8 of the Best American Cars for $3k

Even with used car prices going wild right now, there are still some fun, slightly sporty, American car deals out there. Here are 8 of the best ones you can expect to find, but really you never know what you'll find for sale if you just look around your area. Also a big thank you to everyone for 10,000 subs! It really means a lot and I appreciate you guys (more at the end of the video)!
Let me know in the comments about any crazy bargains you've scored in the past or if there are any cars I should've added to the list!!
Like and subscribe for American auto news as well as the funny, painful, and most interesting parts of the car community.
Make sure to follow Liberty_V8s on Instagram for the meanest looking and sounding American car builds! The intro video is from the Instagram page @wickedvette. He’s got one of the meanest C6’s out there so check him out!
DISCLAIMER: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing." The materials are used for illustrative and exemplification reasons, also quoting in order to recombine elements to make a new work.

[@LibertyDrives]

Hope I didn't make anyone upset about the New Edge GTs or WRXs😬😂 Anyone know of other good deals for $3k??

[@s1x03]

a rolling 240sx chassis 😭

[@BigDaddy-jk6yt]

Impala

[@poppachoppa8956]

Model T

[@malakialkins5332]

Acura integra's

[@SouthernGentleman55]

Problem with the Cadi is that the Northstar platform is one of the worst ever built by any manufacturer. As someone who used to run a salvage yard, this was one of the most common cars that came in with so many mechanical problems

[@SouthernGentleman55]

@@adamhayden5152 😂😂😂 one of the most common vehicles that came in. Cadillacs with Northstars. And yes, I know it's not a 'platform' but when I was talking about it I mean everything that's attached to that motor goes out. Commonly. Transmission. Computers. All forms of different electronics just absolute garbage. As someone who has been in the car industry from many different sides of it for a decade now. I know what I'm talking about. So take your assumptions about me elsewhere.

[@guyontheinternet8891]

You are exactly right. My parents went and bought a Northstar Cadillac DeVille and it turned out to be a total lemon. Head gaskets blew and made it overheat and other expensive issues.

[@callforarchives]

1995-2002 continental is another good option for this list, basically lincolns deville, 260-275 hp

[@LibertyDrives]

That's another great option, I actually didn't know those had that much power🙏

[@neilbrown82]

@@LibertyDrives if it's the front wheel drive Continental with the four valve 4.6 that's definitely not a reliable car

[@skyscourge5663]

@@neilbrown82 its fine

[@mattsommers4111]

@@skyscourge5663 naw it has lots of issues, especially if you presumably don't have alot of money to fix it since you're buying a sub 3k car

[@skyscourge5663]

@@mattsommers4111 four corner air suspension is a thing

[@Ace-44]

Good vid. The Vics are definitely becoming more popular and pricey. Especially a P71 with around 100k miles or less..which doesn't make since with gas prices being so high. I currently own a 04 Town Car. Had it over 10 years and I've been in the market for a Vic for a couple months. Can't beat the 4.6s!

[@LibertyDrives]

Thanks very much, and you're very right!

[@taurussho86]

I'm baffled that you're listing some of the worst motors ever built

[@eliotgarcia21]

Bro it's a $3000 car list what did you expect?

[@taurussho86]

@@eliotgarcia21 just because it's 3k don't mean you list some of these motors. Nobody in their right mind would buy a Dodge, chrysler product from those years.

[@eliotgarcia21]

@@taurussho86 my uncle has a 300 from that Era with like 130,000 miles no problems

[@taurussho86]

@@eliotgarcia21 it has the 3.5... The 2.7l is the only motor I've ever heard of that had a failure rate within 60k miles. Some as little as 30k miles. Aye, I'm not thr company that built piss poor cars.

[@charliemoomoo7200]

That’s what I’m wondering too bro, when he said the Cadillac deville with the northstar I was just confused as to who would want that engine especially in a fwd full size sedan. If you’re getting a north star at least get it in the sts that way you have rwd. Then he mentioned Sebring🤦🏻‍♂️

[@danieladams5422]

I bought a 08 crown vic lx about 2 yrs ago. Awesome car I love it big comfy amd has good power. It gets up and goes. Not a race car but I'm surprised how quick it is.

