Enjoy some cheap thrills with these cheap project cars

Rapid Finance on 15 January 2022

The best cheap cars to modify, aren't always the most expensive

If you're new to car modding or if you just love a bargain, then chances are you're not looking to spend a lot on your first (or next) car. Fortunately, you don't have to, as there is a range of great and cheap project cars out there. So you can get stuck into car customising without breaking the bank.

Of course, you'll have to forget new and shiny and start thinking used, cheap and cheerful. But, that doesn't matter, because there's no shortage of awesome modification-ready vehicles available on the used market. Haggle a little and you may even get a real bargain.

Want to finance one of these cheap project cars? It may be possible. Learn more on our car loans page.

9. Honda Civic

old honda civic hatch

Image courtesy of nitinut380 / Shutterstock

No list of cheap project cars would be complete without a mention of Honda's classic pocket rocket. The late 90's and early 2000's sixth generation models still pack a hell of a lot of punch for your used car dollar. And there are a tonne of mods available to buy online at budget prices.

8. Subaru WRX

2017 subaru wrx blue main profile support

Image courtesy of caradvice.com.au

With its gaping intakes, puffed up arches and flamboyant spoiler, the Subaru WRX, has long been a favourite of wannabe race drivers and weekend car modders. Its rally heritage makes it perfect for tinkering and toying. From the turbo to the headlamps, everything can be made bigger and better.

7. Holden Commodore

2001 holden commodore silver

Image courtesy of wikipedia.org

When it comes to the best cheap cars to modify on a budget, the Commodore has been providing this country's young people with affordable thrills since the 70's. While the days of the Australian-made car are sadly over, you can still pick up plenty of old models, modding parts and accessories cheap as chips.

6. Toyota Supra

Toyota Supra

Image courtesy of caradvice.com.au

You won't get a Supra Turbo at a bargain-basement price, not unless you're extremely lucky. Still, the naturally-aspirated Toyota Supra of the mid-90's isn't short on fun. There are also plenty of parts and add-ons to be found online, and because it's a Toyota, it may even be halfway reliable - that's not a guarantee.

5. Peugeot 206 GTi

You'll notice that, aside from the Aussie legends, all the cars on this list of the best cheap cars to modify on a budget are Japanese. It's not surprising, mod-ready cars are what the country does best. If you want to be different, though, this French-made hot-hatch is sure to raise eyebrows. It's a hoot to drive, too.

4. Ford Falcon

ford falcon blue parked

Image courtesy of caradvice.com.au

Like the Commodore, the Ford Falcon will soon be replaced by its overseas counterparts. Before that happens, though, there's still plenty of joy to be had specking up secondhand models. And for a particular type of Australian rev-head, there really isn't anything better than a fire-breathing Falcon.

3. Mitsubishi Lancer

2017 mitsubishi lancer red profile main support

Image courtesy of Art Konovalov / Shutterstock

There are a plethora of Lancer mods on the market today. Whether you're wanting to up your horsepower or simply your exhaust note, you're really spoilt for choice. You don't have to go all out either, the early 2000's GLi and LS models can be great cheap project cars and they're half the price of an Evo VII or VIII.

2. Mazda RX-8

2017 mazda rx8 black profile main support

Image courtesy of caradvice.com.au

The Mazda RX-8 is one of the best cheap cars to modify, bar-none. It may have failed to gain mainstream success, but it did develop a dedicated and fiercely loyal following. It's easy to see why. For our money, the RX-8 is still one of the best-looking and more inventive cheap project cars available today.

1. Nissan Skyline GTS

2017 nissan skyline red profile main support

Image courtesy of Suvorov_Alex / Shutterstock

We couldn't make a list of the best cheap cars to modify on a budget without mentioning Nissan's iconic Skyline. True, even the less-powerful GTS models aren't exactly what you'd call economical, but in terms of thrills per dollar spent, the Skyline is hard to beat. It's one of the absolute best of the best.

You can finance cheap project cars

Want to purchase one of the cars on this list? Or do you have your own dream project car in mind? It may be possible to finance your vehicle. You may even be eligible for a great low rate.

Get in touch today. At Rapid Finance, we help Australians to finance a range of cars, from cheap project cars to family cars to workhorses and much more. It's what we do!

Learn more on our car loans page or call 1300 467 274