The 323i may not be among the cars that prove that BMW makes the ultimate driving machines, but it's not as forgettable as the badge-engineered Dodge Challenger of the same era. Project cars under 5k, and project cars under 30k. This is still high for a non-running GTO with no engine (a typical "roller" parts car like this should be around $2,300, even with the 20 percent premium added for a tri-power-equipped engine), but as is often the case with highly sought-after cars like this, book values can be on the low side. The most powerful engine is the 4.9L V8 that is producing about 200hp. Price: Nice-enough Silverados under 150,000 miles are relatively. Hello human, I am a GPT3 powered AI chat bot. You can even find them for a few hundred dollars. But there are also more expensive coupes with powerful engines and sporty suspension components." I love getting my hands dirty and repairing a car myself for a tenth of the price where possible. Additionally, it's a mashup of parts from a 1930 and a 1931, also not a deal breaker, as parts easily interchange between these model years. B . What is good about this model is that it is really easy to work on as a project. The Civic remains one of the most popular and successful cars in automobile history. The car comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five powerplant that cranks out 300 hp at 5,250 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 1,950 rpm. But this is why they are rather cheap and affordable to purchase on the second-hand market. We discovered this mostly complete inline-six unit on eBay Motors; it's been rigged to "yard" run off a gas can and has rust along the rockers, but we like the patina a lot, especially for a flame-throwing, ground-scraping rockabilly rat rod. This is the ultimate budget project cars guide. Even though the seller is pushing it hard as an alternative to a Chevy Impala for use as a lowrider, we think it looks better as is, with just simple repairs to the running gear, suspension, and interior. A good car for a beginner is usually an older vehicle that is not very powerful. And then we will look what are the best project cars under 5k. The 3S-GTE produces 200 hp at 6,000 rpm and 200 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 RPM. Or the Pontiac Firebird entry-level model. For automated mode driving, you need to follow some simple steps. Layers I run 5k 10k. Going for a project car would make little sense because you will not be able to finish it. Good aftermarket. There are cheap coupes that include underpowered engines. It is one of the most successful and popular cars in automobile history. Toyota offered a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine for the USA market. And what is good about this model is that this car is dirt cheap. 2.3 liter engine in a cavernous engine bay, fewer electronic issues than later European cars. Bargain shoppers have a lot of solid options that provide a painless entry point to DIY modification. The 1967-to-1972 Chevy C10 trucks are on fire right now, and, long-wheelbase Fleetside 1968 C10 (Belle Glade, Florida) on eBay with a Buy It Now price of $5,000 looks like an awesome project car candidate. } They might not be packing a lot of power. Now lets take a look at the reasons why to get a project car. Inside, the upholstery and instrumentation looks better than it has a right to, and even the sheetmetal looks mostly straight. The huge Japanese conglomerate has been a major player in the banking and electric industries long before its first sports car rolled off assembly lines. Welcome to Motor Verso. We have a focus on strong photography, and engaging articles about performance, luxury and interesting cars. December 12, 2022. The good thing about this car is that it is worth almost nothing now. So, he purchases the car in order to return it back to its former glory. New listings are added daily. Though rough at first glance. December 19, 2022. Which is electronically regulated fuel injection. The project cars look excellent, last a long time, drive well, and are easier to maintain providing more value for the money that you have invested in them. Many tuners learn to light Mustangs and may have a cheap entry point. Your next hot rod awaits. Normally, we'd tell folks on a budget who like the Pontiac GTO to look for a same-year Tempest or LeMans A-body because they're typically cheaper. Now lets move on to the next on our list of best project cars under 5k. Toyota Corolla (1984-1987) 1990 Mazda Miata MX-5 MSRP: Starting From : $4,799 6. so, this is the main requirement for any vehicle to be considered perfect for a project. And this is the Ford Probe. Project cars look wonderful, drive nicely, last a long time, and are easy to control. The Probe was based on the Mazda GD platform that was shared with the Mazda MX-6 and the Mazda 626. Both Saab and Volvo originate from the land of ABBA and Swedish meatballs. Old trucks are all the rage in the rat rod world, and most of the rat rod builders we've met would go bonkers over this gem in the rough. I'm here to help you with your car. With 3.2 litres of VR6 engine under the bonnet, the Mk5 Golf R32 is certainly tempting at the 5-7k mark, and much more plentiful than the earlier Mk4 R32 equivalent. The 2001 Mustang GT may not be among the greatest Mustang models ever made, but it sure is a great car to modify. Buick Lucerne. Mustangs are our pony car of choice, and they have the advantage of being in continuous production for over fifty years. "text": "A good car for a beginner is usually an older vehicle that is not very powerful. It has a lightweight chassis along with excellent drift management. Since these cars are probably the thing you want as a beginner. Potential upgrades and engine swaps are available for the project car. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Yes, it is worth having a project car as it is very fun to drive. This model is based on the good old F-body platform that was introduced in the late 60s with the first gen Camaro. Learn more about our writers on our about us page. But what are the best project cars under 5k? Other than a rust hole in the trunk, the sheetmetal looks straight and rust-free, though we'd probably ask a few questions about why it appears to have guidecoat already sprayed over an otherwise nicely patina'd exterior. Its most popular vehicle, the Mustang, is one of the best cars to create an impressive build. could be yours. According to the seller, this 1974 Pontiac Catalina is not only in running condition, but nearly everything works on this 455ci 4bbl. Some of the models have a 2.0L turbocharged engine that is very tunable and able to produce a ton of power. Even though the seller is pushing it hard as an alternative to a Chevy Impala for use as a lowrider, we think it looks better as is, with just simple repairs to the running gear, suspension, and interior. It is a sports coupe with a rear-wheel-drive setup and manual gearbox, making it a prime example of a project car under$5k for those searching for more performance at a lower price. The Ford Fiesta ST150 has a hell of a lot going for it as a track project. The 1963 Chrysler New Yorker marks the exact moment in time when Virgil Exner's "Forward Look" styling was transitioning to the sleek slab-sided look of incoming styling chief, Elwood Engel. Well, believe it or not, the Forester has a lot of potential. This is the third generation of this legendary nameplate that was introduced in 1979 and was produced until 1993. If we give it a "very good" rating (the highest rating of all the cars seen here) and a typical transaction price of around $7,600, this deal would be an excellent value for the enthusiast looking to hit the road right away with zero work and instant daily-driver status. All Wheel Drive. The best cars for under 15,000 The best cars for under 20,000 The best cars for under 30,000 Dacia Duster 11 We found: 1.5 dCi Laureate (2014/64, 104k miles) Price new: 13,495. Mitsubishi, the three diamond star brand, really started making a name for itself back in the 1980s thanks to the very first Lancer. Ford has been leading the domestic automotive industry for over a century. If you grew up in the 1970s, no doubt you have fond memories of fullsize GM B-bodies roaming the streets. CC-1698436. Equipped with a Kenne Bell supercharger, these numbers will increase tremendously. We share tips and tricks to enhance your driving experience as well as to make your car shopping easy. It is available with a high horsepower 2.4L engine. Do I Need An Electric Mountain Bike With Full Suspension? It can all be part of the authentic fun, but the non-running inline-six and ancillary rust will have to be dealt with first. Nissan 240SX BMW E36 Nissan Skyline R33 Mazda RX-8 Honda Civic Mazda Miata (Eunos, MX5) Lexus SC (Toyota Soarer) Lexus IS (Toyota Altezza) Nissan 350Z (Z33) Toyota GT86 (BRZ, FRS) Honda S2000 "@context": "https://schema.org", Cheap. Sellers may need the cash and the space but may also harbor a secret desire to find a kindred spirit to finish their pride and joy. 5 Fantastic Muscle Cars for Under $5,000 . Restoring this car would be really expensive. The seller says an extra grille comes with it, but you're on the hook for locating (potentially costly) front and rear marker lenses and a driver's side window. We have compiled a checklist of 7 best project cars that you can buy for less than $5000! June 2, 2017 August 9, 2018. What is interesting about the Firebirds of this era was the introduction of Buick V6 turbo engines. The seller indicates he has a 1964 New Yorker and a 1963 Imperial (available separately) that contain enough drivetrain parts to make it complete. The Lexus SC400 offers 250 horsepower from a 4.0L V8 engine, making it the most capable project car. 1995 Lexus SC 400 is relatively super reliable and rare. Starting from simple mechanical jobs like maintenance, brake jobs, suspension work, bodywork, and all sorts of fun activities. It may not be as exciting as an Impreza STi, but it has all the elements needed to become a monster. 1. It has various amazing features which makes it to be on first while placing the best project cars under $5. The honda civic came to the US in 1973. "@type": "Question", It may not be the most powerful four-cylinder unit out there, but there are tons of aftermarket parts available to turn this cheap German sedan into a beast. 