[@LibertyDrives]

I'm jealous😂 Maybe I should grab one

[@motormind2]

Just a quick comment, the crown Vic was only made until 2011 not 2012. Great video 👍

[@LibertyDrives]

My mistake🙏🙏 Thank you for lettin me know and I appreciate the love!

[@thomascaruthers3316]

PT/GT (srt4 in disguise) should be on this list all day. Don't give me that unreliable crap either. Seen more than one 2.4 turbo dodge go 300k miles. Axels and clutches may be on the upgrade list, but definitely not unreliable. 300k miles, stock turbo and a tune... don't get embarrassed by one.

[@darksuns7384]

Yeah, get a Neon if you want something to break down.

[@oxidizedolive]

Nah, that spot is reserved for the Northstar V8. Also, first gen Neons are pretty reliable, particularly compared to the second gen. That being said, 2nd gen isn't that bad either, just have to find one that was taken care of.

[@71sc502]

Intrepid is an awful car

[@TwonCTE]

I thought they stopped making Vics in 2011 🤔 but I have an 01 wit a 07 engine and I love beating down the block in it 🤣🤣

[@LibertyDrives]

Yeah I think someone else point ed out that a mistake, my b man. That sounds badass though!😂

[@davenhla]

PLEASE DO NOT EVER recommend a northstar V8 to anyone. you will have people spend money on a car that WILL require major repairs, there is no maybe with these.

[@jacobwagoner4107]

The cheapest vehicle I can find around where I live is 99 chevy s10 for 2,800 and has 216,161 miles on it and has 2.2 4cyl and a 5 speed

[@Axe77777]

I got a Toyota 98 Camry for 800 and the only thing wrong with it was the radiator what a steal

[@BigDaddy-jk6yt]

Another good car for super cheap is the catfish Camaro

[@davidharrell2271]

I have had 2 crown Vic’s. My current one I bough in late January. These cars used to be a dime a dozen but I paid almost 6k for it. 2005 with 92k miles. Not even the police package. It sounds hella good with flowmasters on it though. My last one I was ran off the road and hit a tree at about 50 mph. Not even a scratch. Both my other passengers were fine as well. If your biggest fear is dying in a car accident, get one of these. They are super super safe and pretty much the most reliable car on the market. Also they do great burnouts and drift flawlessly.

[@goodwiil]

i'm glad to hear everyone made it out ok 🙏

[@skyscourge5663]

Cant beat a Crown Vic or any Panther car but they're going up in price.My forst car was a Town Car that I got for 1350 and 370k miles and had no problems

[@DanteDiFilippo]

Honestly, you’re my new favorite KZbin channel. Keep up the great work man!

[@LibertyDrives]

That really means a lot brotha🙏🙏 I appreciate that, thank you and will do!

[@KiCobraa]

It’ll be a blessing to find a Vic for under 3k in decent condition. Those cars are shooting up in price

[@koolguy4036]

Crown Vic?? that’s one of my dream project cars! I’m boutta look for one rn

[@LibertyDrives]

Lol hell yeah man, same here

[@CJColvin]

Gotta love the almighty Ford Panther Platform (Ford Crownvic, Mercury Grand Marquis, Mercury Marauder, and Lincoln Town Car) with the almighty 4.6L SOHC 2V Modular V8 (4.6L DOHC 32V Modular V8 for the Marauder) that can take a beating like no tomorrow unlike the stupid Ford Taurus SHO.

