Newbie Track Fun for under £5000??
Discussion
Hi all,
Long time reader, first time poster here. I have attempted to search the forums for an answer to my question, but haven't really found what I'm looking for. However if such a thread exists, please accept my apologies and point me in the right direction!
I've finally reached the point in my career (and life) where I can reasonably justify spending some disposable income on some 4-wheeled fun. I've done a couple of 'track driving experiences' and while I enjoyed the opportunity to drive an expensive supercar, I definitely found I had as much (if not more) fun in a battered 1984 Toyota Corolla.
I've therefore arrived at the decision to set a budget of £5000 to find a car (including any tires/brakes/upgrades etc) I can enjoy learning to throw around a track and (hopefully) improve my driving. As you may notice from the previous cars listed on my profile (!) I'm not interested in something that looks good, I'm just looking for a car that would be fun to drive on a track and good bang for my bucks.
I'm not particular mechanically minded (well, not at all really), so don't really have the know-how or ability to build one totally from scratch. I do however have a pretty decent relationship with my local garage, where I would probably look to have any required work done (e.g. brakes/suspension upgrades etc).
So after a rambling prologue, for anyone still reading my questions to those of you with experience in such things is:
a) Is my idea even feasible for £5000?
If so, should I:
b) look to get a cheap (i.e. <£2000) car and spend the balance money on track essentials (tires/brakes/suspension etc),
or c) look to get a track-ready one for under £5000?
From a quick look at the PH classifieds I see there are a few track-ready examples out there within my budget, however I have no idea if these represent good value for money or will quickly turn into a money pit in order to even get to the track.
Apologies for the long-winded post - any thoughts/advice thoroughly appreciated!
Long time reader, first time poster here. I have attempted to search the forums for an answer to my question, but haven't really found what I'm looking for. However if such a thread exists, please accept my apologies and point me in the right direction!
I've finally reached the point in my career (and life) where I can reasonably justify spending some disposable income on some 4-wheeled fun. I've done a couple of 'track driving experiences' and while I enjoyed the opportunity to drive an expensive supercar, I definitely found I had as much (if not more) fun in a battered 1984 Toyota Corolla.
I've therefore arrived at the decision to set a budget of £5000 to find a car (including any tires/brakes/upgrades etc) I can enjoy learning to throw around a track and (hopefully) improve my driving. As you may notice from the previous cars listed on my profile (!) I'm not interested in something that looks good, I'm just looking for a car that would be fun to drive on a track and good bang for my bucks.
I'm not particular mechanically minded (well, not at all really), so don't really have the know-how or ability to build one totally from scratch. I do however have a pretty decent relationship with my local garage, where I would probably look to have any required work done (e.g. brakes/suspension upgrades etc).
So after a rambling prologue, for anyone still reading my questions to those of you with experience in such things is:
a) Is my idea even feasible for £5000?
If so, should I:
b) look to get a cheap (i.e. <£2000) car and spend the balance money on track essentials (tires/brakes/suspension etc),
or c) look to get a track-ready one for under £5000?
From a quick look at the PH classifieds I see there are a few track-ready examples out there within my budget, however I have no idea if these represent good value for money or will quickly turn into a money pit in order to even get to the track.
Apologies for the long-winded post - any thoughts/advice thoroughly appreciated!
Yip easily posible, thats a good budget, so so so much variety would fit in there, even half that can see a decently prepped- cage, buckets, harnesses, poly bushed, decent brakes, decnetly paced track car that won't break down or cost much in consumables if you wish.
Buying something already done usually is far far far cheaper, but not if its an utter lash up & don't under estimate labour costs unlesss you do every thing yourself.
Is a mega range of cars that would fit in your budget, I tend to go German but have had & still do have a jap track toy too.
Too many folks do tend to think you have to build a race car to have some track fun tho, you don't, just start with a solid road car sort the brakes & start to have fun & upgrade as you go, your priorities change as your skill develops anyway.
Personally I see cage & harness as essential for a proper track car, especially if you fit sticky rubber, but never advise novices run stickies, need to learn to drive properly on track 1st.
Buying something already done usually is far far far cheaper, but not if its an utter lash up & don't under estimate labour costs unlesss you do every thing yourself.
Is a mega range of cars that would fit in your budget, I tend to go German but have had & still do have a jap track toy too.
Too many folks do tend to think you have to build a race car to have some track fun tho, you don't, just start with a solid road car sort the brakes & start to have fun & upgrade as you go, your priorities change as your skill develops anyway.
Personally I see cage & harness as essential for a proper track car, especially if you fit sticky rubber, but never advise novices run stickies, need to learn to drive properly on track 1st.
The BMW 328i is a popular choice. You will have plenty of change from 5k after buying the car and doing the essential mods for actual track times. You could also look at an M3 too. They can be had for £3k and upwards for the non evolution model (280bhp...aprox).
