5k budget ish - Track & Daily use. What car?

[JS2808]

Sorry but I'm going to bore anyone that reads this.

Currently driving a diesel, at first it was lovely having actual comfort and minimal day to day running costs. However, over the last couple of months its become very boring and I miss having something fun (and fast)

I have had my fair share of fast cars over the years but now need something a bit cheaper as I am buying a house.

My key requirements:
Good on track (never done it before but friends do it and I want to get involved. We would likely do a lot of track days and the Ring etc.)
Not be an absolute pig to drive on the roads as I have some of the best in the UK about 40 mins from me.
Be ok for daily use, My commute is around 15 miles each way with only a little bit of city driving, mainly motorway/dual carriageway. Some days I don't need the car and weekends sometimes my car doesn't move so it doesn't have to be the most comfortable etc just not an absolute brute like my DC5 was.

I have a pretty strict 5.5k max budget, I don't really want to spend any more than that.

At the moment I have narrowed it down to either a Megane R26 or some sort of Clio RS 197 or 200.

Any other suggestions?

[cbmotorsport]

Civic Type R?

Impreza?

[f00glee]

Mk 5 GTI? (yes - biased suggestion).

Mine gets used for day-to-day duties and has been on track at a couple of the piston heads Sunday services. Takes it all in its stride.

[LordHaveMurci]

A Mk5 GTI - really? (And yes, I have owned one).

I'd have thought an older 1*2 Clio would be more suited than a newer version with plenty of money left for some subtle upgrades.

Or the default MX5 perhaps?

[MissChief]

You made no mention of seats so MX-5?

[maxwellwd]

Cooper S R53/56 great for road use and so so much fun

[PTF]

130i

[TroubledSoul]

Surely an MR2 Turbo would be the perfect all rounder for you? Fantastic cars and much missed by me.

[ZX10R NIN]

Get the Clio you can land a very good one for your budget & it suits what you're looking to use it for perfectly.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I will also suggest the Focus in ST-3 it's not as sharp as the Renaults but it's still a very good steer plus it's a better daily, it'll still do track work with ease, mine did plenty with no issues.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...