Best Cheap Starter Project Cars for 2023

Had fun with doing this in 21, and 22 that it returns for 2023 - some ideas for starter car builds. This year had to get more creative, but I think you'll find it very much on brand for "off-beat hot-rodding".

Also, 90% rule mentioned in the video is this: if you show up with cash in hand for 90% of asking price, you can often pull that off. So the $3650 shopping limit, really means you better have saved $3300.

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Gear I shot this with (paid links):

[imbadwrench]

I had a short wheelbase 1976 G10 chevy van in highschool.... It had six 8in house stereo speakers in the back and four 250 watt kraco amps which we had soldered mosfets in stacks to increase power., I had a hammock in it, It had a gullwing door on the side. I got a bunch of newer parts from a junkyard so I had all late model trim, lights and stainless mirrors. I had the shinny bumpers but used the door without the licence plate, had the plate hanging from the door hinge.. It had 2 sunroofs and at stop lights my friends would climb out the rear sunroof and walk up to the front and crawl back in. I also had VECTOR wheels and cooper cobras on it. I had helper coils on the front and exhaust from a diesel van (no cats) with 36in cherry bombs. it had a 350 with a quadrajunk and it had enough power to get the front end hopping by smashing the gas an letting off over and over. Some of the best times I ever had.

[RiggsGarage]

Man good choices. I really want a Dippy with a manual box and steelies! Good call on the van. They are basically a truck and a dad can throw some kids in the back for a trip too

[EffequalsMA]

I had a heavy duty g10 Chevy Van as my work truck for nearly three decades. Took that pos everywhere. Its last big hurrah was driving to Socal from Vancouver Canada with my race bike in the back, going to a land speed event. The mighty 4.3 with a Turbo 400 and 3.45 gears, screaming the little engine all the way. I concur with your recommendation of it!

[johnjtrey]

Definitely agree with the panther platform. I've had two, and my friends are constantly looking for a good Vic. Those cars are amazing!

[mostlymoparih]

Hellcat Diplomat?
Boo coo bucks.
Happy Motoring.

[k.b.tidwell]

A G20 van? I pity da fool.

I was driving a 1986 Cutlass Supreme when I met my wife and I'd LOVE to find another for a cruising nostalgia car. But in my area (the Southeast) they're extremely rare any more. In fact, finding a G-body at all is tough.

[rockinranger]

I hate Facebook marketplace, I have several vehicles setup to alert me when they post and I’ll be looking through and there will be one listed near me that has been up for 5-6 days before I see it. Also I search the vehicles section all the time but my wife’s Facebook will show more local vehicles for sale then mine will and when I search on hers I get results that actually go along with what I’m looking for where as mine just throws random crap up and blue what I searched for.

[Brettin]

nice suggestions, I have to add the Lincoln mark vii and mark viii they still can be found for pretty cheap. I don't think your budget but maybe 5 grand

[KillerOfTheConcreteJungle]

Facebook is good for local 50 miles or less; or near states. Auto Trader is decent and craigslist is still pretty good. But you definitely should be looking at a bunch of buy/sell platforms if you’re looking for something specific.

[GaryBoyd]

Gosh I thought you were going to leap out of the screen for a minute there. LOL. Some good ideas though. Just a mention personally not a big fan of heavy background music when someone is talking. It should be just that "background." Should not have to focus and strain to follow your scintillating conversation my boy.

[garymatthys]

'more'-doors getting more and more popular...

[mexicanspec]

Your limit on distance blows the idea of getting cool Mexican cars from me. Also who is pay $3500 for a non running

[glennnickerson]

Best cheap budget build? Anything that will get me back and forth from work and me wife will let me buy! 😆 I've never spent more than 2K for a car...

[kingerikthegreatest.ofall.]

The first one says ford grand marquis lol. Seller doesn’t know he has.