Standard or Prepared

[V8Chris]

Hi all

I have done some research and a Clio seems to be a good intro into a track day car. Now the debate is do I get a prepared car such as http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017... which has probably had a hard life. Or do I get something like http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017... which is standard but probably had a easier life.

The trade off in my head is if I get something track ready then it should be good to go but may not last as its had a hard life. Something standard may not be as fun (I dont want to spend lots of money on upgrades until I know I am going to be into this)

Advice would be appreciated

[C70R]

It's all about your budget, really. There's every chance that spending slightly more by buying a FSH, low-miler will yield a more reliable car in the long run. Although there's an argument to say that a car that has done a season or two of trackdays/sprints might have had a lot of the usual consumables replaced...

[V8Chris]

I have found this which is perfect but I am worried about the reliability of the RX8 https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/motorsport...

[loggyboy]

Ignore the possibility of a hard life - concentrate on the certainty of a good service history with good quality parts. My experience with them has been the opposite of convention - as such I would have a well serviced high miler over a 'typical/averagely' serviced lower mileage.
My current 182 has 173k and is hanging on well despite the 'abuse' i give it.
For the cost of the 182 parts VS 197, I wouldnt consider a 197 over a 182 for a track biased car. (I own both at mo).

Edited by loggyboy on Thursday 3rd August 11:00

[Chr1sch]

If i was doing it again i'd buy a car that has some choice parts (e.g. a cage) but not finished.

Building is fun but an expensive way to do it

[E-bmw]

To go some way to answering your own question, there are a few things to consider.

1. How far do you intend to go with your "preparation"? If it is just a refresh rather than full track prep then I would go low miler all day every day.

2. What is your budget? It will cost YOU more to buy low & rebuild than buy track ready.

3. What is your mechanical ability? If you can do it all yourself point 2 above is a bit more easy to stomach

[V8Chris]

Thanks guys for the responses so far. My ability to do the mechanics is limited by myself but I have friends who can help.

To be honest though the plan is to hit the track with whatever I buy with making no mods myself until after at least 1 season

[loggyboy]

V8Chris said:

Thanks guys for the responses so far. My ability to do the mechanics is limited by myself but I have friends who can help.

Good time to start/practice. The 1*2 Clios are very straight forward for basic upkeep (brakes, suspension etc) and parts prices are so cheap its makes the percentage against labour costs a really attractive way to keep the money for actual trackdays!

[Hol]

It does depend on the person, but most track-dayers I know change the oil and consumables a lot more frequently than mr average in his road going version.

[rallycross]

I have used all sorts of cars on track over the years, it depends how serious you want to take it (in which case go racing) best start off in something standard.

I have found the best compromise is to run something that can be used in standard form on track, that way you will have no problems insuring it, and keeping it standard means it can be used for other road use and it should be easy to sell on when you get bored/change plans.

I've listed one here for sale in the trackday classified road legal section, the only mods being good brake fluid,good brake pads, suitable tyres and an oil cooler (most cars have these fitted as standard anyway).