318 budget build help?

So I'm a young guy, looking to get a good first project going on. I'm not rich nor does my family have any spare money laying around so I want to try and get a build that will help me be a good daily driver, get decent fuel economy, but have some power to it, for as cheap as I can get. Doesn't need to be a drag car, just something I can be proud off. So I was thinking of getting a 318 dart and working from there. What can I do on a budget to help me reach my goal? Any help is appreciated!

P.S. any reliability issues I should worry about with any of the 318 darts and or any suggested modifications? I drive my parents 4.0 ranger around and that this is good ol reliable, I would wish to see my dart be the same if possible.