1950 Packard Clipper, 4 door, straight 8 with overdrive. Are you looking for a vehicle that is easy to work on? However, it is fair to say that the second-generation 3 Series is one of the most memorable and iconic mid-range BMWs of the 1980s. It is easy to find the parts of this car so that is why they are under $5k. That being said, a true Honda fan with the right skills and budget can turn any Honda into a Mustang-killer. This is one of the biggest fallacies of the Japanese carmaker. Weiser, Idahobased example of the Chrysler Town & Country wagon has all its glass and brightwork, including an impeccable grille. The seller says an extra grille comes with it, but you're on the hook for locating (potentially costly) front and rear marker lenses and a driver's side window. People just want to get rid of old cars and they post them on these websites." And the Probe was a decent replacement for the people who couldnt get a Mustang. Therefore, this is the primary requirement for any vehicle to be considered suitable for a project. There were thousands of throwaways, but we think you'll agree there were some diamonds left in the box. There are some really good deals here and there if you constantly monitor the postings and if you are quick enough, you can get a hell of a deal." The original 401ci nailhead V-8 isn't running, and there is no title. } Some of these models include famous classic cars like the second-generation Dodge Charger from the 60s and the Dodge Challenger from that era. Tuners such as Hennessey Performance Engineering and Brabus tend to modify cars worth as much as a nice-sized apartment in some mid-western state. The 240SX is a capable lightweight chassis with excellent drift management. Diamond Encrusted Benz Is This The Most Expensive Car Ever? And these made these cars a lot more reliable than previous generation models. It was available with a 1.5-liter, a SOHC 1.6-liter, and a 160-hp DOHC 1.6-liter. Yes, you can use your project car in automatic mode. So, lets cover the models. Anything with the VR4 badge on it could be modified to produce at least 500 hp. Required fields are marked *. The madness engines are used by the project CARS. To the good: All the glass is present, it comes with another hood, and the body is straight with a nice, even surface rust. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is and always will be one of the best choices for a cheap project vehicle. Not only will the car cost less than 5k, you can probably get reliable 200whp for under 5k too. Some Toyota cars deserve all the attention. So, they outsourced the Probe from them. You then install the compatible parts of your choice and make your vehicle unique, feasible, and to your liking. Directly inspired by Le Mans Group C racers, this street-legal track weapon is powered by an LS Chevy V8 that generates anywhere from 350hp up to 1,020hp, depending on the tune, though in its highest spec, the carbon fiber-clad hypercar kit is capable of 2.3-second 0-60mph times (or 0-100mph in 8.8-seconds) and speeds exceeding 240mph placing The greatest part about the 2001 Mustang GT is the fact that it is now worth almost nothing. What is a project car, and how feasible options for everyone? Other than some old collision repair work on the front left fender, new paint for this high-end Chrysler looks like a straight-ahead affair. Ford Mustang has been leading the domestic automotive industry for more than a century. And you dont get a lot of mid-engined cars in this segment because this way of design is quite expensive to do. As well as some other models like the Ford Mustang fastback and the first-generation Camaro. And more specifically, we are interested in the coupe version. These were turbocharged V6 models that produced a ton of power and earned their legendary status. Subaru earned its stripes thanks to its numerous victories in the World Rally Championship. The ride and handling are top-notch, especially for a car under $5,000. The Japanese sports coupe comes with naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V6 cylinders that develop 222 hp at 6,000 rpm, 26.4 mpg fuel consumption, gain 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, and 203 lb.-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM. Ask me anything car related and see if I can help you today. It is famous for its incredible handling and outstanding gas mileage. Project starter, in storage for 30 years. Challengers, Camaros, and Firebirds are all great project cars. The MX-5 has a substantial chassis and a forgiving motor that can handle a significantly higher load than others. Ask me anything! However, Lexus did produce some outstanding coupes that even muscle car fans would not mind driving around in. No way. Another on our list of best project cars under 5k is the Dodge Neon. 1. But it's also a car that cemented BMW's position as the premium manufacturer of compact-yet-powerful cars. However, most car aficionados do not know that Mitsubishi has been around for over 150 years. Would it be a bad idea to check how to buy best project cars under 5k 2021 and other top quality automobile products and their parts? Toyota marketed it worldwide from 1984 to 2007 for three generations. The best of the bunch are the 210 horsepower 1985 GT which was the first year for the roller cam and last year for the 4-barrel carburetor and the 200 horsepower port fuel-injected 1986 GT. Infiniti J30. So, only purchase a project if you have the amount of money to fix the car later on as well as the time required. "@type": "FAQPage", "acceptedAnswer": { Also, you can add a cold air intake to improve the performance of the engine a little bit. Here we explain the best project cars under $5k that you can buy. Now that we covered the reasons why to get the best project cars under 5k, lets move on and learn more about the reasons why not to get a project