[@davenhla]

As the owner of a 94GT Mustang, the 94/95 SN95 have the 5.0 in them still. Factory under rated for advertising/future proofing reasons(to make the 4.6 look good) all they need is a rear gear change to 3.55 or so and you can have a lot of fun. Mine is tuned to cruise boonie-land county trunk roads at around 40-70mph. Full stainless exhaust sounds exactly like I want, timing is tuned so it burbles on deceleration, FAT rubber on the back, wider rubber up front, enough power mods to maybe get 250 to the wheels, rather then at the flywheel. it is a total blast, and gets thumbs up all the time. Jamming through gears around s-curves on abandoned boonie roads on a summer day is my stress relief. These cars are faster then people want to give them credit for. if they weren't, why would people constantly brag for the last 40 years about "I beat a Mustang"? They also handle a lot better then people want to give credit for. Don;t think so? Stop driving on 100,000 mile worn out factory suspension and do some maintanence. ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings, and especially shocks/struts. Look under there. Are the shocks still factory flat black with no logos? Then stfu about how bad it handles, 30 year old shocks need replacing. Buy some 17x9 wheels for it and new tires, at least 245 width. you can buy a complete set up for less then a set of only tires for many cars with the aftermarket for these things. FYI, you can put 315 rubber on the back if you remove the quad shocks. 295(certain brands) with, 275 all day no matter what. 275 will fit up front too, but is not really better then 245 unless you want it to look a certain way(bump steer is a thing) Don;t by a 96-99 4.6. Just don't. unless you are going to coyote swap it. used to be you could find eaton SC units off of Tbirds etc you could swap on 3.8 V6 cars for under a grand. I doubt they are around much anymore. Speaking of Tbird/Cougar, NICE cars. not stop light drag race cars, they will do 50 in first gear, but they rip on the highway and ride like driving a couch. Not much aftermarket for these two though.

[@Ty420]

Can you do most reliable American cars under 5k?

[@LibertyDrives]

That's an awesome idea man, added it to the list and I'm hopin to get to it in like 3-4 videos. I've got a few of my next ones already planned but I like that

[@THESLlCK]

donut media is all word for word wikipedia articles for a long time. 0/10 money making channel

[@mrsirford5844]

2:46 Why are most photos of dodge neons that I see are from Ohio. I live in Ohio. But I don’t see that many of them!

[@triparadox.c]

Go drive a Prius for a year or two. Anything will feel like a fun car. I can attest to this moving from 2010 Prius to 2006 Corolla S.

[@AliMurteza691]

hi there iam from turkey turkey is using Ford focus even my old car 1995 ford escort we used him almost 1 year but we sell after some mechanichal problems This car we used cost us 10000 liras for repair in 1 year, but we loved that car again, it had driving pleasure and hydraulic steering.

[@jesses6378]

The profile picture is of the 2005 2.7 liter 300 I used to have. Wasn't fast but she got looks.

[@josefbarry4621]

WE NEED A QUICK, GOOD HANDLING LIST(for the cheap boys)

[@ez4039]

7:05 that guy is so sad

[@fredwithdaknowledge]

Not sure bout that Cadillac. Those Northstar engines are horrible!! Known fact.

[@ogshemul4190]

I respect your work, and enjoy your videos! I like your narration skills and I am binging your videos as I type this! Keep up the great work!!

[@LibertyDrives]

Thank you very much! That means a lot, I appreciate it🙏🙏

[@jaysnts1116]

i have the mustang but its blue and kinda slow and a loud exhuast

[@LibertyDrives]

😂Hey as long as you enjoy it, that's what matters

[@AJIbarraGaming]

I see lots of 3rd/4th gen F bodys under 10k.

[@HBToby-pr1fu]

hey you for got about 3rd gen camaro s like rs and irocs and z38s those are really cheap

[@JacobSmith-rh2sr]

That yellow Corvette in the last minute of the video is absolutely perfect

[@itzyaboiy3675]

Ik this says American but the best car to get for any price is an ls400 of any year

[@HBToby-pr1fu]

u forgot the 1987 to 1991 Chevy camaro rs and z28

[@CJColvin]

The beauty thing about the Ford Crownvic (or the Ford Panther Platform ingeneral) is that you can easily do a 5.0L Coyote V8 swap in it as well if you want to for some more power.

