Track Day Biased "Next Car" decision..........

[scottd007]

Hi - I've been deliberating my next car. I currently drive a 54 plate V6 TT with a DSG box. It's been great and with some chasis mods (KWv2 coilovers, R32 ARBs etc.) it's transformed the TT into a decent track car. I really miss a proper manual though, and I'm looking for something a little more track focused.

I keep coming to the conclusion that the current RS Focus (300ps or 350ps approved Mountune "tune") is the ultimate hot-hatch and seems to be the right choice for me. However, I really like the Renault R26R. (I'm not worried about the image of either car btw)

I'd love to hear what the RS Focus is like as a regular track day car in it's OE form.

Any other suggestions for alternatives greatly received but I've considered the following:-

Golf R
Sirocco R
Nissan 370z
Subaru STi 330
Mk2 TT V6 (TTRS is over budget)
Seat Cupra R

Thanks in advance!

[DMC2]

M3 CSL

[glenn3]

I currently have a 26R and I have to admit it has been very impressive so far. I also have it upgraded with stage 2 and bigger brakes.

One of my mates has just bought a RS Focus and it is a lovely car to drive but it feels a little less involving.

Here is a good vid to compare...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAbtkNAHI_4

[shim]

M3 CSL

and how an audi TT can be a decent trackday car is beyond me,you may well chuckle to yourself at that statement later in your life

[scottd007]

glenn3 - thanks for posting that vid - I actually got a ride in an 26R at a recent Silverstone track day & was very impressed. I do think that the Toyo's probably account for a good portion of the 3 sec that it has over the Focus. That said the 26R is clearly a better handling car.
How many miles have you done in yours & have you had any problems?


I'm sure a M3 CSL is an awesome choice but that's in a different league in terms of cost & upkeep.

My TT is actually ok as a track car, and, despite it's weight will hustle - I've done loads of days and every instructor (and fellow track-dayer passenger) that has been out on track with me has been surprised at it's ability.

Whilst it didn't keep up with the 26R it was very much holding it's own against a modded R26 & a Mugen Civic Type R

[glenn3]

Scott

I have had the 26R now for a few months and I have done a couple of track days already. Cadwell Park on Goodyear eagle F1's and I was surprised at the handling even with those tyres on. Then Oulton Park on slicks which was just immense. I haven't had any trouble yet and from frequenting the Megane forum they seem to be pretty reliable.

I sold a CSL earlier this year for exactly the same reasons that you mention. I reckon I can track and maintain the 26R a lot easier than the CSL which means more money for track days. Although I will probably buy another CSL some day when I can afford to do it properly.

Here is a clip of me at Oulton with the brakes totally gone. I have them sorted now so I am looking forward to the next TD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6SwIS9ZGKk

[PAULJA]

Have you considered the MK1 Focus RS - at home on the track and 300+BHP isn't too difficult to achieve at a very resonable price

see clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU7jUU7uIzY

This was my sons first track day in a 300bhp FRS - he had a cracking day at Oulton

Edited by PAULJA on Friday 3rd December 13:08

[andye30m3]

I think I'd be tempted with the R26R over a focus

But would also consider a S2's Exige

[PAULJA]

andye30m3 said:

I think I'd be tempted with the R26R over a focus

But would also consider a S2's Exige

Guess it all depends on budget

How about something like this - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2296406.htm

Edited by PAULJA on Friday 3rd December 17:13

[minerva]

Just a suggestion, but I have just bought a 2006 mondeo 2.0 TDCI for £2300 and a 1996 M3 for £7500. The M3 is stripped, with cage, AP brakes, bilstein suspension, wing, splitter, two sets wheels (wets and slicks) etc.

Less than £10000 all in for a car that is very comfortable and frugal on the road and one that is totally track focused.

The insurance is £500 for the mondeo and £200 for the M3 (3rd party, 5000 miles).

Each is better than the 26R or TT at its specific task....

[DMC2]

glenn3 said:

Scott

I have had the 26R now for a few months and I have done a couple of track days already. Cadwell Park on Goodyear eagle F1's and I was surprised at the handling even with those tyres on. Then Oulton Park on slicks which was just immense. I haven't had any trouble yet and from frequenting the Megane forum they seem to be pretty reliable.

I sold a CSL earlier this year for exactly the same reasons that you mention. I reckon I can track and maintain the 26R a lot easier than the CSL which means more money for track days. Although I will probably buy another CSL some day when I can afford to do it properly.

