The Best Track Cars For The Money

"Pramoda Ravi (Promo)" (pramoda-ravi) 10/20/2014 at 11:36 • Filed to: None

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The idea that you need a Porsche Cayman or an exotic sports car to start tracking your car is false. Here's why, because you won't ever push your car to the limit, and there are two reasons why that's a true statement.

Reason #1 – How would you feel about the running costs of an exotic sports car? Maintaining a track car is extremely expensive. If you're doing 5-6 open track days a year, you're spending $3,000 in maintenance on a "cheap" track platform (example – Mustang 302 boss). The cost of doing the same with a 911 turbo or similar would be significantly higher.

Reason #2 – The limitations of an exotic car are so much higher than a regular sports car. The difficulty level of driving a 911 turbo to its limitations are exponentially higher than say an E46 M3 which could be had for half the cost and the same level of fun.

So where does that leave someone who wants to go experience an open track day and wants to buy a reliable, cheap and fun platform for them to start off with? Here's how my list goes.

1. BMW E46 M3
330bhp from a German tuned inline 6 motor with power leading to the rear wheels. Few cars are as fast around the track for the cost of an M3. It'll teach you quite a bit about car control.

2. Ford Mustang S-197
A reliable and relatively cheap platform to go have fun in. The car has very few issues and take a look at the Boss 302, it set the benchmark for affordable muscle car based sports cars.

3. Chevy Corvette C5/6
It's a proven road race platform. Active stability control, traction control and ABS will make the car easier to drive when you first start off. The car is difficult to drive at the limit and has a tendency to snap oversteer, however it's one of the most gratifying cars to drive at the limit.

4. Honda S2000
Roadster with tons of grip. Possibly the last car from Honda's golden age. Massive aftermarket and absolutely one of the most fun cars to drive at the limit.

5. Nissan 350z
V6, RWD and cheap. Tons of fun, lots of grip and NASA has come out with a spec z race series for the car. It might be hard to find a car with this much potential for less money.

Every car on the list can be had for less than 20k, all of them are track proven and absolutely some of the most fun cars to drive on a track.

Party-vi > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 11:39

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I wish I had disposable income to buy a $12k E46 just for track use.

camaroboy68ss > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 11:42

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4th gen LS1 camaros and firebirds (98-02) are another good cheap choice. They are better handling than the same year mustang. The ls1 is fairly trouble free. The suspension is decent and not much extra money in a few well bought mods will make it handle really well.

djmt1 > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 11:45

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To start out with?

I disagree strongly.

Stuff like this makes much more sense.

Under 200 HP

FWD

Manual

Less than £1,000.

Driving on a track for the first time is quite simply fucking terrifying. You need to learn the basics of taking apexes and allowing faster cars to overtake first before jumping into a high powered car like a Corvette as you not are not only a danger to yourself but to everyone else.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 11:46

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Well, not this M3 obviously. That's a CSL.

But also - Miata? They're pretty cheap and fun too, aren't they?

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 11:46

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I've had a few Track cars.. they've mostly been FWD cars, but they are cheap and plentiful here in Europe. And they can be tons of fun..

1. VW Golf MK1 or MK2 GTi

2. Nissan Bluebird U11

3. Mitsubishi Lancer (fifth gen).

Cheap cars that only need decent tyres and a somewhat lowered suspension to compete with more "track oriented" cars. The Nissan Bluebird stands out as a rather awesome track car actually, bloody cheap, decent power with not that much weight.

Pramoda Ravi (Promo) > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut 10/20/2014 at 11:49

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Good call I just googled a picture and found a 3 series around the 'ring. Thought it was fitting for the post.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 11:51

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No Miata?!?! GASP!!!!

Pramoda Ravi (Promo) > djmt1 10/20/2014 at 11:57

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RWD vs. FWD.

Turn in points are different.

Throttle out points are different.

Mid-corner throttle variation is different.

Spin recovery is nothing alike.

But... Braking zones remain the same...

Pramoda Ravi (Promo) > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 10/20/2014 at 11:58

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An Imp can drive a Miata to the limit. Cars that are slightly challenging to drive at the limit are much more entertaining cars to own.

