what to buy? trackable car

[D__]

Want to deal my EVO and pick up something rear wheel drive with almost no computers or even abs. Something sporty that I can track with and have fun.

I was thinking MR2 but that's rare to find and old. MX-5 comes to mind but not interested in a convertible.

Suggestions?

[leftwing]

Good 'ol Foxbody Mustang is the first car that comes to mind. 5.0 V8.

[DeleriousZ]

buy an older turbo 300zx :)

[A790]

Originally posted by leftwing
Good 'ol Foxbody Mustang is the first car that comes to mind. 5.0 V8.
This is the best kind of vehicle to get so long as the track is always straight :)

[BrknFngrs]

S2000 with a hardtop would be my pick for sure

[guessboi]

or go one up on the S2000 and get a Lotus Exige if you can find one. :D

[J.M.]

There's a couple LHD MR2's on kijiji:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/1991-toyota-mr2-turbo-left-hand-drive-convertible/1002449975?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/1991-toyota-mr2-coupe/605063522?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

I would go with S2000 though lol

What's your budget?

[MGCM]

if u can handle RHD, 180sx, R32 skylines. Theres a stock GTR R32 in Edmonton, rare, unmolested, and decently priced, tho it is AWD u can convert it to RWD by pulling a fuse. 350Z's have come down in price, MR2's are a great track car too, tho harder to work on. CS Edition Mustang?

A great way to see a variety of trackable cars is to attend an auto-x event in Red Deer or Fort Mcleod. Most drivers are happy to give ride alongs too:thumbsup:

[A790]

Originally posted by J.M.
There's a couple LHD MR2's on kijiji:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/1991-toyota-mr2-turbo-left-hand-drive-convertible/1002449975?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/1991-toyota-mr2-coupe/605063522?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

I would go with S2000 though lol

What's your budget?
I love MR2's, but today, you have to be crazy to buy one because people want insane money for them.

That red one you linked... I saw that in early/mid April. It ran okay, but the dash is seriously warped. It also needed paint work and rust removal. For $8,200? I don't think so.

Or the white one, which isn't currently drivable, for $10k? LOL.

[J.M.]

Originally posted by A790

I love MR2's, but today, you have to be crazy to buy one because people want insane money for them.

That red one you linked... I saw that in early/mid April. It ran okay, but the dash is seriously warped. It also needed paint work and rust removal. For $8,200? I don't think so.

Or the white one, which isn't currently drivable, for $10k? LOL.

Ya haha I know what you mean

LHD MR2's are pretty rare to come across in good condition today.

[Joe-G]

FRS/BRZ. It's what it was intended for!

[xnvy]

I know you said not interested in a convertible but for a $/fun ratio, the MX-5 can't be beat. It would need a ~$1,000 roll bar before being tracked though unless you purchase a 2006 or newer.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by xnvy
I know you said not interested in a convertible but for a $/fun ratio, the MX-5 can't be beat. It would need a ~$1,000 roll bar before being tracked though unless you purchase a 2006 or newer.

Hard dog roll bars for the MX-5 start at $350US and will fit under a hard top.

I need one and lower seats for my Miata before next year.

[killramos]

Lotus Elise / Exige?

Cant get a more analogue track car than that.

[mr2mike]

Let me know if you pick up an MR2.
Pretty easy to find a few around or bring one in from the USA.

Consider an N/A too can be really cheap. Not too hard to swap motor over (with motor,tranny and swap in and around $3K with all maintainence done before motor install) and then just find larger brakes which would cost you around $400 to get a good set of the coveted 94 brakes.
N/A's won't have a stock boost gauge but using that with a boost controller is asking for problems

[slinkie]

AW11 :burnout:

[D__]

Ok 20 thousand at the most. However that BRZ whatever it is sounds good but I would never buy a Subaru. Get outta here with that Porsche or Lotus comments.