Golf Mk3 GTI 16V. QUite light at sub 1000Kg (I think) compared to Mk4 car. Once again, £5000 will get you a long way.
Lots of bits available for both of those cars.
Golf Mk3 GTI 16V. QUite light at sub 1000Kg (I think) compared to Mk4 car. Once again, £5000 will get you a long way.
Lots of bits available for both of those cars.
£5k is plenty to get you started. If you fancy fwd then I'd look at Clio, 106 or Golf; rwd is E30/E36 beemer, MX5 (had to be said) as the top choices. Could even go for a cheaper Westfield but you will always end up modding it to above the £5k limit as you get used to it!
If you can find a good prepped car with everything done then it would be a nice thing to go for but be aware that most "sorted" trackday cars still leave a lot to be desired and you may well still end up spending cash on them.
If you can find a good prepped car with everything done then it would be a nice thing to go for but be aware that most "sorted" trackday cars still leave a lot to be desired and you may well still end up spending cash on them.
Thanks very much for the encouraging responses!
Would probably lean towards something that already has had some track mods done, but obviously weary of buying something that ends up costing me more to fix any problems. Any specific issues you would recommend to look for?
Seems there are a lot of decent looking (i.e. lower mileage) track mod'd Mx-5s and Clio 172/182s out there in the classifieds... I've driven both (just on normal roads) and were a good laugh - is it a safe assumption that this would translate to the track? Would also assume parts still readily available and cost effective?
Would probably lean towards something that already has had some track mods done, but obviously weary of buying something that ends up costing me more to fix any problems. Any specific issues you would recommend to look for?
Seems there are a lot of decent looking (i.e. lower mileage) track mod'd Mx-5s and Clio 172/182s out there in the classifieds... I've driven both (just on normal roads) and were a good laugh - is it a safe assumption that this would translate to the track? Would also assume parts still readily available and cost effective?
Plenty of parts available for both and they are both fun on track, personally I'd go for the Clio (PH sacrilege but there it is) but they would both be fine.
If you are looking at modded cars always look at how nicely everything has been done, is it neat and tidy, proper fasteners, quality makes of parts etc. If it looks like Stevie Wonder did the work on it then walk away!
If you can take someone along who has been around track cars that's obviously going to be a big help as well.
If you are looking at modded cars always look at how nicely everything has been done, is it neat and tidy, proper fasteners, quality makes of parts etc. If it looks like Stevie Wonder did the work on it then walk away!
If you can take someone along who has been around track cars that's obviously going to be a big help as well.
I've build a very decent spec Clio Trophy track car for less than £4.5k, so your budget is more than enough to build something decent if you are good at searches/buying from the classified/eBay, etc.
www.cliosport.net is a very good source of info & trackcar build threads
www.cliosport.net is a very good source of info & trackcar build threads
bakerstreet said:
The BMW 328i is a popular choice. You will have plenty of change from 5k after buying the car and doing the essential mods for actual track times. You could also look at an M3 too. They can be had for £3k and upwards for the non evolution model (280bhp...aprox).
As a first track day car, I'd focus on something that handled well rather than out and out power.Sir_Dave said:
I've build a very decent spec Clio Trophy track car for less than £4.5k, so your budget is more than enough to build something decent if you are good at searches/buying from the classified/eBay, etc.
www.cliosport.net is a very good source of info & trackcar build threads
You can get a track-sorted 172 for 2-2.5k and I wouldn't personally bother with the Trophy factor. Btw, Clio was built by Renault, you can modify it though www.cliosport.net is a very good source of info & trackcar build threads
Thanks again for all the advice/suggestions.
After spending some time (probably too much in the last 24 hrs!) thinking about what I really want to get out of this endeavour, I think I'm leaning towards a MX-5. If I get bitten by the track bug and yearn more power, then I can always look to swap in the future.
Something along these lines ticks most (if not all) the boxes:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2999151.htm
(as I said, I couldn't give a monkey's about looks/colour scheme)
I'll definitely take on board the comment re: ongoing running costs/actual cost per track day - hadn't given as much thought to that as I probably should and will factor that into the £5000 budget.
Will let you know how I get on!!
After spending some time (probably too much in the last 24 hrs!) thinking about what I really want to get out of this endeavour, I think I'm leaning towards a MX-5. If I get bitten by the track bug and yearn more power, then I can always look to swap in the future.
Something along these lines ticks most (if not all) the boxes:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2999151.htm
(as I said, I couldn't give a monkey's about looks/colour scheme
)I'll definitely take on board the comment re: ongoing running costs/actual cost per track day - hadn't given as much thought to that as I probably should and will factor that into the £5000 budget.
Will let you know how I get on!!
