Potential Project Car

[Moolann]

Hello PHers

Been keeping my eyes on the classifieds A LOT over the last year or so. Looking for a shed to have as a project and something to learn with.

I have a basic knowledge of auto mechanics - as in I know what most bits are, what they do and how they work - but I've never had the opportunity to learn by doing. So a very basic knowledge I guess.

I want something that runs and drives (because I don't want something with a problem I can't fix) and have seen plenty of potential for £500-£1500. Such as:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

I was really looking for something older, under the assumption that a modern-isa Audi or similar would be a bit complicated for someone with no experience? Or is a Haynes manual and set of tools enough for any shed?

I guess that's my main question for the forum. I know from browsing the forums regularly that the usual recommendations are old Fords or Land Rovers. Should I be looking for something easier? If so what is recommended?

[Old Merc]

Out of the three I would have suggested the Peugeot.It would have been the less complicated to work on and great fun to drive.Trouble is its still a fairly modern car,(ECU,electronics etc).Do you want to learn about the modern stuff or just the very basic nuts and bolts? If you go for an old Escort or something similar you will then get all the age related problems,rusty bodywork,seized bolts etc etc.
Why not find yourself a nice little Peugeot 106 with a TU 1.4 engine? cheep as chips and very easy to work on.

[Moolann]

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah that's what I thought I do want to learn about all aspects but as I need to start with the simple mechanical stuff the electrics cause problems.

What is it about the electrics that causes problems. For what I know it's mainly that it you do/change something you may get a load of fault codes that prevent the car from working and they're tricky to put right?

I was originally looking for a mk1 mx5 but values are pretty high and they are also plagued with rust which would be way too big a challenge to take on.

Also I own an S2000 so would ideally like something a bit different.

I'll have a look at 106's. I found this yesterday:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Looks pretty cool.

Any other suggestions?

[Mr. H]

Buy a car you actually want to own and drive rather than just a project car. It'll make it a much less painful experience when you've spent all weekend lying on your back fixing the sodding thing.

At your price range all cars will need regular work/maintenance especially brakes, suspension bushes and interior niggles. These processes should be very similar on all cars with the main difference being the number of rusted on bolts.

My advice is to buy a car you like, buy decent tools (Halfords professional) and fix the car as and when it needs bits done rather then specifically searching for a car to work on.

[PositronicRay]

Mr. H said:

Buy a car you actually want to own and drive rather than just a project car. It'll make it a much less painful experience when you've spent all weekend lying on your back fixing the sodding thing.

At your price range all cars will need regular work/maintenance especially brakes, suspension bushes and interior niggles. These processes should be very similar on all cars with the main difference being the number of rusted on bolts.

My advice is to buy a car you like, buy decent tools (Halfords professional) and fix the car as and when it needs bits done rather then specifically searching for a car to work on.

This is sensible, just to add consider availability/cost of spares.

[Old Merc]

Moolann said:

Thanks for the reply.


I'll have a look at 106's. I found this yesterday:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Looks pretty cool.

Any other suggestions?

Now that`s a little bit different to a trusty little Pug 106.
Mind you if its been properly looked after and its not rusty those old Mercs are great.

[Moolann]

Old Merc said:

Now that`s a little bit different to a trusty little Pug 106.
Mind you if its been properly looked after and its not rusty those old Mercs are great.

Yeah, I was surprised to find a manual one of these. I actually thought it could be an error on the ad although there are no pics of the inside or others that would confirm.

I totally agree with the previous posts that it needs to be something I will use. Although I wouldn't mind having a 106 in the garage/garden to work on, I would never want to drive it over the Honda.

I love the idea of an E30 estate. There are are a fair few about but the values of E30's seem to have frozen and nice examples seem to be fetching more than they were last year. A bit concerned the straight six in the 2.5 or 3.0 would be complicated and tricky due to space if nothing else.

[Old Merc]

If you want a big old Merc go for a six cylinder one.Those old straight six Merc engines are just bullet proof, smooth,powerful and not gas guzzlers.Apparently the early V6`s developed balance shaft problems that required very expensive repairs.
I had a 260E for ten years,it covered 160000 faultless miles and never let me down,it was still in lovely condition when I sold it.
I too am amazed how these old Merc`s are holding their prices.My current Merc is a SL320 and they seem to be going UP in value.
As always check the old Merc`s history,yes they are well built and last for ever,but,all good things have to be maintained correctly.If its been abused,messed with,had non O/E parts fitted,it will cost you a fortune.They also can have a rust problem,so check thoroughly.