Looking for a track car...

[Remedy02]

Hi all,

First time posting, so apologies if I have screwed something up...

Anyway to the point.. I am looking to get in to track days so have started looking for potential cars I could buy and use. The Mazda MX5 is recommended a lot around here and elsewhere on the World Wide Web, one question I do have which I have not been able to get answer to yet is.

Would it be better to have a car with power steering?

I have noticed that some of the early MX5's do not have power steering so should I be looking to avoid these or is driving on track more enjoyable without power steering?

[noodleman]

MX5s have decent power steering but no assistance is better IMO.

[Steve H]

Not going to be a huge factor either way on an MX5, concentrate on all the other things that you have to look for in a second hand car - they will be much more important.

[GravelBen]

Steve H said:

Not going to be a huge factor either way on an MX5

This.

Non-PAS may have a touch more feel to it and saves a few kg, but the PAS version has a quicker rack and isn't exactly shortchanged in the feel department either.

[5paul5]

If its only to be used on track it does not matter. For the road as well i would say PAS. I had one with no PAS and hated it.

[Remedy02]

Thanks for the replys guys, as it is not going to make much difference. I think I will go for one with PAS as it will be used on the road as well.

When looking for an MX5 is there anything to look out for in particular?

[5paul5]

Rust in the cills and back arches is the main thing to look out for. Provided they are serviced and looked after mechanically pretty much bulletproof.

[Remedy02]

Is it better to have a full cage or is a roll bar enough when using an MX5 on track?

[Steve H]

A full cage is always a nice thing to have on track but it's a pita on the road. A good quality roll bar with proper triangulation is probably the best balance for trackdays and road use.