The launch of a new car is an unforgettable event, both for the company and its customers. After years of designing and planning every single detail, it all emerges in one final occasion. Despite that, there are still car enthusiasts who cannot wait, but rip the crafted sheet metal and turn it into something unique.
That's understandable. The only way for a young car buyer to stand out nowadays is to modify their car. Sure, the Camaro SS and Mustang are perfectly good choices, but unless your Mustang has a Shelby badge on it, it's just another car that no one cares about. That's why we've compiled a list of nine cheap off-beat automobiles that will make perfect tuner cars and one you should never modify.
10 Modify: 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice
Unfortunately, Pontiac has disappeared both from the streets and the public's collective memory ever since 2010. However, some of their final cars are still appreciated by a selected few. One of them is the Pontiac Solstice, a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive roadster made to be driven on sunny yet windy days.
The Solstice was available with both manual and automatic transmissions, as well as turbocharged engines. Changing this Pontiac's engine is a pretty easy process, and there are absolutely no limitations. Or maybe you can go as wild as the person who modified the Solstice in the picture above and turned it into a Ferrari. Because, why not?
9 Modify: 1993-2002 Pontiac Firebird
Firebird has been dead and long gone for quite some time now. We only hope that you're still nostalgic about this beauty. However, the Pontiac Firebird was a fraternal twin of the Chevrolet Camaro, and also shared the "f-body" platform. But that's not all, the Camaro and Firebird shared transmissions, four-speed automatics, and engines.
Considering all that, it's an amazingly easy car to modify. Not only it's relatively cheap nowadays, depending on the condition, but also weirdly enough, there are a lot of aftermarket parts available. And for wanna-be-racers, let us tell you that with this kind of handling, engine and suspension, there's no better car to purchase.
8 Modify: 1990-1998 Eagle Talon
If you're all about kicking it old-school, whatever that means for you, then you should definitely consider buying an Eagle Talon. And then transform this sleeper into something everyone is going to look at. Because honestly, you don't need any big sponsors, or savings. Just a reassuring passion and researched approach for this old-school American car.
However, the Eagle Talon might not be considered fully American by some people. Both the Talon and Plymouth Laser were engineered by Mitsubishi, styled by Chrysler and built in the United States. However, when you learn about the potential of the Mitsubishi turbocharged AWD, you won't care what DNA really this car is. As long as it storms the streets!
7 Modify: 1984–1988 Pontiac Fiero GT
The Pontiac Fiero GT was probably the best example of GM's experimentation process in the 80s. It's a mid-engined, two seat coupe built in America, whose internal politics have made it difficult for the Fiero to ever emerge as the great car it is. No one dared to interfere with the Corvette's sales. However, for the true car enthusiasts, the Fiero GT is one of the most exciting cars wearing a Pontiac badge.
That's why the Fiero GT gathered a cult of followers, at least for some time. Nowadays it might not be at the forefront of a gearhead's consciousness, but it still enjoys just the right amount of attention. Especially for people who will stuff just any kind of engine in the Fiero, only because they can. Or for those who built a Lamborghini Murcielago while using Fiero's unique space frame platform.
6 Modify: 1982-1992 Chevrolet Camaro
Most of American muscle cars have impressive engines under the hood. Nevertheless, people have always loved modifying the Chevrolet Camaro, ever since the late 60-s. What used to be a car living under the Mustang's shadow, and designed specifically to compete with it, now has created its own space in the automotive industry.
Part of that space is filled with aftermarket parts. In fact, the popularity of aftermarket parts for the Camaro is growing more and more every day. So are its modifications, whether they are 32-inch Forgiato wheels, rubber stripes or fire flames. Whatever works best for you.
5 Modify: 1979–1993 Ford Mustang
As we've said in the beginning, not many people care for a Ford Mustang unless it's been built by Caroll Shelby. However, there are many other ways to gain attention, even with a Mustang. In 1979, the "Fox-body" Stang was introduced, and its culture is followed even nowadays, decades later.
The Fox-body was a proof that the Mustang, a purely muscle car, can survive in the era of electronic fuel injections, emissions regulations and still can manage to look hella hot. Today's modified Mustang might not be your father's Mustang, but it's an even more appealing one, especially if it has a turbocharged EcoBoost engine.
4 Modify: 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger
If you want a quick, powerful, straight from the factory Dodge, you normally should purchase the Hellcat or the Demon. But if you're looking for something way cheaper, one you can modify, and still squeeze a lot of power from, then you're looking at a 2008-2010 Challenger that cost around $4000.
And once you've purchased your Dodge, there are no limitations to what you can do with it. Whether you prefer alloy wheels, accessories such as dual chromed exhaust tips, or retro emblems- it's all up to you. Even performance parts are available anywhere, but if you ask us, Dodge's official aftermarket parts provider Mopar, is the best one.
3 Modify: 2000-2007 Ford Focus
There's no wonder the Ford Focus is as famous as the Mustang in terms of modifications. Even a 16 year old can purchase a Focus from 2007 while spending as little as $1000. That's without counting all the mods you need to buy. However, if you're committed to buying a Focus, we suggest first of all to improve its handling. The cornering abilities of this car will benefit massively, if you set the toe out to degrees on the front.
Plus, you can fit a motorsport suspension and lower the car by at least 30mm. And unfortunately, without swapping the engine you're otherwise wasting your money. And if you want to go all out, then we recommend exhaust tunning and alloy wheels for better braking and driving.
2 Modify: 2003-2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4
We cannot help but admit that the Dodge Neon SRT-4 is a funny vehicle. It was arguably Dodge's cheapest, dullest model. So of course, Dodge manufacturers decided to change that and added a turbocharger with 215 horsepower. So in 2003 the Neon SRT-4 reached 60mph in only 5.6 seconds. Quite impressive, right?
Considering how fast and affordable this car is, it begs to be upgraded. Common modifications include Mopar turbo-back exhaust, cold air intake, short-throw shifter and electronic boost controllers. Only these modifications will get the SRT-4 close to 300 horsepower, which is enough to embarrass any European luxurious, expensive car.
1 You Never Should: 1995-2000 Dodge Stratus
Now that you know which American cars are the cheapest and easiest to modify, we have to warn you about one that's cheap, but at the same time extremely difficult to tune. We're talking about the Dodge Stratus from the years 1996 to 2000. While buying one today will cost you only $1500, modifying one will cost you your nerves and mood.
Even Jalopnik named the Stratus as one of the hardest cars to work on, and that alone says something. Only changing this car's battery is tormenting, considering it's hidden behind the bumper on the driver's side. So basically you'll need to jack it up first, remove the driver's side front wheel and fender skirt, and then finally change the battery. So unless you send it to a professional, there are much better options.