I dont want to go too old which eliminates anything good by Nissan (not interested with a 350/370z and GTR is way out of budget range). I would like an old 180 or 240 though.

S2000 is a good choice - Johnny Tran style lol.

The more I ponder the more I lean towards the Mazda.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[FraserB]

Originally posted by Joe-G
FRS/BRZ. It's what it was intended for!

I'm seriously looking at these for my next car instead of going with an offroad monster. Any experience with them?

[SkiBum5.0]

Originally posted by A790

This is the best kind of vehicle to get so long as the track is always straight :)

I'll have one done soon that will change your mind :)

[carson blocks]

I could be biased, but ~$20k can grab you a used C5 Corvette Z06. Yeah it's domestic and the fit and finish leaves some to be desired, but I just don't think you'll find more bang for the buck anywhere. Stock, it's a 405hp cornering monster with 50/50 weight distribution and it's cheap to buy, mod, and fix.

[Canmorite]

I've thought about an S2000 as a track car many times. That'd be my first choice if I sold the STi.

[mr2mike]

That lotus is nice but repair costs would mount.

The Nissan would be good. Find a broken motor one and go to work.

With even a $15K budget, if you do your own wrenching, a 240, 180, mr2 would be a beast.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

You are welcome to come take my S/C Miata and BRZ for a rip back to back and see how they feel. The BRZ is set up for auto x and the Miata is more of a fun toy not built for anything specific right now other than having fun.

[T-Dubbs]

How about an e30?

[D__]

I would love an E30 but aftermarket or replacement would be expensive.

I dont listen to Whites naked enough to go Mustang Lol.

I am looking for something common enough to find parts for so Lotus is out. Porsche 944 is a possibility but getting pricey.

[xnvy]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


Hard dog roll bars for the MX-5 start at $350US and will fit under a hard top.

I need one and lower seats for my Miata before next year. Yeah for the sport bar. You definitely want the hardcore hardtops which start at $450. And shipping is bitch. I got quoted $400 by ZerekFab for a roll bar. Figured I'll wait until the tracks are built and awaiting to open.

KazeSpec seat rails and Garagestar seat rails are your friends!

[faiz999]

Originally posted by carson blocks
I could be biased, but ~$20k can grab you a used C5 Corvette Z06. Yeah it's domestic and the fit and finish leaves some to be desired, but I just don't think you'll find more bang for the buck anywhere. Stock, it's a 405hp cornering monster with 50/50 weight distribution and it's cheap to buy, mod, and fix.

i actually think this is the best choice. u can grab some c5s online for 16k US, in good condition, modless.

miata would be my 2nd choice, but its hard to find a really cheap one, as i was looking quite recently.

[G-ZUS]

Originally posted by T-Dubbs
How about an e30?

:drool:

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by faiz999


i actually think this is the best choice. u can grab some c5s online for 16k US, in good condition, modless.

miata would be my 2nd choice, but its hard to find a really cheap one, as i was looking quite recently.

Define cheap for a Miata.

[brucebanner]

Originally posted by SkiBum5.0


I'll have one done soon that will change your mind :)

And if you figured you'd like to sell, I'd like to know. :angel:

[DeleriousZ]

Originally posted by faiz999


i actually think this is the best choice. u can grab some c5s online for 16k US, in good condition, modless.

miata would be my 2nd choice, but its hard to find a really cheap one, as i was looking quite recently. .

The mx-5's tend to sky rocket in price around summer time, it's best to try and find them during the winter. That being said they are still pretty pricey for what they are.

[faiz999]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


Define cheap for a Miata.

i'd say for a 91, i wouldnt wanna pay anything above 4 G, especially if it needs work. last i was looking, there were a ton of 91s, for above 4000, usually near 4500 if i recall correctly, and anything newer was in 8kish range, for good quality, low mileage.

i just searched right now and the cheapest is a JDM mx-5 at 3800, but auto....which i figure wouldnt be as much fun.

