Cheap AX car for new Autocrosser

RobLupella · **Posted:** Tue Jul 21, 2015 10:46 am

RickyBeam wrote:

BriceJohnson wrote:

Over budget, but worth the extra money.

And about 2000 miles away.

Lexus SC300 (hardtop convertible) or old enough IS to be a manual, old NA miata (how big is this kid?), old 200 series datsun (z, sx, whatever)

In the VW world, (a) stay AWAY from turbos, (b) get something old enough to have minimal computer brains. So, a mid-90's VR6.

He's 5'10 so Miate Civic, Foci, would be good. The Focus is nice, but too far away considering he lives in Florida.
I thought of Minis but they are a bit pricey

Thanks

Rob

Chad Culbertson · **Posted:** Tue Jul 21, 2015 5:10 pm

Andrew Jonell wrote:

Chad Culbertson wrote:

Hell, I keep looking at Mini's, 10+ more MPG and tires that cost half as much are looking pretty attractive lol.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/Sup ... .htm#item2

Ouch, that's a pricey part, lol. I certainly would hope that power steering pump replacements are not needed that often. Looks like it's an issue for 01-07 Mini's I was looking at an '08.

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Tue Jul 21, 2015 8:24 pm

I do NOT recommend an 08 mini. 2nd year of the turbos and they still hadn't worked the kinks out. The '05-06 SC are a blast and pretty bullet proof. The new coopers w/ the BMW engine seem to be doing good, but a little early to tell...

jeremy gast · **Posted:** Wed Jul 22, 2015 8:40 am

Pitch had an 07 mini s and it had issues also. Does Gwen still have her NA mini? and you know it is hard to beat a miata.

Steven Spampinato · **Posted:** Mon Aug 10, 2015 5:05 pm

I would recommend a 8th Gen Civic SI. After this season and feedback from You and Keehner, it is a sensible, budget friendly, H-Street Killer! It has been an awesome car all around. It has 99K on it now, and it was top five pax last event (I WISH IT WAS ME WHO DID THAT). Standard Limited Slip, No Torque Steer (Haters will joke), and with a little OEM factory adjusted negative camber in the front...it is a fun car to thrash. It still will get you to work on the next Monday. Tires are cheap as you know for 215/45R 17.

I am keeping my SI for good now, it is paid for, and makes a sensible third car for the family.
It will stay in HS to keep it simple. :soap:

Matt McGrain · **Posted:** Mon Aug 10, 2015 5:39 pm

Not sure if there's still a need for this but I'm getting ready to list my Mazda 3 five speed with only 75k miles for super cheap. $3,000 to the first THSCC member. The only catch is that the a/c compressor pooped out.

RobLupella · **Posted:** Mon Aug 10, 2015 9:04 pm

Matt McGrain wrote:

Not sure if there's still a need for this but I'm getting ready to list my Mazda 3 five speed with only 75k miles for super cheap. $3,000 to the first THSCC member. The only catch is that the a/c compressor pooped out.

Thanks, and not yet, He lives in FL and I have a bit of work to do on him :-)

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Tue Aug 11, 2015 11:27 am

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5154923414.html

The answer is always Miata. Especially in this case. I know he wants hardtop, but at that price point,anything worth driving that is fun will either be completely busted and require extensive maintenance or repairs, and/or will be very expensive on consumables if he takes it to the track or autocross i.e. Mustang etc. EP3 civic SI comes to mind, but those are still 3-$4000.

Edit:FC RX7 is close to that price range, but you said he is limited in mechanical skills so....

If you can raise the budget closer to $3-4000, an E 36 BMW might be a good choice as well.

I like the idea of a CRX or older and civic SI, but those are 25-year-old cars, and may require parts that are no longer available.(wheel hubs immediately come to mind.)

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