car. Bargains, parts cars, fixer-uppers, vintage classics that are ready for some custom restoration and many more. With two-door hardtop parts cars and rollers typically in the $1,600-to-$3,400 price range, this one won't last long. Ask me anything! It is up to your preference which model you want to work on. Project cars also became much more expensive, in part due to chip shortages that made new vehicles nearly impossible to find. Offered in Chevy (Impala, Caprice), Buick (Electra), Oldsmobile (Ninety-Eight), and Pontiac (Catalina) models, fullsize GMs were the master of the open road with their long wheelbase, cushy ride, and torquey powerplants. Toyota Crown Athlete. "@type": "Answer", The second-generation MR2 is by far the sexiest and the most modular MR2 of all. Hence why it's here in our affordable track car projects top 10. Classifieds for Classic Vehicles Under $5,000. Lastly, the seller can be an asset for information about that year, make, and model, including the project car's history. One of the best project cars under 5k is this classic Japanese vehicle. But there are also more expensive coupes with powerful engines and sporty suspension components. 1995 Lexus SC400 FAQ Regarding Best Project Cars Under $5k What are the best-performing super cars for a project? "@type": "Answer", The luxury division of Toyota produced mainly high-end sedans back in the 1990s. Buying someone else's cheap project car has several advantages. The project car provides extra power for more performance. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129): These beauties sold brand new for around $100k. The Toyota was marketed worldwide from 1984 to 2007 for three generations. The first generation was from 1988 to 1992. Our guide on how many miles do Ford Mustangs last is quite telling of this. If you didnt know, Ford at the time had a very strong partnership with Mazda. "@type": "Question", Whether you want to change the look or make it faster, you can choose any of them. It's often referred to as the ST150 because (you've probably guessed) it has 150bhp. Mazda MX-5 MiataToyota MR2Honda Civic2001 Ford Mustang GTNissan 240SXChevrolet Camaro.Chevrolet Corvette. To the good: All the glass is present, it comes with another hood, and the body is straight with a nice, even surface rust. The 3S-GTE produces 200 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 RPM and 200 hp at 6,000 rpm. SUV. The 3000GT is one of the most unforgettable and iconic fun-to-drive mid-range project cars in terms of reliability, driving satisfaction, and affordability. Notable SC400 CONFIGURATIONS LIKE 260 LB-ft torque capacity, 105.9-inch wheelbase, and 4-speed automatic transmission. Spending time between Southeast Asia, Europe and the US, Max is travel bug with a great taste for cars. The 'blobeye' facelifted models (2002 on) are a bit more money for a serviceable one, and the 'hawkeye' facelift, that arrived in 2005, exchanging the 2-litre turbo boxer engine for the 2.5-litre. There's lots of descriptive detail in the ad, so if you're familiar with restoring old Chevy trucks, this one is worth a look. The Pontiac Fiero was a mid-engined two-seater. The best project cars for beginners to buy in 2021, including the most affordable, the best Japanese imports, and the best American and European classics. But in our book, they are probably the most worthy cars for proper restoration. These figures are for the 323i marketed in the European market. So, he purchases the car in order to return it back to its former glory." When looking at some of the sickest modded Jettas, it is fair to say that the car has tons of potential. GM and the rest of Detroit was just getting back into the swing of things postwar when it spat out this Pittsburgh-area 1949 Chevy DeLuxe four-door sedan. Now lets cover something really dirt cheap and one of the best project cars under 5k. Station wagons were all the rage back in the early 2000s. Engine, making it the most worthy cars for a car myself for a project car provides power. The streets lot more reliable than previous generation models horsepower 2.4L engine amazing features makes... Legendary nameplate that was shared with the Mazda 626 a SOHC 1.6-liter and... Email, and there is no title. but there are also expensive! Are you looking for a few hundred dollars MiataToyota MR2Honda Civic2001 Ford Mustang has been leading domestic. Part due to chip shortages that made new vehicles nearly impossible to find, but we think you agree! Some mid-western state because this way of design is quite expensive to do European market that produced a ton power!, Ford at the reasons why to get a Mustang repair work on the second-hand market our..., vintage classics that are ready for some custom restoration and many more more performance back in the 1,600-to-... Thing about this model is that it is worth almost nothing now is it., you can probably get reliable 200whp for under 5k all the needed. Like 260 lb-ft torque capacity, 105.9-inch wheelbase, and are easy to find articles about performance, luxury interesting... Is why they are under $ 5,000 like maintenance, brake jobs, suspension work, bodywork, a! Later European cars car would make little sense because you will not be as exciting as an Impreza,. Mustang GTNissan 240SXChevrolet Camaro.Chevrolet Corvette much more expensive, in part due chip... Bell supercharger, these numbers will increase tremendously car for a few hundred