[pheoxs]

Originally posted by FraserB


I'm seriously looking at these for my next car instead of going with an offroad monster. Any experience with them?

I miss my frs everyday. They're definitely lacking in power but they are so much fun on a track because you can actually push the car.

I'd happily buy one when the prices come down. There's actually a FR-S on kijiji right now for 20k$.

Hoping another year or two they get down to the 10-15 range

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by faiz999


i'd say for a 91, i wouldnt wanna pay anything above 4 G, especially if it needs work. last i was looking, there were a ton of 91s, for above 4000, usually near 4500 if i recall correctly, and anything newer was in 8kish range, for good quality, low mileage.

i just searched right now and the cheapest is a JDM mx-5 at 3800, but auto....which i figure wouldnt be as much fun.

I paid $5k for my 1992 with 136000km a couple weeks ago. Including jackson racing supercharged with big boost kit, BIPES ACU, aem wideband and boost guage, koni yellow shocks, lowering springs, slotted rotors, aftermarket pads, 949 6ULs with 205/50/15 Direzza Z1s, and various other parts to complete the build. Body is rust free but paint is faded and now has hail dents sadly.

I thought it was a good deal.

[sneek]

Originally posted by faiz999


i'd say for a 91, i wouldnt wanna pay anything above 4 G, especially if it needs work. last i was looking, there were a ton of 91s, for above 4000, usually near 4500 if i recall correctly, and anything newer was in 8kish range, for good quality, low mileage.

i just searched right now and the cheapest is a JDM mx-5 at 3800, but auto....which i figure wouldnt be as much fun.

I found a 93 with a hardtop but they were asking 5500 which is a bit pricey in my mind considering the age of the car. It was well maintained but age comes to play with all the rubber bits.

[xnvy]

Originally posted by faiz999


i'd say for a 91, i wouldnt wanna pay anything above 4 G, especially if it needs work. last i was looking, there were a ton of 91s, for above 4000, usually near 4500 if i recall correctly, and anything newer was in 8kish range, for good quality, low mileage.

i just searched right now and the cheapest is a JDM mx-5 at 3800, but auto....which i figure wouldnt be as much fun. For a good quality and rust-free 1991, $4k actually seems very fair. This isn't California where these cars are ubiquitous. Even there, finding a clean 1991 will run you a similar price. $8k seems fair if it's a 1999-2003 or newer with less than 100,000 km. ~$10k for a 2004-2005. I don't know what the market is like on NC's. The JDM one is a rip-off though. Also, don't buy an auto with the plan to convert to manual. Just buy the manual. The swap is pretty extensive.

EDIT: Hardtops are usually $700+. I think they're $1,100 from Mazda.

Twin Cam, that's a pretty good deal. Sad you let it get hailed on :cry:

[E46..sTyLez]

I'm not a fan of domestic, but I think that C5 Z06 is the best suggestion so far...so much performance for $20k

[msommers]

Have to agree. That bang for buck is hard to beat, parts are cheap and readily available.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by xnvy
For a good quality and rust-free 1991, $4k actually seems very fair. This isn't California where these cars are ubiquitous. Even there, finding a clean 1991 will run you a similar price. $8k seems fair if it's a 1999-2003 or newer with less than 100,000 km. ~$10k for a 2004-2005. I don't know what the market is like on NC's. The JDM one is a rip-off though. Also, don't buy an auto with the plan to convert to manual. Just buy the manual. The swap is pretty extensive.

EDIT: Hardtops are usually $700+. I think they're $1,100 from Mazda.

Twin Cam, that's a pretty good deal. Sad you let it get hailed on :cry:

Not my fault, I was out of town. Better the Miata than the BRZ.

[SkiBum5.0]

Originally posted by bruceod


And if you figured you'd like to sell, I'd like to know. :angel:

The hoops I've been jumping through to get this done, I might never sell it. This car was supposed to be done by June 1. You never know though so I'll keep it in mind.

