€5k Project Car - what do you suggest?

ifeelabreeze

I want to buy a project car of some description.

Mx-5s have been high on my list but I've gone to view a few and they've all been rotten. Was even thinking of buying a rolling shell that's 'rust free'.

Also looked at a 944 (that my dad was thinking of going halves on) but it wasn't as clean as we had thought and he didn't want something that needed that much work.

So I'm back to looking on my own, I've about €5k to spend up front.

I'm honestly not sure what I want, but it can't be too difficult to work on, this'll be my first real project.

Part of me wants something fun to drive. Part of me wants something with a big stupid engine because that's the only way I'll get to own a big stupid engine. It'll be kept as a second car/insured as a classic if it's viable - also tempted to buy something that I'll be able to insure as a classic next year or abouts.

Not a big fan of FWD unless it's a MK5 GTI or similar hot hatch.

Biggest deal breaker is going to be rust - I can't weld, nor do I have welder friends..

So with a budget of €5k - what can I actually get?

hoodie6029

How about an MGF or the 2000’s Toyota MR2?

User1998

You should put your requirements into Donedeal filters and see what it comes back with.

Check the vintage/classic section too

GustavoFring

Clio 172/182? There’s a few pop up regularly on done deal. Earlier phase 1 parts are hard to get though

Mini Cooper S? Potential to be a money pit if the main jobs aren’t done but there’s been some good value ones up recently.

bazz26

Mk1 Audi TT Quattro perhaps?

LIGHTNING

You will get a resonably nice 924 for that kinda money, very easy to work on and most of the bits are cheap for them as its mostly VW/Audi components.

coolbeans

Might get a Peugeot RCZ for that money. They're a great car made at a time when every other model in the Pug range was a total dog. Forged pistons and race suspension were standard on the 1.6, the one to have, and French cars are much better galvanised than the Germans in my experience so low chance of rust. A really fun car to drive in a way that few cars are now. Leftfield choice though.

ifeelabreeze

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120769734#Comment_120769734

I was tempted by a 924 but the draw from the 944 interior/general appearance was just too strong (and pricey).

I ended up with another Mx-5!

1.8, 6 speed, Torsen LSD, Tan over BRG, JDM and great fun

ba_barabus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120770240#Comment_120770240

I drive the hatchback version of that and it's a total hoot. In fact, I'd hazard a guess and say I've the only one in the country, a 2011 Pug 308 GTi/200THP

wotzgoingon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120779345#Comment_120779345

I thought you were joking that the pug was a GTi in the Lotus video. Didn't pause the video or anything to see the subtle details.

ba_barabus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120779718#Comment_120779718

It's very stealthy I'll give it that. 1.6 Turbo 'Prince' engine with 200bhp to a very short ratio 6 speed box. Not rock solid on the road, more peugeot of old with a great ride and handling balance.

mickdw

Tt 225 would fit the bill as they are allowable on classic policy from 20 years.

I have one I used to track but now putting it on the road.