NSX7

I almost decided to get an 04-05 S2000 for $14K but after some thought, I should only spend $9K max - less would be ideal of course

I also read that thread here on FWD/RWD which was very interesting to read

for the experienced track drivers out there, what are some MT car to start with up to $9K - and the fact that I have never been to a track before, but driven RWD cars on the street, should I start with FWD to learn on it on the track, then upgrade to RWD?

I came up with a miata or an early S2000 but the miata is way underpowered and the early S2000s may bite me on the track

Thanks

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

I would love a 300ZX as a weekend car.

TheMirror

I'm looking at that very scenario right now. What I came up with was:

1994 - 2001 Integra GSR
1994+ Miata
1999 - 2000 Civic Si
2002 - 2004 VW GTI

All are good for the street and have a solid aftermarket following for go-fast parts. Plus, all with the exception of the Miata are pretty practical too.

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

If the early AP1 S2000s are out of the question, then I would say Civics or Integras. They are pretty light and can be made to handle pretty well. You should bea ble to find an EG or EK in decent shape for much less than 9k. Then perform the minor suspension upgrades along with bolt-ons to make it track-worthy.

charliemike

AP1 S2000 /thread

Crazy Bimmer

I'd get me an E30 or E36 M3. Lots of parts available for them and you can do track days with the local BMWCCA chapter.

But really I rather have the AP1 S2k. Best way to learn its limits is ON a track.

Bilybobjef

If you can find one I highly recommend a 91-95 MR2 Turbo (ideally 93-95). I have a 92 and that car is a blast. It has its quirks and is a PITA to do almost any work on but when I'm just crusing around with the t-tops off, it almost solves any problem I have. Personally I still love the looks as well, I think it doesn't look dated. Even the interior is of decent design.

neuronbob

AP1 S2000 with moderate-high miles is in that price range. And no, it will not bite you on the track as long as you respect the car: tires that aren't bald, appropriate alignment, learn to drive it. I've owned my AP1 for almost two years now and following those rules, I've never spun out.

NSX7

I have always loved the MR2 as well - almost bought a 93 some 8 years ago - however between a S2000 and MR2, the S2000 is faster, newer, easier to work, and if I am not mistaken, a better car on the track

Bdog

I've seen the following cars early year 2000 ('00-'03) for under $9k and under 80,000 miles for sale on autotrader. I'd get a Mustang GT or 240SX, big turbo and you would have a fun street/track car.

Mustang GT (add turbo)
BMW Z3
BMW 3 series
240 SX (add turbo)

NSX7

why would rather have a S2000 over an E36 M3?

Crazy Bimmer

If its a weekend/fun car then i'd stick with the S2k.

When i had the S2k, i had a hard time finding a group that would allow me to track with them since it was a convertible. They all demanded some type of roll bar at least. Plus the S2k was a tight fit for me and the insurance rates were ridiculous.

Thats why for a track car i rather have the E36 M3.

Shoofin

Miata or Mini S...

dallison

miata focus svt or neon, but i think the srt may be more than 9k

turkeybaster115

iTrader: (1)

For a 9k daily driver/weekend track learner i'd look at:

03 Nissan 350Z- harsh suspension for daily driving
05 pontiac GTO- loads of cheap fun!
late 90's Mitsubishi 3000gt
late 90's Audi S4 biturbo V6 AWD
01-03 BMW 330I/CI
late 90's Corvette C5-Cheap, Serious fun,
03 G35 coupe

Crazy Bimmer

^ Good list. Forgot about those.

ThermonMermon

fun = tossable, tossable = light, light = cheap

go mid 90s japanese. NTE 25k sticker value.

BTW, big dogs like the 3000GT and ZX, although fast, are really not much fun to track. not to mention, you dont want to drop 9k on a highly depreciated car thats going to be abused. youll quickly be spending more $ on repairs than you did on the actual car. it wouldnt be very sane to spend 9k on a problemed 35k car, and then not expect further issues when you throw it on the track. i would cross off 3-series, G, S4, etc.

TheMirror

I'll assume the budget of $9000 wasn't noted there, because if any of those cars above were available for 9K, it would have either a salvage title or be a completely beat-up 150,000+ mile shitbox.