Sweet Trav > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 11:59

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No 98-02 F-body love? better engine, stronger transmission and slightly lighter than an S197. With a little suspension work they can be pretty nice around a track.

mcseanerson > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 11:59

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I would argue to start even cheaper. Hopefully I get to go to the Nurburgring some day and I want my first lap to be in a Suzuki Swift with a cage.

djmt1 > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:00

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What's your point?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > camaroboy68ss 10/20/2014 at 12:00

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Nope, I just got told that mustangs and camaros are "trouble filled" in my dismissed comment. Because, you know, nothing spells out "trouble free" like E46 M3.

djmt1 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 10/20/2014 at 12:03

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I was wondering why my post was suddenly at the top.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:05

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I can say the exact same thing between two different RWD cars. Where each one will want to turn in, where you can and can't give it throttle, how much you an give. all of these are relative.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:05

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I think that these are some of the worst cars to start out with. An E46 is too expensive for a toy for most people, and most of these are probably fast for someone who has never tracked before. I see sideways BMW with panicked driver going into a wall at around a hundred miles per hour. For cheap dedicated track cars for people who don't track already, they're probably better off going with a cheaper and lighter cars like an NA/NB Miata, an AW11 MR2, a CRX, or something similar. These can be picked up in decent shape for two grand, don't have driver aids, and aren't fast or heavy enough to land someone in real trouble. It's one thing to lose the back at 20 mph. If it's a driver's first time, they'll probably catch it and feel like a hero. If the back steps out on a C5, it will be at a much higher speed and will be way harder to catch.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > mcseanerson 10/20/2014 at 12:07

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Let me do his comment for him "HURR DURR FAILWHEELDUVE! NO PWER! NOT "CHALLENGING""

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Sweet Trav 10/20/2014 at 12:08

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nope, too much of a problem child in his eyes.......for whatever reason

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 10/20/2014 at 12:11

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My Mazda 3 had more lift off oversteer than the Mustang I drove. FWD vs RWD doesn't matter as much as good chassis vs bad chassis. RWD is not automatically good on track, and FWD is not automatically bad. Wait until the next tight autocross course and see how the stock Minis are doing to see what I mean.

briannutter1 > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:31

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Agreed with a lot of your car picks and Surprised to see a list where Miata isn't number one. I do have a counterpoint though. I drive a C5z and wouldn't characterize it as "snap" oversteer as in the older 911's. The problem is a lot of owners to tuck the 10.5" rear wheels under the front fenders for a squared setup. This is because of the cost savings of rotating tires front to rear; but it does put the car closer to the edge without the further advanced stability control found on a square tired Z28. Confirmed though it is an AWESOME car to drive at the track....it's limits are high and it does require self control. Older C5's with batwing oilpan more reliable than newer and easier to work on than c6's. Parts are cheap. My car is 2987 with nice interior 6 point cage and strategic parts selection. At the same time, 450whp is had for a few thousand bucks and that makes for hard braking at the end of the straights which leads to high brake consumable costs.

camaroboy68ss > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 10/20/2014 at 12:44

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lol trouble filled. I own a 98 SS and it's been one of the best cars I've ever owned. Yeah the interior is 90s GM quality but it's holding up really well. Haven't had one issue in 2.5 years of ownership. That's a little surprising because the 98s are the worst of the ls1 cars

Derpwagon > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:45

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Prepare yourself for the inevitable flood of OMG U FORGET MIATA!!!!ONEONE1 comments.

KillerBee > Party-vi 10/20/2014 at 12:46

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It would make a fine daily driver off the track, too... just sayin'...

superhappyfuntime > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:47

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I'm sure I won't be the only to ask, "Where's the Miata?" Sure it gets brought up a lot here, but if it belongs on any list it's this one.

CobraJoe > Party-vi 10/20/2014 at 12:47

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Yeah, this feels aimed toward the people with more income than me.

I don't even have the $200 to spare right now to take the weekend class to go on the track days at my local track.

Maxaxle > Party-vi 10/20/2014 at 12:48

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I wish I had disposable income to move out of my parents' metaphorical basement. Not to say that living alone would suddenly make me rich enough to buy a decent car...

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:48

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An imp can tell themself that they're at the limit in a Miata, but then you can stick a fast guy in it and shave off seconds.