[@lamentable.mp3]

I bought a (complete project) Porsche 924s automatic with 200,000 miles for $1,500, so o Think I’m set with cars for a lifetime

[@LibertyDrives]

😂😂

[@jaydeethawizard8152]

I got my 02 mustang coupe its a v6 but its easy on gas n its pretty alr

[@taurussho86]

What intrepid still running?

[@71sc502]

Saw one the other day and almost didn't believe it

[@taurussho86]

@@71sc502 😂 somebody resurrected it

[@mrsirford5844]

5:22 I mean the look is nice but the car isnt

[@roycekamilchu29]

Thank u. I’m currently looking for my first car, this will be helpful.

[@LibertyDrives]

Of course man, happy I could help!🙏

[@Ty420]

Just a heads up. My mom had a dodge neon, she had to turn the ac to full heat so the engine would cool down

[@LibertyDrives]

😂 That sounds unfortunate

[@antonio77597]

Honestly I wasn’t expecting to see some of the cars that I’m familiar with and great content keep up the great work

[@LibertyDrives]

🙏Will do brotha, thank you!

[@zosenti6655]

Do you think it’s a good deal to buy a crown Vic with 200k miles for 2k

[@LibertyDrives]

Personally, I don't think I'd buy any car with 200k miles unless it was some random, fun car for less than 2 grand and I had nothing else I wanted to buy in the next 3-4 years but that's just my preference. If this would be a fun car, I'd wait till you could afford something with lower miles. If this was going to be your only car, I'd get something less sought after but with lower miles so it can be more reliable and you'll pay less in repairs so you can save up for a Vic that much quicker afterwards😉 That's just my preference though, some people will tell you 200k miles is nothin. I've seen cars with 400k miles running fine but that's after being VERY well maintained and worked on

[@mrsirford5844]

4:54 The thing is. I roll off the lot with this thing. I start getting electrical problems and all of that crap.

[@BoneItis639]

You make some really good content man, glad i found your channel. Super useful stuff

[@LibertyDrives]

Thank you brotha, I really appreciate that🙏

[@BoneItis639]

@@LibertyDrives no problem. To be honest I've been considering buying an older car with around 100,000 miles, maybe a v8. You got any suggestions on what websites to check?

[@LibertyDrives]

@@BoneItis639 Years ago I used Craigslist most of the time but now I'd definitely say Facebook marketplace. I feel like most other websites that usually work with dealership listings make things kind of weird and difficult when it comes to private sales

[@BoneItis639]

@@LibertyDrives thanks man, i appreciate you taking the time to reply. I'm saving up $4000 so i can get some kind of older ride. One of your videos mentioned the 90's c4 corvette being around 3 grand and that seemed unbelievable to me. But i think it would be a decent sort of car to have fun with on a budget; as long as the upkeep isn't too much.

[@LibertyDrives]

@@BoneItis639 Absolutely man, happy to help. And yeah I was a little surprised too but they're out there, might be hard to find with today's market but it'll be easier when it goes down

[@solomodo5124]

Didn’t need to see this video but I liked the cars picked and memes. I had to stay 😂

[@LibertyDrives]

Thank you very much😂🙏 I appreciate that and glad you enjoyed it

[@cascorcoran5118]

Buick Park Avenue is a monster 😅 Surprisingly you can get a supercharger from the factory if it's the Ultra. Slow but comfortable like a couch.

[@aechdot2310]

I dislike every car on this list lol for 3k tho can't really complain

[@LibertyDrives]

They're not for everyone lmao

[@rellrill5158]

Also any old Honda civic

[@Bubbleskittymaster]

i would have a crown vic as my grocery getter daily cause they are reliable. and something to drive when i am not driving my work truck.

[@rrillatv]

Do a best 4 gen model cars video i personally love my tuned 01 Z28

[@BigDaddy-jk6yt]

What about the Chevy impala

[@Firelight444]

2000-2007 MonteCarlo SS is a fantastic one too, to be specific the 2004-2007 is the best ones.

