I started with DSMs. This car will force you to learn! I'm sure my fellow DSMers can vouch for that. Quick cars once they get going tho.

 

Answered your own question..

Both are good answers and you have experience with Miata.

 

A jeep wrangler can be fully disassembled with a socket set and a Phillips head screwdriver.

 

You could get an MG. They're easy to work on and understand the principals, parts and car clubs are still plentiful. You'll be a master mechanic in no time...because you're always, always working on it.

 

I want to throw in a 240sx. Ive replaced almost everything mechanical on mine from suspension bits to the motor(sr20 swap) and everything was very straightforward. The car now has 314k on the body, and about 35k on the motor. Original motor and trans were pulled at about the 298k mark, and still worked perfectly.

 

90s eclipses, 90s hondas (i vote integra but civic is wayyy cheap to buy parts for), fox body.

 

Really, most common 90s cars will fit the bill. I found my 240 to be very intuitive and easy to work on, but I only ever did an oil change, adjusted the idle, replaced a fuel pump, and a few other minor maitenance stuff.
Fwiw, I think the s2000 is mighty friendly as well, except for that friggin top... ugh I still get frustrated just thinking about it.

 

DSMs will definitely force you to learn but goddamn it's a steep curve. I would not consider these to be easy cars to work on at all.

 

For all intents and purposes, they are the same car. The DA and DC Integras start with a B series engine whereas an EG or EK Civic will need an engine swap unless you get a 99-2000 Si. The underpinnings of the cars are virtually identical (technically speaking, they are different but we're talking LEGO simplicity here).

Civics generally have smaller brakes and less sporting suspension, but once you start upgrading parts you're basically just dealing with a lighter and shorter wheelbase car (Civic) vs. a slightly heavier and longer wheelbase car (Integra). Every thing else is marginally different at best.

 

agreed.. do not buy a dsm.. you will have no interest in working on cars anymore lol ive learned my lesson