I just sold (so not that helpful!) my fully track prepared 944 for £3,500, caged, adjustable suspension, stripped, race seats and harnesses etc. Superb handling car and great to learn with but a little more substantial than an MX5. Have just replaced it with a considerably madder track modded tvr which I may live (or not) to regret.
mx5 is defo a good choice and there totally bullet proof, first mod for sure, change over to fully synthetic oil castol edge 5-w30 or 0-w30 will make the world of difference!!! currently for 28 quid in costco compared to the 40 quid in halfords!!!!! bang some toyo R888 on there and your be good to go!
had my mx now for, god prob 6 years now and i drive the granny out the thing and the cost in broken bits is 20 quid the whole time ive had it! slave cluch went on it and picked one up from a breaker, and thats it!!! thats from 24k to 81k its never ever missed a beat!!!
had my mx now for, god prob 6 years now and i drive the granny out the thing and the cost in broken bits is 20 quid the whole time ive had it! slave cluch went on it and picked one up from a breaker, and thats it!!! thats from 24k to 81k its never ever missed a beat!!!
Edited by leev on Wednesday 27th July 12:15
Could always try something like this:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2752869.htm
You'd need a trailer, of course, but I bet it will out perform most things for the money & you could race it, too.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2752869.htm
You'd need a trailer, of course, but I bet it will out perform most things for the money & you could race it, too.
Crempog said:
Thanks again for all the advice/suggestions.
After spending some time (probably too much in the last 24 hrs!) thinking about what I really want to get out of this endeavour, I think I'm leaning towards a MX-5. If I get bitten by the track bug and yearn more power, then I can always look to swap in the future.
Something along these lines ticks most (if not all) the boxes:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2999151.htm
(as I said, I couldn't give a monkey's about looks/colour scheme)
I'll definitely take on board the comment re: ongoing running costs/actual cost per track day - hadn't given as much thought to that as I probably should and will factor that into the £5000 budget.
Will let you know how I get on!!
That was exactly what I ended up doing, the MX5 MK1 is great, I took mine to the Ring a few weeks ago and it didn't skip a beat, taking it to Bedford on Saturday. After spending some time (probably too much in the last 24 hrs!) thinking about what I really want to get out of this endeavour, I think I'm leaning towards a MX-5. If I get bitten by the track bug and yearn more power, then I can always look to swap in the future.
Something along these lines ticks most (if not all) the boxes:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2999151.htm
(as I said, I couldn't give a monkey's about looks/colour scheme
)I'll definitely take on board the comment re: ongoing running costs/actual cost per track day - hadn't given as much thought to that as I probably should and will factor that into the £5000 budget.
Will let you know how I get on!!
chris7676 said:
You can get a track-sorted 172 for 2-2.5k and I wouldn't personally bother with the Trophy factor. Btw, Clio was built by Renault, you can modify it though
lol, good point, Renault made it, i improved it But yes, you could build a decent spec 1*2 for £2.5k quite easily, but you would miss out on the epic dampers ... my £4.5k includes buying the car, modifying it, & 2 grand's worth of maintenance btw.
Sir_Dave said:
chris7676 said:
You can get a track-sorted 172 for 2-2.5k and I wouldn't personally bother with the Trophy factor. Btw, Clio was built by Renault, you can modify it though
lol, good point, Renault made it, i improved it But yes, you could build a decent spec 1*2 for £2.5k quite easily, but you would miss out on the epic dampers ... my £4.5k includes buying the car, modifying it, & 2 grand's worth of maintenance btw.
OP: Get a 172 cup. NOW. 2 of my mates own them. First is ragged, used on track and really reliable. The other is driven quite nicely, almost respected and is a bloody nightmare. I think these cars are a bit of a lottery. They are cracking fun though
My CRX is on ebay at the moment, well within your budget and needs very little to get it out on track..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1989-HONDA-CRX-16-16-TRA...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1989-HONDA-CRX-16-16-TRA...
leev said:
mx5 is defo a good choice
+1 on the MX5 vote, cheap and reliable as well as fantastic fun to drive.
IMO if you're starting with a standardish car don't worry much about upgrades at first - I prefer MX5s with a rollbar but other than that just make sure brake fluid/pads are good, get a sensible geo/alignment set up and you're away laughing.
Edited by GravelBen on Thursday 28th July 07:14
Sir_Dave said:
lol, good point, Renault made it, i improved it
But yes, you could build a decent spec 1*2 for £2.5k quite easily, but you would miss out on the epic dampers ... my £4.5k includes buying the car, modifying it, & 2 grand's worth of maintenance btw.
How did you buy, modify and spend £2k on maintenance out of £4.5k on a Trophy?But yes, you could build a decent spec 1*2 for £2.5k quite easily, but you would miss out on the epic dampers ... my £4.5k includes buying the car, modifying it, & 2 grand's worth of maintenance btw.
I thought they were the most valuable of the Clio Sports?
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