track car/daily... what are the options?

[W211]

Hi All,

In the new year, I will be on the lookout for a car that can "do it all"...

1) needs to have minimum 4 seats so I can pick my kids up from school in it.
2) fun to drive
3) needs to be OK on track... don't mind upgrading brakes and chassis. Cheaper consumables would be a bonus
4) needs to have reasonable motorway manners
5) budget £4 or 5k. Plus a bit more for mods.
6) don't mind doing a bit of work but don't really want a basket case...

So far I've been thinking about maybe a TT or some sort of BMW. A hatchback would also be fine...

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance...

[C70R]

W211 said:

Hi All,

In the new year, I will be on the lookout for a car that can "do it all"...

1) needs to have minimum 4 seats so I can pick my kids up from school in it.
2) fun to drive
3) needs to be OK on track... don't mind upgrading brakes and chassis. Cheaper consumables would be a bonus
4) needs to have reasonable motorway manners
5) budget £4 or 5k. Plus a bit more for mods.
6) don't mind doing a bit of work but don't really want a basket case...

So far I've been thinking about maybe a TT or some sort of BMW. A hatchback would also be fine...

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance...

Honestly, your best bet at that budget level is a hot hatch of some description. However, you're going to need to make compromises if it's going to be a functional school-run and track car.

• For example, is it OK to run track-specific pads which don't bite well when they are cold? Or track-specific tyres which don't grip terribly well in the cold/wet?
• Would you want to run a fixed bucket and harness, meaning that you impede rear seat access?
• Would you be happy bouncing your kids around through potholes and speedbumps on coilovers?
• Can you afford to be without the car if you bend it or blow it up on track?

Mazda3 MPS?
Impreza WRX Wagon?
Golf GTi?
Focus ST?
Megane 225?

[bangerhoarder]

Puma! Massive upgrade budget then. You may even be able to turbo it for that, but no FRPs in budget now. Can easily fit four in one - back seats aren't bad.

[W211]

Cheers guys,

Fully understand that it will involve compromises...

I have another dad-wagon type car for when bad weather/luggage means the track car is a no go, so it can be fairly raw.

Had never considered a Puma so that's going on the list!

[Wingo]

C70R said:

Honestly, your best bet at that budget level is a hot hatch of some description. However, you're going to need to make compromises if it's going to be a functional school-run and track car.

• For example, is it OK to run track-specific pads which don't bite well when they are cold? Or track-specific tyres which don't grip terribly well in the cold/wet?
• Would you want to run a fixed bucket and harness, meaning that you impede rear seat access?
• Would you be happy bouncing your kids around through potholes and speedbumps on coilovers?
• Can you afford to be without the car if you bend it or blow it up on track?

Mazda3 MPS?
Impreza WRX Wagon?
Golf GTi?
Focus ST?
Megane 225?

Some good calls there car wise and some good questions you need to ask yourself about the road/track compromises.

Brake wise if you are not doing a track day every couple of weeks I'd swap out your track day pads when running about on the road. Save them for track use, that will save a bit of disc wear as well.

I'd also suggest a second set of wheels and tyres, save the track tyres for the track. Maybe even load up the day to day road tyres and take them with you. That way if you wear the trackday tyres out you still have something road legal to get home on.

As another couple of suggestions I'd add Honda Civic type r and Ford Fiesta ST to the list.

Wingo.

[foggy]

Sounds like a Megane of some sort will fit the bill ideally.

[Wingo]

Just realised that a leggy BMW 1 series 3.0 is just about within budget if you want to go Right Wheel Drive.

Doesn't leave much if anything more for any upgrades but maybe 265BHP and RWD trumps a FWD hatch.

It could go either way, money pit or inspired choice?

Wingo.

[HustleRussell]

Two cars every time. The two extremes of your intended use are completely at odds with one another. You want a lightweight track car which is also a safe kiddie wagon?

People get hung up on getting something quick for the track. More important is that it's lightweight and easily repairable / replaceable (disposable).

[W211]

Not much love for the TT at that budget then?

How about a Clio? If so, which one at that money?

I hear very good things about all gens of Fiesta ST... I presume they are a very good steer...

[bangerhoarder]

I have a TT alongside the Puma. The TT is fast and a nice place to be, but I wouldn't track it - it's heavy, complex, the handling is okay but not nimble, the brakes would need to be heavily upgraded, etc. Also, the rear seats are only good enough for little-uns, and often the front seats will nearly touch the rear seat base. It can be made into a great track car as many have done, but it's a lot of work and money potentially.

