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?

[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?

[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.