A used car salesman known online as Olde Carr Guy (@oldecarrguy) is drawing attention on Facebook for his blunt take on what it really costs to buy a decent vehicle these days. In a recent video, he says he gets calls from shoppers nearly every day asking whether he has any "cheap cars" available. When he asks what that means, the answer is usually the same. "They say $2,000 to $3,000," Olde Carr Guy recounts. That price point, he argues, no longer stretches very far. According to him, vehicles in that range today are typically high-mileage or in rough shape. He doesn’t mince words about it. "If you want anything good at all, you need to be in the $6,000 to $7,000 range," Olde Carr Guy shares. "Am I right? Or am I right?" Not everyone online agreed. Some commenters pushed back on the idea that buyers have to spend close to $7,000 to land a reliable used car, sparking debate in the replies about what "cheap" really means in the current market. As of this writing, Olde Carr Guy’s video has garnered more than 162,000 views. How Cheap Can You Get A Good Used Car? The answer to this question may vary depending on what you mean by "good." If you’re hoping for something reliable that won’t immediately drain your bank account, most buyers today land somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000. That range tends to offer older but well-maintained models with higher mileage and fewer surprises. According to USA Today, it’s still possible to find something running and driving for $2,500. But at that price, expectations matter. Cars in that tier often have 150,000 miles or more, visible wear, and the likelihood of near-term repairs. They can work as basic commuters, just not without some risk. Brand and maintenance history usually matter more than appearance. Older Toyota and Lexus models have long reputations for durability, according to Consumer Reports. Mazda models and Hondas can also hold up well, too, if they have been taken care of. But if you’re set on getting a car in the $2,000 to $3,000 range, it’s probably wise to budget extra. With very low-priced vehicles, setting aside another couple thousand for tires, brakes, or routine maintenance is not unrealistic. A pre-purchase inspection is also rarely a bad idea. In short, deals still exist. But the lower the price, the more flexible and cautious you need to be. Spending a little upfront can save a lot later. Commenters Believe Used Cars Should Be Cheaper Not everyone watching Olde Carr Guy’s video agreed with his price floor. Several viewers pushed back on the idea that shoppers need to spend at least $6,000 to avoid ending up with junk. A few went further, suggesting dealerships have an incentive to nudge buyers toward higher price points. "You can buy a nice car for 2-3k off an individual," one user wrote. "You won’t do it on a car lot where the aim point is to make money on the sale." Another questioned the markup outright. "Dealer gets them for 2 or 3 and sells them for 6 or 7," they wrote. "Right?" "So what he is saying is he sells junk," a third viewer quipped. Others chimed in with their own success stories of bargain hunting. "I’ve got a $2,000, 1999 Camry that will likely outlast anything on your used car lot," one commenter shared. Another pointed to longevity over price. "$1,200 Chevy S10, going strong in its 5th year of my ownership now," they wrote. "I’m sure it will be on the road longer than any vehicle that has been built in the last decade." One person described a neighborly deal that worked out. "My daughter scored a $500 car from a neighbor," they wrote. "It needed brakes only. After the brake job, it passed inspection and is a daily driver. It’s ugly, but it’s a viable car." And at least one viewer argued it comes down to experience. "Nah, bro, you just have to know what to look for," they said. "You can get a Mint Condition PT cruiser for $3,000. Lol." Regarding the negative reception to his video, Olde Carr Guy said, "Initially I would call BS. Although there is an exception to every rule, those $2-3k cars [‘that you don't have to spend money on’] are few and far between. Very [rarely] is there any used car [you] don't have to do any work on. [They’re] used cars after all and in most cases, they are being sold for a reason. I'm not saying they're not out there, just not as abundant as folks are saying." We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team