Restoring or fixing up an old car can be an exciting and rewarding experience for car enthusiasts. Whether you’re passionate about reviving a classic or upgrading a vehicle with some DIY repairs, weekend car projects offer a unique sense of satisfaction.
Some cars are great candidates for these projects, thanks to their design, availability of parts, and ease of repair. These cars can often be restored with patience and a little know-how, making them the perfect weekend project for hobbyists.
However, not all cars are suitable for restoration or improvement. Some are simply too far gone, whether due to rust, poor engineering, or lack of parts. In these cases, the investment of time and money can outweigh the reward.
Choosing the right car for a weekend project involves considering factors such as parts availability, car condition, and the level of work required. It’s important to pick a car that will give you a sense of achievement once completed.
On the flip side, some cars are best avoided for such projects. While they may have nostalgic value or unique designs, their unreliability and expensive repairs often make them better suited for scrapping or selling rather than restoring.
5 Cars That Make Great Weekend Projects
1) Mazda MX-5 Miata: A Great Weekend Project for Car Enthusiasts
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small, sporty car that has won the hearts of many car enthusiasts over the years. Known for its lightweight design and nimble handling, the Miata is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun, affordable weekend project.
One of the best features of the Miata is how simple it is to work on. With its straightforward mechanics, even beginners can tackle repairs or upgrades without feeling overwhelmed, making it an ideal starting point for restoration projects.
Finding parts for the Mazda Miata is also relatively easy, which adds to its appeal for DIY restorations. Whether you’re replacing the suspension, working on the engine, or restoring the body, parts are widely available and affordable.
Over time, the Miata can start to show signs of wear and tear, especially if it’s an older model from the 1990s or 2000s. However, with some effort and attention, these cars can be brought back to their former glory, providing a great sense of accomplishment for anyone working on them.
The Miata also has a large community of enthusiasts who share tips, guides, and advice. This network of support makes it even easier to restore the car, as you can rely on others who have gone through the same process.
Also read: 5 Cars With Legendary Longevity and 5 That Fall Apart Early
2) Chevrolet Corvette (C4 and C5): Affordable Classics for Restoration
The Chevrolet Corvette, particularly the C4 and C5 models, is considered an affordable classic sports car. These models are a great option for anyone looking to restore a Corvette without spending a fortune, offering plenty of potential for a fun and rewarding weekend project.
Although the interiors of the C4 and C5 Corvettes may appear dated, the engines and performance parts are still solid. The powertrain components remain strong, and with the right effort, the car can be brought back to life while maintaining its impressive performance on the road.
One of the main reasons these models are popular among car enthusiasts is their availability of parts. Restoration and repairs are manageable, as there are plenty of aftermarket and OEM parts for both the C4 and C5 models, making it easier to complete a project on a budget.
Restoring a C4 or C5 Corvette doesn’t have to be expensive, which is why many enthusiasts choose these models for weekend projects. With some careful planning and hard work, you can transform a well-worn Corvette into a stylish, high-performing car that still holds up on modern roads.
In addition to being affordable, the C4 and C5 Corvettes also have a strong community of car lovers. This means you can find advice, tips, and support from fellow enthusiasts who have worked on similar restoration projects, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.
3) Ford Mustang (1960s-1980s)
The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic American muscle cars, known for its powerful performance and stylish design. Models from the 1960s to the 1980s are popular among car enthusiasts, as they are widely available for restoration projects, offering a great opportunity for those looking to bring a classic car back to life.
One of the key reasons the Ford Mustang is a great choice for restoration is the abundance of aftermarket parts. Whether you’re looking to repair the engine, upgrade the suspension, or restore the body, plenty of affordable parts are available, making it easier to complete a weekend project.
Mustangs are also supported by a strong community of car enthusiasts who are passionate about these classic vehicles. This community can provide valuable tips, advice, and resources, making the restoration process smoother and more enjoyable for anyone working on a Mustang.
Restoring a Ford Mustang from the 60s to the 80s can be a rewarding experience. These cars have a timeless appeal, and with the right effort, they can be turned into stunning examples of muscle car history that still offer thrilling performance on the road.
The popularity of the Ford Mustang means that there are plenty of resources available for those looking to restore these vehicles. Whether it’s through online forums, local car clubs, or specialized restoration shops, finding support and guidance during the project is easy.
4) Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ60 and FJ80)
The Toyota Land Cruiser, especially the FJ60 and FJ80 models, is known for its rugged durability and off-road capabilities. These vehicles are perfect for weekend warriors who enjoy working on cars and want to restore a tough, reliable off-roading machine.
