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The internet transformed the way car enthusiasts found their favorite rides. Gone were the days of pouring over paid classifieds in the back of magazines for your dream car. Instead, car folks can scroll through millions of online posts across Facebook and car sales apps. Better yet, car enthusiast groups like the Reddit car community r/Cars make a game of the vehicle hunt. Such is the case with a “$5K USD Challenge” imploring users to find the wildest, most interesting vehicles in their area for under $5,000. 

It turns out $5,000 is more than enough for Reddit car folks to find some interesting rides online

In today’s landscape of bloated vehicle prices, $5,000 doesn’t seem like it would go very far in acquiring a used car—much less a sports car, collectible, or fun toy. However, it can be done with $5,000. Not only can it be done, but Reddit car people are challenging one another to find the wildest rides in their area with a $5,000 budget. The result? Nothing short of spectacular. 

Some things are believable, to say the least. Project muscle cars, Porsche 928s and 914s in need of serious work, and R129 Mercedes-Benz SLs. However, a few are head-scratchers. For instance, one user listed a couple of Datsun Z cars, as well as a C4 Corvette Convertible admittedly just out of the price range. 

A 1988 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible C4 model at a show.
C4 Corvette Convertible | kenmo via iStock

However, not every find is a fan favorite. One user located a Chevy Blazer wearing a (try to stifle your gag reflex, here) Chrysler PT Cruiser body. Worse yet, the Franken-Blazer’s seller wants $5,500 for the monstrosity. 

I took a stab at the task myself and found some choice specimens in the Kentuckiana area. For instance, I found a BMW 3 Series Wagon from the E46 generation for around $4,600. Tragically, it lacked a manual transmission. For the sports car faithful, I found a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire, several Toyota Celicas, and a villainous S197 Ford Mustang GT Deluxe. Better yet, a perennial favorite, I found several five-speed Mazda MX-5 Miatas just begging for a partial restoration or track time.

Check out the Reddit car page and the challenge below!

$5K USD Challenge. Find and Share the Most Interesting or Obscure Vehicles in Your Area.
byu/mpgomatic incars
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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).