4 seats - but track fun?
Discussion
Thinking about my next car and I'm a bit stuck. I want something that will be fun to drive have 4 seats and will be good for the occasional track day (very occasional).
It must have/be:
4+ seats
Petrol
Rear/4wd
Something relatively agile (so not audi A6 or eclass or something)
Less than £15k
Not the £600+ tax bracket
Right now I've only thought of an early RX8 (for the lower tax), A smaller bmw (135i maybe), a f54 mini Clubman all4 jcw (very top of my budget)
I don't mind taking a risk on an cheaper car (e.g. RX8) and having to put some money into it or likewise a less competent car and modding to make it more useful on track.
All my the usual fun suspects I would have in mind are all 2 seaters.
Not an Impreza (had one didn't end well)
Any other thoughts?
It must have/be:
4+ seats
Petrol
Rear/4wd
Something relatively agile (so not audi A6 or eclass or something)
Less than £15k
Not the £600+ tax bracket
Right now I've only thought of an early RX8 (for the lower tax), A smaller bmw (135i maybe), a f54 mini Clubman all4 jcw (very top of my budget)
I don't mind taking a risk on an cheaper car (e.g. RX8) and having to put some money into it or likewise a less competent car and modding to make it more useful on track.
All my the usual fun suspects I would have in mind are all 2 seaters.
Not an Impreza (had one didn't end well)
Any other thoughts?
They’re getting on a bit, but transaxle Porsches are a whole heap of fun, and spacious 2+2 with proper hatchbacks. Look for late 944S2 or early 968 - no need to pay the Clubsport tax, they have the same engine/gearbox.
The doommongers will tell you of rust and parts prices, but a PPI by a reputable specialist will find the rust, and parts are nowhere near as pricey as you might think. They’re also easy to work on.
The doommongers will tell you of rust and parts prices, but a PPI by a reputable specialist will find the rust, and parts are nowhere near as pricey as you might think. They’re also easy to work on.
PomBstard said:
They’re getting on a bit, but transaxle Porsches are a whole heap of fun, and spacious 2+2 with proper hatchbacks. Look for late 944S2 or early 968 - no need to pay the Clubsport tax, they have the same engine/gearbox.
Thanks, that's a leftfield choice for sure. I like it! But I think a bit too old for me, my neighbor has until recently a very well loved 928. Gorgeous car but constantly had niggles as I think older cars will have. I had a few late 80s early 90s cars and I think I would prefer not to go back!!Breaking my own rules but a megane Rs appeared on my radar reading some other posts. Could be an interesting choice....
drgoatboy said:
PomBstard said:
They’re getting on a bit, but transaxle Porsches are a whole heap of fun, and spacious 2+2 with proper hatchbacks. Look for late 944S2 or early 968 - no need to pay the Clubsport tax, they have the same engine/gearbox.
Thanks, that's a leftfield choice for sure. I like it! But I think a bit too old for me, my neighbor has until recently a very well loved 928. Gorgeous car but constantly had niggles as I think older cars will have. I had a few late 80s early 90s cars and I think I would prefer not to go back!!Breaking my own rules but a megane Rs appeared on my radar reading some other posts. Could be an interesting choice....
As for the CTR, that and the ITR were also on my own shortlist - drive them!
Another left field choice could be a Maserati 4200 Coupe. In manual it would be properly old school or alternatively a paddle shift auto-manual.
As a n/a Ferrari V8 it should cope well with track-level stresses. Sounds great. Genuine 4 seater but much smaller than the somewhat bloated (for track use) Granturismo.
Replacing/upgrading suspension bushes, coilovers, brake upgrades with tracking in mind are possible.
As a n/a Ferrari V8 it should cope well with track-level stresses. Sounds great. Genuine 4 seater but much smaller than the somewhat bloated (for track use) Granturismo.
Replacing/upgrading suspension bushes, coilovers, brake upgrades with tracking in mind are possible.
fflump said:
Another left field choice could be a Maserati 4200 Coupe. In manual it would be properly old school or alternatively a paddle shift auto-manual.
As a n/a Ferrari V8 it should cope well with track-level stresses. Sounds great. Genuine 4 seater but much smaller than the somewhat bloated (for track use) Granturismo.
Replacing/upgrading suspension bushes, coilovers, brake upgrades with tracking in mind are possible.
sub 15k maser for track? As a n/a Ferrari V8 it should cope well with track-level stresses. Sounds great. Genuine 4 seater but much smaller than the somewhat bloated (for track use) Granturismo.
Replacing/upgrading suspension bushes, coilovers, brake upgrades with tracking in mind are possible.
I had a 944 turbo and did a lot of track days. Loved the car but the issue is that the limits are stupidly high - so Craners a bit sideways at 3 figures was not really my idea of fun. Went for a ride in a well sorted Golf and that seemed like more fun YMMV.
PomBstard said:
They’re getting on a bit, but transaxle Porsches are a whole heap of fun, and spacious 2+2 with proper hatchbacks. Look for late 944S2 or early 968 - no need to pay the Clubsport tax, they have the same engine/gearbox.
The doommongers will tell you of rust and parts prices, but a PPI by a reputable specialist will find the rust, and parts are nowhere near as pricey as you might think. They’re also easy to work on.
The doommongers will tell you of rust and parts prices, but a PPI by a reputable specialist will find the rust, and parts are nowhere near as pricey as you might think. They’re also easy to work on.
fflump said:
Another left field choice could be a Maserati 4200 Coupe. In manual it would be properly old school or alternatively a paddle shift auto-manual.
As a n/a Ferrari V8 it should cope well with track-level stresses. Sounds great. Genuine 4 seater but much smaller than the somewhat bloated (for track use) Granturismo.
Replacing/upgrading suspension bushes, coilovers, brake upgrades with tracking in mind are possible.
Lovely cars, stunning noise. A mate had a really well cared for one, and went wrong from time to.yime and every time cost a fortune. Bit too exotic for me I think! Thanks thoughAs a n/a Ferrari V8 it should cope well with track-level stresses. Sounds great. Genuine 4 seater but much smaller than the somewhat bloated (for track use) Granturismo.
Replacing/upgrading suspension bushes, coilovers, brake upgrades with tracking in mind are possible.
rotaryjam said:
I have a 135i, you'd want to add an LSD but if you did I think it would make a decent option.
Not the most dynamic or exciting chasis but great engine and fast enough.
I was wondering how exciting they are. I understand that respond quite well to swapping out suspension for something more track oriented. Does that sound right?Not the most dynamic or exciting chasis but great engine and fast enough.
drgoatboy said:
I was wondering how exciting they are. I understand that respond quite well to swapping out suspension for something more track oriented. Does that sound right?
You can make anything “better” with track oriented modifying, but out of the box they are still pretty fun on track imho…Chris
drgoatboy said:
I was wondering how exciting they are. I understand that respond quite well to swapping out suspension for something more track oriented. Does that sound right?
Yes basically you put the M3 setup on the front end, you'll also want an LSD & a decent set of shocks & springs for the rear.Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff