Clio 172/182 or Suzuki Swift sport for beginner

Clio 172/182 or Suzuki Swift sport for beginner

Author
Discussion

italian job

Original Poster:

246 posts

237 months

Sunday 14th July 2019
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I'm wanting to buy/ build a road legal track car and am considering my options. Ive done a couple of track days previously but always in my road car at the time which always diminished the fun for me as i was always worried about breaking/damaging my one way of getting to work the next day. What ever car i buy won't have to fulfil that role but my budget will be £3000,which includes purchase price.
Clio appeals because they are plentiful,relatively cheap, parts are readily available and fun.
Suzuki appeals because they are also relatively cheap and fun and seem to be less messed about with than clios. There doesn't seem to be the availability of parts or information and they are slower but i don't see that as too much of an issue as a beginner track car.
I know there are other cars out there that would do the same job, but any thoughts on the cars that i am considering?

Cheers Paul.

E-bmw

9,859 posts

158 months

Sunday 14th July 2019
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My advice would be what ever you buy make sure uprated parts are readily enough available for competition on price etc.

Clio is generally considered a good call to fulfil this criteria as is ST150 fiesta, obviously there are others, but they are both routes I considered.

Both can be uprated to the N'th degree as required/budget constraints allow & yet are good to start with & do bits as you decide what to do & both can be given 200bhp relatively easily when/if extra power is required.

italian job

Original Poster:

246 posts

237 months

Tuesday 16th July 2019
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Good point, cheers for the reply.

quick Nick

68 posts

191 months

Thursday 18th July 2019
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You don't see as many Suzukis as Clios/Fiestas on track here in the UK, although you do see a lot of them at the 'Ring as they are used for hire/training cars.

I really rate the Suzukis, quick enough, very solid and excellent grip. Quite possibly more reliable as well. Of the 3 mentioned above, both the Fiesta and Clio will be quicker flat out though.

Don't forget, the most important thing when starting out in trackdays is training so you can get the basics sorted first.

p4cks

7,006 posts

205 months

Thursday 18th July 2019
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italian job said:
Clio appeals because they are plentiful,relatively cheap, parts are readily available and fun.
You've said it yourself and I agree with it.

Jonny_gti

291 posts

86 months

Thursday 18th July 2019
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I would go for the Swift if it's the zc31 they are pretty cheap now and what you lack slightly in pace down the straight you will gain in the reliability section with the Suzuki plus you see a lot less swifts at trackdays.

italian job

Original Poster:

246 posts

237 months

Thursday 18th July 2019
quotequote all
Thanks everyone for replying, i'll start a thread when I've bought something.