| Fuzz541 | 08-05-2005 09:16 PM |
n00b question - cheap reliable autox car
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I'm slithering out of New England and OT to ask a question of all the real racers here. What's are best bang/buck autox-able cars for the following criteria, in the following order of importance:
- can carry two kids in back relatively safely
- reliable
- cheap (under $3,000 or so to buy)
- cheap to fix
- plentiful
- supported in the sport aftermarket
- would be nice if it's moddable for "real" performance (i.e. turbo kits, swaps, etc.) if I decide to do so.
The original Sentra SE-R is the obvious choice, but clean ones are rare. There's a Mazda MX-3 GS (1.8 V6 w00t!) with 88k for about $2500 near me. I'll check mx-3.com for tips on that one.
Any other thoughts?
- can carry two kids in back relatively safely
- reliable
- cheap (under $3,000 or so to buy)
- cheap to fix
- plentiful
- supported in the sport aftermarket
- would be nice if it's moddable for "real" performance (i.e. turbo kits, swaps, etc.) if I decide to do so.
The original Sentra SE-R is the obvious choice, but clean ones are rare. There's a Mazda MX-3 GS (1.8 V6 w00t!) with 88k for about $2500 near me. I'll check mx-3.com for tips on that one.
Any other thoughts?
| simbey1982 | 08-05-2005 09:26 PM |
RWD cars usally make good Autocross cars....
| Homemade WRX | 08-05-2005 10:12 PM |
old BMW 3 series...323 GTX...possibly old Corolla or RX7...older Impreza's like mine (highly upgradable) ;)
| Chromer | 08-05-2005 10:25 PM |
Neon ACR
| deuce.five | 08-05-2005 10:26 PM |
Miata.
| Chromer | 08-05-2005 10:30 PM |
[QUOTE=deuce.five]Miata.[/QUOTE]
Kinda tough to put two kids in the back of a Miata...
Kinda tough to put two kids in the back of a Miata...
| Protege Menace | 08-05-2005 11:17 PM |
Protege.
dont laugh.
not as mucha ftermarket as say a civic, but theya re pretty damn good cars.
Jess Naughton used to take a first gen to nationals before he totaled it on the highway on the way abck from one (or something like that) :(
dont laugh.
not as mucha ftermarket as say a civic, but theya re pretty damn good cars.
Jess Naughton used to take a first gen to nationals before he totaled it on the highway on the way abck from one (or something like that) :(
| Fuzz541 | 08-05-2005 11:36 PM |
[QUOTE=Chromer]Kinda tough to put two kids in the back of a Miata...[/QUOTE]Not if they're in a bunch of little freezer bags, but I digress...
How reliable is the old Neon ACR? And is it as upgraded as the SRT4 (aside from the turbo of course, i.e. knuckles, shafts, bushings, etc.), or is it just a handling/brake package?
How reliable is the old Neon ACR? And is it as upgraded as the SRT4 (aside from the turbo of course, i.e. knuckles, shafts, bushings, etc.), or is it just a handling/brake package?
| GarySheehan | 08-05-2005 11:57 PM |
[QUOTE=Chromer]Kinda tough to put two kids in the back of a Miata...[/QUOTE]
No way. If I can get a golf bag in there, two kids would be no problem.
Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
[url]www.teamSMR.com[/url]
No way. If I can get a golf bag in there, two kids would be no problem.
Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
[url]www.teamSMR.com[/url]
| deuce.five | 08-06-2005 12:00 AM |
[QUOTE=Chromer]Kinda tough to put two kids in the back of a Miata...[/QUOTE]
i didn't see that part. still has to be one of the best.
i didn't see that part. still has to be one of the best.
| Robin2 | 08-06-2005 12:26 AM |
Protege for sure.... not sure for parts.....
For the price, 89-91 and 92-95 Civics and 1st gen miata.... as both there's enough aftermarket.....
For the price, 89-91 and 92-95 Civics and 1st gen miata.... as both there's enough aftermarket.....
| adhowe70 | 08-06-2005 12:29 AM |
[QUOTE=GarySheehan]No way. If I can get a golf bag in there, two kids would be no problem.
Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
[url]www.teamSMR.com[/url][/QUOTE]
Gary, you're my kind of guy!
Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
[url]www.teamSMR.com[/url][/QUOTE]
Gary, you're my kind of guy!
| jmott | 08-06-2005 01:44 AM |
Without a doubt, E36 BMW
back seat
rear wheel drive
cheap as hell if you get a 325. $3k may be hard to find but you should be able to find something close. if not, an E30 3 series will also work great for you. They can also go stupid fast in DSP
another option is an E36 318i - which is a potential national champion in HSTOCK. not very powerful but still very fun.
very lightweight when slimmed down in street prepared trim
huge aftermarket
and most importantly, STUPID fast in street prepared trim, and not bad in STX trim.
some may argue that this isn't a "reliable" option, but in my experience anything in the $3k range is going to need some TLC, and older BMW mechanical repairs are not especially costly.
back seat
rear wheel drive
cheap as hell if you get a 325. $3k may be hard to find but you should be able to find something close. if not, an E30 3 series will also work great for you. They can also go stupid fast in DSP
another option is an E36 318i - which is a potential national champion in HSTOCK. not very powerful but still very fun.
very lightweight when slimmed down in street prepared trim
huge aftermarket
and most importantly, STUPID fast in street prepared trim, and not bad in STX trim.
some may argue that this isn't a "reliable" option, but in my experience anything in the $3k range is going to need some TLC, and older BMW mechanical repairs are not especially costly.
| greg donovan | 08-06-2005 12:15 PM |
another vote for the protoge.
but if you look hard enough you could find a good BMW im sure. but you probably would have to look REALLY hard in the NE to find a rust free one. in fact i bet travelling would be involved.
how about an elantra. GRM called them the next GTI.
but if you look hard enough you could find a good BMW im sure. but you probably would have to look REALLY hard in the NE to find a rust free one. in fact i bet travelling would be involved.
how about an elantra. GRM called them the next GTI.
| essteaeye | 08-06-2005 12:46 PM |
wow noone said miata yet?
| greg donovan | 08-06-2005 01:01 PM |
[QUOTE=ESsTeAEyE]wow noone said miata yet?[/QUOTE]
you must not have read the whole post or the whole thread. the car must carry 2 kids in the back and sheehan suggested they could ride in the trunk.
you must not have read the whole post or the whole thread. the car must carry 2 kids in the back and sheehan suggested they could ride in the trunk.
| essteaeye | 08-06-2005 01:54 PM |
sorry didnt read the whole post :(
hehe
hehe
| cooleyjb | 08-06-2005 02:10 PM |
2 Miatas :D
Enough room for both parents and kids.
You can't go wrong with a Corolla.
It was my first auto-x car and there are LOTS of spares lying around in junkyards, lots of aftermarket support.
Including R-compound tires the 1980 Corolla I ran cost 600 bucks and was one of the fastest non formula cars. They weigh nothing and it's easy to get some reasonable power out of them.
Enough room for both parents and kids.
You can't go wrong with a Corolla.
It was my first auto-x car and there are LOTS of spares lying around in junkyards, lots of aftermarket support.
Including R-compound tires the 1980 Corolla I ran cost 600 bucks and was one of the fastest non formula cars. They weigh nothing and it's easy to get some reasonable power out of them.
| WRenXhaven | 08-06-2005 03:30 PM |
[QUOTE=Homemade WRX]old BMW 3 series[/QUOTE]
^+1 for me
^+1 for me
| Student Driver | 08-06-2005 04:55 PM |
Old 3 series would be cool, although not sure about the reliability part depending on who owned ("pwn3d"?) it before. I drove a Mazdaspeed Protege before, and it was awesome. I would vote for a Civic hatchback since there are tons of parts, and you could probably find one in good shape for cheap.
| Apex Rex | 08-06-2005 05:48 PM |
E30's will last forever, with just a little care.
Besides, they handle great, and have decent power. If you are not looking for all the bells and whistles, a 91 318is is your best bet.
Besides, they handle great, and have decent power. If you are not looking for all the bells and whistles, a 91 318is is your best bet.
| Butt Dyno | 08-06-2005 06:17 PM |
[QUOTE=Fuzz541]I'm slithering out of New England and OT to ask a question of all the real racers here. What's are best bang/buck autox-able cars for the following criteria, in the following order of importance:
- can carry two kids in back relatively safely
- reliable
- cheap (under $3,000 or so to buy)
- cheap to fix
- plentiful
- supported in the sport aftermarket
- would be nice if it's moddable for "real" performance (i.e. turbo kits, swaps, etc.) if I decide to do so.
The original Sentra SE-R is the obvious choice, but clean ones are rare. There's a Mazda MX-3 GS (1.8 V6 w00t!) with 88k for about $2500 near me. I'll check mx-3.com for tips on that one.
Any other thoughts?[/QUOTE]
Thought: Is this going to be your only car?
I would say the 3 series as well... there is a local guy (Greg Olsen) kicking ass in STX with a '93 325.
The thing is - if you are really worried about autocross you are gonna have to spend money, no?
john
- can carry two kids in back relatively safely
- reliable
- cheap (under $3,000 or so to buy)
- cheap to fix
- plentiful
- supported in the sport aftermarket
- would be nice if it's moddable for "real" performance (i.e. turbo kits, swaps, etc.) if I decide to do so.
