The Best Project Cars in Australia

Project cars are rising in popularity around the world, due in part to the shortage of new and quality used cars. But a project car is as much about the process of restoring and modifying the car as it is about the finished product. Whether you are a long-time project car enthusiast or a modding newbie, our guide to the top Australia project cars is a must-read. We will help you get the best project car for your money and tell you what you need to know to make your car look great and drive like a dream.

Mazda MX5 (Miata)

The Mazda MX5, also known as the Mazda Miata, is a roadster-style car. The NB is the second generation that was manufactured from 1998-2005. The car has a 1.8-liter turbo engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Known for easy handling, reliability, and customer satisfaction, even a new model MX5 is a car-lover's dream.

Honda S2000

A sportscar-lover's fantasy ride, the Honda S2000 with a 2.2-liter engine was manufactured from 2003-2009. You will pay more for the privilege of having an S2000 become your project car - upwards of $20,000 to get started. It is worth it, though, for a high-performance convertible! You will find that though the car generally requires regular minor maintenance from someone familiar with the model, there shouldn't be any significant repair needs, especially not after you've customized it to your specs.

And about those customizations: being a Japanese-made car, it is almost expected that individuals will make their own modifications. The most popular include installing a superior sound system in addition to upgrading to new wheels and adding spoilers. However, if you're keen on stripping the car for a complete rebuild, you won't be left in the cold. There are a lot of kits designed specifically for the S2000, so you can get the exterior you're looking for while also being able to upgrade the interior specs and parts. This easy availability of parts and kits is what makes the S2000 makes a great project car.

Subaru Impreza WRX

The Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan from 2004 comes with a 2.0-liter H4 turbo engine and a four-speed manual transmission. The car is an all-wheel-drive model that is easy to drive on multiple terrains in all kinds of weather. Priced between $9,000 and $12,000 on the non-scrap market, the WRX is more expensive than the Mazda MX5. However, you get incredible handling, excessive trunk storage, and reliable parts.

Like the MX5, you will find that the WRX works with a wide range of after-market parts. They are easy to obtain and install, so customizing your ride doesn't require a lot of work. You will want to be careful when buying a used WRX, however. Because of their popularity and excellent workmanship, owners have a tendency to drive them into the ground. Look for cars with less than 100,000 kilometers on the odometer to get the most bang for your buck.

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic 2-door hatchback, model years 1991-1995 has a 1.8 L V-tech engine. It is a sporty-looking car with all the reliability the world has come to expect from the Civic. In general, the Civic is the best project car around because there are so many base models to choose from. Rather than buying a junker and building it entirely the way you want it, you can pick from among a variety of body types and then build it out.

The 2-door hatchback specifically is ideal if you're looking for a big performance in a small package. The car is easy to work on, and it is, hands down, the most customizable car on the market. Any car shop carries loads of aftermarket parts and features, from the front and rear fenders to seats. You can even trade the engine with one from a Honda Accord! How's that for "plug and play"?

Nissan 240 SX (S14)

The Nissan 240 SX (s14), which was made from 1989-1999, comes equipped with a 2.4-liter engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Un-modded 240 SXs are sometimes hard to find because of their all-encompassing popularity in the drift car community. However, even a modded 240 SX is a great car. If you don't mind undoing and redoing someone else's work, you'll have tons of fun tricking this car out.

Stock-spec 240 SXs cost around $3,000 to $4,000, which will leave plenty of room in your budget for all of those extras. An already-customized one will cost even more. Just beware: when you buy a previously-modified car, you might encounter cut corners that can impact the reliability of the vehicle. Otherwise, the 240 SX is easy to work on, with lots of interior space to get around in.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking for your first-ever project car or you're a pro with several projects under your belt, it never hurts to learn something new. If you're looking for the best Australia project car on the market, our guide will help narrow down your choices. Just remember to trust your instincts and don't just buy the most affordable option because sometimes, you really do get what you pay for.