Small budget, big potential. These are the best tuner cars to modify for under $5000

In this series, we look at different price points to start a new modified-car journey. $5,000 is all you may have stashed away, just enough to stretch your dollar and get you in the driver seat.

Finding the proper automobile to transform into your masterpiece is the problem. It takes a lot more effort and study than simply going out to the dealer lot and picking up any old car that looks aggressive. You’ll need to choose something that suits your budget, has adequate performance potential, and plenty of aftermarket support.

What to Look for in a Tuner Car? 

Before you begin your quest for the perfect vehicle, consider what you want from it. Do you want it to be simple to work with? Coupe, Sedan? Newer or older? Does FWD, AWD or RWD make a difference to you? Answering these questions will assist you in narrowing down your possibilities. 

Here’s what we’re looking for

• Easily obtainable in most markets. Can’t be an ultra-rare gem
• Great aftermarket support
• OEM replacement parts are plentiful
• Has great performance potential. Has one or more of: driving dynamics, engine, tunability
• Let’s be real. It’s gotta look sickaf when lowered lol

Mistakes To Avoid

Before we get started, some mistakes to avoid. Purchasing an already tuned/modified vehicle? You should definitely inspect it thoroughly before handing over your cash. Many sellers have good intentions and a legit car, but there will also be dishonest ones who are trying to pawn off their broke-down project. If you’re new to tuning and don’t know what you’re looking for, bring a friend you can trust and have them look under the hood. You can also find a technician/shop that specializes with modified cars.

Beware of Title and Registration issues. You’ll want to drive your project car, not constantly have to deal with the DMV. Cars in this price range are at least 10 years old, if not 20+ or more. Often times, Titles go missing or Registrations go unpaid. There may be back fees to pay, and owner names may not line up with the person you’re buying from. Dealing with any of these problems are a straight-up headache.

Beware of smog issues. You can expect more wear-and-tear the older a car gets, so catalytic converters and oxygen sensors may be on your list to replace. Smog-related equipment is also commonly removed or no longer working. In California, at least, sellers are required by law to smog their vehicle before the transaction. Still, we see posts stating “smog-ready” or “ready-for-smog.” DMV won’t issue you the title if you can’t pass the sniffer.

All in all, steer clear of these issues, you don’t wanna get trapped with a car you want to—but can’t drive! Alright—let’s get to the whips!

Acura RSX

Staying under $5000 for an RSX will be a challenge, spending some nights to hunt around a little—but the possibilities are there. There’s no denying that an RSX has a few advantages over the competition. You’ll want to go with a manual: either the 5-speed Base, or possibly the 6-speed Type-S (which will probably put you over-budget).

Either version will come with a version of the K20A motor, powerful when stock, and much quicker after tuning. These are gems of engineering, often with significantly higher redlines than most automobiles in this price range. If you’re addicted to VTEC, these are an excellent starter project car.

Replacement parts for the RSX are plentiful, with hundreds of thousands of similar cars to nab parts from (Accords, CR-V’s, TSX’s). Aftermarket support is also endless. You’ll be able to reach for basic bolt-ons quite easily, with used wheels, suspension and much more all over online forums and marketplaces. Hard to go wrong with the grown-up version of the Integra.

Price Range: $4,500 and up

Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Miata is one of the most popular tuner vehicles in the world, with multiple racing series’ based on it. They’re basic, lightweight roadsters with quick handling and a cheery disposition behind the wheel. They’re also easy to drive because of a 50/50 weight distribution and a compact, accurate shifter. They are on the short side, so anyone higher than six feet should sit in one first; head and legroom can be an issue. 

What they are lacking: power. Improvements come in a variety of ways, ranging from conventional bolt-ons to forced induction. V8 and Mazda Rotary engine swaps are regular and extensively documented for the daring.

This is probably the best, most affordable RWD tuner car out there. 240’s are usually more beat up (lol it’s true), and RX7’s & S2000’s are much more expensive. You’ll enjoy the cozy cockpit, and road hugging ability of this “cute” car. Yes—there is a stigma of it being “cute.” Ignore that shit, and drive this slow car fast af.

