30k track/daily car - am i out of my mind?

[Akiori]

Hi everyone,

I came out of an MX5 recently and looking to get a new track/daily car. I do about 5-6 track days per year in the summer, so really was looking for something that can be used out of the box ready to go with minimal mods.

I've settled down my choices to the two new GRs coming from Toyota, and was lucky enough to secure a spot for the GR86 before they stop making them once and for all, but im in two minds about going forward with the purchase.

Prices aside, the main reason I'm thinking about the new GRs is for that epic 10 year toyota track warranty, although its unclear if it will actually cover track use or not - especially with the GR86 that's been blowing out engines left and right in the States. I'm also looking hard at the GR Yaris, which can be had at around the same price as the 86. Although capable, it seems to be much less of a fun car compared to the 86, but at the same time, it seems that it's much more reliable, and toyota would actually honour repairs without making a fuss.

What do you guys think?

[Steve H]

I agree about the Yaris, very capable things but there’s a good number of cars that would be more fun and interesting to drive in that price range.

[Beethree]

Akiori said:

Hi everyone,

I came out of an MX5 recently and looking to get a new track/daily car. I do about 5-6 track days per year in the summer, so really was looking for something that can be used out of the box ready to go with minimal mods.

I've settled down my choices to the two new GRs coming from Toyota, and was lucky enough to secure a spot for the GR86 before they stop making them once and for all, but im in two minds about going forward with the purchase.

Prices aside, the main reason I'm thinking about the new GRs is for that epic 10 year toyota track warranty, although its unclear if it will actually cover track use or not - especially with the GR86 that's been blowing out engines left and right in the States. I'm also looking hard at the GR Yaris, which can be had at around the same price as the 86. Although capable, it seems to be much less of a fun car compared to the 86, but at the same time, it seems that it's much more reliable, and toyota would actually honour repairs without making a fuss.

What do you guys think?

Can you afford to write off a 30k car on a trackday? Or pay for insurance 5-6 times a year.
If so, crack on and I’d personally get a GR Yaris as I reckon it’d be more versatile.

[braddo]

Gr86 will be more fun on track days, without a doubt.

It is a handful of engine failures in the US, nowhere near a problem, especially if you stay on road tyres rather than full on track tyres

[Phil.]

Steve H said:

I agree about the Yaris, very capable things but there’s a good number of cars that would be more fun and interesting to drive in that price range.

The GR Yaris is a hoot (check out the two Harry’s Garage videos) and it much faster than it should be on a track. Plus there’s a great GR Yaris community, many who track or hill climb their cars regularly, who are really helpful.

Have you driven a GR at full pelt down a country lane or on a track? What do you suggest would be more fun/interesting for £30k that will also do trips to the shops?

[Steve H]

I’ve not driven one on the road but I’ve driven and instructed in a good number of them on track. If you are driving one of those "full pelt" down a lane you should probably have a word with yourself.

I’ll stick to my view, for whatever that’s worth, they are very capable but if the OP is looking for something that is interesting to drive there’s better options available.

In terms of other options if I had £30k to throw at a track/road combo it would probably be my default choice of a Cayman, you can get a nice 981 under budget or with a small stretch an early 718.

But personal preferences aside there’s a wide variety of cars available in that price range and if GRs are the OPs choice then I would go with the 86.

Edited by Steve H on Friday 20th October 08:00

[TheOctaneAddict]

I had a similar dilemma recently and I went for a Porsche Cayman 981 with the 2.7. Have done a couple of track days in it and its been brilliant, yes it isnt as fast as a GR Yaris but it feels sublime on track and on the road for that matter.

Oh and it sounds bloody spectacular.

[Jamescrs]

Beethree said:

Can you afford to write off a 30k car on a trackday? Or pay for insurance 5-6 times a year.
If so, crack on and I’d personally get a GR Yaris as I reckon it’d be more versatile.

I agree with the point about insurance, I took my M4 on a track day at the start of the month in the absence of any other car I currently own being suitable and I got insurance for it but the insurance was more than the cost of the track day and in the small print they only cover up to £80 per hour in labour rates for repairs (Moris trackday insurance).

All that said if I was the OP I would go for the Yaris as a track toy

[culpz]

OG M2?

[CG2020UK]

culpz said:

OG M2?

+1

I track my M2 and daily drive it.

Only thing you need is a set of hybrid pads either Ferodo DS2500 or EBC Bluestuff.

Seriously quick car even standard. The upgraded N55 is bombproof as well. Seats go low so not worried about helmet touching the roof. Has Sport+/MDM mode to help you build up ability safely.

Car has two personalities can be just a riot and fun or drive it properly and you will do serious lap times all day long. On the road I find it really tail happy but on track when pushing it the balance is brilliant.

Apart from that it a BMW so does all the daily stuff brilliant.

[Networkgeek]

CG2020UK said:

+1

I track my M2 and daily drive it.

Only thing you need is a set of hybrid pads either Ferodo DS2500 or EBC Bluestuff.

Seriously quick car even standard. The upgraded N55 is bombproof as well. Seats go low so not worried about helmet touching the roof. Has Sport+/MDM mode to help you build up ability safely.

