I thought I had bought a fully functioning car ( if I knew then what I know now ). Love the car, drove it around then started to take a closer look. She will now be going to my son in 10 yrs and by then he will have the most amazing Fiona ever.
As mentioned above it all depends of what you want to do, what you have to do and what you can do (skill/$).
Nov to May tinkering and frustration in somewhat heated garage
I think you need to help me define restored.... wash it ... seat covers ... get it running .... done and enjoy it .... then a little at a time (as stated) fix what bothers you... if the engine runs well ...it does not need to be pulled and painted ... clean it.. done enjoy it .... or do you need immaculate all new shiny engine and engine bay .... you could spend 100 hours just doing that ..... others have said it and I will say it again... pick mechanical problems over rust every time ..creating a monster list of all the things that you would love to do and I would say the chances of that happening are slim (if it is anything like my list).. not sure anyone will take the jump and say get it or leave it .... that is gonna have to be your decision ultimately .... they are great little cars... not what I would call safe or practical for a family.. but the cool factor is high
I bought mine for 900 bucks... ran great... couldn't stop or go straight down the road but I fixed it... without knowing hardly anything ...but with the desire and THIS SITE AND THE GUYS ON IT .... mine is a daily driver ... dirty ... needs interior ..some body work and fresh paint ... but I love it... and I would drive it anywhere ... bit by bit I fix questionable areas and gain more confidence every project..to date I have not put one bling or decorative item on the car ... all functional work ..and with a fresh wash and wax I get looks ..waves.. and compliments all the time.. never had or probably ever will have all the money at once to just do all the stuff I would like
I will second /third / forth...
Do a rolling restoration and enjoy the car while you fix things. That will keep you motivated. Or, like aj, and I, have a second driver to keep you motivated. I was questioned when I purchased a project car why I didn't just restore the one I have, and there's the answer.
As far as time involved, as many have said, that depends on what you want the car to be. By the time I get my project done, I will have 600-700 hours into it. Don't let that discourage you since I am leaving no stone unturned and what I am doing is far from nessecary. I just enjoy the process as much as the car.
The one thing everyone here agrees on is these little cars are flat out fun, addictive and relatively simple to work on.
Before making your to-do list, I would suggest deciding what the car should be. Is it a learning experience? A driver? Do you want a show car in the end...
Remember, no matter what, have fun with it!!!
Thanks so much for the advice, it is very helpful.
I will go check the car out again and make a list of all the necessary work that has to be done. I would like to have my car be a nice daily drive, not a show car or anything like that. But first a good daily driver car and then the beauty comes in second.
My 2 cents.
Wrenching (restoring) anything has got to be a HOBBY first and foremost. Like most hobbies, return on your money is irrelevant.
I started with a motorcycle before taking on my spider.
Enjoy the process!
). Love the car, drove it around then started to take a closer look. She will now be going to my son in 10 yrs and by then he will have the most amazing Fiona ever. 