Price Range: $2,000 and up

Honda Civic EG Hatchback

Possibly the king of the 90’s tuner era: the EG Civic Hatchback is an excellent buy for under $5,000. Beware: these have been climbing in price, and is no longer the easiest tuner car to find (for cheap) in the United States. Stick to Facebook Marketplace and/or Craigslist, and nabbing one of these future classics is something you can turn into your unique own without spending a fortune. 

Here’s what we like: absolutely insane aftermarket support. This platform has seen a resurgence in years, with K20 and AWD conversions becoming more and more common. You can join this hell-bent-in-love community, as there are multiple Facebook groups dedicated to this chassis and related parts. Here, you can source rare items (rear speaker panels, audio consoles, thin side moldings), go-fast parts (full swaps, turbo kits, cams), or suspension, brake upgrades, cosmetics and more. Literally endless!

It won’t be difficult to find components or replacement parts either: 92-00 Honda Civics share many parts with the 94-00 Acura Integra. Everything from motors, suspension, brake and wheel hubs, to fuses, radios and ECU’s are swappable.

Any negatives? Sure: possibly expensive insurance coverage, depending on your carrier. You’ll want to keep your project EG locked up—these things are unfortunately theft magnets 🙁

Price Range: $4,000 and up. $3,000 and up depending on location, and/or if you want a rusted, clapped out one.

[Disclaimer: I’m biased. This is my EG that I’ve owned for over 15 years, never letting her go!]

BMW E46 Series

BMW mass produced the heck out of these 3-series cars from 1999 to 2005, with prices plummeting after a few generations have now passed. (Over half a million sold in just 2002!) Pretty amazing to see these cars now at $5k or less, but do know at this price range, it wont be anywhere near mint condition. You’ll have your choice of coupe or sedan, as well as a wagon(!) or even drop-top, if that’s your steez.

The awesome: RWD (some in AWD!), butter smooth ride, and a proven winner with BMW’s famed straight-6. Grab one in manual (of course), and enjoy the slick shifter and three-pedal action. Extracting power is easy: basic bolt-ons will give a nice kick to the torque curve, pushing you back into your seat with either the 2.5 or 3.0 liter versions. You’ll also appreciate German design at it’s finest, as these look especially slick after a nice drop and wide wheels. Parts are plentiful as well, but a bit more expensive than your typical Honda/Acura/Toyota. These things clean up beautifully. Remember, they dominated Car and Driver’s 10 best, year after year.

My mom had a nice mid-range 330ci. Loved the slick coupe look, solid power delivery, sharp steering and handsome interior. It aged nicely, until it didn’t lol. Hood faded quick (easy fix), and some light electrical gremlins (sticky power windows and buttons).

$5000 and up

Nissan 350Z

A slight reach here, with $5,000 the absolute floor for one in decent condition. Available from 2002 to 2009, these were quite simply, a hit, when Nissan brought the Z-car back to the states. Over 160,000 were sold, with tuners quickly recognizing the potential of the chassis. With the 370Z, and now new “2023 Nissan Z” available in showrooms, the fifth generation Z33 is slowly forgotten, and an excellent tuner car at this price point.

Here’s what we love: addictive sound of the VQ35 motor. It’s a throaty, deep rumble that is distinct and makes you want to mash the pedal of the naturally aspirated goodness. Drifters absolutely love these, with the easy interchangeability of parts between it and the Infiniti G-series as well. Solid power delivery, torquey V6 from the 3.5 liter. Gas mileage sucks, but again, addictive sound that’ll bring you smiles. It’s

Some meh: drivetrain chatter and noise. Sloppy shifter. A bit unrefined and sounds hairy at times. My buddy had a 350Z, and it suffered from these poor driving dynamic experiences. Same goes for its cousin, the Infiniti G35 (I owned a 2004). Also look out for oil consumption issues, something to clear with the seller. Still, it’s hard to say no to a purpose-built, true sports car from a reliable Japanese brand. Oh, and did we mention that exhaust? Yup: addictive!

Price point: $5000 and up

Conclusion: The best tuner cars for $5,000

There it is, the 5 best tuner cars for $5,000. You can’t go wrong with any of em’, and we guarantee they would all bring you loads of joy in your modifying adventures. Did we miss one? Tell us in the comments and we’ll squeeze a review in!