New and looking for views

[mudman]

Hi,

I'm new on here but have done some novice sessions in wholly inappropriate cars, albeit ones in which I didn't have to pay for tyres and brakes, and had a couple of goes at sprinting in a 7 clone before an accident curtailed things.

I've re built a beach buggy over the last 3 years and whilst fun, it is not dynamic! My plan is to chop it in for something to use on track, and maybe some sprints again, but what to choose; with a sub £3k budget?

There seem to be many hot hatches around this price, some road legal and some ex racers, of varying quality, but I'm thinking that these might prove a better bet than a 924/944 or 3 series at the same price point, financialy at least. RWD is preferable to FWD but I'd rather have a reliable FWD than a flakey RWD any day.

So there we are, any views?

[JQ]

Standard PH response - Mazda MX5.

Reliable, Cheap to buy, cheap parts, easy to repair / service, great dynamics, the ability to embarrass far more powerful cars and most importantly great fun on track.

[Steve H]

There's plenty of good fwd options in your price range, Golf, Clio, 106, 205 etc. MX5 or E30/36 shouldn't be discounted though if you like rwd, just keep looking for a car in the right condition.

[_Leg_]

Clio 172. At that budget, no contest.

[MikeATD]

I think I would look for
306 gti
Clio 172/182
Mr2 turbo
200sx
E30 325i
E36 328i
Seat Ibiza 1.8t
Mx5
Mike

[GravelBen]

MX5

(or an MR2 if you prefer a mid-engined feel rather than playfully forgiving sideways action)

[Dan Friel]

There's also MX5 classes in the Midlands speed championship if you're interested in sprinting.