What to buy?

[redspire]

Hey guys, it's been a bit since I've been on really, trying to get used to the whole married life! The good news is, my wife recently approved my plans for my first project car. I've never done anything like this so I'd like to get some input and advice. I don't even really know what to ask so I need any ideas! I'm definitely getting a Festiva, what should I pay for it? I'm not sure If I want just a shell or a complete vehicle. I'm interested in doing a B6 or BP swap, but if I get one with an engine I could pull it and set it to the side for a replacement for my Aspire. What year should I buy, trim, and all that fun stuff. Sorry I just asked a lot, but I want to do everything right and have a pretty good plan for when I actually purchase my car. Thanks everyone!

[db2u]

for swaps, the only thing I can say is dont get a carb model. Otherwise, some people will applaud you for "saving" a basket case. Others will say get a peach and make it better. Its all in how much work do you want to put into it. One more thing, see if you can find one from an area that doesn't use salt on the road. Mechanical and cosmetic issues are easier to fix than rusty subframes and strut towers.

[Charlie1717]

This is what I'd look for:
91-93 (any trim) Since these years are efi, makes swaps easier, also these years have everything in place for the options (all the wiring) so you can add power mirrors or whatever you wish.
Shell or complete either way you'll want to avoid rust! This is probably the hardest part if you live in a salty area.

Going with a b6 isn't really a big gain in a festiva. It's great for a dd and replacement for b3 if you want a little more power, but you might as well go for a b6t or BP. (personal opinion)
-all are good swaps, just depends on what you want!

With the b6t and bp swap you'll have to plan on other upgrades in the future:
Transmission- upgrade to f-series or G-series, lots of threads on these.
Brakes- Aspire swap is most common, but a lot of progress has been made- I think people do Rio and maybe escort brakes now? Aspire is well documented and very common.

What you pay for everything is pretty tough to say. Nice festivas are expensive these days. So, shells:$200-$400 and running $400-1500 those are my guesses for decent pricing. Just depends on what you want to start with.

In the Stickies and Articles section there are a lot of threads about the various swaps and upgrades, I'd read those to get a better idea of what you'd like to do.