WonkUnit > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:48

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The first words in this article were not MIATA. In fact, the word MIATA does not appear anywhere in this article. This is entirely confusing and now i don't know what to do with my life.

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:48

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S2000 yes please, since there are so many out there with Salvage titles it is the perfect track car.

chilled901 > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:49

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If you are starting out then you can show up with almost any car in good mechanical condition with decent tires, brakes and fresh fluids. Trucks, SUV, minivans will be banned by event organizers in most cases so those are the only exceptions.

Once you are proficient with the basics then the correct answer in this case, is indeed, a MX5 Miata.

superhappyfuntime > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:49

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You just lost all credibility.

David-inc > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:49

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1st gen Dodge Neon coupe. Surprisingly tossable, decent motor for the weight, and dirt cheap to keep running.

And when you eventually bounce off the wall, who cares it's a neon?

Edit: Seriously this list is crazy, all of these are bad cars for your first track day.

DipodomysDeserti > Party-vi 10/20/2014 at 12:50

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Straight six, manual, RWD, LSD, $1,200. Can be fixed with a hammer, and sometimes new sensors.

golfball > CobraJoe 10/20/2014 at 12:50

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Hate to say it, but driving on a track is expensive and there is no way around it. You need a decent income to afford to spend time on a track. However, you can autocross with $40 and any mechanically well sorted car.

superhappyfuntime > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2014 at 12:50

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Agreed. This list is useless and chock full of poor suggestions.

Kaizer Soze > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:52

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Can't be dissing Miata owners on this blog, you'll find an angry mob at your doorstep in no time.

Steve Zissou > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:53

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Everybody to the limit, The Cheat is to the limit!

William Byrd > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:55

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I would rank the S2000 as the twitchier "at the limit" car vs. the Corvette. The Chevy gets you in trouble with instant HP/TQ coming out of a corner. I've seen a lot of S2Ks facing the wrong way on open track and autocross courses. Get it right and it's a lot of fun though.

Solid list regardless!

Bladecutter > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:55

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I would understand not including the Miata, as you would need to add a rollcage in order to be allowed on just about any track on the planet, but where is the mention for the Mazda RX-8? The biggest expense would be oil and gas, but that would be heavily repayed with a fantastic vehicle to drive, that isn't warp speed fast, like the first three entries on your list.

MrTomuxs > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut 10/20/2014 at 12:55

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The answer is always miata.

MIKE12345678 > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:55

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am i on the wrong site? what about the miata?

bobcaramba > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:55

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I looking into giving up my 08 wrx and getting a car I can really track without fear of the engine melting on me. It is nice to see a list that doesn't subscribe to the "all hail miata" ideal, not that I have anything against the mx-5 but I do want something with more power.
I am really looking into an s2000. The power figure bugs me a little bit, I am used to 300 but in a much heavier car ( also I boost at 2700 rpm) which does worry me a little bit in terms of 6k + rpm v-tec but oh well. I do hear the s2000 is bullet proof. My issues with the m3 are mainly reliability, how do they take track days? And what do you mean by " will teach you a lot about car control"...is it forgiving?
I am a total track newbie and am not afraid to say it. I don't need to be the guy at the track with the best times, but I do want to be the one who has the most fun :)

Oh and I also want to be the guy who doesn't die. Thats right up there for me haha!

switzerr > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:56

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You forgot Miata. I am sure you have reasons for excluding it, but it should be there for the simple fact of CHEAP. My former Corvette, and my current M3 are stellar track cars, but they cost exponentially more to run in terms of fuel, tires, and brakes than my Miata. More money saved = more track time.

theshinobi01 > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:56

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Is that restricted to stock vehicles? You could maybe include the Mazda RX-7 FD3S, Nissan 240SX (any the MYRIAD of builds).

wontacceptthis > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2014 at 12:57

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This.

The title of the article as is should read "The Best Track Cars to Start Out With if You Just Retired and Have a Sweet Pension to Spend on Toys", or alternatively, "The Best Track Cars to Start Out With as a Teenager From Dubai"

jimmy-buffett > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:57

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I don't know that the power bump and slightly better handling on the S2000 is worth more than the price difference over a base Miata, and then using that money to upgrade the Miata. And I'm an S2000 owner.

