track car/daily... what are the options?

[W211]

Hi All,

In the new year, I will be on the lookout for a car that can "do it all"...

1) needs to have minimum 4 seats so I can pick my kids up from school in it.
2) fun to drive
3) needs to be OK on track... don't mind upgrading brakes and chassis. Cheaper consumables would be a bonus
4) needs to have reasonable motorway manners
5) budget £4 or 5k. Plus a bit more for mods.
6) don't mind doing a bit of work but don't really want a basket case...

So far I've been thinking about maybe a TT or some sort of BMW. A hatchback would also be fine...

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance...

[W211]

Cheers guys,

Fully understand that it will involve compromises...

I have another dad-wagon type car for when bad weather/luggage means the track car is a no go, so it can be fairly raw.

Had never considered a Puma so that's going on the list!

[W211]

Not much love for the TT at that budget then?

How about a Clio? If so, which one at that money?

I hear very good things about all gens of Fiesta ST... I presume they are a very good steer...

[W211]

HustleRussell said:

Two cars every time. The two extremes of your intended use are completely at odds with one another. You want a lightweight track car which is also a safe kiddie wagon?

People get hung up on getting something quick for the track. More important is that it's lightweight and easily repairable / replaceable (disposable).

I hear what you're saying. In years gone by I've done the TVR/Caterham/Elise thing and loved them to bits.

Nowadays I just cant justify the cost of a pure track machine, so I'm looking for a compromise. I will probably squeeze in 4 track days a year and dont want something utterly track focussed just for those 4 days.

So I'm looking for a compromise. A Golf GTI or similar should be plenty safe enough for the school run, but should just about have enough grin factor for back roads and the high days when I get to go and have a play on a track...

[W211]

redandwhite said:

If its a one size fits all car - just don't crash/break it on the trackday, its got to be back to daily duties on a Monday.

Not for me, I have a very sensible dad wagon that is available 7 days a week as required... or if it's snowing or I need to transport a wardrobe etc.

this will be a second car. I just cant justify a 2 seater second car any more. I've been there before and it didnt get used enough, much as I loved it... My Elise was the best car I've had... I would have one again tomorrow (if I had the cash!) but sadly, I just wouldnt use it.

[W211]

Like the sound of the R26.

I admit ive never driven a Renaultsport car of any kind... but i constantly hear very good things about them.

What is it that marks them out as special?... and which ones are the real gems (putting my budget to one side for a second)?... there's quite a confusing array of them...

[W211]

Wow, thanks for all the replies folks. I think the list looks like:

Renaultsport clio
Renaultsport Megane rs
Bmw 130
Bmw 330
Bmw 325ti compact
Mazda rx8
Honda civic type r
Golf gti

Anything ive missed?
I suppose i would prefer rwd, but only because we already have a Subaru and a Polo GTi at home so it would complete the "drivenwheels set"