Buying a Track Car for the First Time

[Fiisch]

I am a long-time petrolhead, but racing novice with only karting experience under my belt. I've hit a bit of a crisis at 28 as my commute has forced a diesel - an Octavia vRS - which, economical and a great all-rounder that she is, I'm keen to give a petrol engine a good thrashing.

I'm not in a position to throw an endless sum of money at my new hobby, but appreciate doing this on the cheap is probably not an option! I have limited mechanical experience so looking for something to cut my teeth on. From browsing Gumtree, I see a few sub £1000 Saxo VTRs and the like which have already been stripped out. Would these be a terrible idea, or will this give me a taster for what I'm after?

Looking to spend no more than £2000-3000 on the car, accepting each track day will probably cost £4-500 in tyres, brakes etc. will be keeping the car road legal as don't fancy fitting a tow bar to my current pride and joy. Any suggestions on where to look, and whether buying a ready-made track car is a good starting point for a mechanical novice?

Live in West Sussex, so Brands and Bedford likely to be my first forays next Summer....