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A grey 2003 Volvo V70 driving, one of the most interesting used cars under $1,000

The Most Interesting Used Cars Under $1,000 Have Plenty of Quirks

There is no shortage of interesting used cars out there. But when it comes to the most interesting used cars under $1,000? Autotrader recently scoured its used car listings and highlighted some of the quirkiest and most interesting used cars under $1,000.

There is no shortage of interesting used cars out there. But when it comes to the most interesting used cars under $1,000? Autotrader recently scoured its used car listings and highlighted some of the quirkiest and most interesting used cars under $1,000. Let’s find out what they are.

The 2003 Volvo V70 is a used car under $1,000 with rear-facing third-row seats

A grey 2003 Volvo V70 driving, one of the most interesting used cars under $1,000
2003 Volvo V70 | Volvo

First, let’s talk about the 2003 Volvo V70. As it turns out, the second-generation Volvo V70 is one of the last boxy Volvo wagons that was made available in the U.S., Autotrader reports. It came standard with a 168-hp 2.4-liter engine that was teamed with a manual transmission, though an automatic transmission was available. The V70 also came standard with front-wheel drive.

As for what makes the 2003 Volvo V70 one of the most interesting used cars under $1,000? Well, Autotrader pointed out that the Volvo V70 features rear-facing third-row seats. That’s definitely not something that you see every day. This boxy Volvo wagon features a ton of cargo space, too, making it not just budget-friendly but spacious enough for families.

The 2003 Subaru Impreza Wagon features “bug-eyes” and an affordable price

Autotrader also included the 2003 Subaru Impreza Wagon among its picks for the most interesting used cars under $1,000. When it was first released, the 2003 Subaru Impreza Wagon was available in five different trim levels. It came standard with a slew of features, too, including air conditioning, keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver seat, power windows, locks and mirror, and a CD player.

Perhaps what’s most interesting about the 2003 Subaru Impreza Wagon, says Autotrader, are its “bug-eye” headlights. These headlights boasted a distinct look and were nixed in 2004. Unfortunately, not many of these bug-eye Imprezas are for sale these days. In fact, Autotrader only has one listed. With 280,000-miles on the odometer, Autotrader’s lone bug-eye Subaru Impreza Wagon will cost you $500.

The 2005 Hyundai Sonata is a used car with a manual transmission

A gold 2005 Hyundai Sonata parked
2005 Hyundai Sonata | Hyundai

There’s no beating around the bush here. The 2005 Hyundai Sonata is a practical used car. It came equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. It was also available in several different trim levels and boasted features such as remote keyless power door locks, one-touch power windows, and a six-speaker audio system.

But the 2005 Hyundai Sonata also offered something else that piqued the interest of Autotrader – a manual transmission. Its five-speed manual transmission makes it the ideal pick for those on the hunt for a used car under $1,000, too, Autotrader reports. “If you need a cheap, practical sedan and still want to row your own gears, this manual Sonata could be for you,” Autotrader said.

Is buying a used car for under $1,000 a good idea?

Finding a good used car for under $1,000 is no easy feat. Cars at that price are often older, and in many cases, have significant issues to contend with. But if you’re shopping for a used car on a budget and don’t mind dealing with some problems down the road? Then buying a used car for under $1,000 may not be such a bad idea.

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