Factory standard road car that's good on track?

[git-r]

For around 5k what are my options?

I'd like something not too old or expensive to run that's great fun to drive, reliable and nice to sit in.

As much as I like Caterham/kit/modified cars (+ MX5), I'd like a road car, preferably not convertible (the 986 boxters seem tempting though!).


Suggestions?

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Huge thanks for the help

What a coincidence that the car mentioned the most has been the one that I was thinking of - the R26 megane! Lol the first reply!!

My heart wants a 986 but my head tells me it'll be more expensive to run on track.

Fingers crossed I'm going to take a look at an R26 today. Typically it's way over budget but it's only done 30k and looks very clean.

Thanks also for the other suggestions

Will keep you all posted...

Edited by git-r on Friday 10th June 10:37

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Yes 986 Boxter

Had a look at an R26 with lux pack today. Didn't drive it but sat inside and it seemed really nice. The reach on the wheel was good and although the seats did seem a little high the position was OK. I liked it a lot

The price was too much for the mileage and history, seemed a really solid car though.

Tempted to get one with ultra low mileage but would need to spend £7k.. Is that too much for an R26? - it's in my favourite colour too - black and with the lux pack.. just 30k miles!

I want, I want..!

Hmmm

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NJH said:

Depends. Mine I bought from a friend who really babied it, never drove it in winter usually garaged etc. At 64k+ miles I have still ended up replacing all 4 shocks, top mounts, engine mounts and clutch kit. Somehow he managed to get the front disks and pads to last those 64k miles, those have been replaced as well. Its likely a 30k miles car has a lot of life left in those components (unless the owner only used the car for thrashing). Could turn out to be very good value assuming you keep all those components. You can try a track day on the standard pads with fresh fluid, I did in mine took it round Thruxton in bone stock state and she was fine except I ended up having to brake ludicrously early all the time after a couple of 'bail out' moments in the tracks 2 braking zones.

Thanks mate - I was having similar thoughts

The crazy thing is, I was already thinking about spending another nearly 1k on top for tyres and brakes!

5k budget goes to 8k

Still tempted...

[git-r]

Huge thanks for all of the replies - I hope you nobody minds if I don't thank you all individually.

Great reading through the Boxter blog. It's so easy to be scared off a boxer because of all the IMS failures reported but very good to see some balance. I did some research into the rate of failures and it does seem to only affect about 5ish % - a great pistonsheads thread where owners can vote on if their cars have failed.

An integra would be great but nothing in budget with less than 100k miles.

Same for the s2000.

I keep coming back to the Megane, for around 5k there doesn't seem to be much that'd be as good on track in standard form.

A Clio would also be good but comes the without and LSD. Brakes would be good but much less power and only about 100kg lighter than the Megane.

If I was looking at MX5's which ones would be best to go for?

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Furyblade_Lee said:

If you want an MX5 for Trackdays and have a 5k budget there are plenty of turbo / supercharged cars out there for that money. Some upto 250bhp. But it can be a minefield of crap coilovers and dodgy Fast & The Furious bodywork!
But a properly sorted MX5 is a hoot to drive. My dream spec would be Mk1 1.8 Eunos with the std. Torsten LSD , a TR Lane roll hoop, Meister R suspension and around 200bhp of linear supercharged power. And stock looking as much as possible.

But saying that too this year I am trying to win outright our 1600cc Sprint / Hillclimb championship in a boggo standard 1.6 Eunos ( withLSD ) on the cheap while funds go to restoring my VW camper. But I can honestly say so far I am loving it, driving it 10/10ths absolutely everywhere and ringing it's neck in the competitions. It is pretty unbreakable too. For an inexperienced Trackday goer I would reccomend it, proper RWD fun. But pounding round a big circuit too often when used to it you will probobly crave more power, not going to like to you.

As someone else said, maybe an S2000? Get as much weight out of it as you can and it will probobly deliver a similar hit of fun at a pace which won't leave you constantly looking in your mirrors.

Many thanks for this - very useful. Yeah I think I would crave more power and probably end up modifying it which is something I really don't want to do - I already have a track car that I spend far too much on!

I've done literally hundreds of track days, a few sprints but am a good enough driver to know I'll never be any good lol! I do absolutely love it though

I'm a huge fan of the s2000 but they're too expensive. I'd really prefer something with a roof and a bit more practical too.

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hciR_J said:

How about a Mk5 R32?

I've never considered one of these, always thought they were a bit heavy and understeery but that's only from what I've read. Probably a bit expensive to use on track too.

Thanks for the suggestion though

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ukkid35 said:

That's a shame, they are superb, especially at tight twisty tracks like Cadwell, not so great at Spa though.

Here is my mate Zorba the Greek, from a few years ago

Nice piccy

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SloppyClock said:

MR2 MK3.

Cheap to buy. 1000 quid will get you a runner that needs maintenance.

Strip out the interior for free.

Brakes are incredibly cheap.

Fluids are incredibly cheap.

Tyres are incredibly cheap.

Good on fuel. Brilliant handling.

Agreed the mr2's are great. Seeing more of them on track too. I nearly got a turbo Mark 2 years ago but found it too small with a helmet.