Simplest Track Day Car £3k Non MX5
Discussion
Hi guys,
What is the best starter/simplest track day car for £1k to 3k?
I'm somewhat against the Mx5 as they're total rustbuckets. I'm looking to do some of the work myself - e.g. Brake discs, oil etc and I'm also trying (and failing) to find someone more experienced who can supervise me with the more difficult jobs e.g. suspension work.
Current line up is:
Z3 1.9
MGF VVC
MGTF
R53 Cooper S
Celica 190/140
MR2
3 Series Compact
Looking to buy later this year when my job situation is a bit more certain.
Rwd is preferable, however not totally necessary. Emphasis is on simplicity from a maintenance and driving point of view. Good condition of car is a must - no rust boxes.
What do you reckon?
Many thanks
Matt
What is the best starter/simplest track day car for £1k to 3k?
I'm somewhat against the Mx5 as they're total rustbuckets. I'm looking to do some of the work myself - e.g. Brake discs, oil etc and I'm also trying (and failing) to find someone more experienced who can supervise me with the more difficult jobs e.g. suspension work.
Current line up is:
Z3 1.9
MGF VVC
MGTF
R53 Cooper S
Celica 190/140
MR2
3 Series Compact
Looking to buy later this year when my job situation is a bit more certain.
Rwd is preferable, however not totally necessary. Emphasis is on simplicity from a maintenance and driving point of view. Good condition of car is a must - no rust boxes.
What do you reckon?
Many thanks
Matt
Hi guys thanks for the replies so far - appreciate your time.
I was initially much more tempted by a rwd car but after reading your posts I'm thinking it's a big compromise and possibly one too far - there are a lot of good FWD choices out there for the stipulated budget.
It's a while before I buy (waiting for clarity on my job situation) so I have got some time to think it over.
Also, is anyone on PH able to provide tuition on more complicated tasks e.g. Spring and damper replacement? I'm willing to to pay for the time. I can already do the basics such as oil changes etc
Kind regards
Matt
I was initially much more tempted by a rwd car but after reading your posts I'm thinking it's a big compromise and possibly one too far - there are a lot of good FWD choices out there for the stipulated budget.
It's a while before I buy (waiting for clarity on my job situation) so I have got some time to think it over.
Also, is anyone on PH able to provide tuition on more complicated tasks e.g. Spring and damper replacement? I'm willing to to pay for the time. I can already do the basics such as oil changes etc
Kind regards
Matt
skinthespin said:
I worry that a FWD Mini/Clio etc will turn out to be quite dull after 3 or 4 days???
That's pretty much where I am at. Money no object I would go for RWD every time. But money is an object, and for a cheap track car budget it's the choice between an 'average spec' RWD car or a higher spec FWD machine.FWD cars I typically find are fun at 5/10 but are a bit dull at 9/10 - it's always hard to judge when the grip is going to drop and when it does it's understeer whatever the car is. Rwd is the other way around. That said, I haven't tried the Clio yet and after a look on Ebay they tick a lot of boxes. R50 and R53 Mini prices have hit rock bottom too.
Edited by BeirutTaxi on Saturday 15th June 17:13
Hi everyone,
Thank you for taking the time to reply - much appreciated.
Things I have learnt:
1) Budget for brake upgrades - standard road brakes are unlikely to cope
2) Factor in a spare set of wheels and better rubber (if possible)
3) Choose your track day wisely - maybe better to start out with one that is for novices etc
With regards to the car itself, I wonder whether RWD is a compromise too far given the budget - for the money a better FWD car can be had.
My top choices so far (not in order) are:
Clio 172 or 182
R50 Mini Cooper
Fiesta Zetec S
Saxo VTR
Celica 190
As I said in an earlier post, if anyone is handy with a spanner e.g. fitting coilovers then I would be willing to pay for their time and travel to them if I could be taken through doing such work. It won't until a bit later in the year until I buy as I'm waiting for a bit more clarity on my job situation (should be fine fingers crossed).
Alternatively, if anyone on the south coast wants a free pair of novice hands to help with preparing a track car then give me a shout - I'm Southampton based.
Once again many thanks,
Matt
Thank you for taking the time to reply - much appreciated.
Things I have learnt:
1) Budget for brake upgrades - standard road brakes are unlikely to cope
2) Factor in a spare set of wheels and better rubber (if possible)
3) Choose your track day wisely - maybe better to start out with one that is for novices etc
With regards to the car itself, I wonder whether RWD is a compromise too far given the budget - for the money a better FWD car can be had.
My top choices so far (not in order) are:
Clio 172 or 182
R50 Mini Cooper
Fiesta Zetec S
Saxo VTR
Celica 190
As I said in an earlier post, if anyone is handy with a spanner e.g. fitting coilovers then I would be willing to pay for their time and travel to them if I could be taken through doing such work. It won't until a bit later in the year until I buy as I'm waiting for a bit more clarity on my job situation (should be fine fingers crossed).
Alternatively, if anyone on the south coast wants a free pair of novice hands to help with preparing a track car then give me a shout - I'm Southampton based.
Once again many thanks,
Matt
Edited by BeirutTaxi on Tuesday 25th June 20:32
Interesting article from EVO which partly answers my question
https://www.evo.co.uk/features/18232/cheap-first-c...
Surprising because I stopped reading EVO as it was six figure out of reach supercar, advert, mega car, advert, six figure etc, advert.. And so on.
https://www.evo.co.uk/features/18232/cheap-first-c...
Surprising because I stopped reading EVO as it was six figure out of reach supercar, advert, mega car, advert, six figure etc, advert.. And so on.
I love the Puma - best steering feel and gear change of any road car I've ever driven.
But my god they rust. And if they're not rusting they're smoking.
Clio is looking like a great choice at the moment; strong mechanicals, not too rust prone, plenty of parts in supply etc.
I've partly gone off the R50 Cooper as they're a bit complicated under the skin - stupid and expensive engine mounts, weak gearbox, exhaust valves too small so they are prone to burning out, cooling system a tad fragile. And on top of that they are a bit too weighty for the power.
But my god they rust. And if they're not rusting they're smoking.
Clio is looking like a great choice at the moment; strong mechanicals, not too rust prone, plenty of parts in supply etc.
I've partly gone off the R50 Cooper as they're a bit complicated under the skin - stupid and expensive engine mounts, weak gearbox, exhaust valves too small so they are prone to burning out, cooling system a tad fragile. And on top of that they are a bit too weighty for the power.
ts. Not really looking to get in a tangle with someone and have my day ruined!Thanks everyone. I'll do a Novice day first.
These are the sorts of tools I've seen on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/ZyaHE5XmtZM
These are the sorts of tools I've seen on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/ZyaHE5XmtZM
Edited by BeirutTaxi on Wednesday 10th July 21:46
Okay thanks everyone for the replies.
Watching YouTube this evening and I've seen that marshals don't take kindly at all to drifting or bad driving! https://youtu.be/suThHKfKAx0
Watching YouTube this evening and I've seen that marshals don't take kindly at all to drifting or bad driving! https://youtu.be/suThHKfKAx0
Off topic, but how are these guys still not banned from all trackdays?!? I hope I never find myself on the same trackday!
https://youtu.be/10dC0EA2uCg
https://youtu.be/10dC0EA2uCg
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