Just like the popular JDM tuner cars, these cheap European cars have endless tuning potential. Although most enthusiasts get their thrill on the tracks, there are others who just like being the center of attraction at car shows. Yet another group takes pleasure in taking down a car and building their dream car from the pieces. Apart from the laboratories of car manufacturers, this is where some of the greatest automotive innovations begin. In the garages and driveways of ordinary people who make the commitment to bring their imaginations to life.
The first thing needed for a successful rebuild is a project car which should be inexpensive and easy to work on. Moreover, good project cars should also be sturdily built and have massive aftermarket support. There's no limit to what an imaginative tuner can achieve with the cars on this list. That said, here are 10 European cars under $10,000 that have endless tuning potential.
10 Vauxhall Corsa VXR
Though it may seem like an unlikely entry, the Vauxhall Corsa D produced between 2006 and 2014, is an affordable ride with huge potential. Under the hood, the VXR version carries a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine rated at 189 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque.
Even in stock form, the Corsa VXR is a playful toy to push around. However, with parts readily available in the aftermarket, you can transform the little car into an excellent track car. Equipment like a set of Bilstein coilovers, limited-slip differential, sticky rubbers, and larger brakes will all look good on the Corsa VXR.
9 Porsche Boxster (986)
Porsche introduced the original Boxster in 1996 as its entry-level model. Straight out of the box, it's an awesome track car with perfect steering, superb handling, and excellent road grip. Although the latest model commands a $63,950 price tag, the Boxster 986 falls well within a $10,000 budget.
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But if you are not satisfied with its performance in stock form, it has massive potential for tuning. For most people though, aesthetic upgrades alone are enough to attract envious stares to the lowly Porsche.
8 SEAT Leon Cupra 20VT
With its boring and unassuming looks, the Cupra 20VT lies mostly forgotten in the shadow of the more-powerful Cupra R. However, it is a gem that shares underpinnings with the Volkswagen Golf Mk4 and the Audi TT Mk1. Under the hood, it carries a highly tunable 1.8-liter turbo-4 engine rated at 178 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque.
Just like its German platform mates, you can modify the Cupra 20VT into a real weapon. Getting the engine to churn out more than 200 hp is a no-brainer. But you must remember to modify the car to handle the additional output.
7 Volkswagen Golf GTi
Volkswagen unveiled the original Golf GTI in 1976 as a high-performance variant of the Golf hatchback. Over the years, it has continued to excite gearheads with its unique blend of performance, durability, and practicality. Depending on the tuner's imagination, the GTI can take anything from minor to major modifications.
When you add affordability to its list of good qualities, it's not surprising that the GTI is one of the most popular project cars. On the used car market, you can find good examples for less than $10,000.
6 Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle is one of the most iconic and most popular Volkswagens ever produced. More than 20 million of these "People's Car" rolled off the production line largely unchanged. It carries a rear-mounted air-cooled engine that has unlimited tuning potential.
In addition, with the abundance of after-market parts readily available, one cannot go wrong with the Beetle. With enough money and patience, anyone with imagination can transform the unassuming Beetle into a dream car. And the best part is that you don't have to break the bank to snag one of these icons.
5 Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is a very small iconic British car that impresses with agile handling and loads of driving fun. Apart from this, it doesn't have a lot to offer – it is not very luxurious or powerful. However, though it is small in name and size, the Mini Cooper has enormous tuning potential.
In addition to the cheap prices it commands used, it has a massive aftermarket presence that appeals to tuners. Moreover, you can easily whip up the Cooper S' engine to make up to 200 hp.
4 1997-2000 Audi S4
Since it arrived in 1991, the S4 has distinguished itself from its mainstream siblings with a stiffer suspension, stronger brakes, and more powerful engine. For the second generation, 1997-2002, it ran on a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 power mill.
Audi-tuned US-bound engines to produce 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Whether you go for the sedan or the wagon, the S4 is a powerful and potential-filled car that you will have fun working on. And the best part is that you can get these second-generation cars for cheap.
3 BMW 3 Series E36
The BMW 3 Series E36 (1990-2000) offers tuners a wide range of body styles to choose from. Replacing the highly praised E30 chassis, it came with a range of desirable engines including the M50 and M52 straight-6s. Thanks to their high power bands and incredibly balanced performance, these engines are a delight to tune.
In addition, the successful motorsport history of the E36 chassis makes it very popular with tuners. Furthermore, the E36 is relatively cheap and very easy to work on. With the right tools, a knowledgeable enthusiast can perform most mods on the E36.
2 Mk1 Audi TT
When the Audi TT arrived for the 1999 model year, the motoring public loved it for several reasons. Firstly, it came with a sophisticated interior and a revolutionary styling that looks just as sharp today as it was then.
Secondly, it offered sparkling driving dynamics in a cheap-to-run package. Furthermore, the engine options under the hood, (a 1.8-L turbocharged I4 and a 3.2-L VR6), have huge tuning potential. Also, the Mk1 Audi has massive aftermarket support. The best part is that nowadays you can find them at very good prices.
1 Mk5 Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen produced the Mk5 Jetta between 2005 and 2010. It came with a long lineup of I4 engines and a 2.5-liter I5 unit. The 2.5 uses the same cylinder head design used in the Lamborghini Gallardo's V10 and makes 168 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.
With an ECU tuning and a few aftermarket parts, you can make the engine even more powerful than it is. A suspension upgrade and chassis braces will improve traction and make this unassuming sedan more fun to drive.