[Joe-G]

Originally posted by FraserB


I'm seriously looking at these for my next car instead of going with an offroad monster. Any experience with them?

I have one, and I like it! As mentioned earlier, it is a bit under powered in a straight line. But, it's sure as hell fun to drive.

It's one of those cars that you can push, and is very forgiving. IIRC, there's a review comparing the FRS/BRZ/GT86 to a Cayman? on the track... It sure doesn't perform like a Cayman, but you could tell they really enjoyed plowing the car through the corners.

I'd look up the video, but youtube is blocked at work :(.

I'd consider taking a look at it. Seems they can be had for in the $20k + region used.

[DeleriousZ]

Originally posted by Joe-G
I'd look up the video, but youtube is blocked at work :(.


Does it work if you use an HTTPS: instead of http? lol

[Joe-G]

No :(

Using google, it might be one of these videos. Can't open the link though, so I can't confirm lol

aI-WkHBUFN4

JUhLXvxlQR4

[azian.advanced]

I own an FRS too and I agree with the statements above.
It's a great platform to build off of for tracking like low COG, lightweight, and great chassis... and it leaves a lot of room for future improvements.
Only thing is it becomes more of a money pit so on the financial side of things, it's a bit much.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I still think Miata>FRS/BRZ/GT86 for a track car. I've totally lost interest in my BRZ since I got my Miata.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[FraserB]

Hmmm, I might have to hit up the Scion dealer when I'm back in town.

There is a dealer down south by the Deerfoot Casino right?

[D__]

That's a Toyota i thought

[Joe-G]

Originally posted by FraserB
Hmmm, I might have to hit up the Scion dealer when I'm back in town.

There is a dealer down south by the Deerfoot Casino right?


Originally posted by D__
That's a Toyota i thought

Most Toyota dealers are Scion dealers as well.

The one in the south is South Pointe Toyota Scion.

AFAIK, you could also go see mboldt @ Stampede Toyota

[Darkane]

Originally posted by FraserB
Hmmm, I might have to hit up the Scion dealer when I'm back in town.

There is a dealer down south by the Deerfoot Casino right?

Yep. I may go Myself.

The 2014's are looking really attractive right now.

$2000 Factory cash back
$1000 Cash back if you've graduated in the last 4 years

$26540 Invoice right now, add 3% for them (or Less)

= 25,703.01 Out the Door with 3% profit.

I bet someone can do 25,000 out the door, maybe $24,000 on a new 2013? They're still hanging around town too.

[SkiBum5.0]

If the Subaru twin is okay I know Centaur has a new 2013 in silver that might be real cheap - was in there test driving the STi and saw it.

[pheoxs]

There's one for sale on kijiji for 20k right now, hopefully they'll comedown a bunch when the snow falls

[FraserB]

Originally posted by Darkane


Yep. I may go Myself.

The 2014's are looking really attractive right now.

$2000 Factory cash back
$1000 Cash back if you've graduated in the last 4 years

$26540 Invoice right now, add 3% for them (or Less)

= 25,703.01 Out the Door with 3% profit.

I bet someone can do 25,000 out the door, maybe $24,000 on a new 2013? They're still hanging around town too.

That's quite the price.

Just sucks that I've been reading all this stuff about the Tesla, I'm going to have to wait until that hits the lot before I choose I think.

[ercchry]

Originally posted by FraserB


That's quite the price.

Just sucks that I've been reading all this stuff about the Tesla, I'm going to have to wait until that hits the lot before I choose I think.

the 2017 tesla? :rofl:

could have used and abused an fr-s and sold it easily by then :poosie:

[FraserB]

Originally posted by ercchry


the 2017 tesla? :rofl:

could have used and abused an fr-s and sold it easily by then :poosie:

I'm working until Q1 2016, so it's pointless to buy a new car now.

