily driver is also more than a beater car, actually it is only a small step below my SVX.

Yeah, my 'daily car' makes me look like a soccer mom :( 1994 Dodge Caravan SE. It runs great, cheaper to maintain and I only drive it for grocery shopping, and during my dress down days :) It's my back-up car to get me from point A to point B when SVX needs to be fixed.

What are you guys talking about "daily car" ??
I drive my SVX everyday and it has never given me a problem, it is my "winter car" and I kinda like it too much to give up for the summer. So now it is my all the time car and my Fiero which was intended for a "summer car" is becoming a garage car... go figure

I love my "BEATER"
 

Here's a good laugh....
One day I was driving along and I look to my right and I see a dream: A 1984 4wd subaru GL. It is only slightly rusy but the engine runs great! Of course it is a station wagon... I stop to see if it is for sale...The guy says NO at first then after a secon he changes his mind...I ask how much...He says $500. I look to my dismay and I only have $300....About 7 minutesand $300 later I am driving home in what I like to call "HELGA"
When I got her they were introducing the Outback, and I did want one but with the SVX and all I could not afford both... So I brought Helga to the paint shop and had her painted to look just like an Outback! I have now had her about 5 years and I love her more everyday (she has had one oil change since I got her) She is TRUSTWORTHY and all the other things mentioned that a beater is! I will have to keep her forever (she already has over 200,000 miles on her:D )

Now THATS A BEATER!
Thanks for letting me share!
-G

Re: I love my "BEATER"
 

Oh, now that's a good idea. I think I'll paint my Justy in Outback colors! :P

We need to see pictures of this beast!

OK... I went thru my pics. I found this REAL beater from the Carlisle Sport Compact Show last year. I knew taking a pic of it would come in handy some day :)

-Mike