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Old 09-16-2006, 02:23 AM   #1
chimchimm5
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Default Ultimate road driving feel for under $10k?

I'm thinking about getting a beater that I can take to the track without worrying about it too much. I'm thinking with a starting point at about $10k, what kind of car would have that wonderful driving experience? Not power, but handling, balance, poise, and driving purity.

I'm guessing it'd have to be RWD only, with close to a 51/49 weight ratio, and LIGHTWEIGHT (I like the feeling of light weight). The first things that come to mind are an old Miata or a 3 series BMW coupe, or the oldest S2000 I could find.

It would still need to have a certain level of reliability and daily driving usefulness too. Extra points if it's a convertible for spouse appeal.
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Old 09-16-2006, 02:29 AM   #2
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With the criteria you have, I'd say the miata is your only real choice. Can get one for about 5K or less, and put a grand or so in mazdaspeed parts and your good to go.
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Old 09-16-2006, 02:30 AM   #3
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sounds like you want a miata or mr2(mr-s is a good choice too though probably hard to find cheap also), im not sure an old 3 series could match the "feel" of those two, s2000 if you find one that is under 10000 and it checks out then that should be your choice immediately imo.
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Old 09-16-2006, 04:37 AM   #4
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I say Miata also. I had the chance to spend the day in a 2000 Sport with a 6spd. That car is an antidepressant. Nothing really matches the feel of 2300lb RWD car. Parts are cheap (especially compared to a BMW, even older ones), and they are easy to work on. And I would trade my suby in a heartbeat for a Mazdaspeed Miata.
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Old 09-16-2006, 05:08 AM   #5
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Miatas, Mr2s, Older Porsches, all of these should be on your short list.
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Old 09-16-2006, 10:39 AM   #6
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Go with a Miata, you won't be dissappointed.
-Matt
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Old 09-16-2006, 10:48 AM   #7
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Miata would obviously be the #1 choice. I'd put a Porsche 944 next, either normally aspirated or turbo. Those cars are incredibly well balanced. If you're not completely hung up on RWD, there are some FWD cars that make great track cars as well -- Honda CRX (especially the early Si models), Dodge Neon ACR, Acura Integra (especially a real Type R if you can find an early one that cheap), and even older VW Rabbits can be pretty cool. Older BMW M3s are very nice, but probably out of your price range, but something like a 318ti hatchback might not be.
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Old 09-16-2006, 10:50 AM   #8
dancing_bear
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You live in the Bay area, early Datsun 510s and BWM 2002s are widely available.
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Old 09-16-2006, 11:52 AM   #9
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Are you looking for a bone stock car or something lightly modified?

-Biggly
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Old 09-16-2006, 11:55 AM   #10
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I'd suggest a Miata also. I was able to test drive a few... talk about fun/pure. Also, they're plentiful available, cheap, cheap to mod, reliable, and have an insanely available aftermarket.
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Old 09-16-2006, 11:57 AM   #11
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+1 for the Miata. If you plan on tracking it you'll want the extra dough.
You'll leave yourself 5K for tires + suspension + brakes + track time.
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Old 09-16-2006, 12:05 PM   #12
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SVT Focus
Miata
MR2 Spyder (mid-engine to boot!)
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Old 09-16-2006, 12:56 PM   #13
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look for an turbo MR2. Great handling with bullet proof motor. Plenty of room for upgrading but even stock its a great car...

A buddy of mine has a track MR2 96 i think. I think he paid 7200 for it. When he got it we took it to the drag strip and he ran a 14.4...Now he running low 11's and its a road course car. Its a really really really impressive machine. Holds the road like glue...
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Old 09-16-2006, 05:19 PM   #14
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Hands down! C4 Vette!!!



Track ready handling, tons of power, cheap upgrades, lightweight, great gas milage (depends on engine tranny combo), cheap insurance, good suspension geometry and able to fit giant tires under it... You can find killer bargains on these cars occasionally because no one wants them. I'm picking one up soon with the lt4 (last year made) for under $12k!!!

If you want a real track car many of the cars previously mentioned are fun but are really tough to make seriously fast. I have tracked turbo MR2's previously and had innumerable problems...
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Old 09-16-2006, 05:23 PM   #15
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944 Turbo or BMW 325is / M3. You WONT find a car that communicates so well. Those nazis knew how to engineer road feel through the wheel more than and Japanise car.
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Old 09-16-2006, 05:39 PM   #16
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You should be able to buy a track ready early '80s GTi for ~$4K and keep $2K for spares/repairs and still have enough left over for four $1K/night hookers to help out after bad days at the track. Of course it isn't RWD, but then you can't have everything.

Why can't you have everything?
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Old 09-16-2006, 06:14 PM   #17
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I'd say a bmw 2002 or an mr2.

good luck finding an s2000 for under $10k
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Old 09-16-2006, 06:44 PM   #18
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E30 M3 Ftw....
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Old 09-16-2006, 06:52 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck H View Post
I'd put a Porsche 944 next, either normally aspirated or turbo. Those cars are incredibly well balanced. If you're not completely hung up on RWD, there are some FWD cars that make great track cars as well -- Honda CRX (especially the early Si models), ....
Not mentioned yet is a 88-91 rx7 (fc3s). Turbo models typically have reliability problems, but the NA models are pretty reliable...and cheap. I picked up a '91 fc3s for a couple thousand bucks , spent $1000 on fix-up repairs, and have had no problems with it in 2 years of daily driving. The fcs3 was a cheaper competitor for the Porsche 944, and I have to say that I've never driven a stock car that handles as well as the rx7.

If you want the best NA fc3s, shoot for an '88 GTU...if memory serves, it's the lightest fc3s. Oh, and I've had 2 1990 CRX Si's...the fc3s outperforms them by far.
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Old 09-16-2006, 09:33 PM   #20
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Great suggestions! You guys have me thinking.......

Keep the suggestions coming please (and feel free to discuss the options)
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Old 09-16-2006, 09:40 PM   #21
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this thread on the SCCA forums might help you out as well, as what they're looking for in an STS contender is close to what you're looking for.

http://sccaforums.com/forums/thread/157986.aspx
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Old 09-16-2006, 10:16 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dancing_bear View Post
You live in the Bay area, early Datsun 510s and BWM 2002s are widely available.
My next car WILL be a 2 door 510.
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Old 09-16-2006, 10:18 PM   #23
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build a caterham replica
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Old 09-16-2006, 10:21 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gundoo View Post
caterham replica
We have a winner!!! You can buy fairly nice one for $10k though. No reason to spend a year building it...
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Old 09-16-2006, 10:49 PM   #25
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Another vote for the miata. I've not known one 'car' person who's had a miata and sold it to not spend every week pining over how they can acquire a different one. As much as I love our FMII NB, I did like the more go-kart likeness of the NAs for pure driving pleasure (FMII NB is great but you have to stay on top of what the car's doing at all times--it's fun if you want that but if you want a relaxing drive you don't take the NB for the most part). They seemed to have a more raw roadster feel, and the nights of carving up the twisties with the top down make me vow to own a NA again in the future.
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