SupraDan24 Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 Hi guys, firstly apologies for the horribly worded title, i couldn't think of a better way of putting it Basically, ive been a petrol head for as long as i can remember, but i'm not the least bit Mechanically minded. Consequently, i'm fed up of wanting to do stuff to my own car's but not knowing how to do it. Can anyone suggest a cheap small car (small enough to easily fit in a single garage/Driveway) that i could buy to practice servicing and general car maitenence on? Something nice and cheap and pretty common so i can familiarise myself with what i should be looking out for. Should i start off with a Diesel or Petrol or does it make no odds. Also, any essential tools i should buy? I've got a few bits already, car jack, filter remover strap, oil pans, inspection lights, stuff like that. Any input is appreciated...i just want to be able to fix sh*t because i know i'd really enjoy it. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geordie82 Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 i bought a clapped out mini for £80 years ago, probably £300-£400 on bits took me few months but probably not a bad place to start its just like a big lego set and parts are so easy to get hold of. ended up giving the car to a friend of mine but had fun while fixing it up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 The cheapest one possible Anything would do, principles are the same. Something old with simple electronics.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heckler Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 early seat/vw... how I tought myself... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 early seat/vw... how I tought myself... Strange you should say that, I pulled ebay and went to vw's first.... Something like an old mk3 golf... not old enough to demand classic money, new enough to get bits easily Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham S Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 Strange you should say that, I pulled ebay and went to vw's first.... Something like an old mk3 golf... not old enough to demand classic money, new enough to get bits easily Don't let your mrs hear you say that!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 Don't let your mrs hear you say that!! She is still serious about a VR6 lump in that.... And they aren't pricey.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevins Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 The thing most common for this are mk3 fiestas, easy to work on and have all the basics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 The thing most common for this are mk3 fiestas, easy to work on and have all the basics. *cough* rust buckets *cough* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevins Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 That they are, but when you think about it, It will teach him how to remove interior, due to welding, external trim, changing piston rings the list goes on lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_jza80 Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 I'd go with a MK2 Golf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purity14 Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 I'd go for a micra.. cg1x use chains tho not belts. Very easy to work on.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraDan24 Posted July 27, 2010 Author Share Posted July 27, 2010 *cough* rust buckets *cough* Haha That made me laugh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraDan24 Posted July 27, 2010 Author Share Posted July 27, 2010 I see Golf has come up a few times, i'l have a look at some this afternoon and see if i can find any cheapies close to where i live. Cheers for the suggestions guys I'll let you know how i get on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edd_t Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 im teaching myself using a Pug 205 at the moment, nice and easy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraDan24 Posted July 27, 2010 Author Share Posted July 27, 2010 I'll prob just pick the cheapest closest thing i can find, just wanted to get an idea of what to look for. If i find anything dirt cheap from the above car's i'll get one. Just means i'll have to buy a car cover for my Supe when i get it as i'll need to keep it on the driveway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caseys Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 As others said, mk2/mk3 golf, old mini (I have one for sale but it's not £80!). Something small and light with potentially a lot of space in the engine bay and a rudimentary drivetrain / electrical system would be the best bet I'd have thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraDan24 Posted July 27, 2010 Author Share Posted July 27, 2010 I'm leaning towards a mini at the moment, sad as it sounds, i've wanted one since i was a kid. Shame they're not cheap tho lol. They're probably on equal par with the Supra for me in terms of loving them. There's a couple car auctions not far from me and there's always car's up for sale in my area so i'm sure i could pick something up cheap relatively easily. Just has to be small and easy to work on. I'll pick up the Haynes manual for it then off i go lol. Actually really looking forward to it if i'm honest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 I'm leaning towards a mini at the moment, sad as it sounds, i've wanted one since i was a kid. Shame they're not cheap tho lol. They're probably on equal par with the Supra for me in terms of loving them. There's a couple car auctions not far from me and there's always car's up for sale in my area so i'm sure i could pick something up cheap relatively easily. Just has to be small and easy to work on. I'll pick up the Haynes manual for it then off i go lol. Actually really looking forward to it if i'm honest I know that feeling, I always wanted a mini, then I got one, drove it for 3 days and realized what a POS the mini really is....Well mine was at least, complete with feet-area ventilation and wiring that made me cringe... That said, the A-series is a brilliant little engine, and GREAT to work on, especially if you Dave Vizzard's book on tuning the a-series Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraDan24 Posted July 27, 2010 Author Share Posted July 27, 2010 I know that feeling, I always wanted a mini, then I got one, drove it for 3 days and realized what a POS the mini really is....Well mine was at least, complete with feet-area ventilation and wiring that made me cringe... That said, the A-series is a brilliant little engine, and GREAT to work on, especially if you Dave Vizzard's book on tuning the a-series Hmmm food for thought there. I nearly bought one off my father in law 2 years ago...but i got the Supe instead There's a guy who lives in my area that buys poor condition mini's all year round, repairs them to a good standard then sells them on. I've seen him going about in his mini's a few times but never had a chance to speak to him. I'll try grab a word with him next time and get some advice. If i found a half decent one for cheap it'd definately be top of my list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 ....mini's...half decent one for cheap ..... hahahahahah hahahahah Wait, sorry I'm being sarcastic Well if you have a guy local who plays with them, then start chatting to him, best place for info is someone who has been down the same route Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraDan24 Posted July 27, 2010 Author Share Posted July 27, 2010 hahahahahah hahahahah Wait, sorry I'm being sarcastic Well if you have a guy local who plays with them, then start chatting to him, best place for info is someone who has been down the same route Lol when i say cheap, i'm meaning relative, i'm not talking Fiesta cheap I would have to beg/borrow or steal to get one that cheap haha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caseys Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 http://mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?t=219252 Well if y'know, you change your mind on the cheap thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Lol when i say cheap, i'm meaning relative, i'm not talking Fiesta cheap I would have to beg/borrow or steal to get one that cheap haha. I was having a go at minis being decent rather than cheap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caseys Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 I was having a go at minis being decent rather than cheap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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