But then my S isn't a beater, and that's essentially what a track car becomes. I might track/autox the S once or twice a year, but most days are spent cruising or going to Cars & Coffee. In which case, another roll-cage'd Miata doesn't get nearly the same attention.

Peptide > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:58

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I am a proponent of starting with cheap, good-handling but modestly-powered cars. I raced bikes for years, and people that started off on small, nimble bikes were always came up to speed faster than those the started off on liter-bikes. Same with cars - I started with a beater RX-7, which helped me develop braking technique and corner speed, instead of just parking it mid-corner and then blasting it.

But going directly to top-drawer hardware is an "ego thing" for some people, so as long as they're having fun, and not crashing into me, I don't care...

Sweet Trav > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 10/20/2014 at 12:58

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That's hilarious. same drive-train as a C5, and are "trouble filled"? Clearly OP doesn't know a damn thing about modern F-body's.

cwang089 > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 12:59

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i dont know. I had issues after each of my track days with my E46 M3. Mostly suspension/brake related. Also my rear subframe cracked but luckily was repaired under warranty as a good gesture even though i had 110k miles

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Sweet Trav 10/20/2014 at 12:59

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Agreed. Or about cars. Or track days.So while we're grouping people together incorrectly I will describe him thusly "Typical evo driver"

stoke > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:00

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Yeah, that's a CSL. Good luck finding one of those in America for any price whatsoever.

bwwooster > DipodomysDeserti 10/20/2014 at 13:00

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I actually did see a pit neighbor using a hammer to fix his e30 after qualifying once!

THUNDERL1PS > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:00

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Boss 302's cannot be had for less than $35K. Low mileage examples are still in the mid 40's.

ReforMatt > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:00

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I agree, even spending 20k for a track car is high for the average person who might be interested in getting on to a track. I have been looking at cars for this purpose and i am looking to spend around 5k. maybe we could do a list like this for cars in that range? i think it would be really helpful!

briannutter1 > William Byrd 10/20/2014 at 13:01

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Yes, I think the S2k and the c5's are very similar and also a bit scary for the same reason you can put a lot of tire under each. A friend of mine makes 280whp in his and can take out my not-to-shabby C5z at the autocross by 1.5 seconds. It does put the power down a bit better though..probably a function of the wheelbase

mfennell > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:03

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1. Corvette is not eligible for American Iron. That's for the Mustang.

2. This list ignores consumables. Big, heavy, powerful cars eat brakes and tires.

IMHO, the "best" track car for the money is someone else's no-longer-competitive IT car. You get all the safety gear, the engine will be close to stock (not a grenade), and it will be cheap. My friend had years of fun with an old ex-SCCA 1st Gen MR2.

Also IMHO, all out speed is highly overrated. Noone is handing out trophies at track days. Slower cars are cheaper to run, don't crash so hard, and tend to teach good habits that transfer well to faster cars.

William Byrd > briannutter1 10/20/2014 at 13:04

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That's pretty solid for an S2K to say the least. They do put in some good times, even in stock(ish) form so I can imagine that's a beast. I will say my thoughts about them being spin-machines was circa the early 2000s when they were still pretty new.

I'll take the V8 any time though.

SomeoneWhoIsntMe > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:04

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1. EG/EK

2. Miata

3. E30/E36

4. 4th gen F-body

5. fox body

FTFY

briannutter1 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2014 at 13:04

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I had a 03 bugeye that I replaced with a MS3. Nice car and enjoyed the power. I never looped it, but it did have a weird feel of rotation and that it Might break loose at even medium high speeds. Could have been an alignment issue, but I often wondered what the toe curve looked like. I ended up trading it for my c5z. Since then, we picked up a 2011 wrx and it's been pretty good for us.

titsinmymitts > CobraJoe 10/20/2014 at 13:05

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Track racing and track days are not for lower income earners.

It is what it is. Motorsport has never been touted as the poor man's sport.

Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:05

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Misconception? I've never heard of this misconception.

Sweet Trav > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 10/20/2014 at 13:05

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or how to handle contrasting opinions.