The original Sentra SE-R is the obvious choice, but clean ones are rare. There's a Mazda MX-3 GS (1.8 V6 w00t!) with 88k for about $2500 near me. I'll check mx-3.com for tips on that one.
Any other thoughts?[/QUOTE]
Thought: Is this going to be your only car?
I would say the 3 series as well... there is a local guy (Greg Olsen) kicking ass in STX with a '93 325.
The thing is - if you are really worried about autocross you are gonna have to spend money, no?
john
| MachinesWRX | 08-06-2005 06:17 PM |
Pick up the new Grassroots Motorsports, the cover story is exactly what you are asking about
| MattNJ2.8 | 08-06-2005 07:15 PM |
Nissan 240
| Fuzz541 | 08-06-2005 08:14 PM |
This would be the "second" family car. My wife drives a minivan. I have a super-short commute to work and often ride my mtn. bike. I just need to be able to throw the kids' seats in the back every once in a while. As for actual competitive racing, I don't want to throw a ton of time or money into it any time soon. Several events a year is probably my goal at this point.
I was "this close" to buying a 318is some years ago. I think it had 80-90k miles and was around $8,000, one owner, immaculate, dealer maintained. She traded it before I could look at it and only got around $5-6k on trade. Grrr.....
240 is an option, but again, they're getting snapped up by drifters. As for RWD though, there was a 30k mile Chevette in the Auto Hunter last week. :D
I was "this close" to buying a 318is some years ago. I think it had 80-90k miles and was around $8,000, one owner, immaculate, dealer maintained. She traded it before I could look at it and only got around $5-6k on trade. Grrr.....
240 is an option, but again, they're getting snapped up by drifters. As for RWD though, there was a 30k mile Chevette in the Auto Hunter last week. :D
| MattDell | 08-06-2005 08:43 PM |
Early 90's BMW 325i.
If not, something else RWD.
-Matt
If not, something else RWD.
-Matt
| Draken | 08-06-2005 08:49 PM |
I'm suprised at how many BMW proponents. These cars are neether cheap to buy or to operate. He's talking about a $3,000 car that won't need another $3K in repairs right away.
Seriously, stick with your idea of SE-R or a Neon ACR or something similar. I gaurantee you'll drop three times the price in and E36 BMW in no time, after you buy it.
Hi btw.
Chris H.
Seriously, stick with your idea of SE-R or a Neon ACR or something similar. I gaurantee you'll drop three times the price in and E36 BMW in no time, after you buy it.
Hi btw.
Chris H.
| Fuzz541 | 08-06-2005 11:55 PM |
[QUOTE=Draken]I'm suprised at how many BMW proponents. These cars are neether cheap to buy or to operate. He's talking about a $3,000 car that won't need another $3K in repairs right away.
Seriously, stick with your idea of SE-R or a Neon ACR or something similar. I gaurantee you'll drop three times the price in and E36 BMW in no time, after you buy it.
Hi btw.
Chris H.[/QUOTE]What the hell do you know about AutoX anyway? ;)
TV etc. is great. I used the jack to change my starter the other day, and the cooler is going on vacation with us this week. How's the new situation?
Seriously, stick with your idea of SE-R or a Neon ACR or something similar. I gaurantee you'll drop three times the price in and E36 BMW in no time, after you buy it.
Hi btw.
Chris H.[/QUOTE]What the hell do you know about AutoX anyway? ;)
TV etc. is great. I used the jack to change my starter the other day, and the cooler is going on vacation with us this week. How's the new situation?
| jmott | 08-07-2005 12:21 AM |
Yes they are cheap to buy.
E30s for $3000 are everyone
you can find the occasional e36 325 for that much as well.
I own two > 100k mile e36 cars. The repairs needed have been minimal. a bushing here and there, stuff like that. few hundred bucks.
[QUOTE=Draken]I'm suprised at how many BMW proponents. These cars are neether cheap to buy or to operate. He's talking about a $3,000 car that won't need another $3K in repairs right away.
Seriously, stick with your idea of SE-R or a Neon ACR or something similar. I gaurantee you'll drop three times the price in and E36 BMW in no time, after you buy it.
Hi btw.
Chris H.[/QUOTE]
E30s for $3000 are everyone
you can find the occasional e36 325 for that much as well.
I own two > 100k mile e36 cars. The repairs needed have been minimal. a bushing here and there, stuff like that. few hundred bucks.
[QUOTE=Draken]I'm suprised at how many BMW proponents. These cars are neether cheap to buy or to operate. He's talking about a $3,000 car that won't need another $3K in repairs right away.
Seriously, stick with your idea of SE-R or a Neon ACR or something similar. I gaurantee you'll drop three times the price in and E36 BMW in no time, after you buy it.
Hi btw.
Chris H.[/QUOTE]
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