Land Cruisers are built to last, which makes them excellent candidates for restoration projects. These cars have earned a reputation for reliability, meaning that with some effort and the right care, they can be restored to provide many more years of performance.
Older Land Cruiser models like the FJ60 and FJ80 are often available at affordable prices. This makes them an attractive option for those who want to work on a solid vehicle without spending too much on the initial purchase.
Repairing and restoring these vehicles is straightforward and can be done with a little elbow grease. Many owners find that, despite their age, the parts for the FJ60 and FJ80 are still readily available, making it easier to bring these off-road legends back to life.
One of the biggest advantages of the Toyota Land Cruiser is its off-road prowess. These vehicles are known for their strength and ability to handle difficult terrains, making them not only fun to work on but also enjoyable to drive once restored.
In addition, the Toyota Land Cruiser has a dedicated following of off-road enthusiasts who can offer advice and guidance. The large community of fans makes it easier to get support and find the resources needed to restore the FJ60 or FJ80.
5) Volkswagen Beetle (1960s-1970s)
The Volkswagen Beetle, especially models from the 1960s and 1970s, is one of the most iconic cars in history. Its simple design and reliability make it an ideal choice for anyone who loves working on cars and wants a rewarding weekend project.
One of the main advantages of restoring a classic Beetle is its straightforward construction. With fewer complex systems compared to modern cars, the Beetle is easy to work on, making it a great option for beginners and experienced car enthusiasts alike.
Another benefit of restoring a Volkswagen Beetle is the availability of parts. Thanks to its huge community of enthusiasts, there are plenty of aftermarket parts available, making repairs and upgrades easier and more affordable than with many other classic cars.
The Volkswagen Beetle’s design is also part of its charm. With its distinct shape and fun personality, restoring a Beetle is a great way to bring a piece of automotive history back to life and create a beautiful car that stands out on the road.
Restoring a classic Beetle isn’t just about fixing up a car; it’s also about joining a passionate and supportive community. Countless resources, forums, and car clubs can provide advice, tips, and guidance to make your restoration project a success.
With the right tools and some time dedicated to the project, a restored Beetle can become a stylish and unique car that you can show off with pride. The joy of seeing the transformation from an old, worn-out vehicle to a restored classic makes the hard work worth it.
Also read: 5 Cars With Smart Tech That Actually Works and 5 That Glitch Out
5 Cars That Are Lost Causes
1) Ford Taurus (1990s-2000s): A Lost Cause for Restoration
The Ford Taurus, particularly the models from the 1990s and 2000s, was once a popular family sedan. However, these cars are not known for their longevity, making them less suitable for restoration projects.
One of the main issues with older Ford Taurus models is rust. Many of these cars suffer from rust damage, which can be expensive and time-consuming to repair, making it difficult to restore them to a usable condition.
Additionally, as these cars age, parts for the Ford Taurus are becoming increasingly difficult to find. This can make repairs costly, and tracking down the right parts can be a frustrating challenge for anyone attempting a DIY fix-up.
Repairing a Ford Taurus often ends up costing more than the car is worth. This makes it a poor investment for those looking to restore it, as the amount spent on repairs is unlikely to be recouped when selling or using the car.
While the Ford Taurus served its purpose as a reliable family vehicle in its day, it is now considered a lost cause by many car enthusiasts. It may be more practical to scrap or sell the car for parts rather than invest time and money into trying to restore it.
2) Chevrolet Cavalier (1990s-2000s): A Challenging Restoration Project
The Chevrolet Cavalier, a popular compact car in the 1990s and 2000s, is not an ideal candidate for restoration. Known for being unreliable, these cars often face serious issues, particularly with the transmission, making them difficult to bring back to life.
One of the major problems with the Chevy Cavalier is its transmission. Many owners have reported frequent transmission failures, which can be expensive and time-consuming to repair, making it a less desirable option for restoration projects.
Another challenge when restoring a Chevrolet Cavalier is the difficulty in finding parts. As these cars age, parts become harder to locate, which can lead to frustration and high costs for those attempting to repair or restore the vehicle.
The effort required to restore a Chevy Cavalier is often not worth the result. Even with a lot of time and money invested, the final product may not be as rewarding as other restoration projects, especially considering the car’s limited value and poor reputation for reliability.
Though it was a popular car in its time, the Chevrolet Cavalier is no longer seen as a worthwhile restoration project. Its reputation for transmission problems and the difficulty in finding parts make it a car that’s often better off being scrapped or sold for parts rather than restored.
3) Chrysler PT Cruiser (2000s): A Restoration Project with High Costs
The Chrysler PT Cruiser, known for its unique retro design, was a car that caught attention when it first came out. However, while its look may have been appealing, the PT Cruiser wasn’t built to last and is often considered a poor choice for restoration projects.
One of the main issues with the PT Cruiser is its engine and electrical problems. These cars are prone to frequent mechanical failures, and restoring one usually requires addressing costly engine and electrical repairs that can quickly add up.
Restoring a Chrysler PT Cruiser can be an expensive undertaking, especially when factoring in the parts and labor needed to fix common issues. These repairs often exceed the value of the car itself, making it a less desirable option for those looking to invest time and money into a restoration project.
The cost of fixing up a PT Cruiser is simply too high when compared to the value it offers. Even after extensive repairs, the car’s resale value is often low, which means the investment in restoration is unlikely to pay off in the long run.
While the PT Cruiser has a distinct look, its mechanical problems and costly repairs make it a car that’s better off being scrapped or sold for parts. The money and effort required to restore it often do not justify the results, leaving many enthusiasts to reconsider taking on the project.
4) Pontiac Aztek (2000s): A Restoration Project to Avoid
The Pontiac Aztek, known for its unusual and often criticized design, was a flop when it was first released. Despite having gained some cult status over time, it remains a car that’s not worth investing in for restoration projects due to its numerous reliability issues.
One of the biggest problems with the Pontiac Aztek is its engine and transmission issues. Many Aztek owners have experienced frequent mechanical problems, and these issues can be expensive to fix, making the car a poor candidate for restoration.
Aside from the engine and transmission troubles, the Aztek is also known for its overall lack of durability. As a result, attempting to restore it can often lead to spending more money and time than it’s worth, especially when considering the car’s limited appeal and low resale value.
Although the Aztek has developed a small following over the years, it’s still riddled with reliability issues that make it difficult to justify restoring. The car’s strange appearance and ongoing mechanical problems mean that it often isn’t a good investment for anyone looking to restore it into a functional vehicle.
The cost of restoring a Pontiac Aztek can easily outweigh any potential return, leaving enthusiasts frustrated and unsatisfied with the result. Even if it’s restored to like-new condition, the car’s reputation and market value remain low, making it an unwise project.
5) Honda Crosstour (2010s): A Restoration Project to Skip
The Honda Crosstour, while offering some decent features, is not a great candidate for a restoration project. Despite its solid engineering, the car suffers from a low resale value and doesn’t have much demand in the used car market, making it a poor choice for car enthusiasts looking for a rewarding project.
One of the major drawbacks of the Honda Crosstour is its odd design. Its unique look doesn’t appeal to a large audience, which means that it has limited potential for restoration or customization, and any improvements made may not significantly increase its value.
Another issue with the Crosstour is the cost of parts. As the car ages, parts for repairs and restoration can become expensive, and the lack of demand in the used car market means it’s unlikely to be a profitable investment, even after extensive repairs.
While the Honda Crosstour may offer a comfortable and functional ride, its lack of popularity makes it a tough project for restoration enthusiasts. The car’s limited appeal means that restoring it won’t yield the same rewards as working on other classic or popular vehicles, making it a less worthwhile option for a weekend project.
The low resale value and high cost of repairs combined with the Crosstour’s unusual design make it a car that’s best avoided when looking for a restoration project. If you’re seeking a car to invest time and money into, there are better options out there.
Also read: 5 Older Cars That Still Make Sense and 5 That Should Be Avoided
Picking the right car for a weekend project can be both exciting and challenging. Some cars, like the Mazda MX-5 Miata or the Ford Mustang, offer great opportunities for restoration and personal customization, making them fantastic choices for enthusiasts looking to take on a project.
Classic models such as the Miata and Mustang have a lot of potential for restoration. With parts readily available and strong enthusiast communities to offer support, these cars are much more likely to provide a rewarding project experience, whether you’re restoring a vintage model or making upgrades.
However, not all cars are suitable for restoration projects. Vehicles like the Ford Taurus or Chrysler PT Cruiser are better left untouched due to their reliability issues, rust problems, and costly repairs. Trying to restore these cars often doesn’t offer the same satisfaction, as the amount of time and money required isn’t justified by the results.
While the idea of working on a car yourself is a rewarding experience, it’s essential to avoid chasing cars that are considered lost causes. Spending time and money on a car that isn’t worth restoring can lead to frustration and disappointment, so it’s better to choose a vehicle that has a strong potential for restoration.
