Track day car??

[MarkB]

Been thinking... I fancy getting a car thats great for track days but doesn't cost the earth to run.

First thought was an Elise, BUT. I also want 4 seats. The rear seats don't need to be big but need to seat 2 under tens.

Not sure if I want RWD or FWD but do want it to be a hoot to drive. I realise posting on here I'm going to get loads saying the S4 and RS4's make great track cars but for track use I think they cost too much. I'm thinking smaller and lighter. Maybe even a classic? I've got a 2 door Morris Minor in the garage at home that could be built for this but don't see it as being a good starting point.

Don't really like french or italian cars so that limits things also.

Maybe something Nissan or Toyota?? Know nothing about them though! Could stay VAG with a golf but the jap cars might be cheaper?

Any ideas?

Thanks

[Ads4]

An E36 M3 I think would make an ideal usable track day car-rear drive and responsive. Or a FWD Honda Integra for a different experience. Both a hoot to drive quickly!

[Jarv]

What about the Golf? You could then play with the Audi's at the VW Audi track day at Castle Combe. There were some seriously quick Golfs there last year.

[MarkB]

Or maybe even an E30 BMW. Cheap as chips these days. I see the M3 as been about the same cost to run as the S4. I was thinking more Nova size cars. Not that i'd buy a Nova. Yuk!

[oliew]

my mercedes cosworth is so much fun to drive on track, RWD + LSD too

[MarkB]

What about the Golf? You could then play with the Audi's at the VW Audi track day at Castle Combe. There were some seriously quick Golfs there last year.

I hope to get out on track with the S4 at Castle Combe later this year.

I think MK2 Golf could be the answer. Wife often says she only wants a small car. Let her use it during the week Finding it hard to move away from VAG.

[Ads4]

How about a Seat Leon Cupra? The original 1.8T 20V 180bhp is pretty cheap, VAG parts, and a turbo. They can be chipped to 220bhp (my wife drives my old one!!)...as quick as a Type R.

[harperboy]

What about a mini cooper S JCW (John Cooper Works). I think they're about 220bhp. I've got a new mini and they are great fun to drive, they're like go-karts even with FWD, very responsive and with 220bhp you should have that grunt to keep up with the big boys. Supercharger would be a nice change to the turbo also. Not too much to get one second hand, can fit the kids in the back, sound pretty tasty and maintence is pretty low.

[MarkB]

I don't know now... maybe run the S4. If I bend it buy something cheaper, if I don't then I just keep using the S4

[Ads4]

I don't know now... maybe run the S4. If I bend it buy something cheaper, if I don't then I just keep using the S4

Perfect!! Mine should be paid for in another year (or so ) and I like to think I'll go back to a company car rather than an allowance again, keeping the S4 for track days etc. Bit of a project car for the track, seats out, roll cage....

[Jarv]

I don't know now... maybe run the S4. If I bend it buy something cheaper, if I don't then I just keep using the S4

Perfect!! Mine should be paid for in another year (or so ) and I like to think I'll go back to a company car rather than an allowance again, keeping the S4 for track days etc. Bit of a project car for the track, seats out, roll cage....

Why not snap up Grizz's wide body kit then, stick it away for a rainy day. That'd be my track day weapon, a wide bodied S4 / RS4 conversion Dialynx style.

[MarkB]

I don't know now... maybe run the S4. If I bend it buy something cheaper, if I don't then I just keep using the S4

Perfect!! Mine should be paid for in another year (or so ) and I like to think I'll go back to a company car rather than an allowance again, keeping the S4 for track days etc. Bit of a project car for the track, seats out, roll cage....

Why not snap up Grizz's wide body kit then, stick it away for a rainy day. That'd be my track day weapon, a wide bodied S4 / RS4 conversion Dialynx style.

I would love to but have decided to invest money elsewhere for the time being. Maybe in the future...

[MarkB]

I don't know now... maybe run the S4. If I bend it buy something cheaper, if I don't then I just keep using the S4

Perfect!! Mine should be paid for in another year (or so ) and I like to think I'll go back to a company car rather than an allowance again, keeping the S4 for track days etc. Bit of a project car for the track, seats out, roll cage....

What it boils down to is that I don't like having too many cars. Each time I think about a track or fun car it turns into something that sits in the garage for months on end. I don't plan to do many track days so like I said. Just use the S4 and hope nothing major breaks or gets bent.

[viperbl]

If you can stretch to it, get a caterham ... I know it does not have 4 seats, and not the most practical car around but I love mine and for track use, it’s the perfect tool, in fact, it’s the only real tool if you don't want to kill your car.

I can do tones of laps in the caterham, until I need some water or a piss normally, by the time I have done one cooling down lap most things are back to a nice temp...

As for using on the road, well, loads of fun and mine has the leather seats so it’s actually very comfy!!!!

Also, the best part, it does not drop in value like a lead balloon ... I hope to get most of my money back (as long as it’s well maintained, and this does not cost much to do either!!) when I come to upgrade...

I would not consider anything else for track days … really … I mean, I have by no means the fastest caterham, but it blows away most cars on the track!! Easy!

[MarkB]

Agree with all you say above. I just don't like them, not sure why.