So you are comfortable taking more risk and want the ultimate beater. That $500 special.

There is nothing wrong with looking for those bargain cars that may just need alittle TLC.   If your comfortable with getting dirty and doing some work then this may be just the deal.    There may be a solid mechanically car that just had an unfortunate incident with some wildlife and needs a bit of body repair.   If your handy this may be your chance to be rolling on the cheap.  

Where to find cheap parts.  My favorite sources.

1.  Craigslist.   Look for those private people that may be parting out a car.  Usually you can pick up all the parts you will need for a fraction of what new price would be.   Espicially body parts.

2.  Local salvage yard.   If you drive a beater you better get familiar with them.   Also a good source for cheap used tires.  I will talk later about selecting used tires for your ride. 

3.  Ebay.   Not always the best source, but if you don't have alot of time to go looking for parts in person you can just have them shipped to you.   If you notice a seller has alot of parts listed, but not the part you need just ask them in a message.  They may have it and be able to list it.  

Doing the work.   If you got the parts its time to do the work.   For a cheap beater car the most important thing is making it go and doing it safely.    Forget looks.   Concentrate on making the important stuff functional first.    You need the car to stop, steer, and move reliably and safely.   The following should be addressed before installing the new stereo.

1.  Stopping is not overrated.   Check the brake fluid.   Look around for any leaks from hoses and brake lines.   If the the pedal is soft or goes to the floor you have a problem.   

2.  Steering.   Does it go straight down the road.   Alignment issues can make handling entertaining.   Fix any worn steering components including tie rods, steering racks, ball joints, wheel bearings before they fail.   This falls under safety.

3.  Be sure to be seen and to see.  Replace bulbs and light fixtures and replace that spidered windshield.  Not only may you avoid a ticket, but you will be able to see the parts that fall off.

4   Get some not so bald rubber.   Good used tires can often be found on craigslist, a local salvage yard or tire shops.    Be sure to check the tire date code.    It will be a four digit number like 2109 which would translate into the 21st week of 2009.   Avoid tires that are more the seven years old. 

5.  Exhaust leaks can be deadly.    Make sure that the exhaust is sealed up.   Carbon monixide build up in a car is not a good thing.   Espicially if you are transporting kids.  

So now that you got things to a safe operating point you are ready for the road.