track day car

[Mortey]

I am looking to start doing a few track days in 2011. At the same time my wife is going to start a new job and might need the use of the car a few times a week. So this is just the excuse I need to buy something interesting for a weekend/second car and most importantly use on track.

I was thinking around 3.5 to 4k max budget(car and insurance) although would like to spend less if possible. The most important think is I want good handling as standard with rwd and LSD. I will probably start to mod as time goes on but not for a while.
My current thoughts are e36 m3 or mx5. I would love a m3 but think the mx5 might cost less initially and be easier to maintain myself?

My final question is although I have been on track a few times I have not done a track day. Would my daily driver, a e46 320td compact be ok to try one out in while I am looking for something else, it does have bilstein shocks lowering springs etc so hopefully not too bad, even though it does use the wrong fuel for the job.

Thanks in advance for any advice

[roddo]

Hi and welcome to the drug..........track days!

Mx5 gets my vote. Mazda-on-track is the place to take it.......

Very well organised events, like minded people/cars, good value for money etc

ps I'm usually there too.....

Paul

[phatgixer]

M3, no question.

[BenElliottRacing]

Your diseasal bmw will be fine to try out on a track day, just look after it. Keep your sessions down to 15 mins and give the car a good cool down on in lap (no brakes if possible). Leave the car running for a few minutes when you pit to let the turbo cool down.

You'll learn a lot in that day and you may well find some m3 / mx5's that you can get a passenger ride in to aid your purchase decision.

The M3 will be faster. The MX5 should be cheaper on consumables. More days less speed or more speed less days. That one's down to you.