Searching for project vehicle

Hi All. I've been thinking about finding an older vehicle to tinker on and lightly mod or improve. I'm thinking of an older Corolla, MR2, Celica, or a Subaru maybe, etc. Something not too hard to work on, with a manual transmission. Looking for under $5,000 but I could spend more if I was smitten with the vehicle. I'm thinking maybe no older than 1996 in case I need the OBD2 functionality to help me diagnose and correct issues. Any vehicle older than 1996 might be harder for a novice like myself to work on. Then again I've surprised myself before. Body and paint need to be good or better as I have no body work experience.

Currently my 2001 Taco is running so beautifully I'll probably drive it to my own funeral. This project idea of mine is just for fun and to learn.

Thanks!

 

I took on a broken 1987 300zx, 2k for the shell and probably have another 2.5k into parts and my time. She's about to be driving, my engine rebuild seems to be running decent, and I'm finishing up suspension now.

 

Anyone else?

 

How about a 90s model C4 corvette. $5000 buys a fairly nice car around here. They may not be pretty, but they are fairly easy to work on.

 

Check out erepairables.com

Find a wreck you like and put it together.