Think I've ever dismissed a comment on my WYCS articles? Nope.

Marioshi > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:06

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Sorry, all your credibility just went out the window. Maybe you should have left the "for the money" clause off. Because "for the money" nothing beats the Miata.

briannutter1 > William Byrd 10/20/2014 at 13:08

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Yep, pretty amazing little car. RLZ ported head, Skunk3 cams, Skunk header, 2.5 liter sleeved/stroker. The only thing I don't care for when driving my friends car is a lack of chassis rigidity of a hard top car. Would probably be really nice with a 6 point and proper tire size selection.

space_captain_steve > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:08

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RX-8!!! RX-8! RX-8... RX-8....... No, seriously, they're cheap and pretty much have better handling than every car on your list. But rotary engine, so insta-hate rite? SoOoOO unReLiaBle BrOoO. Yeah, no.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > djmt1 10/20/2014 at 13:09

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"FWD" - no. Unless you want to track an FWD car. But it is absolutely not better than RWD.

Chris Furlough > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:09

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Had a kid in a turbo'd NA Miata on slicks up my exhaust pipe for about 4 laps in my Atom. Also, you should run a few laps at a track in car of your choice, and then check the spec Miata time for the same track.

YouShallPassInThePassingLane > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:09

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It really does not get much more reliable, cheap, and fun than a DC2 for track days.

Pending Approval > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:10

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sweet downforce bro

Ford 999 > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 10/20/2014 at 13:12

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Considering you can buy a first Generation Miata that's already been turned into a Spec Miata perfect for racing in all sorts of classes, for the cost that the brakes and suspension work you need to put on the Mustang to make it trackworthy...

And I say that as a S197 Mustang owner and fanatic

ED9man2 > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:12

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1. Miata

2. Miata

3. Miata

etc.

Rock Bottom > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:13

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C5/C6 has snap-oversteer? I disagree. The C5 is way more skittish than the softer (more accessible) C6 and it's really not much of a handful at all on track. At least I didn't think so...

Hart88 > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:13

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Um, hello? An R53 Mini?

briannutter1 > Rock Bottom 10/20/2014 at 13:15

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The two are very similar and I do think the 2004 c5z shocks were light years beyond what the earlier cars had. Also rear toe in settles both cars out pretty well.

William Byrd > briannutter1 10/20/2014 at 13:16

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Love that the power output is done without forced induction, very cool.

CobraJoe > titsinmymitts 10/20/2014 at 13:16

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True that. However, the $200 per weekend is reasonable for a few track days a year, just not the $10,000 plus vehicle that wouldn't be insured if I wrecked it.

What us poor folk need is a list of good track day vehicles that start under $4k. That might be possible.

Jayhawk Jake > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:17

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Have you ever actually been to a track day/autocross?

There's Miata drivers that can drive them to the limit, then there's Miata drivers that can't even beat a Honda Civic. Whether or not it takes skill to drive them at their limit is irrelevant, it takes skill to drive them quickly. If you don't think a well balanced lightweight roadster is entertaining, I want some of what you're smoking because it must be fantastic.

Lolwow > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:17

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Good list of cars but definitely not the best bang for buck.

briannutter1 > William Byrd 10/20/2014 at 13:18

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True 'Nuff. more expensive that way, but no extra weight on those nose and the added torque makes the car feel like it should have come that way from the factory.

Jayhawk Jake > briannutter1 10/20/2014 at 13:18

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I just want to say yet again that I love your Corvette's interior. I know we've talked about it before.

djmt1 > Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment 10/20/2014 at 13:18

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That is debatable but it is sure as hell easier to learn to drive a FWD car fast than a RWD car.

Mmmmm > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:19

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So for a list of reliable, cheap, and fun we have: an expensive hard to work on car, 2 that can snap oversteer and get people into trouble real easy (one that has wide expensive tires), and another that needs a brake modification so it doesn't have a catastrophic failure on track.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR FIRST TRACK CAR IGNORE THIS LIST.

Bark M > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:19

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Please don't recommend that people buy S2Ks or C5s for their first track car, unless you'd like to see track days deaths increase exponentially.

Dream Theater of the Absurd > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:19

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Despite those subtle differences, the racing line is the racing line no matter what you drive.

