Jack of all trades car...

[lagadmar]

I am looking to spend about 7k on a car that works well on the road and track. I already have a mid engine rear drive convertible and a rear engine rear drive track focused car. This needs to be practical but fun. Any ideas or suggestions...

I want to use it on quiet tracks so ideally less than 90db.

My other cars are both over 100 so can't go on my local Thruxton or goodwood (quiet) days.

[TheHound]

E46 M3

[lagadmar]

Thanks for the reply. Great car but too noisy for Thruxton I think, I believe that they are 92+ with the stock exhaust. :-(

[Chris Type R]

S2000 ? Not mid-engined but 50:50 weight distribution.

[lagadmar]

Thanks, good idea, hadn't thought of that. I was thinking of a Megane R26 or a 350z if it is not too noisy.

[Chris Type R]

The S2k is reasonably light - lighter than the Nissan I'd think.

You'd probably need to add a baffled sump, and perhaps a suspension upgrade.

The tyres could be expensive though.

[ScorpKing]

You should get a nice turbo'd and suspension sorted MX5 for 7K. I know it's no where near your other cars in performance but for quiet trackdays (which tend to be session-ed) it should be pretty good ?

[Dakkon]

You can definiately get a 350Z for your money and they are quiet, but a little heavy and qould require the brakes looking at before going on track.

[lagadmar]

MX5 sounds like a lot of fun cheap on brakes and tyres I imagine. I could use a car with 4 seats though as my others have only 2. The 350 does seem like a lot of performance for the money.

No positive views on the R26?

Both my other cars are rear drive not really tried front drive on track.

[ScorpKing]

Have a couple of pals who run Clio 182's great fun "out of the box" not a great deal of room though. Seen plenty of R26's on trackdays and they go well - not sure if they are down in that price bracket yet ?

[Chris Type R]

Alfa 147 GTA or a Honda CTR, ITR ?

[PAULJA]

Clio 197 / Focus RS Mk1

[braddo]

You could do a really nice Mazda RX8 for £7k (i.e. one with a rebuilt engine and, if desired, suspension upgrades).

[lagadmar]

These are all brilliant ideas.

I am going to avoid the BMW, arguably the most capable all around And probably the obvious choice.

The Alfa, S2000, RX8, R26, Clio and 350z all really appeal.

I think that I am going to have to do some calculations on cost of ownership and then try the top three.

Thanks for all the excellent ideas. Choosing will be fun.

Kind regards

Marc

[TypeRTom]

350Z are nice cars (my brother has one) but IMO not a great choice for a track car due to being heavier than the alternatives and brakes and tyres being expensive.

Honda Type R/S2000, MX-5, MR2, Renault sport Clio/Megane are all good choices and among the more common cars seen at track days.

Edited by TypeRTom on Tuesday 10th February 15:50

[lagadmar]

Thanks, I was thinking that with 300 bhp and relatively high weight it might be costly on tyres and brakes.

Much appreciated.

[mrpbailey]

147 GTA may struggle with noise, especially with an aftermarket system as most will now have. Need a few mods to get them any good on track too. Also expensive to run. Fantastic cars tho, had one for over 3 years and a fair few track days!

[gabbyone]

Thought about a Mini. Poss old 1.6 manual. Poss even run to an earlier JCW? Costwise doable? Just a thought.

[rusty rex]

Swap a K20 CTR engine into a CRX and you have a very usable, road friendly, capable and rare little retro beasty. Well within budget, cheap tyres, brakes etc and 230bhp in 900kg isnt to be sniffed at, especially with a shorter final drive.
Just dont crash it.

[Zoobeef]

Vx220.