It’s no secret that today, the cars we drive have become more complicated than before. Electronics have replaced an even greater share of the previous analog parts and components that were easier to replace or repair. This is good news for lots of benchmarks, such as emissions and fuel economy, but not great news for those who like to tinker.
There’s also the possibility that some engines are less likely to last as many years as the trusty old mills, which could be repaired time and time again with no expensive electronics to fail early in the vehicle’s life. Luckily, there is an abundance of used cars (and trucks) available that offer a relatively easy way to learn to wrench. Here are some of the basic concepts involved, but the rest is up to you.
The information in this article was compiled from a range of reliable sources and provides a brief overview of the fundamental principles and theories of do-it-yourself mechanics and maintenance. It is possible that there are other concepts, methods, and relevant information that we missed. Average values courtesy of Classic.com (auction prices).
What Makes A Great “Learning” Car — Selection Criteria
- Simple, carbureted, or minimally computerized engines – car engines used to rely almost exclusively on carburetors, which manage the fuel and air going into the engine. This component is relatively simple to maintain and repair, with no electronics to worry about. By the 80s, many cars were switching over to fuel injection, which offered improved efficiency and lower emissions. Early mechanical injection engines are also still a favorable choice compared to later types. For most cars built in the 90s, injection had become the standard. Simple engines with minimal electronics have fewer parts, and a larger part of the engine can be worked on without the need for specialist equipment.
- Abundant, affordable parts and aftermarket support – a project car for tinkering or maintaining will be easier to live with if it has a healthy supply of off-the-shelf parts available. Large-volume-production models will mean that parts are common, while rare models will mean that parts can be hard to find or even impossible. These are best avoided. Affordability is also key – cars from mainstream brands from regular segments (for example, not sports cars) will likely be easier to maintain on a budget.
- Strong enthusiast communities/how-to guides – Aftermarket support is also key – forums, clubs, and communities offer guides, troubleshooting tips, and encouragement, especially for well-known models like the Ford Mustang or Mazda MX-5. The internet is home to a wide range of guides and information for different levels of maintenance or modification, with YouTube one of the best ways to learn concepts or how-to tutorials.
- Easy accessibility under the hood / common tools only – One of the best things about older cars, and one of the most striking things about them, is the space available to work, and this makes wrenching a whole different experience. Older cars were often designed with larger engine bays due to the long hoods, while modern vehicles are fitted with many more electronics and other components that reduce space.
- Reasonable purchase price and forgiving design – Affordable purchase prices for the vehicles make the initial investment less risky, leaving more funds for maintenance, repairs, and customization. Forgiving mechanical designs also make it easier to get the job done, and mistakes could be less costly.
Top Old-School Cars That Make Learning Fun
Here are just a few suggestions of car models that will fit the bill for most of the points above. Some, like the Mazda MX-5 or Honda Civic, may still require some stretching to reach some areas, but all of these models would generally fit the bill for someone looking for a relatively affordable model with a simple design and a wide range of parts available. Community support and resources for cars like these should also be strong, but there are many more options out there.
- Ford Mustang (Fox Body) – An iconic and well-known pony car (average value: $26,000) that was produced over a long generation that spans from 1979-1993. Inline six engines and simple pushrod V8s. Very DIY-friendly and easy to work on. Huge community support and good parts availability.
- Dodge Dart – An older classic, with the final fourth generation (average value: $38,795) built from 1967-1976. It is analog, simple, and easy to tinker with, and was offered with the strong Slant-six engine as well as many other configurations, including a Hemi V8. Good parts are available thanks to many resources and the Mopar marketplace.
- Honda Civic – Honda’s Civic was offered in various forms in the US, and the model is often tinkered with and modified, with some Civics becoming custom performance machines capable of serious performance. The fifth generation is just one example, sold from 1992-1995, and worth $11,000 for standard variants, with the Si being worth around $15,000.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) – Another iconic sports car that can be found pretty cheaply, worth about $11,000 on average for the first generation. Simple engines are easy and cheap to work on or repair, and a huge community and fan base make the Miata a great go-to car for those who like handling a wrench and also have an interest in sports cars or performance.
