Is there a better cheap track car than an MX5?

[Synchromesh]

If you had a max of, say, £2k (but preferably less) to spend on a track-only car, can you beat an MX5? Not particularly interested in speed or lap times, just something fun that won't bankrupt me with consumables and repairs.

Over to the floor.

[LukeSi]

MR2

[vanman1936]

MR2 Turbo

[Coldfuse]

^ good luck finding an unbroken MK2

[Mastodon2]

MR2 Turbo. It can be done, I've seen some excellent turbo models go for not a lot more than £2400, which seemed to be barely more expensive than non-turbos of the same mileage, condition etc. For that bit extra cash, you get 240bhp instead of 170, or even less if you go for an MX5.

[Bibbs]

200sx? The longer wheelbase would make it easier to catch a slide.

[Herman Toothrot]

Mastodon2 said:

MR2 Turbo. It can be done, I've seen some excellent turbo models go for not a lot more than £2400, which seemed to be barely more expensive than non-turbos of the same mileage, condition etc. For that bit extra cash, you get 240bhp instead of 170, or even less if you go for an MX5.

In a decade of track days I'm yet to see a reliable mr2 turbo. If you must go mk2, rev 3 normally aspirated tin top import is the winner - may have trouble finding one mind as they are mostly now used in the mr2 championship and all, the tin top turbo versions the turbo engines flogged off to road car users and the shells had na engines put in to race..

[Defcon5]

I'm a big fan of the 106GTI/VTS

[chilled901]

The price of entry is one thing but also consider how much it is going to cost you keep your car running on the track. Over here, You can replace rotors and pads on all 4 corners for not much more than $500.

Also, the amount of support and options available to you with the MX5 is simply not there for most other cars.

[juan king]

Defcon5 said:

I'm a big fan of the 106GTI/VTS

Don't know if I dare say this, but.....

Wrong wheel drive.

[Sideways Rich]

No

[MysteryLemon]

http://bit.ly/1abUL3K

This?

I've been swooning over it for days. Stick a cage in and you're away.

[MagicalTrevor]

The OP hasn't stated which wheel drive he wants so my suggestion is a Clio 172 Cup or maybe a 182?

[ninjacost]

205 gti

[snotrag]

Synchromesh said:

If you had a max 2k... ... can you beat an MX5?

Yes to this.

Synchromesh said:

won't bankrupt me with consumables and repairs.

Possibly no to this.

There not the fastest, but at any track day you'll see MX5s going round, and round, and round...

[vrooom]

What about MR2 mk3 ? mid mounted rear engine, rear wheel drive.. ?

[deltashad]

MG ZS makes a great entry level track car. A few friends race them in 190 spec. Very quick indeed and spares are cheap and abundant.

[Robert Elise]

BMW 335D
some of you will understand...

[BoRED S2upid]

I saw a very nice RX8 for £2k today. Ok its going to be expensive for a track day car but I thought it was cheap.

[james_gt3rs]

doogz said:

vrooom said:

What about MR2 mk3 ? mid mounted rear engine, rear wheel drive.. ?

Yup, this is a correct answer. Bit trickier to drive at the limit, but more fun, IMO.

Brilliant on track, but in a higher price range than MX5s. £1000 MX5s aren't too difficult to find.