What’s a good fixer-upper car to learn about engines?

[Anonymous]

We have been talking about getting a nice-looking but junky car and teaching ourselves (parents and kids) how to fix it up, learning as we go.

Any thoughts on type of cars that would be good for this? Thinking something from the 70s or 80s—pre-computer. But no idea what would be a relatively simple fix for beginners.

[Anonymous]

https://jalopnik.com/the-ten-easiest-modern-cars-to-work-on-1730706616

Jalopnik is good for this type of information.

[Anonymous]

A 90's car is probably more realistic. Go with something fun like a sports car. Lots of older Mustang's around and they were generally well cared for.

[Anonymous]

first generation mazda miata. easy to work on. easy to find parts for, easy to find parts to "soup it up" so to speak. and increase it performance.

if you are going to buy a project car, at least make it a fun car.

the miata with a longitudinal engine, makes for more space in the engine compartment

front wheel drive cars pack a lot of stuff into a small space and makes it much harder to work on.

[Anonymous]

Sounds fun, although in 5 years no one will be driving themselves in ICE autos anymore. You can go a couple of routes here - I would go american just because parts are a lot easier to find. Personally a truck or jeep is probably easiest, mostly because there are wrenching boards out there for everything. Could also do a 90's civic or similar - the small japanese engines should run for a million miles if you can fix up all the bits and support mechanisms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have been talking about getting a nice-looking but junky car and teaching ourselves (parents and kids) how to fix it up, learning as we go.

Any thoughts on type of cars that would be good for this? Thinking something from the 70s or 80s—pre-computer. But no idea what would be a relatively simple fix for beginners.

One thought is to tune your television here and make note of which 1970s or 1980s cars you like: https://www.mecum.com/tv-times/.
My immediate thought would be something with a big engine block that you can easily access, maybe a Chevy Chevelle or Nova SS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:first generation mazda miata. easy to work on. easy to find parts for, easy to find parts to "soup it up" so to speak. and increase it performance.

if you are going to buy a project car, at least make it a fun car.

the miata with a longitudinal engine, makes for more space in the engine compartment

front wheel drive cars pack a lot of stuff into a small space and makes it much harder to work on.

It seems a Mazda turtle would have a tight engine compartment? And potentially some variety of a computer in it?

[Anonymous]

Mercedes W123 engine is a tank

[Anonymous]

A ‘90s Jeep with the 4.0 inline 6 — very basic and forgiving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:first generation mazda miata. easy to work on. easy to find parts for, easy to find parts to "soup it up" so to speak. and increase it performance.

if you are going to buy a project car, at least make it a fun car.

the miata with a longitudinal engine, makes for more space in the engine compartment

front wheel drive cars pack a lot of stuff into a small space and makes it much harder to work on.

It seems a Mazda turtle would have a tight engine compartment? And potentially some variety of a computer in it?

Any car since the mid 80s has computers or a multitude of sensors. No real way around it. The Miata is a longitudinal 4 with allows for a lot a space in the engine compartment to work on. Plus the fron wheels only steer the car. While the rear wheel drive the car. Ona fro t wheel drive. Front wheels pull double duty and thusincreased complexity from a “new mechanic” point of view

[Anonymous]

Dodge Dart with slant 6

[Anonymous]

Agree on the Miata...even the 2nd gen cars are pretty easy (have to deal w/ VVT 2001+ but even there are people who have been there/done that)

1st gen cars are really easy and pre-OBD. Lots of stock parts and performance stuff from Flyin' Miata, Goodwin, etc. Great on-line support with www.miata.net if there is a question there is an answer, often times with a youtube video.

Another car that is easy to work on with lots of support are the e30 series BMWs '82 thru the early '90s --318i/318is (4 cyl.) 325i/325is (6 cyl.)... a little more expensive parts

Also any pre-front wheel drive Toyota Celiica or Supra if you can even find one anymore.

Any old Ford pickup...Range or full size...

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone!! Sorry it took me so long—I forgot to check back in. Love all these suggestions. Will update once we decide on something.

[Anonymous]

Toyota Camry or corolla. Parts are cheap too, so you can replace some parts just for practice if you want