Answers to Everyday Questions : what is the best car for diy mechanics?

what is the best car for diy mechanics?

13 Responses to “what is the best car for diy mechanics?”

1. Boris 4 Mayor said :
   May 21st, 2010 at 8:22 am

   Rovers of any model a mini IS a ROVER Jesus!
2. cable guy said :
   May 21st, 2010 at 9:16 am

   Nissan or toyota.You will not really need to work on these as they are normally reliable and go on for ever.
3. Kentuckygearhead said :
   May 21st, 2010 at 10:11 am

   Import 4 cyl such as Toyota,Honda,Nissan,Mitsu etc. etc.////stay away from v-6 models and DOHC engines as they are more difficult to repair
4. jaeck76 said :
   May 21st, 2010 at 10:36 am

   mini
5. jeff m said :
   May 21st, 2010 at 11:11 am

   HONDA they didn’t have a computer till 96 so 95 or older used a standard ignition. standard analog timing light $20 and a cheap multimeter is all you need no code readers etc.
6. frankie g said :
   May 21st, 2010 at 11:35 am

   Morris minor.
7. matthew c said :
   May 21st, 2010 at 11:39 am

   a old v8 landrover or range rover, loads of cheap spares, easy to work on
8. bigmofokev said :
   May 21st, 2010 at 11:55 am

   all fords, vauxhals are best and pretty straight forward.
   Keep to 4 cylinder models though.
9. Mustanger said :
   May 21st, 2010 at 12:12 pm

   The straight six Mustangs from the 60’s and 70’s. Still readily available, reasonably priced, an abundance of readily available parts and nothing out there that’s easier to work on. Fun car to drive which won’t depreciate too.
10. Lee t said :
    May 21st, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    I have a 96 neon and find it is quite easy to work on, no special tools and you can get the trouble codes from the computer without any tools at all, just toggle the ignition switch on and off tree times. when it was newer i got 37-39 mpg with it also, no it has 185,000 miles it get 34. great cheap cars though imo.
11. oily crank said :
    May 21st, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    This is not an easy question really,but my advice would be to try and find the basic of any model in the range.By this i mean avoid electric windows,seats,mirrows,door locks where possable,sun roofs etc.you get the picture.Although in the trade 30+ years,i still avoid buying cars with all this on them,nothing but trouble.With choice i would try to find a triumph acclaim with honda engine,or 213 with honda engine,micra but check for smoke as when a cambelt has snapped and been replaced there scrap,mazda 323 the car with least rust problems.So as you see my thoughts are less is best.Good Luck
12. JOHN K said :
    May 21st, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    I would say Peugeots are.They dont have rust issues?Get left alone by car thiefs etc. Parts are quite cheap ,and a lot of them swap with citroens’ models,dont give a lot of bother really?
13. Steven N said :
    May 21st, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    Crikey, not sure where the above people get their answers from!

    For home DIY you’re looking at something small, preferably with carbs or single point injection, and a dizzy rather than electronic ignition to keep any electrical repairs to a minimum.. Avoid french cars like the plague as they have a nasty habit of using bizarre fittings and strange methods of doing things (try servicing an R19 16V – nightmare!) Avoid anything with electric gizmo’s everywhere. I’d plumb for something like a late MK3 fiesta with the 8 valve engine, or maybe a Punto, again with an 8 valve engine. My friend has a Punto 55 and I’ve done the brakes and exhaust (£22 back box, £27 centre section, tyres £26 each, front discs and pads £32!!!) as well as a bit of bodywork tidying (not bad for a P reg car with 90k that she paid £300 for!) and it’s a joy to work on, loads of space in the engine bay, everything is manual (windows, mirrors etc) and I managed to do a full service including changing the cambelt in two hours on my driveway.

    OK it’s hardly a speed machine, and it’s pretty basic, but for DIY maintanence, basic is the way to go. As for reliability, it hasn’t actually let her down once and it’s just nudged 100k.