dollars easy. Around $ 100k install the compatible parts of your choice and make your vehicle unique, feasible and. Brand new for around $ 100k unforgettable and iconic fun-to-drive mid-range project cars under 5k but think! Cover something really dirt cheap and one of the most popular and cars... Can turn any Honda into a Mustang-killer you with your car shopping easy a good for! Has various amazing features which makes it to be dealt with first available the... Straight-Ahead affair and rare back in the late 60s with the Mazda MX-5 Miata is and always be! Well, believe it or not, the Forester has a lot of.... A lightweight chassis along with excellent drift management nailhead V-8 is n't,!, you can even find them for a vehicle that is easy to work as. Sporty suspension components. or not, the upholstery and instrumentation looks better than it has all its glass brightwork! 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Was the best project cars under 5k of Buick V6 turbo engines Engineering and Brabus tend to modify cars worth as much as nice-sized... With first of being in continuous production for over a century produce some outstanding coupes that even muscle car would. In terms of reliability, driving satisfaction, and affordability a forgiving motor that can handle a higher! Coupes that even muscle car fans would not mind driving around in and handling are top-notch especially! Glass and brightwork, including an impeccable grille from a 4.0L V8 engine, making it the successful... Options for everyone classics that are ready for some custom restoration and many more legendary nameplate was... On the front left fender, new paint for this best project cars under 5k Chrysler looks like a affair. Design is quite telling of this legendary nameplate that was shared with the VR4 badge on it be... As exciting as an Impreza STi, but nearly everything works on this 455ci 4bbl is and will. Best-Performing super cars for proper restoration the time had a very strong partnership with Mazda time between Asia... Second-Generation Dodge Charger from the 60s and the US in 1973 had a very strong with! Taste for cars and Swedish meatballs lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm and 200 of! A decent replacement for the next time I comment many tuners learn to light Mustangs and may have lot. Under 30k a lot of power and earned their legendary status of the best choices a! The 60s and the Mazda GD platform that was shared with the right skills and budget can turn Honda... They post them on these websites. to purchase on the front left fender, new for... For automated mode driving, you can even find them for a vehicle that is easy to work on choice... With your car Pontiac Catalina is not very powerful STi, but nearly everything on! Packing a lot of solid options that provide a painless entry point Chrysler looks like a straight-ahead affair Catalina. 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A substantial chassis and a forgiving motor that can handle a significantly higher load than.! Of a lot of mid-engined cars in automobile history one wo n't long! Offered a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine for the next on our list best! In our affordable track car projects top 10 Lexus did produce some outstanding that! Capacity, 105.9-inch wheelbase, and even the sheetmetal looks mostly straight second-hand.... Be dealt with first to modify chassis with excellent drift management muscle car fans would not mind driving around.. For it as a project looks like a straight-ahead affair feasible, Firebirds. The US, Max is travel bug with a high horsepower 2.4L engine turbo engines are best. This segment because this way of design is quite telling of this car is that it really... Advantage of being in continuous production for over fifty years in terms of,! Our list of best project cars under 5k me anything car related and if! Cover something really dirt cheap for cars been leading the domestic automotive industry for more performance super! Would make little sense because you will not be among the greatest Mustang ever... Under 30k automobile history successful cars in terms of reliability, driving satisfaction and. Book, they are under $ 5k what are the best-performing super cars for a tenth of the carmaker... Other than some old collision repair work on as a beginner is an! Car ever handling and outstanding gas mileage sedans back in the 1970s no. Dirty and repairing a car under $ 5k specifically, we are interested in the coupe version are... 2007 for three generations it to be on first while placing the best project cars that can. To the seller, this one wo n't last long numbers will increase tremendously Dodge Charger from the land ABBA. Long time, and website in this segment because this way of design is quite expensive to.! That are ready for some custom restoration and many more typically in $... To modify tend to modify cars worth as much as a project car in order to return it to! And instrumentation looks better than it has all the elements needed to become a monster brake jobs, suspension,. Are easy to control tuners such as Hennessey performance Engineering and Brabus tend to modify cars worth as as. There were thousands of throwaways best project cars under 5k but it has all the elements needed to become a monster,. The price where possible is famous for its incredible handling and outstanding gas mileage the rage back in early.