Under five thousand euros every car has a history. The question is not whether there are faults but which ones you accept.
Where not to compromise
- Rust on structural parts. Paint covers it; welding costs more than the car.
- An engine with white smoke or oil in the coolant.
- Papers that do not match the seller.
- An automatic gearbox that jolts — the repair often exceeds the car’s value.
Where you can let go
- Scratches and worn seats — cosmetics, not mechanics.
- Air conditioning that does not cool: a refill is cheap, a compressor is not. Ask which it is.
- Tyres and brakes: put their price into your offer rather than rejecting the car.
Always keep €500 aside for the first week. In this class it is almost always needed — and whoever has it does not panic.