Track Day Car Advice

[Steve Morse]

I know that there are lots of threads on this topic, all of which are very useful, but here is my situation:

I have got the track day bug having done Spa, The Nordschleife, and Goodwood (twice) all of which were absolutely epic, as well as Dunsfold and Longcross both of which were a bit tame. Anyway, I want to do much more but to do so, I need to buy a road going track car, not a highly focussed track weapon, but more a car that can be used on the road but is great fun on track, with minimal modification. It won't be a daily driver, but may get some use on the road, as well as going to and from a track.

I recognise that tyres, brakes and discs etc can get a hammering and so I don't mind spending a bit on certain areas of the car to improve it for the track, but I am not handy with the spanners and don't want to spend a fortune on a whole long list of extras - that just isn't me!

I am looking for something inexpensive and have come up with this list:

• MX-5 - really doesn't get my blood racing, but cheap and seems like a regular recommendation on here
• Clio 182 Trophy - very highly regarded and very appealing - also not too expensive with just minor modifications
• VX220 - probably a bit pricey and I'm wary of potential 'brittleness'
• Impreza STi/Evo - again, I'm wary of these as they could well have been thrashed in the past and the range seems complicated, despite having spent a while poring over the different models and messageboards
• S2000 - again doesn't get the blood racing
• Golf R32 - a bit leftfield, but 4WD (but apparently too heavy...)
• A N Other?

Any advice is VERY welcome.

Thanks