10 Recent Craigslist Finds That Need an LS Transplant
Craigslist is a haven for beaters and salvage vehicles, but sometimes all it takes is an engine overhaul to bring a car back to its former glory.
1. A 2002 Ford Focus ($1750)
This Ford Focus is being sold off because its current owner has nowhere to store it at present. The flexibility on price means a skilled trader could get it for less than its $1750 asking price. However, with a whopping 224,000 miles logged, you can rest assured that it's going to need a fresh LS transplant sooner rather than later.
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2. A 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier ($800)
A 2003 Chevy model with over 100,000 miles on the odometer-- it may be clear why this one is being resold for less than a Grand. Nonetheless, with the right kind of care and overhaul, something great could come out of this. It's a pretty common, standard chassis, however, so anyone looking to make fancy modifications may want to look for something classier.
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3. A 1999 Ford Explorer
This "daily driver" model has been maintained and used on a regular schedule, a testament to how reliable Ford makes their vehicles. With a 200,000 mile rating, it could stand to have an engine transplant. It's been taken reasonably good care of, however, and the interior looks pretty snappy all things considered. Better still, the seller is open to offers from buyers so there's a modicum of flexibility with regards to price.
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4. A 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix ($3000)
This white Pontiac isn't even ten years old. That's almost a baby by used car standards! There are only a few scratches on the chassis and it apparently runs pretty well. However, with over 200,000 miles on the odometer, it wouldn't hurt to give this sporty vehicle another lease on life with a fresh LS block.
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5. A 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier ($650)
There are a lot of Cavaliers on the market for resale, it seems. It's not due to a lack of quality; if anything, considering this one is almost 20 years at all, it seems the opposite is true. Chevrolet is reliable for making cars that last. The chassis isn't half-bad and the interior still looks decent. An LS overhaul could breathe another life into this one.
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6. A 2001 Ford Mustang ($2500)
This is a clean model with a solid record and proof of function. What more could you want? The Ford Mustang has had a great legacy. This model offers Bluetooth radio and air conditioning. With a solid exterior to boot, a new engine could be what it takes to bring this one back to the forefront.
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7. A 2006 PT Cruiser Convertible ($3600)
Although the PT Cruiser's design is a love-or-hate-it type of deal, for the most part, it does translate remarkably well into a convertible version. The exterior of this vehicle looks remarkably well kept for a 10-year-old vehicle. With a restored interior, it could be as good as new.
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8. Another 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier ($1650)
These Chevrolet Cavaliers are clearly out on the prowl, at least when it comes to the used car market. This one specifically has been recently checked out and apparently works fine. A new engine would help allay the problems that arise naturally with a car that has clocked almost 150,000 miles, however.
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9. A 2003 Ford Mustang GT Convertible ($6400)
Just because a car is bought used doesn't mean it can't inspire awe. Such is the case at least with this Ford Mustang. A new engine could make this one a killer on the streets. The mode is loaded with amenities, such as a West Coast Custom amplified and a black leather interior. With a clean record and fairly lean 122,000 odometer rating given its year, this car might not even need a new engine; however, with all of the other great benefits, this car has to offer, giving it a fresh lease may well be worth it.
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10. A 2000 Chevrolet Impala ($500)
This car lasted 243,000 miles before finally breaking down. While the seller recommends it for a salvage job, it has a tire and starter that are only a month old. It would need to be towed as it barely runs as is, but it sounds like a ripe candidate for an LS engine transplant if ever there was one.
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For help with maintaining your LS-powered ride, check out the how to section of LS1Tech.com