Project car newbie advice please & thanks

[KasH94]

Hi all

I hope everyone is doing well!

So I would love some classic car/project car advice. I am looking to buy my first project car with the intention of building it over time to exactly how I want it, i know its a money pit but I am willing to put the time and money in to it. It would be purely for me to shift my focus on to something long term and put lots of energy, passion and well frustrations behind it.

Just to help those who respond, my budget for the actual car is around 5k and then another 5k to start doing some work on it. Im not sure if this is realistic?

The kind cars im looking for are JDM, but again im not sure what would be relatively easy to find parts for and get advise on easily? Iv seen a lot about MX5s and I would love one the only issue is i am 6ft 3 so not sure if id physically fit in one? Anyone who is tall and can confirm that its possible would be great lol.

But i would like a 90s car, unless someone can recommend a newer car thats a good shout for a first project car?

Any help/advise would be much appreciated!

Thanks
Kas

[Nickp82]

I think you will find an MX-5 uncomfortable. Have you considered an RX-8? They’re still cheap to buy, parts are cheap in general and you should fit easily . A unique car too, being rotary-engined, suicide doors etc

[KasH94]

Nickp82 said:

I think you will find an MX-5 uncomfortable. Have you considered an RX-8? They’re still cheap to buy, parts are cheap in general and you should fit easily . A unique car too, being rotary-engined, suicide doors etc

Thanks for the response, I have looked into RX8s I just found they are slightly more hit and miss because of the rotary engine, but definitely worth considering, any other recommendations too?

[Olivergt]

Some questions which might help others answer your original question:

What do you currently drive and what have you driven before?

Do you have a garage or somewhere to work undercover?

What kind of jobs have you done on cars before. i.e. what is your skill level and tool box like?

Have you looked at MR2's?

[KasH94]

Olivergt said:

Some questions which might help others answer your original question:

What do you currently drive and what have you driven before?

Do you have a garage or somewhere to work undercover?

What kind of jobs have you done on cars before. i.e. what is your skill level and tool box like?

Have you looked at MR2's?

So to be completely honest, im only on my second car which is Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 2012, iv driven other cars but nothing long term.

I am looking into renting a workshop or unit for myself.

Never done much car work myself at all, just done small bits like bulbs, switches, nothing major though, dont really have a huge toolbox, so i am very much a newbie.

Mr2s, iv seen a few but wasnt sure how easy it is to get parts for them?

[Poc854]

A small hatch would probably be your best bet, for example a Toyota glanza v, ef,eg,ej,ek civic, CRV or even prelude.

Or if you wanted a cheap fun option that you could easily modify u could look at early micras

[Cascade360]

If it is your first project car you want simple and cheap parts.

I did it and bought a 205. As simple as they come and bits are dirt cheap.

[andburg]

Take some finding but money would allow an early 90s celica. Pop up headlights are cool

[Olivergt]

If it's your first "project" I would avoid anything that needs bodywork repairs.

Whatever car you select make sure there is a large online community to help you with Youtube videos or forums (Older BMWs have a huge support network for example).

If it has to be JDM, then I would really reconsider an MX5, but one that is running and driving, starts with some simple jobs like an oil change and spark plugs etc. You could even attempt a cambelt change as I believe these are quite easy.

Move on to refurbishing the brakes, new discs/pads/fluid, maybe refurbish the calipers.

Next, maybe the suspension, new dampers/springs maybe.

All of the above should build up a small toolkit, ready for any modding.

Hope this helps.

[cavebloke]

I’d go for a mk1 MX5/Eunos. I’m 6’4” and fit in ours just fine (sold it a few years ago now). They’re not super-fast but the feedback, steering and gear change are lovely.
Mazda design cars with maintenance in mind and I’ve never experienced a car that was easier to work on. It’s a great place to start spannering (I’ve since rebuilt a TVR Griffith and that was a lot more difficult to work on).

[georgeyboy12345]

Supposedly the NB MX-5 was designed to take someone as tall as 6'4. The only way to tell though really will be to have a test drive

[georgeyboy12345]

Also, if you want an MX-5 as a project, you had better get good at welding! Actually this applies to lots of JDM cars!

[samoht]

The good thing about 90s Japanese cars is they are really well engineered design-wise, a decade or two ahead of the competition technically, many still drive well in today's context.

The bad things are mainly due to the fact that they're 25-30 years old now. The problems are parts can be hard to obtain, lots of things wearing out like dampers and bushes, and rust, rust, rust.
I had a fair few months trying to get OEM dampers and an oil metering pump for my '96 RX-7.

The other thing is, a lot of 90s cars are well into their 'appreciating classic' phase. Ten years ago was the best time to pick up a 90s JDM car for £5k; nowadays I suspect a 00s car is a better all around bet, as they're mainly still at rock bottom prices for now.


On the MX-5 front I'd look at an NC - I think these are a bit bigger inside, a bit less rusty, and well in budget. Probably your best bet all round IMHO.

If you want something robust and quick, could consider a 350Z, £6k should get one and will reduce the work needed. Very good value for the performance and reliability, but perhaps not that well suited to a 'project'.

I think on the RX-8, either you're going to watch some YT vids on rebuilding the Renesis and decide to dive in, or probably more likely you'll decide it's a step or three beyond where you want to start for a first project. It does appear Mazda are still producing the core engine parts tho, which is good https://carbuzz.com/news/mazdas-legendary-rotary-e... .

[Ash_]

Mk2 MR2, gorgeous looking cars, and if you're going to do work on it, with some tweeks can be made to handle really well, if you can get a Turbo, then they have the required pace too. There are many places to get most spares, MR2Ben being one of the bigger places.

[Cascade360]

Ash_ said:

Mk2 MR2, gorgeous looking cars, and if you're going to do work on it, with some tweeks can be made to handle really well, if you can get a Turbo, then they have the required pace too. There are many places to get most spares, MR2Ben being one of the bigger places.

Are they not a total nightmare to work on, being mid-engined?

[some bloke]

My only advice is to get a car that you can drive while improving - nothing worse than a car sitting in the drive/garage soaking up time and money but you can't drive. You will come to begrudge it.

[ShinyPsyduck]

some bloke said:

My only advice is to get a car that you can drive while improving - nothing worse than a car sitting in the drive/garage soaking up time and money but you can't drive. You will come to begrudge it.

Yes please buy within your budget. I know many people say mx5s are a great option and that's because they are simple and mods are around £100 for the simple stuff.

[andburg]

Cascade360 said:

Are they not a total nightmare to work on, being mid-engined?

exactly why i said celica

[some bloke]

Also, get the absolute best condition car you can - it will save money in the long run.

[eleveneleven]

I'd consider an Accord Type R, great project can that can still be had for a reasonable price.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/294575835899?hash=item4...

A tidier one.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125015127322?hash=item1...

Edited by eleveneleven on Thursday 25th November 11:11