[dirtsniffer]

Older m roadster or coupe

[Pollywog]

Go for a miata. Was able to build mine for cheap, and there is nothing quite like driving a 2100lbs 50/50 weighted street-legal gokart.


http://imgur.com/5k0d6qw.jpg

[D__]

That is what i am thinking. Weighs the same abouts as a 65 Mustang but without the 270 hp.

[soloracer]

Get a new Fiesta ST. Amazing car for the price.

[D__]

Meh. RWD.

[chrenan]

Porsche 944 is a possibility but getting pricey.

I've had a 944 Turbo as a track car since 2007, let me know if you have any specific questions. I've used it for time attack, lapping and autocross and it really is a fun platform. I can't stress that enough, fun. This should be a major consideration with a track car or you will get bored quickly. If you are going to race, the answer is easy, get a spec miata and go racing, that's the biggest class in Alberta, plenty of cars to go wheel-to-wheel with.

A track car is more tricky - my requirements are entertaining, cheap related to your disposable income and easy to work on related to your mechanical skill. First year of the 944 Turbo had no ABS. I know you mentioned that, but honestly I love my ABS. Could you shave a few 10ths off a lap time with no ABS? If you're good, probably. However, with ABS you're less likely to flat spot a tire, which helps the "cheap" thing when it comes to tire budget ;). I'll pass on traction control, stability control, power steering, and all that stuff as I think they impact the #1 consideration of entertainment too much, but ABS I like.

Is a 944 Turbo fast? Not by modern standards at the power level I have mine at (reliability is more important to me). Is it quick enough to be entertaining? Yes. Further to that, it's not just speed that equals fun, other factors play a huge role, how controllable is the car, can you steer it with the throttle, is it happy being both thrown around or driven sedately, does it punish you when you play with trail braking or come off the throttle mid-corner? Basically, is it a good dance partner that you're going to want to return to over and over? You're not racing other cars on track, so you need to find enough fun by yourself, whether you're chasing a lap time or not.

Also, don't discount how the power is delivered when thinking about fun. The 944 Turbo is an 80s turbo car. I chuckle when people mention turbo lag on a new car. I'm sure most have no clue. 944 Turbo = nothing, nothing, nothing, 3000rpm BOOOOOOOOST! However, this light switch boost characteristic is hilarious fun. You lose so much momentum if you fall off boost you realize pretty soon that you're going to need to develop another skill - boost management (which may require left foot braking to really overcome).

Anyway, that's my essay, good luck with the search.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E3sjZn3legM/UBwOHlM1f9I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/vjR3alf0xyc/s1024/chrenan2.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sAzsiAIIsxU/UZV8eU0NhPI/AAAAAAAAA-s/c1s3d1bE8N0/s1024/IMG_1281_zpsa7d959c0.jpg

[Sugarphreak]

...

[ercchry]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak


A few weeks ago I would have laughed at this comment.... but after test driving one, holy crap is it ever a trackable car. It really hits every number... power, handeling, already has Recaro seats in it, fantastic sounding exhuast.

Looking at some of the Youtube reviews, very well know journalists and reviewers are taking these out onto the track and just being utterly shocked at how good they are.

I've watched two unbiased reviews where they pit this against the BRZ on the track... in both cases the Fiesta ST edges them out for raw lap time; in one review they still say they prefer the BRZ, in the other review they lean towards the Fiesta ST.


....that and I literally did this when I got back from the test drive;

http://finalciak.com/wp-content/uploads/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpeg

...so.... new green turd in the garage? :rofl:

[Sugarphreak]

...

[ercchry]

so just in time to... sit in the garage all winter :rofl:

[r3ccOs]

JDM 2nd gen FC RX7 turbo?

I hear their're very good to drive, much like a 944, yet parts availability and service is significantly better.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[msommers]

Wow! Nice impulse buy!!!

[Cody D]

A JDM Evo could be a fun car, I know it's not RWD but you can get them for cheap and there is no limit to the parts you can find to make them fast.

[silviak91]

Celica Supra