AWD Project Recommendations
Posted by CheckSTimE@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 22 comments
I am looking to get into my first ever project vehicle but I am having trouble figuring out where is a good place to start. What would y’all recommend?
Hour_Badger2700@reddit
996 Turbo. Do an LS swap
FlappySocks@reddit
I had a Subaru Outback 3.0 h6 for years. Best car I ever had. It got a lot of abuse, little maintenance, and didn't let me down.
CheckSTimE@reddit (OP)
Is it hard to find parts for a Subaru Outback?
FesteringNeonDistrac@reddit
Mechanical stuff is easy to find, but as you go older, the vehicle specific stuff, like interior panels are a little thin on the ground. Depends on if you find the hunt to be part of the fun or not.
FlappySocks@reddit
I guess that depends on where you live. I didn't have any issues in the UK, but then I didn't really need much. I replaced an O2 sensor, and a tensioning wheel/alternator belt. And consumables of course.
The h6 engine is rock solid. It leaked oil though after about 130k miles, which I never bothered to fix.
Nicerendering@reddit
Late 90s to mid 2000s Mercedes e and c series with 4matic awd.
CheckSTimE@reddit (OP)
I never thought I would get suggested a Mercedes, I’ve always heard to stay away from them due to their unreliability, is this true in your opinion?
Nicerendering@reddit
The models I recommended are reliable, easy to work on and drive much better than Subarus, which I’ve also owned. Having said that, if you’re in serious mud or snow, Subarus are better.
thurniesauna@reddit
Subaru is the most accessible "real" AWD brand.
E30 325ix are good systems, but are isolated from the rwd cult following. Their differences make modifying ix's much more complex/custom. AWD e46s are more common and cheaper, but less durable and barely awd. Torsen awd audis are great but expensive and difficult to find information. AWD mitsubishi/toyotas are obscure unless SUVs.
AWD swapped hondas are big rn.
If you're building for racing, I'd go subaru. A street car I'd go honda.
thurniesauna@reddit
There's random American awd cars and dsm's but these really get into the weeds.
CheckSTimE@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much for the suggestion! I’ve taken a good look at Hondas and they always seem to last a long time.
StudeChampMan@reddit
Why not an old Willys Overland, fairly cheap and there's a ton of parts out there for them... You also don't see them all the time so it'd be something kind of different...
whodie522@reddit
B5 Audi s4
The_Name_Is_Betty@reddit
Galant VR-4
Big_Combination7802@reddit
Audi’s Quattro is a little pricy but worth it
rezwrrd@reddit
If it's AWD you're after it's hard to beat an old Subaru! 2nd and 3rd gen Outbacks make a nice casual project car, or if you want something sportier try an Impreza/WRX. There's somebody in my town with an SVX and they're awesome but it might not be the best first project because of difficulty finding parts.
CheckSTimE@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the suggestion! I never knew about the SVX so I’ll have to check it out. I’m currently driving a 06 Outback, sadly however it’s way too rusted to bother putting money into. 😩
rezwrrd@reddit
What a coincidence, I drive an 05 Outback! It's not "supposed" to be my project car but I keep it up myself. It's an awesome car to learn on!
juwyro@reddit
Subaru
CheckSTimE@reddit (OP)
My first ever car was a 04 Subaru Forester and now I drive a 06 Subaru Outback. I’ve only ever driven Subarus 💪
el_ostricho@reddit
What interests you? What do you think is cool? You will be much more successful making progress on a project car if you are excited about the car.
CheckSTimE@reddit (OP)
That’s very true, I want this to be a great learning experience for me, my plan for this project is to strip the entire vehicle to the bare metal and build it back up from there. All I have ever driven are Subaru’s and I love them, I’m wondering if I should stay with Subaru or switch it up.