Beginner Skill Progression — What To Learn First
Here is a rough guide to be followed to gradually get your hands dirty while carrying out basic maintenance on a simple car. Timings may vary wildly depending on ability, available tools, and other factors. It’s a good idea to have an experienced friend, mechanic, user manuals, or online videos as a guide to make the tasks much easier the first time around.
The methods vary not just from model to model, but even between variants of the same model. We’ve supplied the suggested tools that would be useful for the beginner tasks, some of the more common work that needs to be done regularly.
Level 1 (First weekend):
- Oil change (45–90 mins) Suggested tools: Socket set, oil filter wrench, drain pan, funnel, jack + stands.
- Air filter replacement (15 mins) Suggested tools: Screwdriver (flat or Phillips)
- Spark plugs (30–60 mins) Suggested tools: Spark plug socket, ratchet, extension, feeler gauge
Level 2 (Subsequent months):
- Brake pad + rotor replacement (1–2 hours per axle)
- Coolant flush & refill (1–2 hours)
- Basic suspension inspection – ball joints, bushings (30–60 mins)
Level 3 (Intermediate/experienced):
- Carburetor rebuild (4–6 hours) or injector cleaning
- Ignition timing adjustment (30–60 mins)
- Clutch replacement (varies, 6–10 hours DIY)
Some must-have tools should be in the toolbox of anyone who aspires to work on a car, even for just basic tasks like an oil change, changing filters, swapping out brakes, or renewing spark plugs. Basic tools include a good socket set, screwdrivers with changeable heads or a complete set, pliers, an oil pan, a funnel, a multimeter, and jack stands.
Optional tools can make life easier or make more involved work possible. Some companies, like Milwaukee and others, offer a wide range of sets that can provide an easy foundation for a beginning hobbyist, as well as more serious hardware for the big jobs. Nice-to-have equipment includes electric polishers, engine hoists for engine changes or serious work, and even a portable cooler for cool beer or fresh sandwiches when they’re needed most. Wash your hands first!
Investing In Quality Tools Allow You To Tackle Projects With Confidence
It’s worth noting that buying quality tools rather than using rusty or questionable tools that have been found lying around or inherited will make any aspiring mechanic happier. This is because quality equipment is built to last, comes with a guarantee, and is effective. Good tools are also most likely to get the job done without damaging screwheads, bolts, or other components. Also worth noting are the two main sizing standards – SAE and Metric. Historically, SAE (imperial) was used for American models, while Metric is waiting to be found on most Japanese or European brands.
Parts, Manuals, And Community — Where To Learn And Buy
- Workshop manuals: Working on a car is much easier when you have reliable references and access to a helpful community. Workshop manuals like Haynes, Chilton, or official factory guides provide clear instructions, diagrams, and specifications that cover nearly all the repair methods or maintenance tasks that are needed for the average tinkerer.
- Online resources: forums dedicated to specific models, YouTube tutorials, Facebook groups for enthusiasts, and local car clubs where members are often happy to share tips and experience.
- Replacement parts: It’s worth noting that there is also a difference between OEM and aftermarket parts, where OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM parts are worth sourcing even if they cost more since they were designed for the exact car or specification. Aftermarket parts can also be a good option when considering price or availability, and often, combining the two is necessary. Older cars may be hard to find OEM parts for. Other sources for parts that are worth remembering include: junkyards, local breakers, swap meets, and online marketplaces.
- Final tip: Although this might seem like extra effort, documenting the work done, even for basic tasks in the beginning, can be very useful. Firstly, it helps for future reference to see what was carried out and when, as well as a handy trail in case something went wrong. Also, not only does it serve as a source of satisfaction, but it can also help the wider community if posted online. Photos and videos can be taken with a phone or things like GoPros (even attached to the head while carrying out work in a confined space). A logbook is another method.