help me chose a track car (low budget)

[Raja Ventureshield]

So this is the thing guys, I want to get a car sometimes this summer dedicated to track events. Nothing hardcore but a setup (wheels, coils etc).

I don't want to use any of my cars in the stable for multi purpose. The choices of car I am thinking is.

1) Mini Cooper S
2) VW GTI (wish it was a rwd.
3) VW R32
4) WRX
5) s2000
6) new toyota/subaru ft-86
7) Huyandi Genesis
8) Nissan 370z

I don't know. give me some opinions here. Pro(s) and Con(s).

[EpicE90]

s2000 easily. Even in stock form they own FACE, on the track. Amazingly fun to drive and so tight and nimble. If u haven't ever driven an S2000 i strongly advise you too. Its an incredible car with a high revving motor that loves to be thrown in and out of turns. And theirs plenty of them for sale, so finding one wont be an issue.

[lib]

Places are becoming a bit more strict when it comes to rollover protection on convertibles. Depending on where you plan to go you may need to weld/bolt a larger roll bar into the s2000.

[Raja Ventureshield]

Originally Posted by EpicE90

s2000 easily. Even in stock form they own FACE, on the track. Amazingly fun to drive and so tight and nimble. If u haven't ever driven an S2000 i strongly advise you too. Its an incredible car with a high revving motor that loves to be thrown in and out of turns. And theirs plenty of them for sale, so finding one wont be an issue.

previously owned s2000 (2002).
Yes, that's why it's on the list.

Raja

[stickypaws]

S2000. Lots of support and resources for the track with these cars.

imho, Get the AP2 (after 2003) with its better suspension, and maybe before 2006 (before DBW and stability control.) And I think towards the end of production they made a club racer sort of version(?) with lots of weight reduction, etc.. Those will probably cost more on the used market.

[Red Bread]

S2000 since a Miata isn't on your list. Spec Miata is one of the largest and most competitive classes in most areas, and the cars are a blast with lots more product support than the S2000 has.

[SantaPimp27]

Originally Posted by stickypaws

S2000. Lots of support and resources for the track with these cars.

imho, Get the AP2 (after 2003) with its better suspension, and maybe before 2006 (before DBW and stability control.) And I think towards the end of production they made a club racer sort of version(?) with lots of weight reduction, etc.. Those will probably cost more on the used market.

i think a guy is selling the club racer version over on 6speed

[bubbletea 4 me]

raja - get an s2k. i know u had one b4 but still... im thinkin bout pickin one up in the spring/summer as my fun car

[Spec 1]

How low budget is "low budget". E30's and E36's make excellent track cars and you can get a decent one for $5000.

370z? I wouldn't consider that really low budget....or if you do then lol balla

[Turbo>NA]

Dont buy nissan


Whats the most you can spend?

[footie]

Some of the cars on the list appear to be relatively new and probably to be used not only on the track but daily as well, is this assumption correct?

If so then I'm with the rest with the S2000 as #1 choice and Cooper S as #2.

But if it's solely for the track on a low budget and cheapest to maintain and given a free reign I would chose an E36 M3 or Mazada MX5, even a Mk1 Elise would be a great choice.

[Raja Ventureshield]

Originally Posted by footie

Some of the cars on the list appear to be relatively new and probably to be used not only on the track but daily as well, is this assumption correct?

If so then I'm with the rest with the S2000 as #1 choice and Cooper S as #2.

But if it's solely for the track on a low budget and cheapest to maintain and given a free reign I would chose an E36 M3 or Mazada MX5, even a Mk1 Elise would be a great choice.

Probably not going to be a DD. Since I have e60 5 series as daily and also have a civic as a beater. I have owned s2000 before and was a really good car. I have had two e36 m3(s) as well and they were good cars, but inside is a bit dated and something is always needing change. Hence I am chosing a car that is much newer or even new. Budget is as much as 32-33k, but would prefer to be around the 20k mark.

I should also consider 135i used. i know i can get them in high 20s from auction and that is an awesome car too.

thanks for the feedbacks so far.
keep on coming guys.

Raja

[Muffnbluff]

Miata comes to mind when I think cheap track car. I'm thinking about picking one up myself, but I don't have anywhere to keep it at the moment.

I keep reading about these Ford 5.0 and LSx engine swaps in Miatas...just sounds like an absolute blast.

[Raja Ventureshield]

wow, looks like s2000 is a big hit with the voters.
s2000 blk with bbs lm wheels, bride racing seats, and comptec Coils.
can do it all under 24k with mods.
not bad at all.

[03BeastCharmer]

Be careful witht he 370Z. Road&Track/Car&Driver ended up putting one into the wall while doing their lightening shootout because of brake fade that wasn't gradual, but on/off. It's something they said Nissan was looking into changing going forward.

I'd vote for a Miata for a fun track rat or something with a fixed roof, light and RWD... (E30/E36 with an engine swap already done).

[EpicE90]

Have u considered a C5 ZO6? Those things are animals stock around a track, and you'll never get tired of the sound they make. Heres a vid that may convince you.

[Cerezo]

If you plan to spend 25k on a s2k then why not a lotus?

[anthony @ eas]

S2K or Miata

[stickypaws]

Originally Posted by Cerezo

If you plan to spend 25k on a s2k then why not a lotus?

Based on initial purchase price, okay. But unfortunately the Lotus will cost a lot to keep on the track in comparison. Any repair is much more $$, too.

[JoosyJoos]

I vote for an E30 or E36. Lots of parts... easy to work on. You won't be in too bad of shape financially if you crash it.

[S4to335]

Yeah...I would have you consider the following instead:

1) E36 M3
2) 90-97 Miata
3) E30 325i

Those other ones seem too expensive and not that good for track use...unless you modify the crap outta them...the ones listed below are more easily adapted.

BTW, I had an ex-E30 325i race car..and a spec miata in the past.

I personally dont like the S2000 that much. I have instructed in many of them...and am not too smitten. I have several friends with Evos...but that can get expensive too.

You really need to give us your budget for the car and the mods you want on it.