Reliable Track Car

[StottyGTR]

I'm looking for a cheap and reliable track car to get me as much track time as possible through the summer. I'm finally sick of my classic Impreza never working and I think its time to buy something more modern and reliable.

My budget is as low as possible, I'm hoping to pay 2k, maybe up to 4k for something awesome. My initial though was Clio 197 but these are more expensive than I expected, EP3 Type R is another shout but they are getting a bit old now and I'll need to fit baffles in the sump. I'm impressed by how cheap Megane 225s are so they are currently winning, although I'm unsure on reliability with the turbo etc.

Any more suggestions are welcome!

[Joelonghair]

MX-5 must be an option

[Mr Tidy]

If you fancy RWD how about an E46 BMW?

325ti Compact or 330i Saloon/Coupe should be entertaining.

[Scottchester]

My last track day our group had the following
03 Audi TT 3.2
02 Subaru imprezza wrx
94 Celica GT
98 Subaru legacy tt
04 nissan 350z
06 clio 197

The only 2 still lapping without issue at the end of a full day were the Audi and the Clio.

As a result I would take the Clio lol

[anonymous-user]

My Megane has been faultless for about 20 track days and 2 'Ring trips so far needing only consumables.

It's been so surprisingly good that 2 friends have bought one each too.

[Jamescrs]

I've had a Mk6 Fiesta ST and now a Mk2.5 MX-5 and both have been fantastically reliable for track days including driving to and from the tracks, the MX-5 more so but both have held their own.

[Aiminghigh123]

Clio 172? Cup?

I know they are getting on a bit but my mate has one 2004. Done 90k miles and probably 50k of that track. Never let him down on track. Upgraded the brakes and exhaust that’s it. In the right hands it is amazing.
He also has an M3 but having driven both Clio is the most fun and much cheaper on consumables.

To add took Clio it to Silverstone once with 5 different drivers maybe resting the car for 5 mins max between each of us and did 4 hrs non stop in just the morning session. Afternoon we got tired but car kept going except for a tyre change and fuel.

Edited by Aiminghigh123 on Thursday 9th May 09:11

[StottyGTR]

Cheers for the responses.

It looks like Clio 182s are better than I expected, I'd probs go for a Megane 225 all in as they're so damn cheap compared to the 197s. 197 would be an easy win if they weren't holding their money so well.

I've decided to give the Impreza another chance since we could fit some STI coils so at least it won't misfire when hot now! I'm at Blyton on the 25th so if it borks I'll post up a pic of my new Megane