Scouring Craigslist; it’s something I usually do during lunch breaks and evenings to keep my mind off of the daily grind. My automotive addiction has me searching for the next project or weekend fun car. A reasonable budget for such a car is a necessity for most of us. There are some classics from the 80’s, 90’s and even “Noughties”, which allow for fun cars to be within our reach.

For example, I absolutely adore the Mitsubishi Starion and Chrysler Conquest.  This is a cheap, rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged car, and they’re usually surprisingly plentiful. Plenty of performance parts are readily available, and the idea of a cheap engine swap is feasible. The Starquest twins remain at the top of my list for cheap weekenders.

Given a $5,000 budget, what would you purchase to drive “as is? How about to purchase and modify to carve up your local canyon run, track day, autocross, or highway cruise?

Image Source: IMCDB.org