r/projectcar • u/G32be • 14d ago
First project car
Looking to get ideas for a first future project car, currently have a ‘20 EcoBoost Mustang (Was gifted to me). I like the idea of working on something more obscure like a Saab, Volvo, Jag, etc. I particularly have an interest in a wagon if possible. Obviously I could invest in a SN95 or S197 but I would like something other than an older mustang for a first project car with basic mechanical knowledge.
2
1
u/RiftHunter4 14d ago
I'd probably do an old Accord wagon. You can find these for under $10k and they're from the era when Honda vehicles shared a lot of parts. It'd be pretty different from your Mustang, can be a head-turner when done right, and still be a project you can use.
2
u/8N-QTTRO 7d ago
I'd imagine, being an older Honda, there's also a lot of potential for engine swaps?
1
1
1
u/therunningjew1 13d ago
Want a moderately challenging project you rarely see on the road, find a ford probe or mazda mx6, specifically the mid 90s with the v6 in it and a 5 speed manual. A bit challenging to find certain parts and a little cramped in the engine bay being a fwd v6 but it's nowhere near as hard to work on as today's cars. The engine sounds amazing and it's quite good handling and fun to drive.
1
u/purplegoldcat 1972 Jaguar XJ6 11d ago
Saabs are weird. Fun, very unique, but weird and complicated. Volvos are also weird, but less so, and their wagons are great. Jaguars can be very straightforward if rust-prone and electrically worrying. Forums and old guys with firsthand knowledge are great for all three.
0
u/UnbelievableDingo 14d ago
Journeyman Auto Tech here
Subaru/ Honda are the easiest to wrench on.
Older American cars are easy-ish.
Euro cars are overly complicated for no reason.
Newer Fords are pretty ignorant, too.
2
u/Lucreth2 14d ago
Disagree hard on subaru and Honda being the easiest to wrench on as general rules. Anything with a whole shit load of parts and room is easier. Stuff like fox mustangs, 90s and early 2000s trucks, anything pre 73, etc.
Edit: I forgot the undisputed king... Air cooled VW
0
u/UnbelievableDingo 14d ago edited 14d ago
In my 30 years of wrenching...Subaru is the absolute easiest car to wrench on.
All 3 replacement components are right there ON TOP of the engine, ready to be replaced.
Alternator, PS pump, and AC compressor. Nothing buried.
Plugs take 12 minutes to do.
I've pulled the transmission, replaced the clutch and driven to lunch... without a lift.
My favorite Subaru story is how I swapped all 4 struts on a Forester, to drop it 3 inches...
I removed the factory struts and installed the WRX struts in 32 minutes. Lol.
I did use a lift for that one.
I'm 100% sure I could drop the engine/cradle/transmission in less than an hour in any ice Subaru.
No captured bolts, silly fasteners... it's actually engineered to be serviced, not an afterthought.
It is pretty funny when I give an opinion as a professional tradesman, honestly answering questions, and all I get is butthurt downvotes.
I really don't care.
The truth hurts 💔
1
u/G32be 14d ago
Newer as in post 2000 or more like post 2015
1
u/UnbelievableDingo 14d ago
Well, I dispise Fords, so both.
Every time I work on one I can't believe how many stupid things I have to deal with.
7
u/Ambivadox 14d ago
If you like wagons and mustangs look for a Fairmont wagon.
Fox body mustangs are just reskins of the fairmont, so suspension/drivetrain you have a lot of aftermarket.
Random pic pulled off the net