15+ Project Cars

MY PROJECT CARS.

THE CARS THAT
TAUGHT ME.

Below is every car, every failure, and the advice I wish I had at the start before spending over$40k+

15+

Total Project Cars

Completed

Scrap Waste

Stolen

48+

Lessons Logged

Scrap Waste

Holden Vectra 2003

Issue: Starter motor failure

Background

Bought as a cheap project. This was the third or fourth car and had to travell interstate to purchase the car. Starter motor failed, beyond repairable due to age includuing paint and engine. Replacement cost exceeded car value.

The Lesson

"Always test start multiple times before purchase. Cheap cars can have expensive hidden issues."

Pro Advice

Get a mechanic inspection before buying. If repair costs exceed 50% of car value, walk away.

Open Card

Completed

2005 Holden Vectra

Issue: Electrical

Background

This car was the first initiation of going through WOVR journey. The car was in pristine condition top of the range Vectra with all luxury fitments including leather interior, heated seats, V6 engine with very low mileage. Had WOVR status unclear at purchase. Detailed troubleshooting for internal diagnosis.

The Lesson

"Althouh the car was in a new condition considering its age; the hidden issues were in electronics. Always check WOVR status BEFORE buying. Repairable write-offs need compliance certification."

Pro Advice

Run PPSR check. Budget 30% extra for unexpected compliance issues.

Open Card

Completed

2003 Nissan Pulsar Manual

Issue: General wear and tear

Background

Multiple small issues added up. Suspension, brakes, tyres all needed work.

The Lesson

"Small repairs compound quickly. Older cars need comprehensive inspection."

Pro Advice

Add up ALL potential repairs before committing. Age matters more than mileage.

Open Card

Completed

2010 Ford Fiesta Manual

Issue: Side door damage

Background

Side door damage.

The Lesson

"Bought multiple cars simultaneously. Financial drain from storage and delayed repairs. Never buy another project before finishing the first. Storage costs kill budgets."

Pro Advice

One car at a time. Finish, sell, then move to next project.

Open Card

Scrap Waste

2018 Suzuki Alto

Issue: Statutory Write Off

Background

Did not understand statutory vs repairable write-off. Car cannot be registered or fixed even if it appears to be in good shape.

The Lesson

"Statutory write-offs are for PARTS ONLY and RECYCLING METAL YARD. Never buy for road use."

Pro Advice

Learn WOVR classifications. Statutory equals scrap. Repairable equals fixable with compliance.

Open Card

Completed

2009 Volkswagen Golf TSI

Issue: Front damage

Background

European car parts expensive. Wait times for imports delayed project by months.

The Lesson

"European cars equal expensive parts plus long wait times. Factor this into budget."

Pro Advice

Stick to common models for cheaper, faster parts availability.

Open Card

Completed

2010 Volkswagen Golf Turbo Diesel

Issue: Control Arm

Background

Discovered later that required specialised skilled work to get the arm replaced.

The Lesson

"Deep mechanical issues are often hidden under simple suspension fixes."

Pro Advice

Always inspect if a control arm is damaged beyond just bushes.

Open Card

Completed

Toyota Camry 2005 V6 Tourer

Issue: Minor cosmetic plus mechanical

Background

Minor cosmetic and mechanical issue

The Lesson

"Most successful project. Japanese cars, less complexity. Toyota reliability plus minor issues. Toyota equals reliable, easy to sell. Focus on brands with strong resale value."

Pro Advice

For first project, choose Toyota or Honda. Easier to fix, easier to sell.

Open Card

Scrap Waste

Mini Cooper Turbo Manual 2000

Issue: Major clutch plus turbo failure

Background

Turbo plus clutch failure discovered after purchase. Great compact car with lots of BOOST, drove for a day only and clutch failed in the middle of Ginninderra Drive highway. Repair cost exceeded and was complicated than any other car that I have used.

The Lesson

"Performance cars equal performance repair costs. Turbo failures are catastrophic."

Pro Advice

Avoid performance cars for first projects. Stick to naturally aspirated engines.

Open Card

Scrap Waste

2020 Mitsubishi Mirage

Issue: Statutory Write Off

Background

Purchased by mistake thinking the car was fixable. It was a costly lesson in what happens when you skip due diligence.

The Lesson

"Since it was scrap, I stripped it to the bones. After learning the anatomy of a car, I realise that you learm to see beyond the shell of everything. It reminded me of watching my father, and his business. I saw building establishment from scratch (like the literal footing it stands on) to completion; I do not see a box apartment, I see the structural soul and the materials in it. This applies across all industries, such as, food, tech, finance, etc.. Once you reach this consensus, you realise how little you know about the core. When you are curious, every moment becomes an opportunity for new learning. Always keep questioning and exploring. It all adds up and enables knowledge sharing across different fields."