[@Firelight444]

You can get them all for relatively cheap but only the 2000-2003 will you find for 3k

[@LibertyDrives]

That's an awesome one man!🙏 I didn't get a chance to check those out but if they go for 3k that sounds like a bargain!

[@rickjames1179]

A crown Vic is the best

[@Ian-fw2fp]

How about trucks?

[@antjeeismann4684]

Please make a Video about cheap beginner manual cars in da US of A

[@LibertyDrives]

That's an awesome topic! I added it to my list and should hopefully get to it in the next 3-4 videos (I've got a few lined up already)

[@antjeeismann4684]

@@LibertyDrives cool

[@sethpetras6641]

Where’s the 00-06 Lincoln ls v8

[@LibertyDrives]

I looked around for those in my area but I couldn't find any close enough to 3k, idk if that's just my area though

[@EnglishCARMedia]

cadillas cts best

[@king9bike967]

Holy shit I’ve never watched your videos before and you said PT cruiser and I was like wait what you actually got me with that shit tho

[@LibertyDrives]

😂😂 "Ladies and gentlemen......... we got him"

[@srtmetal7647]

Northstar. Oh no

[@deontaeburton9685]

can you make a video about the g35

[@pascho1057]

Not American

[@darksuns7384]

Northstar V8s are notoriously bad for blowing head gaskets and head bolts.

[@Hashdollars]

I laughed at that 3:59 only downside part myself 😂 as a former owner of a 99’ Seville STS when it was new. Loved that car it was beautiful but it was most definitely not built to last. Those engines if you can find one are garbage 🗑

[@LibertyDrives]

I didn't know that, I've mentioned the Northstars in the past and a lot of people seemed to be big fans of em. I'd at least guess (and hope) parts are cheap😂 My mistake🙏

[@Hashdollars]

@@LibertyDrives no mistake! Cool video, I mean if you’re looking at a 3k used car do your research right it’s understandable it will have or can expect something to fail on it Especially seeing how crazy used car prices have gone up

[@LibertyDrives]

@@Hashdollars Aye thank you brotha, I appreciate that. I'd hope people don't buy any car just cause some guy on KZbin said it's a good car whether it's me or anyone else lol. Hopefully the market goes back to normal soon

[@stillthinkingaboutit7828]

thank you for making a video of the same car

[@infosneakr]

2000 Era ford taurus . I have a 2001 sel with 180000 miles. Better engine and relatively easy to fix. Very reliable.

[@LibertyDrives]

Taurus's are awesome! I should've mentioned em

[@bencassity5982]

My first car was a 99 face lift mustang gt. Paint was not the best but interior was in immaculate shape engine was great transmission was fine but it's been a neat car and a riot to work on and so things to. Bought that when I was 15 for 3.5k

[@LibertyDrives]

Sounds like a badass ride for a 15 year old! And seems like you got an awesome bargain, I don't see a lot of those for that price

[@financeandoctane]

Lincoln mrk 8 would be a good option to

[@mattsommers4111]

90s thunderbird would be a nice ride too

[@j.megatron]

Anakin saying what....oh thank you

[@LibertyDrives]

😂🙏

[@j.megatron]

@@LibertyDrives still laughing

[@assertive415]

You make me want to save up to buy a solid car man thank you 🤟🏽🗣🗣💯

[@LibertyDrives]

You're very welcome man, make it happen!🙏💪

[@alexmoffitt8063]

I’m new to the channel and dude, this list was really fucking helpful! Some of these cars I never would have thought of and this is right in my budget, thanks for the awesome list my guy!!

[@LibertyDrives]

Glad I could help man! Thank you for reachin out and for the love🙏🙏

[@jleos0306]

I watch for the memes lol

[@LibertyDrives]

😂🙏 Glad you enjoy em

[@jralcala9449]

Actually such a W KZbin channel glad I found you before you’re super big!

