9 of The Best Beginner Tuner Car Ideas

Modifying your car can be as easy as swapping out a set of wheels or as difficult as totally rebuilding engines from the ground up, and many individuals take great pride in the fact that their cars were constructed rather than purchased. Tuning is a car hobby for many people, as they have the power and control to build the car of their dreams, to enhance the speed, functionality and appearance of their vehicle for a distinct look and feel. 

While car owners can make modifications and personalisations on the cheaper side, such as changing the gear stick, installing lights, and adding embroidered seat covers, another popular option for car owners to personalise their car is with a reg that is private. Many unique cars that you see on the road will have customised exteriors to stand out from the crowd.

So, what are the best tuner cars for beginners?

Mazda MX-5 Miata

The light two-seater is renowned for its versatility and capacity to be transformed into practically anything. Almost every component of the Mazda MX-5 is interchangeable, and the aftermarket support is excellent. The expense of tuning won’t overwhelm beginners because parts are likewise reasonably priced. Fortunately, the MX-5 is known for being simple to maintain on a basic level, and more sophisticated additions only need a few specialist parts. Avoid purchasing brand-new ones because they are becoming quite pricey. However, a good used one will be ideal so you can save some pennies and put that towards your modifications.

Honda Civic Si

The K20Z3 i-VTEC engine and manual transmission were relatively reliable in the Civic Si from the late 2000s. You’re ready for tweaking once you’ve included the limited-slip differential and the knowledge that it was more powerful than a regular Civic. The Honda Civic Si is an affordable car for beginners to tune with a range of possibilities and opportunities.

Toyota GR86

Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ

The Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ are actually two separate vehicles. These rear-wheel-drive twins feature manual transmissions for a true sports car feel. These vehicles are enjoyable to drive in addition to being reasonably priced, especially secondhand ones. Due to the naturally aspirated engines of the GR86 and BRZ, turbochargers are a particularly popular aftermarket tuning option. Stage kits that produce dependable power improvements and are simple to install are even supported.

Nissan 350Z

Another highly popular tuner car is Nissan’s Z-coupe sports car, especially in the drifter community. The Nissan 350Z handles corners like a champ thanks to a naturally aspirated V6 and a platform with rear-wheel drive. If you choose to move to the more recent model, it’s really reassuring to know that there is wild support for the 350 and 370Z.

Honda Accord 4th Generation

The F20A or F22A engine, which is available for the fourth-generation Accord, is well-known among tuners for its steadfast dependability. The fourth generation of the Accord has that timeless 1990s aesthetic that makes it seem better than any current Accord. Since it’s a Honda, there is a lot of tuner support, and you can buy models with a manual transmission if you prefer.

Subaru Forester XT

The WRX is universally praised as Subaru’s tuner vehicle. However, vehicles produced before 2008 still had the recognisable Subaru hood-scoop, making the Forester XT essentially an elevated WRX. Up until the 2018 model year, the Subaru Forester XT level offered a variety of boxer-four engines, each with a turbocharger. The boxer engineers are simple to adjust for both street-style and off-road constructions. Older versions are also more reasonably priced for new drivers wanting to get on the tuning market!

Acura TSX 1st Generation

The Acura TSX is a bit of an underdog vehicle. It’s a fairly uninteresting compact executive car. Nevertheless, the TSX is equipped with a fantastic 2.4-litre, long-stroke K-engine that generates a massive 205 horsepower. While the TSX is a front-wheel platform, you can buy it with a manual transmission. For examples of this platform done well by Honda, look no further than the Civic.

Lexus SC400

The SC400 was built by Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus, and featured a 290 horsepower 4.0L V8 engine. The 1UZ engine is only found in a few vehicles, making it a rarity in tuner cars. Nonetheless, it provides a significant gain in terms of power. In addition to its power and dependability, the Lexus SC400 is simple to tune for significant benefits.

Acura RSX

Acura opted to rename the original Integra/Legend lineup. As a result, the RSX was created. Even though it only operated from 2001 to 2006, these sleek coupes still looked like a fun sports vehicles, despite the name change. The RSX had numerous impressive characteristics, including a dependable and highly customizable Honda K20 engine. Because it’s a Honda, it has access to the extensive aftermarket parts market enjoyed by Honda owners.