Except for the 3000GT of course, which was a shitbox to begin with.

turkeybaster115

iTrader: (1)

for evey car I listed on there, I'd pay 9K for one in fair-excellent condition. mileage, would be 80-120K, and at that milage, none of those cars on the list would be a "shitbox". Theres no 9k used sports coupe/sedan that you would take straight to a track, without putting money into. Pushing fluids, wheels/tires, alignment, battery, brakes, etc, all have to be looked at before you get to the track.

phee

iTrader: (5)

Ae 86

phee

iTrader: (5)

or a RWD celica

TheMirror

Autotrader lists exactly one 97-99 Corvette for $9000 or less within 500 miles of NYC, and it has the front end wiped off of it.

Don't get me wrong, there are good choices on that list, just not for bottom-feeder money.

charliemike

I still think an AP1 is probably the best option.

If not, then look at a Miata.

FWD track car when you could have RWD? FAIL ...

turkeybaster115

iTrader: (1)

Since he is in Canada, I did a quick search and found this 1998 auto trans corvette for $4,200:

http://www.autotrader.ca/used_cars_C...butes=photos,,

Good point about checking for hidden damages with any used car purchase.

TheMirror

Indeed, one suspiciously low priced early C5 in all of Ontario.

dallison

or a 97-99 boxster...... they are out there

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

integra

TheMirror

Great cars, although several reliability pitfalls to watch out for with the early cars. OP should PM me for details if interested.

SG81

iTrader: (1)

Nissan 240 w/ an SR20 swap + turbo

SG81

iTrader: (1)

ya, either the price is a misprint or something is really wrong with that car

neuronbob

Agree with all three points. Miata is another EXCELLENT choice for a tossable, high-revving little track car that you can now get for cheap. But FWD on the track when you have many RWD choices.....not a good idea.

NSX7

don't want to committ to porsche right now due to the cost of repairs - eventually though, a cayman S is definitely a must have for me

NSX7

agree with you there - I owned a 98 VR4 some time ago and it was garbage - could not stay with it for more than 6 months - there is not much choice for mid 90s japanese cars though

RX7 - too many issues - hate the turbo lag with passion
MR2 - on my list but very difficult to find a 93-95 and I don't think it's worth $9K++
NSX - would love to have that back but now is not the right time - $20K min for a decent high mileage example
300ZX - too many issues - too heavy
240SX - too slow
Miata - I am worried about the lack of power (as I have owned powerful cars in the last 7 years) especially when I get back to drive my other car (TL-S)
Supra - way too expensive and heavy as well

so far it looks like an early S2000 or 93-95 MR2

invisiblewar

older s13?? more track car but itll be cheap to work on and they look really good when done right (see that 240 build thread)

ThermonMermon

yeah, my friend had a 93 VR-4, which ive driven on occasion. You get looks for days, esp. when you could flip a switch to "wave" the spoiler and front lip. but the car is really, well, useless. its fat, heavy, and all around awkward. my friend picked it up for 17k in 2004 and the engine failed a year later. the previous owner laughed all the way to the bank.


back to topic: again, i would not stray too far above a 25k sticker. this car is supposed to be fun, not some money pit that gives you more grief than pleasure. my vote goes to miata, teg GSR, or S2k.

for those that mentioned a MR2. ha good luck finding one thats worthy of purchase! and in canada

turkeybaster115

iTrader: (1)

I didn't want to recommend the S2000 because I wasn't sure of your height. Its not for tall guys, at all. Its also very razor sharp, and unforgiving at the track, so it would be hard for you being a novice to drive it and learn with it. You tend not to see novices at the track with an S. But good luck whatever you choose.

CocheseUGA

I'm looking at a 240SX, 300ZX or a LS1 T/A for about that price.

mitch14

i don't see how you can find any good s2k in Canada for under 9k... think again

neuronbob

Now you're thinking. MR2 is a good choice too.

BTW, I looked at the thread title and FINALLY after all those posts about Canada, noted you are from Toronto. Can you find an AP1 or a 93-95 MR2 for $9k Canadian? You can for $9k US for sure.

MiataNut

This makes me think you haven't DRIVEN many Miatas. Some of the purest fun you can have is in an early base model (manual steering) example, super light weight and it does not FEEL underpowered. Let me put it this way, for over 10 years now I have had at least one Miata alongside my other more powerful vehicles (Corvette, TL, Z/28, SC400 V8, etc etc), and no matter what other vehicles I have at the time, the Miatas are ALWAYS my first choice for a spirited drive. Try out a well-maintained example and find out why