Car has two personalities can be just a riot and fun or drive it properly and you will do serious lap times all day long. On the road I find it really tail happy but on track when pushing it the balance is brilliant.

Apart from that it a BMW so does all the daily stuff brilliant.

I also have an M2 and daily drive it, but I absolutely won't do a track day with it. Binning a 30k car would be disastrous, not to mention the M tax on consumables.

So, I track my Clio RS200 Cup which over the years, I have gradually spec'd for track days. The thing is brilliant and I can fully send it knowing if it does all go wrong, 8k in the whole is a lot easier to stomach.

Fair play to you, sir.

[CG2020UK]

Networkgeek said:

I also have an M2 and daily drive it, but I absolutely won't do a track day with it. Binning a 30k car would be disastrous, not to mention the M tax on consumables.

So, I track my Clio RS200 Cup which over the years, I have gradually spec'd for track days. The thing is brilliant and I can fully send it knowing if it does all go wrong, 8k in the whole is a lot easier to stomach.

Fair play to you, sir.

If I binned it I’d certainly be in trouble!

Even binning an £8K Clio RS I’d be pretty upset and certainly wouldn’t be replacing quickly.

Admittedly it’s an expensive car to track in regards to consumables but you’re certainly up near the tops in terms of performance. Do I have any more fun than an RS Clio or GT86 doubt it!

I would say it’s fantastic on the track and if you ever get the opportunity strongly encourage it!!

[Networkgeek]

CG2020UK said:

If I binned it I’d certainly be in trouble!

Even binning an £8K Clio RS I’d be pretty upset and certainly wouldn’t be replacing quickly.

Admittedly it’s an expensive car to track in regards to consumables but you’re certainly up near the tops in terms of performance. Do I have any more fun than an RS Clio or GT86 doubt it!

I would say it’s fantastic on the track and if you ever get the opportunity strongly encourage it!!

Do you take out track day insurance for the M2?

I would love to take my M2 on track, but the risk vs reward for me is too high.

What I truly love about the Clio is the running costs are comically cheap (compared to M/RS/AMGs etc). For example, a set of x4 tyres was much less than the PS4s I just put on the rear of the M2.

Don't get me wrong though, at Thruxton this year, I was by far the slowest car in a straight line, but through the corners, I was all over the M2s/Golf Rs/ 140i's.

If I crashed my Clio I would be an emotional wreck, whereas if I crashed the M2, I would be a financial wreck

I would highly recommend trying a Clio RS, they're a hoot to drive.

[CG2020UK]

Networkgeek said:

Do you take out track day insurance for the M2?

I would love to take my M2 on track, but the risk vs reward for me is too high.

What I truly love about the Clio is the running costs are comically cheap (compared to M/RS/AMGs etc). For example, a set of x4 tyres was much less than the PS4s I just put on the rear of the M2.

Don't get me wrong though, at Thruxton this year, I was by far the slowest car in a straight line, but through the corners, I was all over the M2s/Golf Rs/ 140i's.

If I crashed my Clio I would be an emotional wreck, whereas if I crashed the M2, I would be a financial wreck

I would highly recommend trying a Clio RS, they're a hoot to drive.

Nope no car insurance. I’m very fortunate as I do Kirkistown in N.I. Our track days are really well organised and driver behaviour is brilliant! Seem to miss out on a lot of the madness you experience across the water or in Europe.

Yeah you’re 100% correct on that you can go through the middle of the corner quicker than me I find especially the slower stuff. A lot of my battle is managing traction and trying to get on the power as soon as possible. Also line is massively important with it being a heavier cars as well.

I’m a huge Renault Sport fan! I’ve actually went to buy a Clio RS twice and a Megane RS twice but never worked out for me!

[Networkgeek]

CG2020UK said:

Nope no car insurance. I’m very fortunate as I do Kirkistown in N.I. Our track days are really well organised and driver behaviour is brilliant! Seem to miss out on a lot of the madness you experience across the water or in Europe.

Yeah you’re 100% correct on that you can go through the middle of the corner quicker than me I find especially the slower stuff. A lot of my battle is managing traction and trying to get on the power as soon as possible. Also line is massively important with it being a heavier cars as well.

I’m a huge Renault Sport fan! I’ve actually went to buy a Clio RS twice and a Megane RS twice but never worked out for me!

I haven't heard of that circuit before, it looks like great fun. We do seem to have a fair share of idiots at TD's in the UK and especially at the Ring, albeit Tourist Days are by far the worst.

For me, it's all a lot of fun. I don't go to a TD with something to prove with the faster cars, I just want to have a good time and maybe a burger at lunch time .

In terms of managing traction, I can imagine that would be quite the task in the M2. The Clio never seems to suffer from understeer, but the rear is so lively. It's constantly lifting the inside wheel on fast corners, or wanting to go sideways. It's seriously good fun.

Ah that's a shame, but sometimes things aren't meant to be.

[FWIW]

I’m surprised that nobody has suggested an Evora…so I will

[isleofthorns]

TheOctaneAddict said:

I had a similar dilemma recently and I went for a Porsche Cayman 981 with the 2.7. Have done a couple of track days in it and its been brilliant, yes it isnt as fast as a GR Yaris but it feels sublime on track and on the road for that matter.

Oh and it sounds bloody spectacular.

good choice and sounds great!