Here is a clip of me at Oulton with the brakes totally gone. I have them sorted now so I am looking forward to the next TD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6SwIS9ZGKk

But how can you have a Golf R on your list but think a CSL is too expensive?

Also worth considering that a 26R is a depreciating asset while a CSL will probably be worth the same in 12 months.

[scottd007]

I probably should have said that I was after something "new or nearly new" - A manufactures 3 year warranty is a big draw for me & I really want to stay away from heavily modded cars. If I could stretch to it - a new Exige would most likely be the "one" (research on a used one is probably in order)

I have discounted M3's & RS4's purley based on the cost of ownership - (Discs & pads for my V6 TT are horrendous enough)- I take the point about depreciation but I think that an 26R is probably going to be a pretty solid investment due to it's very low build volume. I'm not sure how prices of the new RS will hold - initial depreciation seems quite heavy judging by the private ones for sale here on PH at the moment.

Edited by scottd007 on Saturday 4th December 13:35

Edited by scottd007 on Saturday 4th December 13:36

[DMC2]

scottd007 said:

I probably should have said that I was after something "new or nearly new" - A manufactures 3 year warranty is a big draw for me & I really want to stay away from heavily modded cars. If I could stretch to it - a new Exige would most likely be the "one" (research on a used one is probably in order)

I have discounted M3's & RS4's purley based on the cost of ownership - (Discs & pads for my V6 TT are horrendous enough)- I take the point about depreciation but I think that an 26R is probably going to be a pretty solid investment due to it's very low build volume. I'm not sure how prices of the new RS will hold - initial depreciation seems quite heavy judging by the private ones for sale here on PH at the moment.

Edited by scottd007 on Saturday 4th December 13:35

Edited by scottd007 on Saturday 4th December 13:36

Don't buy a new Exige if you are at all worried about depreciation!

[spad78]

As others have said, the CSL would be a cracking choice but the OP misses a manual and the purchase / upkeep is a lot more than the R26 etc. I would probably go for an M3 and if circumstances allow it, would strip it out and use it only on track and get a cheap diesel mileage slag for the commuting / distance stuff.

[Steve Rance]

Renault Clio trophy is a very good little track car. Cheap to buy and buttons to run

[TheMuu]

Golf R - Overpriced
Sirocco R - wrong wheel drive
Nissan 370z - Good choice IMHO
Subaru STi 330 - Not bad, like it.
Mk2 TT V6 (TTRS is over budget) - horrid understeery lump
Seat Cupra R - ditto as rocco

I'd look at:
M3 (CSL or otherwise)
Elise (maybe as 2nd car)
Evo
RS4 V8

[Donatello]

How about a new Clio 200? or if you don't mind a few less creature comforts.. the 200 Cup?

Considering buying a new one myself next year as I love the look and they get rather good reviews! Or as I have, a Fiesta ST. May not be the quickest but can buy one with plenty of warranty for less than 9k and Supercharge it and uprate other parts for about 6/7k... Many people have done it and a Fiesta with 300+ Bhp and a decent suspension/brake set up is going to shock alot of people on track!

[NoelWatson]

glenn3 said:

Scott

I have had the 26R now for a few months and I have done a couple of track days already. Cadwell Park on Goodyear eagle F1's and I was surprised at the handling even with those tyres on. Then Oulton Park on slicks which was just immense. I haven't had any trouble yet and from frequenting the Megane forum they seem to be pretty reliable.

I sold a CSL earlier this year for exactly the same reasons that you mention. I reckon I can track and maintain the 26R a lot easier than the CSL which means more money for track days. Although I will probably buy another CSL some day when I can afford to do it properly.

Here is a clip of me at Oulton with the brakes totally gone. I have them sorted now so I am looking forward to the next TD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6SwIS9ZGKk

I have had one for around 8 months and have already done


Odiham
Castle Combe
Ring
Silverstone

No trouble so far - a very benign car, and easy for an average driver to keep up with a lot of decent machinery.

[NoelWatson]

[quote=Donatello]How about a new Clio 200? or if you don't mind a few less creature comforts.. the 200 Cup?

Considering buying a new one myself next year as I love the look and they get rather good reviews!]/quote]

There was a big waiting list when I was looking

[NoelWatson]

glenn3 said:

Here is a clip of me at Oulton with the brakes totally gone. I have them sorted now so I am looking forward to the next TD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6SwIS9ZGKk

I need to get one of those cameras! How does it work out revs and speed - plugging into OBDII?