Track car for £2k with heritage

[Matt106]

I've been toying with buying a track car for the last few months but had limited success. I've had my heart set on a 106 Rallye as it's capable on track and also has some heritage behind it for it's era.

The biggest issue is finding one that's not a rust bucket or hugely overpriced. This has led me on to looking at alternatives but all 90's hot hatches seem to be fetching strong money.

Before anyone jumps in and mentions Clio 1*2 or MX-5 I've had both and I'm fairly sure I don't want another.

What other options should I look at? Hoping to find something that would be appreciated on and off the track and possibly earn a few £'s over the next few years.

[Matt106]

Already a few that I'd not even thought about! I like the Civic Jordan, very surprised they've dipped below the £2k mark now.

[Matt106]

Thanks for the informative responses, it's always good to hear advice from owners.

I've owned and worked on 106's before and I think that's why I've brainwashed myself into thinking it's the best option. I've still got one more lined up to view which is an S1 1.3, never driven one so have no idea what to expect.

I think I'd prefer a Clio or MX-5 over the Puma, it's never drawn me in enough to except it as a fun car.

[Matt106]

t4thomas said:

The Rallye got under my skin in a way that my previous cars have never done.

I had a 106 GTI about 10 years ago and I know deep down that it was even better than the Rallye. I wouldn't even dream about swapping though; there is just something beautifully purposeful and analogue about the Rallye.

I don't know what the 1.3 8V would be like for a track day, but hoping to have a go in mine at Brands Hatch next month. It really feels at home on roads prefixed with the letter B, or without white markings.

Are you going to see the one on fleabay?

That's my only concern, lack of straight line speed. I even found my Clio 182 a struggle on long straights such as Bedford. The chassis on both is obviously the plus point and I probably need to set my expectations before driving one.

It's on the RR forum and hasn't sold since last year which worries me a little. I also got hugely let down by another chap on the forum selling the high spec S1 16V as well.

[Matt106]

The 306 route was an option about 6 months ago when I came across a couple of cheap cars. Unfortunatley it never materialised and started looking at Rallye's!

I even went to a car show this evening (Mod Stock) to gather some ideas but nothing realistic inspired me. Also a serious lack of 80's 90's hot hatches which was a shame.

[Matt106]

Rallye owners really do love them there's no doubting that! I'm going to view the 1.3 S1 this weekend and see what I think about it. If the shell it good I might take a punt and then think about a future engine change.

Oh also been looking at Mini Cooper S' they've really dropped in price! No idea on the reliability of them and I imagine supercharger rebuilds aren't cheap.

[Matt106]

Not managed to find the time this weekend which is frustrating, it's 4+ hour drive so pretty much a days outing. I'll trawl the Internet tomorrow at some point and hopefully some others cars will also appear.