Best Tuner Cars Under 10k | The Bestest | Donut Media

- Whether you need to carve some canyons, have a day at the track, learn to drift, or just have some daily fun, you'll need to pick a weapon of your choice. This week I cover 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

with any level of commitment. You can start small and customize it, or you can find one in great shape and ready to go. I start my list with the Audi S4 B5. You can find them between $4,500 and $6,500, which gives you some room for repairs and some simple modifications like suspension, wheels, brakes, and tires.

The key word here, repairs. Because the bi-turbo V6 is quite complex and replacing the timing belt every 80k can be quite complicated. However, if you're up for the challenge, you can tune this engine to do some truly amazing things. And you'll have a great looking car that has street cred like an M3 killer. Ready for any canyon road, track day, car show, no matter if it's snowing, raining, or the middle of nowhere. If you're nervous about repairs like any sane person would be, you can always save a ton of money and headaches by choosing an A4 1.8T model.

Those engines are pretty reliable, easy to service, and make pretty good power with a tune-up and a few screws. And it still has the look and feel of a quality German sports car. And if you're more practical, they do both on a cart. And since we're talking dollar signs and not euros, I have to mention the Fox Body Mustang. It has been gaining popularity over the years and that is reflected in the expensive listings I came across while researching. You can still find them for around $2,800, but you know that car will need a lot of love.

Once you get into that pile of junk and burn some gas with that nasty low-revving V8, you'll forget about all that mismatched paint and missing bumper. However, if you have a little patience, you can find a legitimate example for around $7,000. I'm talking about murder, black tuxedo, legitimacy. Ready to take hairpin turns in Oakland, CA and then dive down the 580. Well, 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 Mercedes-Benz 190E might be the car for you. There are plenty of models to choose from.

Depending on what you like and how much you like it. The cream of the crop is the 2.3-litre 16-valve Cosworth 190E. The 190E was a legend in the golden age of German touring car racing. And because the Cosworth was the model with the most history behind it, you'll have to do a little research to find one under 10k. But the other models still have that style and 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 said, you can pick up less desirable models all day long for under 3k. Put on some bags, some three-piece wheels and you'll have an automatic pass to any car club. Otherwise, keep that baby stock and reap all the benefits of a wise choice. The second generation of the Mazda RX-7, the FC, is on its way to becoming a collector's car for fans. It's a Japanese version of the Porsche 944. Which also costs less than $10,000, but it's not on this list. The rotary engine is not known for being super reliable, but it is known for its excellent sound, light weight, and great power.

You can find them from 3k for a car that needs a little love to 10k for a car in great shape. And if it's a driving experience you're looking for, that's what you'll get with the FC. With a 50/50 weight distribution and a dynamic tracking suspension system, which is kind of like the '80s version of four-wheel steering, you'll get that heavenly connection to the car and the road that many cars can't provide. . And believe me, that feeling makes it all worth it. Just make sure you leave some money in the bank because this car will break down.

The Corrado VR6, a unicorn hatchback considered the poor man's Porsche. That's because it came out of the factory faster than the Porsche 944 I mentioned earlier. Plus, it has this sweet mechanical spoiler that appears when you hit 45 mph. The Corrado VR6 is increasingly rare and difficult to find. And the prices reflect its collectible status. That said, you can still find a good one for around 6 1/2k with a little patience. And all you really need is a good set of coil-over shocks to give it that aggressive look and performance. But don't expect that spoiler to work for long.

Because Corrados are known for their electrical problems. I know because I had one. And even though I have a scar on my back from a malfunctioning electric seat belt hook, I still wish I had never sold it. It drives like a kart, the engine sounds great and runs super strong, and you'll be instant friends with every bender you meet. - V Dub for life friend. - Hey, V Dub. - Yes. - My third

best

choice is the Porsche Boxter S. Yes, that's right. You can have a Porsche for under $10,000 and it won't beat you. It may not seem like the best-looking Porsche, but once you put a hardtop on it with a roll cage and a rear spoiler, it suddenly starts to look good.

A lot of guys race these cars competitively. And they hang on the track with cars that cost twice as much. It's mid-engined, so it has excellent driving characteristics that Boxter owners swear by. And you get that incredible sound that is unmistakably Porsche. It is one of the newest cars you can buy at a bargain price and with low mileage. Therefore, it is quite difficult not to place it high on this list. Second place goes to everyone's favorite starter car. The MazdaMiata. Light, small, agile, but their price has been increasing and I would never be caught driving one.

And since these are cars I recommend buying, I'm going to remove them and replace them 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 most attractive model. If you drop 10k on a Civic hatch you'll have a quick little can of fart. Parts are cheap, upgrades are numerous, and engine swaps are endless. Plus, it's super light. That means you can drag race. Give people a whiplash as you pass by any boba shop. And if you've got the skills, maybe you can keep up with those rich rookies in their Nissan GT-Rs on the track.

Just say. Last but not least, the BMW E36 is finally being recognized by me as the best performance and style deal money can buy. Note that I didn't 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 a 325 or 328 for under 3k. Which leaves you plenty of room for modifications to take this car to the next level. As in level M3. Let's say you start with a 325is. You can purchase an M3 engine for between $2 and $3,000. And it's a plug-and-play engine swap.

That's how it is. The motor bolts directly to the existing five-speed transmission. And the wiring harness literally plugs right in. There is nothing easier than that. And boom. You have a lightweight M3 for half the money that allows you to traverse canyon roads, take it to the track, participate in rear-wheel drive rally competitions, drift, you can do whatever you want. You can even pick up a girl for a date and still look good doing it. They are easy to find, easy to work with, and pleasing to the eye. Even if you don't change the engine, if you lower the car and put some meaty tires on it, you'll have a lot of fun.

Again I know, because I used to have one. I'm not going to lie, I'm a little biased. But there's a reason you see these cars more and more. That's my list. And believe me, it could be much longer. So if you have any other recommendations, let us know in the comments. That way, anyone looking for ideas can weigh their options. 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, perseverance 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 automatic transmissions. Pumfrey and I made a nice video where we bought an E36. Click here to watch it and discover all the tips you need to know before buying a car. We receive new programs every day of the week. We have Wheelhouse with Nolan on Monday. On Tuesdays you have Field Prep with professional tramp Matt Field. You have science workshop with Bart every Wednesday. Up to Speeds on Thursday, you know. And the best show, with the best, with me every Friday.

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