As we combed the internet for fun project cars under 10 grand, we realized they all needed to offer a compelling blend of performance, modern convenience and, most importantly, big support from the aftermarket so a DIYer can add horsepower and handling.
This list could have gone in many different directions, but every car is easy to upgrade and modify. Moreover, unlike a 50-year-old barn find, they can also be driven every day, so you can get to work with the air conditioning on and tinker on the weekends. Plus, they’re all post-1996 models with OBD II systems for easier diagnostics and troubleshooting.
From sharp-handling sport compacts to punchy V8-powered coupes, here are five fun projects for less than 10 large.
5) 2000-2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
How do you beat the Mazda Miata at its own game? You put the engine behind the seats. The third-generation of Toyota's MR2 lacked the Miata's staying power in the market, but these mid-engine two-seat roadsters are more capable and fun.
Their mid-mounted 1.8-liter four-cylinder 1ZZ-FE is fitted with variable cam timing on the intake side for 138 horsepower. Not a huge number, but these MR2s only weigh about 2,200 pounds and change direction like a neutrino on caffeine. The five-speed manual is the transmission you want. A small number were sold with a sequential manual with an automated clutch, which was wild tech for the time, but they are slow to launch and change gears leisurely.
4) 2006.5-2014 Volkswagen GTI
The quintessential hot hatch since the late 70s, Volkswagen’s GTI is a great choice if you want some practicality mixed with your fun. It has never been the quickest car on the road, but it has always been a willing partner on a backroad. Under the hood is a torquey 2.0-liter inline four cylinder, turbocharged of course, and good for 200 hp. A six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic with paddle-shifters were available.
The GTI’s primary merit is its combination of German engineering in a practical and fun package. Some versions during this era had non-defeat stability control that could be a buzzkill for drivers seeking to explore the limits. But this is a car that can do just about everything well.
3) 2002-2014 Subaru WRX
Another turbocharged sport compact that delivers a desirable mix of performance and practicality is the all-wheel drive Subaru WRX. During its first two generations in America, the WRX was available as a sedan and a hatchback, and these rally-inspired hot rods will put a smile on your face regardless of the road surface or weather conditions.
Early cars were powered by a 2.0-liter flat four cylinder good for 227 horsepower. In 2006 Subaru swapped to a 230 horsepower 2.5-liter that swelled to 265 hp in 2009. These cars are more fun with the five-speed manual, although a four-speed automatic was available through 2008. That year Subaru also added a multi-link rear suspension that’s less friendly on rough roads. We prefer the long-travel strut suspension of the first-gen cars.
Unfortunately, the more powerful STI models of this vintage are still out of our imaginary $10,000 budget.
2) 1998-2002 Chevy Camaro Z28/SS and Pontiac Firebird Formula/Trans Am
These fourth-generation Camaro and Firebird twins make this list by virtue of their durable and easily modified LS V8, which hit their engine compartments in 1998 and has become the cornerstone of hot rodding over the last 27 years. In the Camaro (Z28 and SS) and Firebird (Formula and Trans Am) the 5.7-liter LS, which also powered the Corvette, was good for up to 325 horsepower. With mods, LS V8s can produce well over 1,000 horsepower reliably.
Coupes, T-tops and convertible bodystyles were available. You will/would probably want the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, though a four-speed automatic was popular, especially in the ragtops. All V8-powered fourth-gens came with a limited-slip rear differential for big, smoky powerslides. GM’s F-bodies were never known as amazing handling machines, but with the right suspension work and wide, sticky rubber they are seriously rapid.
1) 2005-2014 Ford Mustang GT
These retro styled Mustangs reinvigorated America’s muscle-car market. Powered initially by Ford's 4.6-liter SOHC V8, known as the mod (for modular) motor, these Mustang GTs pack 300 horsepower and deliver textbook rear-wheel drive fun. The engine’s stock rods and crank are known to handle about 375 wheel horsepower reliably, which is easily achieved with any of several aftermarket supercharger kits. A Tremec five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission were available.
In 2011, things got really good with the introduction of the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with dual overhead camshafts, a 7,000 rpm redline and 412 hp. There was also a new six-speed manual and six-speed automatic. Versions of the Coyote engine still power today’s Mustangs and these older examples aren’t very easy to find in our price range, but they are out there. If you can afford it, they’re worth their price premium over earlier mod motor models.
Both coupes and convertibles use a live axle out back and struts up front. But thanks to decades of development this otherwise rudimentary design is capable of excellent handling, especially on smooth roads. Combine that with all manner of aftermarket support and S197 Mustang GTs are capable of both blistering quick quarter-mile times and hilarious and rapid road-course laps.
There you have it, five fun project cars for less than $10,000. Have fun!
Still have questions? Speak to one of our Tinker Experts today!