Fast road/some track days
Discussion
Hi guys first post on here, currently own a Megane 265 with “club sport” spec if you like with recaro poles, cage etc etc. I’m looking to sell up in the next month and move into something a bit cheaper. Either get a cheap cheap car and mod to about 9k or get something more expensive and again mod to 9k ish. The car will be only used at weekends for events drives and some track day’s.
So the cars I’ve been looking at so far have been mx5 nc think I’ve ruled this one out as most around that budget haven’t been under sealed and don’t want a rust bucket. Left field with a bmw 130i manual, ep3 type r, 106 gti, and a Skoda Octavia vrs mk2 stripped and eventually K04. Is there any other cars out there that I’m missing out considering?
So the cars I’ve been looking at so far have been mx5 nc think I’ve ruled this one out as most around that budget haven’t been under sealed and don’t want a rust bucket. Left field with a bmw 130i manual, ep3 type r, 106 gti, and a Skoda Octavia vrs mk2 stripped and eventually K04. Is there any other cars out there that I’m missing out considering?
As a serial 130i owner, I’d recommend the BMW; it’s a similar weight and power to the Megane - which is very light for a five-door hatch with a 3.0-litre six-pot and only 40kg more than a less powerful Cayman of the same age - has precise steering, decent traction, a torquey but revvy engine and lots of ways to sharpen up the suspension including fitting all sorts of E92 M3 parts. The M Sport versions also have inflatable seat bolsters which help to clamp you in place better around corners, which might be handy on track if you stick with the standard seats.
A cheaper but somewhat similar option is the BMW 325ti Compact, and these can be available from £1,500 to £4,000. It has much less power at 189bhp compared with 261bhp for the 130i and 181lb ft compared with 232lb ft. It also weighs more at 1,405kg compared with 1,375kg. However, the 325ti sounds even better than the 130i and stripped out track versions regularly pop up on eBay. Sometimes you can even spot them with 330i engine swaps, which give them a good dose more torque.
I had a 325ti before my three 130is and loved it, but as a track car I’d imagine you’d want to strip out a lot of weight and boost power somehow - especially if you’re used to a turbocharged engine.
A cheaper but somewhat similar option is the BMW 325ti Compact, and these can be available from £1,500 to £4,000. It has much less power at 189bhp compared with 261bhp for the 130i and 181lb ft compared with 232lb ft. It also weighs more at 1,405kg compared with 1,375kg. However, the 325ti sounds even better than the 130i and stripped out track versions regularly pop up on eBay. Sometimes you can even spot them with 330i engine swaps, which give them a good dose more torque.
I had a 325ti before my three 130is and loved it, but as a track car I’d imagine you’d want to strip out a lot of weight and boost power somehow - especially if you’re used to a turbocharged engine.
Ex 130i owner here. Yeah i'd recommend one. Epic engine. It's needs bigger brakes at least, and maybe suspension mods for track use though.
I'm currently using a clio 200 for occasional track and fast road use, but fancy something with more power.
PM me with the details on your megane. It sounds good!
I'm currently using a clio 200 for occasional track and fast road use, but fancy something with more power.
PM me with the details on your megane. It sounds good!
Cheers for the replies I’d be happy to keep mine but looking for something cheaper to get a deposit together for a house. New to this forum how do you send PM’s.
Power wise I previously had an r53 JCW so it will be in and around that kind of power if not more and that was a great drive
Power wise I previously had an r53 JCW so it will be in and around that kind of power if not more and that was a great drive
The thing is you have the right car already so buying something cheaper & then spending 9k upgrading a car isn't the best way of going about things.
If you don't mind spending a bit starting with something like an Astra GTC VXR is a very good shout:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107044...
If you don't mind spending a bit starting with something like an Astra GTC VXR is a very good shout:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107044...
IMO If your looking to save money for a house, save as much as you can and get a Clio 182 - IMO the best pound for pound track car out there (we have a 275 megane). If your saving for a house, get every penny you can together, you will be amazed at how much stamp duty/ solicitor fees and moving costs. And of course, the house you really want is always just out of budget.
Lopes3d said:
Imagine so, depending on what car I end up with. Meganes with similar spec as mine and a lot higher mileage going for around 12/13k. Could always get a cheaper car once I’ve narrowed down what I’m after
So you would gain a couple of grand? That doesn't sound worth it to me. Either buy a really cheap car and save say £10k or don't bother at all. Lopes3d said:
That’s it I haven’t decided what car I want next so may well end up a lot cheaper than 8/9k. Have been looking at the 172’s quite like the stealthier look
Clio 172/182 sounds like a good affordable option. The 325ti could be a similarly entertaining affordable RWD option if you fancy a different type of drive.Agree with what the previous posters have said about house costs adding up. Get the right house by freeing up a bit more cash from the car and then in time you can save up for the right car and have both, rather than having to compromise on the house and being stuck with it for years to come.
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