Welcome to Best Car Guy. In this blog, we have listed Best
Tuner Cars Under 10K. Whether you need to carve some canyons, hit up a track day,
learn to drift, or just have fun on a daily basis, you're going to need to pick
a weapon of choice. This week I'm covering the best project cars you can buy,
maintain, and customize for under $10,000. With 10k in the bank, you can buy
any of these cars at any commitment level. You can start cheap and customize,
or you can find one in great shape that's ready to rip. So, Here is the list -
Audi S4 B5
You can find an Audi S4 B5 from anywhere between 4500 to 6500
bucks which gives you some room for repairs and some simple modifications like
suspension, wheels, brakes, tires. The keyword here, repairs. Because the
bi-turbo V6 is pretty complex, and replacing the timing belt every 80k can get
pretty hairy. However, if you're up for the challenge you can tune this motor
to do some really incredible things. And you'll have a great looking car that
has street cred as an M3 killer. Ready for any canyon road, track day, car show
regardless of if it's snowing, raining, or in the middle of nowhere. If you're
nervous about repairs like any sane person would be, then you can always save a
ton of cash and headaches by going with a 1.8T model A4. Those engines are
pretty reliable, they're easy to fix, and they make some pretty good power with
a tune and some bolt-ons. And you still get that look and feel of a quality
German sports car. And if you're extra practical, they make both in a wagon.
Fox Body Mustang
And since we're talking dollar signs and not euros, I have
to bring up the Fox Body Mustang. It's been gaining popularity over the years
and that's reflected by the expensive listings I've stumbled upon while doing
my research. You can still find them for around 2800 bucks, but you know that
car is going to need a lot of love. Once you get inside that hunk of junk and
burn some gas with that obnoxious low revving V8, you're going to forget all
that mismatched paint and the missing bumper. However, if you have a little
patience, you can find a legit example for around $7,000. I'm talking murdered out,
tuxedo black, and legit-ness. Ready To turn tight ones in Oakland, CA, and then
dip out on the 580.
Mercedes-Benz 190E
Okay, not everyone has a burning need for speed. Some people
just want a respectable car that looks good, is reliable and drives great. If
that's the case then the 190E Mercedes-Benz could be the car for you. There's a
bunch of models to choose from. Depending on what you're into, and how much
you're into it. The cream of the crop being the 190E 2.3 liters 16 valve Cosworth.
The 190E was a legend in the golden era of German touring car racing. And
because the Cosworth was the model with the most history behind it, you're going
to have to do some digging to find one under 10k. But the other models still
carry that flair and they were built like bricks. That means they don't break
down. And they look like bricks. If you want a car that can commute to work and
look good doing it, you can't go wrong here. That being said, you can pick up
less desirable models all day for under 3k. Slap on some bags, some three-piece
wheels, and you'll have an automatic pass into any car club. Otherwise, keep
that baby stock and reap all the benefits of a wise choice.
Mazda RX-7
The second-generation Mazda RX-7, the FC, is on its way to
becoming a collector’s car for enthusiasts. It's a Japanese version of the
Porsche 944. Which is also an under $10, 000, but it's not on this list. The
rotary engine is not known for being super reliable, but it is known for
sounding great, being lightweight, and packing plenty of power. You can find
them anywhere between 3k for a car that needs a little love all the way up to
10k for a car in great shape. And if a driving experiences what you're after,
that's what you going to get with the FC. With 50/50 weight distribution and a
dynamic tracking suspension system, which is sort of like the 80's version of
four-wheel steering, you'll get that heavenly connection with the car and the
road that many cars cannot provide. And trust me that feeling makes everything
worth it. Just make sure you leave some money in the bank because this car will
break.
The Corrado VR6
The Corrado VR6, a unicorn hatchback regarded as the poor
man's Porsche. That's because it was faster out of the factory that the Porsche
944 I mentioned earlier. Plus, it's got this sweet mechanical spoiler that pops
up when you hit 45 mph. The Corrado VR6 is becoming increasingly rare and hard
to find. And the prices reflect its collectible status. That being said, you can
still find a good one for around 6 1/2k with a little bit of patience. And all
you really need is a nice set of coil overs to give it that aggressive look and
performance. But, don't expect that spoiler to work for too long. Because the
Corrados are known for electrical issues. I know because I owned one. And even
though I have a scar on my back from a malfunctioning electrical seat belt
hook, I still wish I never sold it. It handles like a go-kart, the engine
sounds great and runs super strong, and you’ll be instant friends with every
other dubber you meet. - V Dub for life dude.
Porsche Boxster S
My third best pick is the Porsche Boxster S. Yes, that's
right. You can own a Porsche for under 10k and it won't be a beater. It might not be the best looking Porsche, but once you slap on a hardtop with a roll
cage and a rear wing, it all of a sudden starts to look the part. Lots of guys
race these cars competitively. And they hang on the track with cars that are
twice as expensive. It's mid-engine so it has great handling characteristics
that Boxster owners swear by. And you get that awesome sound that is
unmistakably Porsche. It's one of the newer cars that you can buy at a bargain
with low mileage. So it's pretty hard not to rank it high on this list.
The Mazda Miata
The second place for the best tuner cars under 10K goes to everyone's favorite beginner car. The
Mazda Miata. Lightweight, small, nimble, but they've been increasing in price
and I would never be caught driving one. And since these are cars I'm
recommending to buy, I'm taking it off and I'm replacing it with the EK Civic
hatchback. I've never owned one of these, but I've seen the performance potential
of these things and the EK is probably the best looking model. If you drop 10k
into a Civic hatch, you're going to have one fast little fart can. Parts are
cheap, upgrades are vast, and engine swaps are endless. Plus, it's super light.
That means you can drag race the car. Give people whiplash while driving past any
boba shop. And if you got the skills you might be able to keep up with those
rich noobs in their Nissan GT-Rs at the track. Just saying.
BMW E36
Last but not least the BMW E36 is finally being recognized
by me as the best tuner car for performance and style you can buy. Note that I
did not say M3. Good luck finding one of those for under 10k that doesn't need
another 5k in repairs or preventative maintenance. But you can easily find a325
or 328 for under 3k. Which leaves you plenty of room for modifications to take
this car to the next level. As in the M3 level. Say you start with a 325is. You can
pick up an M3 engine for about 2 to 3,000 bucks. And it's a straight-up plug
and plays engine swap. That's right. The engine bolts right on to the existing
five-speed transmission. And the wiring harness literally plugs right in. It
does not get any easier than that. And boom. You've got a lightweightM3 for
half the money that lets you rip up canyon roads, take it to the track, enter
rear-wheel-drive rally competitions, drift, you can do whatever you want. You
can even pick up a chick for a date and still look good doing it. They're easy
to find, easy to work on, and they're easy on the eyes. Even if you don't swap
the engine, if you lower the car and slap on some meaty tires, you're going to
have a lot of fun. Again I know, because I used to own one. Not going to lie,
I'm a little biased. But, there's a reason you're seeing these cars more and
more. That's my list. And believe me, it could be a lot longer. I can think of
three more right now. Mini Cooper S, Toyota MR2, 300ZX. Just remember, do your
research. The key to finding the right car is patience, persistence, and
research. Don't be afraid to walk away from the first car you check out. And
most importantly, try to stay away from red flags like salvage titles, high
mileage, rust, and automatics.
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