William Byrd > briannutter1 10/20/2014 at 13:19

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Exactly, plus I feel like it'll maybe be a tad more reliable. Most FI cars that weren't originally FI cars that I know of spend 40% or more of their lives in the shop getting tuned, fixed, or both.

KirkyV > djmt1 10/20/2014 at 13:21

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Okay, I'm with you, but the 206? Ewwwww.

Rock Bottom > briannutter1 10/20/2014 at 13:21

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I guess so. They may be really tire-dependent too. I'm running some cost effective Dunlop Dirrezzas on mine. I thought the car was extremely forgiving of my ham-fistiness. I've driven lots of old Fox Mustangs in anger and thought they always found a way to surprise you in the worst way possible no matter what tires you had on them. Aaaaaaand that's where my track experience ends!

macanamera > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:21

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This is totally wrong everyone knows the best track car is a Lamborghini Veyron.

SpeedSwede > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:22

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How is the answer not "Miata"?

April_N_ > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:22

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Alternatively if "under $20k" still sounds like a lot for a toy....

daender > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:22

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It's a proven road race platform. Take a look at American Iron race series. Active stability control, traction control and ABS will make the car easier to drive when you first start off. The car is difficult to drive at the limit and has a tendency to snap oversteer, however it's one of the most gratifying cars to drive at the limit.

You turn active traction control (brake-based instead of engine/fuel/spark-based) off unless you want to crack those slotted/drilled rotors. I had a friend with a C5 Z06 who did that after forgetting to turn it off while running those rotors. It might not have happened with blanks but still not a happy experience for him.

Dream Theater of the Absurd > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:22

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Ever drive a bone-stock Miata, particularly an early ('90-93) one? You'd be surprised how tricky it is to drive at the limit.

G/O Sucks > Party-vi 10/20/2014 at 13:23

38

A $12k E46 with a $15k motor and a well-known predilection for requiring fixes, all of which start at $1500... This list is crap for anyone of mortal means. It provides no useful information and assumes that the purchase price is what you spend, which is nonsense.

This is why the grassroots motorsports community invented the term "the answer is always Miata."

KirkyV > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2014 at 13:23

5

Woo FWD oversteer!

ravichandran > Pramoda Ravi (Promo) 10/20/2014 at 13:23

18

While you point behind not going and getting expensive car for track is right, some of your suggestions are pretty bad. To start off, get a E36 M3 and not E46 M3 for a track car (coming from a E46 owner). The parts are cheaper and the car is easier to fix than the E46. Also you have to learn good driving habits on track and its generally a good idea to start with lower** powered cars. Another great car to start off is the Miata for well documented reasons and so is the E30 chassis.
Corvette and Mustang ? Really ? They are going to be expensive for you in terms of tires and brakes. Start off light so that its easy to make mistakes and get away with and also the cheap consumables over the course of a season
There is reason racers on SCCA , NASA forums recommend the miata, E36 M3 , E30, S2000. DO NOT start with heavy cars with lots of power.

djmt1 > KirkyV 10/20/2014 at 13:24

0

I thought I would pick something disposable and they don't come more disposable than the plentiful £350 206 GTI.

titsinmymitts > CobraJoe 10/20/2014 at 13:24

0

It's basically Miata and Fox Body Mustangs.

I think this article was supposed to be more like a "best value track car" article.

Pramoda Ravi (Promo) > Dream Theater of the Absurd 10/20/2014 at 13:24

1

I have.

Now I have a full aero EVO with 4x the power of a Miata.

The EVO is faster and more fun

fredzy > Party-vi 10/20/2014 at 13:25

2

Yea, seeing how things went with the E30 I get this nervous feeling knowing that the E46 is going full-bore cult favorite. Clean examples are getting rarer by the day, and they'll eventually start to get more valuable in time. The E46 M3 was my dream car, and when the time was right in my life I made the big mistake of choosing new (350Z) over used (E46 M3.) I will always regret that. That window promptly closed and probably won't be open for another 15 years.

ravichandran > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2014 at 13:26

2

Completely agree with you on this !
If you want any BMW for the track it has to be the E30 or for a little more power , the E36 M3 or 328i