If you're looking to get into modifying classic cars, there are plenty of models out there to choose from for your first project. That said, some models definitely make better choices than others.

Before you spend your hard-earned dollars, we highly recommend checking out the list below. In it, we share some of the cheap

classic cars

that

Hot Cars

advises everyone to steer clear of.

Classic cars are great collectors’ items, but some probably shouldn’t be modified.

Isuzu Rodeo

Coming in at number four on Hot Cars' list is the Isuzu Rodeo, whose less-than-stellar reputation took hold not just in the States, but in Europe as well.

Auto Express

, a British magazine, actually named the British version of the Rodeo, the Vauxhall Frontera, one of the worst vehicles of all time.

A forerunner of the modern SUV, the Isuzu Rodeo scored poor marks for all the features you would most want in a rugged vehicle of its type, such as handling, reliability, and off-roading capability. Fuel efficiency was also terrible, coming in at around 20 mpg.

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TVR Tasmin

The TVR Tasmin ranks number three on Hot Cars' list of worst classic cars to try to modify. In large part, this ranking is based on the difficulty of finding affordable replacement parts for the sporty car.

What's more, if you're lucky enough to find an affordable Tasmin to work on, it will likely be a four-cylinder model, which simply lacks the power that the top-of-the-line V8 models offer.

Even if you're willing to overlook that drawback, the Tasmin's tendency to rust and its lack of reliability should make you think twice before investing in upgrading one of these cars.

Peugeot 205 GTI

MORE: Some Classic Cars Are Actually Losing Value

Unlike the other cars we discuss, the Peugeot 205 GTI--which comes in at number two–has found its way onto this list not because it's a bad car but because it's a good one. The compact French car even made

Retro Motor

's list of "11 modern classics you can't afford not to buy" back in 2017.

Fans of the car love it for its easy handling. Just because these cars make good investments, however, doesn't mean you should buy one with the intent of modifying it. Hot Cars reminds readers that modifying this classic will likely reduce its value. That's why it lands near the top of the list of classic cars you shouldn't modify.

Ford Pinto

Where do we start with this lemon? While it tops the list of classics not to modify, the Pinto should actually top the list of classics not to buy at all. After all, the first thing that comes to most people's mind when they hear "Ford Pinto" is fire.

The Center for Auto Safety

explains, the Pinto became famous for its tendency to catch fire in rear-end accidents at even minor speeds, due to its faulty fuel tank.

Ford eventually had to recall the vehicles and lost a number of lawsuits as a result of its negligence in dealing with the fuel tank defect. This is definitely a car that is best left in the past.

If you're looking to buy a classic car, one thing you'll need to keep in mind is insurance. Insurance for classic cars doesn't generally work quite the same as it does for standard vehicles. This is mainly because replacement parts can be much more costly, and classic vehicles tend to be driven much less often.

For these reasons, looking for classic car insurance can be a tricky endeavor, but

Jerry

is here to help. The app identifies insurance providers that best meet your needs–and your budget. It also continues monitoring your policy every six months to make sure that you are always getting the best possible auto insurance.

Classic Cars