My dad made his living as a mechanic. I can tell you now, your dad is throwing money away buying junkers. If he persists make SURE he keeps up with basic maintenance of fluids, oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc. Check them at least once a week. Nothing will kill a old junker faster than to neglect this. Engine parts get HOT, especially in CA, they require consistent lubrication or the engine will seize up and blow a gasket or worse. The same goes for a new car--proper basic maintenance extends car life by years and its amazing how many really intelligent people neglect it.