Pro Advice

If you want to learn, do not commit a costly purcahse. Buy a $100 wreck or find a free non-runner. Strip it. It is the best practical experience you will ever get.

Open Card

Scrap Waste

2014 Golf Twin Turbo

Issue: Vandalised

Background

Was vandalised and beyond fix condition. Wiring looms were cut.

The Lesson

"This is when I was too excited and started being interested in everything without focus."

Pro Advice

One at a time. Focus is the only way to avoid bleeding money. Ensure you have a secure place to store your project to avoid external setbacks.

Open Card

Completed

2010 Holden Commodore SV6 SII Manual (Dark Green)

Issue: Shock

Background

A fantastic drive with the 3.6L SIDI V6. Unfortunately, an experiment with traction control on a wet track led to terminal damage.

The Lesson

"Respect the power of high performance cars and the conditions. Safety features like traction control are there for a reason."

Pro Advice

Test the limits with caution and where space is not questioned so that you can swirl around even if it is out of control.

Open Card

Completed

2003 Toyota Camry V6 Tourer Limited Edition (NAVY BLUE)

Issue: Minor Cosmetic and general work

Background

A clean example that only needed a bit of love. Focused on refreshing the interior and basic engine servicing; and tyre replacements.

The Lesson

"Limited edition trims often hold their value better, making the small investment in cosmetics very worthwhile."

Pro Advice

When you find a Limited Edition in good mechanical shape, jump on it. These are very few in numbers.

Open Card

Completed

2000 Toyota Camry V6

Issue: Alternator and Lighting

Background

A straightforward fix that reinforced why these cars are great for learning.

The Lesson

"Simpler charging system issues are great confidence builders."

Pro Advice

Do not overcomplicate things. Sometimes a no-start is just an alternator. Do not end up buying a new battery or starter motor without dignoising the issue first.

Open Card

Scrap Waste

1999 Toyota Camry

Issue: Shocks, bush, mechanical

Background

Costs spiraled. After finishing the suspension, a rear main seal leak was found.

The Lesson

"Check the engine seals before investing in suspension or aesthetics. Even though it was completed by a mechanoc, a mecahnic will only do what you ak them to do unless one is generous to go beyond."

Pro Advice

Mechanical health (engine/gearbox) always comes before comfort (shocks/bushes).

Open Card

Stolen 🚫

2005 Mercedes Benz CLK500

Issue: Electrical/Mechanical

Background

The ultimate one that got away. This car was in absolute mint condition. It was stolen before I could even complete a full diagnostic and enjoy the V8 power.

The Lesson

"Secure storage are not optional, even for projects in progress."

Pro Advice

If it is a high-value car, do not leave it unattended and wait until it is "finished."

Open Card

Stolen 🚫

1999 Audi A3

Issue: Unknown/Mechanical/Electrical

Background

Stolen when I was juggling too many projects.

The Lesson

"Out of sight often means out of mind for you. The car was a waste anyway as it had high milelage"

Pro Advice

Centralise your projects and choose cars wisely. If you cannot see the car daily, it is at higher risk.

Open Card

Stolen 🚫

1999 Mitsubishi Mirage

Issue: Cosmetics and General Work

Background

A reliable little project. Bought it to use as a runabout. Stolen and never recovered.

The Lesson

"Complete fully bore moving to next one, the halfway fixing costs are gone with it."

Pro Advice

Centralise your projects and choose cars wisely. If you cannot see the car daily, it is at higher risk.

Open Card

Stolen 🚫

2013 Ford Fiesta Limited Edition

Issue: Control Arm

Background

Another theft loss that contributed to the massive cost of that year.

The Lesson

"This was a great car and in great condition requrinig minor work. Multipe juggling swayed mind to the other ones"

Pro Advice

Centralise your projects. If you cannot see the car daily, it is at higher risk.

Open Card

Waste

2022 Mitsubishi Mirage

Issue: Interstate Transportation

Background

Purchased not knowing car was in Perth. transport and site storage costs piled up letting the car go as it is.

The Lesson

"Interstate car transport can differ highly based on location and price is not reasonable at all"

Pro Advice

Check location and do not buy from interstate if you are unaware of the logistics involved. Do not recommened for new starters.

Open Card

Do not pay the Rookie Tax

Skip the costly mistakes and get straight to the wisdom.

VIEW ALL LESSONS LEARNED