R56 Cooper S or trade for something else?

[Bowser87]

I've currently got an R56 cooper s which I originally bought as a run around/second car but decided to do a few track days in. It's on 90k miles or so, and I've done a few bits to tidy it up, sorted the brakes a bit more power and some suspension refreshing.

It's a lot more fun to drive than I initially expected and is great fun on track but I'm always worried as I know it's a fragile thing engine wise and is forever throwing codes. It's already got a very minor rear main seal leak too so likely needs the gearbox taking off to address and basically more money throwing at it to make it more track suitable with better suspension etc. However even after this I'll potentially be left with something that is still ultimately not particularly sturdy for track driving, prone to issues etc.

So, is it a case of better the devil you know, spend another few grand on sorting the issues out or would you sell the car and buy something more fit for purpose? Ideally would like something semi usable on road but track focused.

Looks like I could get an mx5 (would want to go boosted in time though I'm sure), a boxster or maybe even an s2000 with a bit of added budget. Or I've always loved e30s and could quite easily drop an m54 in for added poke.

What would you do? Anything I'm missing?

[Itsallicanafford]

Mk3 Megane, they are astonishingly good on track and reliable as well.

[Ash_]

VX220

[E-bmw]

Personally, I have used my S for the last few years on TDs with good fun results, 235bhp, suspension, brakes etc with an LSD it has been good with only 1 on track issue which was mostly my own fault when I had dislodged a brake hose, which then rubbed through on the wheel!!!!