[@LibertyDrives]

Lol thank you very much!🙏 I appreciate that

[@maxfrisket]

What about Buick :(

[@LibertyDrives]

You're right man, there's a couple Buicks I probably should've mentioned here

[@CDC-Vprototype]

Northstar gets more love just at least make sure to mention the fact that it is a car meant for people that know a lot about the North Star and let alone not the average car guy if you go in cheap car's going to break if you put the money down that you need to it'll run forever many people try to debate me on it but I have too much proof and facts behind me and I would happily love to enlighten other people about it so then people don't get the wrong idea about this engine cuz it is good but it can be unreliable if you don't know what you're doing and this motor has a lot of potential they use practically the same engine block all the way up to the newer years and I've been exploiting that loophole

[@LibertyDrives]

Oh I see, thank you for clarifying!🙏

[@CDC-Vprototype]

@@LibertyDrives of course a lot of people just don't understand these motors and some people go in thinking it's very simple and easy and it's one of those type of motors where you really got to know your stuff and really got to look out for particular things and put in a good amount of money to make it reliable but once you do the car is so amazing and so rewarding every drive you do but if you don't take care of the car as another fellow enthusiast once told me a North star is just like a woman if you treat her right to take care of you and do what you need be the most reliable person you can ever rely on but treat her wrong and she'll overheat and leave you on the side of the road and ruin your life and make you question every life choice you ever made

[@manyguns4118]

@@CDC-Vprototype preciate the info bro 💯

[@CDC-Vprototype]

@@manyguns4118 I'm definitely going to start presenting a lot of the loopholes that I have found cuz I want to be able to share it with a lot of people so that other people can do it too I don't want to be like most people I know and hide the information and I'm going to make a video that's going to dive right into it I just don't have a lot of the parts so I'm waiting on money and getting paid so that I can show you physically how to do it and walk everyone step by step because just talking about it is a little different some people learn different so I always wanted to show people more in depth if you get what I mean

[@nick816s]

You from around the DFW area?

[@LibertyDrives]

I'm not, I'm a couple day's drives away from there😂

[@nick816s]

@@LibertyDrives gotcha I saw the Texas license plate on the corvette in the intro so I figured I’d ask.

[@Aceblessedhands]

Bro came in clutch when I needed him most 💯💯❤️

[@LibertyDrives]

😎🙏

[@XDM10]

2000-2005 monte carlo ss 3.8 nice semi quick cars (not fast)

[@LibertyDrives]

Also great options, I remember talkin about them in a past video, my only worry would be that they're more like $4 or $5k but that's just a guess and they're still fantastic cars! Thank you🙏

[@Chillboi69420]

What's Taking You So Long To Make A Car Video?

[@LibertyDrives]

😂I'm tryin to get em out as quickly as I can, I've had a lot of work for this semester lmao

[@albertomoreno3042]

100% not gonna be able to buy these for under 3 k

[@LibertyDrives]

Might depend on your area but I made sure I could find em for at most 3,200 within a decent distance of me. I also usually only look at dealership sales for these lists but I did private sales for these just cause in today's market it's so hard to find 3k cars at dealerships

[@levilangley8744]

I really wish this account was bigger. It deserved it

[@LibertyDrives]

I appreciate that!🙏 We're gettin there man

[@zachkirksey3595]

I got my cobalt ss 06 for 3 grand no rust and 101k miles. Issue is the supercharger was shot

[@LibertyDrives]

Sounds like it was still a pretty good deal, hopefully the replacement went smoothly

[@zachkirksey3595]

@@LibertyDrives 2500 for a the new turbo. I repositioned it and built new solid piping. It's pushing 400hp now

[@TJSpike]

Love these vids

[@LibertyDrives]

🙏🙏Thanks very much

[@DYLANTHESK8ER]

Keep up the videos bro!

[@LibertyDrives]

Will do brotha, thank you!

[@ghostunit6834]

Hell yeah hell yeah!

[@LibertyDrives]

😎🙏

[@blackballs8192]

This guys memes are strictly on point 🤣

[@LibertyDrives]

😂🙏Much appreciate brotha