[redandwhite]

W211 said:

Not much love for the TT at that budget then?

How about a Clio? If so, which one at that money?

I hear very good things about all gens of Fiesta ST... I presume they are a very good steer...

Had 3 RenaultSport Clios the 172/182 and 197/200 are all in budget and very capable cars out of the box (Mk3 197/200 better handling, slightly slower)

Corsa VXR is also worth consideration, having driven one, the handling is on par with the Mk3 Clios

Edited by redandwhite on Friday 23 November 13:14

[MrC986]

You can get yourself a decent manual 325ti Compact within your budget....it isn't all about bhp on track days and you'd have a decent amount left for tyres/brakes/suspension if you're looking for a RWD.

[Wingo]

HustleRussell said:

Two cars every time. The two extremes of your intended use are completely at odds with one another. You want a lightweight track car which is also a safe kiddie wagon?

People get hung up on getting something quick for the track. More important is that it's lightweight and easily repairable / replaceable (disposable).

Agree with that if you are doing a significant number of track days but for 3 or maybe 4 days a year a compromise do it all car is an option that can make sense for some.

I have quite a few mates who do just a few days in a "school run car" it works fine for them. They still have fun without breaking the bank or getting themselves into a world of pain which is what it's all about.

A dedicated track only toy is not always an option that can get past the self appointed "fleet manager and/or finance director" at one's place of residence.

School run car that just happens to do the odd track day is an easier pitch than track weapon that only goes out on jolly boy outings.

The shool run car might appear to go through pads and tyres at a alarming rate but what do you expect when there is all that stop start traffic as you engage in the school run grand prix

Wingo.

[330ti]

MrC986 said:

You can get yourself a decent manual 325ti Compact within your budget....it isn't all about bhp on track days and you'd have a decent amount left for tyres/brakes/suspension if you're looking for a RWD.

What he said ^

[W211]

HustleRussell said:

Two cars every time. The two extremes of your intended use are completely at odds with one another. You want a lightweight track car which is also a safe kiddie wagon?

People get hung up on getting something quick for the track. More important is that it's lightweight and easily repairable / replaceable (disposable).

I hear what you're saying. In years gone by I've done the TVR/Caterham/Elise thing and loved them to bits.

Nowadays I just cant justify the cost of a pure track machine, so I'm looking for a compromise. I will probably squeeze in 4 track days a year and dont want something utterly track focussed just for those 4 days.

So I'm looking for a compromise. A Golf GTI or similar should be plenty safe enough for the school run, but should just about have enough grin factor for back roads and the high days when I get to go and have a play on a track...

[redandwhite]

If its a one size fits all car - just don't crash/break it on the trackday, its got to be back to daily duties on a Monday.

I have a 'track car' in all honesty for the use it gets, its sitting there costing £100+ per month, the financial side of me knows it makes no sense, however good to know I am not going to break the dad wagon and I can still do what I need work/family wise.

Long term - I probably wont keep it due to cost, but for the time being I am enjoying having the option, and know that if I ever get rid and go back to 1 car I am VERY unlikely to be able to justify another 2nd car with the OH.

[redandwhite]

If its a one size fits all car - just don't crash/break it on the trackday, its got to be back to daily duties on a Monday.

I have a 'track car' in all honesty for the use it gets, its sitting there costing £100+ per month, the financial side of me knows it makes no sense, however good to know I am not going to break the dad wagon and I can still do what I need work/family wise.

Long term - I probably wont keep it due to cost, but for the time being I am enjoying having the option, and know that if I ever get rid and go back to 1 car I am VERY unlikely to be able to justify another 2nd car with the OH.

[W211]

redandwhite said:

If its a one size fits all car - just don't crash/break it on the trackday, its got to be back to daily duties on a Monday.

Not for me, I have a very sensible dad wagon that is available 7 days a week as required... or if it's snowing or I need to transport a wardrobe etc.

this will be a second car. I just cant justify a 2 seater second car any more. I've been there before and it didnt get used enough, much as I loved it... My Elise was the best car I've had... I would have one again tomorrow (if I had the cash!) but sadly, I just wouldnt use it.

[HustleRussell]

Good RX8 + big fund for engine rebuild / ignition / exhaust work?

Cool suicide doors & torsen diff as standard?

[Feirny]

At that budget I couldn't really look past a Megane R26. Recaros, 4 Pots, 230bhp and an LSD as standard. Simple remap sees 260bhp and some decent tyres and it's the ideal car for your situation.