Who We Are

Based in Detroit, Beater Review is composed of a handful of car junkies and industry veterans with more time than money. We’ve discovered that no matter what you need—space, speed, luxury, or just basic transportation—there are a lot of great used vehicles available for under $5,000, but there isn’t a lot of good information to help people choose among them. BeaterReview was formed to help the depreciation-averse enthusiast and automotive bottom-feeder alike find gold in them thar’ mountains of rust.

Staff

Editor-at-large
Brian Connors
brian@beaterreview.com

Associate Editor
Darren Beurer
darren@beaterreview.com

Contributors
Stacie Adkins, West Coast
Ann Hoop, Southeast
David Leck, Plains States
Mike Paquet, Southwest
Rusty Pyle, Northeast

Advertising Inquiries
advertising@beaterreview.com

How We Choose Vehicles

Our rules aren’t set in stone, but at BeaterReview, we try to review cars, trucks, vans and SUVs produced in the last 20 years. That timeframe generally ensures that the vehicles we discuss have safety equipment and running gear that will provide its occupants with an acceptable degree of crashworthiness and reliability in daily use. Of course, any vehicle we review has to have a local market value, in “Good” condition (as defined by Edmunds.com), of less than $5,000.

We try to cover the spectrum, so you’ll find rust-buckets for $800 that barely meet our self-described criteria as well as nice $4,500 rides that might not meet your definition of a “beater.” As such, we reserve the right to include or exclude just about anything that we decide qualifies or doesn’t. Let the beater be in the eye of the beholder: Us, in this case.

Suggest a Beater

Got a great used car that you want the world to know about? Need to feel good about the rusty junk you tool around in every day? Drop us a line and let us know!

We can’t guarantee that we’ll review the make and model you recommend to us, but we’re always looking for vehicles that have fallen through the cracks. Before you send us your recommendation, be sure the vehicle fits the qualifications laid out in How We Choose Beaters (above). If it does, send us a description of the vehicle, including make, model and years covered, why it’s a good Beater, and any problems buyers should look out for.

If we use your recommendation, we’ll give you a shout-out in the review. Who knows—give us time and maybe we’ll get some Beater Review T-shirts made up or some bumper stickers to proclaim the fact that "My Beater was featured on BeaterReview.com!" Yeah, you know you want it.

E-mail your beaters to: recommendations(at)beaterreview.com

Good Luck!

Disclaimer

Although the Beater Review staff makes every attempt to ensure the information presented is factual and up-to-date, we make no guarantees as to the quality or accuracy of the content of this site. Beater Review is not responsible for the content of any site linked to from BeaterReview.com.

All used car and used truck pricing is estimated based on Edmunds.com TMV price guides for the Detroit metropolitan area. Your local market conditions will determine used vehicle availability, conditions, and asking prices.

Buyer beware: Always conduct a thorough inspection of any used car or used truck you plan on purchasing, including scheduling a mechanical checkup by a qualified, licenced automotive technician. NOTE: We will not be held responsible if you get beat up for asking to have a $400 car inspected by a mechanic.