Best first project car
Discussion
So i have always had an interest in modifying cars but I've never really had many opportunities to play around with them. I've help my neighbor with his E30 from time to time but thats about it other than that i have almost zero experience working on cars. I know a lot in theory but not in practice.
So i'm now at that age everyone gets to when they want a nice toy. So i ask whats a good first project car for a complete novice.
I have been thinking along the lines of an MR2 a a MK1 MX5. I have a budget of under £1000 for the car a want something rear wheel drive. What does PH recommend.
So i'm now at that age everyone gets to when they want a nice toy. So i ask whats a good first project car for a complete novice.
I have been thinking along the lines of an MR2 a a MK1 MX5. I have a budget of under £1000 for the car a want something rear wheel drive. What does PH recommend.
And i want car not a Meccano set keenly disguised a piece of farm equipment.adam4472 said:
I've seen a few nice ones on ebay for about £500 give or take 
. With an MX5 would it be worth getting a hardtop for it to help it stand the test of time a little better.
Nah, I found the hardtop made the MX5 a bit nicer to be in, it's got a bigger rear window so better visibility, slightly more head room, but other than that it had no real benefit. Soft tops are cheap and easy to replace too.. With an MX5 would it be worth getting a hardtop for it to help it stand the test of time a little better. 
ChemicalChaos said:
Something that is:
- cheap
- easy to maintain
- very simple to tinker with
- has all the oily bits easily acessible
- endlessly modifiable
- cheap to insure
- robust
- also RWD too until you engage some levers
If you can find a half decent one for less than £1000 these days your doing rather well!- cheap
- easy to maintain
- very simple to tinker with
- has all the oily bits easily acessible
- endlessly modifiable
- cheap to insure
- robust
- also RWD too until you engage some levers
They look like they have shot up in value the last few years
Gilhooligan said:
adam4472 said:
So what are the must do mods on an MX5 besides removing the hairdryer.
Decent suspension which will cost you 5/600 quid then get the geometry done. If you want something a bit more offbeat, you could look at something like a Marlin Roadster or Sylva Leader kit car: very simple to work on, and the fibreglass bodywork means that you don't need sophisticated welding skills.
Edited by MintSprint on Monday 22 December 09:03
I spent a little more (£1300) and bought a 1981 Mercedes 500 SEL. It is black and the spitting image of the baddies car in Beverly Hills Cop:-)
My first project car and a bit different to the norm. I have spent the same again on it in the last three months, but mostly through choice than necessity (lowering and custom exhaust as well as complete fluid change and service, brakes etc)
It turns heads and to me is understated old school cool.
My first project car and a bit different to the norm. I have spent the same again on it in the last three months, but mostly through choice than necessity (lowering and custom exhaust as well as complete fluid change and service, brakes etc)
It turns heads and to me is understated old school cool.
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