The ad for the flame Neon is gone. Apparently "If the ad is still up the car is still for sale" doesn't actually mean what I thought it meant. My wife will be relieved to hear that.
Edit: maybe not. I guess I was clicking on the wrong link 
Still haven't heard from the guy though.
I checked out the Civic Logdog posted. He's working hard to persuade me into a Honda. I drove it a bit and then the owner, a nice recently retired guy, switched seats with me. Then he thrashed it on some backroads while telling stories about racing an ITB Rabbit and crewing for a SCCA DSR team. It's a good beater. It doesn't have power steering, which I'm not sure I'd want to live with every day but it's on the short list for sure.
I share your sickness for the escort. I don't know what it is I've just always wanted one. I'm sure it's common but I always wanted the wagon and to swap GT bits on to it.
Looking at that civic in photos I would have never guessed over 200k.
SN95 Mustangs can be shockingly great around a road circuit.
Personally, I'd start with a 96-98 GT and throw on Junkyard PI heads and a new PI intake (not Dorman) for higher compression and a little more power with a hi-test tune.
For the suspension, I'd start with a set of Koni Sports and Steeda fixed rate lowering springs mated to QA1 caster/camber plates the front can be really dialed in. An Eibach sway bar set would be greatly beneficial in keeping the car flat in the corners, and a Steeda bump steer kit is pretty much a must for any lowered SN95.
BBK sells a strut tower brace that triangulates with the firewall and is rather good for the money. Maximum Motorsports sells a set of full-length subframe connectors that make a world of difference, and a QA1 K-member brace will keep everything in line up front without going for a full-on tubular K-member.
Power Stop Z26 Evolution pads and Power Stop rotors all around will do a damn good job with less dust than people expect. A Steeda Tri-Ax short shifter really makes everything a little bit easier and more satisfying. A nice square set of 18x9s with sticky tires would provide tons of grip while not affecting neutrality. A traction-lok rebuild kit with carbon clutches is cheap insurance for $130 or so, and an oil cooler is always a good idea for longevity in a track build.
I don't know if this post has been helpful or not as it was mainly me just rambling on, but it goes to show what these things can do, other than be able to wear stickers that say "crowds and coffee" and go in a straight line.
I don't hate the Mustangs. But... if I was to own a Mustang it would have to be a V8 and if I was going V8 I'd rather have a bigger car like a Crown Vic or Lincoln MkVII/VIII. Also, it could take awhile to find one around here that doesn't look something like this:
Still, if the right one popped up...
Here is the fly and drive answer you are looking for.
Plus you can cheaply fly Southwest from Flint to Vegas. I know, Ive done it!
5 speed first gen SW2
Found this for sale in Indianapolis 
That's a long way to go for a car I've never seen though. Unless someone in Indy could take a quick look at it I'm still looking local.
If your thinking Neon there is only one - the Neon ACR.
Is it even possible to find one that's in daily driver shape?
BlueInGreen44 wrote:
5 speed first gen SW2
Found this for sale in Indianapolis That's a long way to go for a car I've never seen though. Unless someone in Indy could take a quick look at it I'm still looking local.
If you're serious, I'll contact the seller, and take a look/drive/pics for you and report back.
Let me know.
SVT contours should also be searched for.
Indy-Guy wrote:
BlueInGreen44 wrote:
5 speed first gen SW2
Found this for sale in Indianapolis That's a long way to go for a car I've never seen though. Unless someone in Indy could take a quick look at it I'm still looking local.
If you're serious, I'll contact the seller, and take a look/drive/pics for you and report back.
Let me know.
That's mighty nice of you to offer. I sent you a pm.
I vote for the Escort wagon just because I had a similar Tracer wagon for years as a DD. Still miss it.
In reply to outasite:
I might go check that one out next.
They are surprisingly fun cars. I had a 1994 Escort wagon for a while. My brother has it now, still drives it 45 minutes to work 5 days a week.
BlueInGreen44 wrote:
5 speed first gen SW2
Found this for sale in Indianapolis That's a long way to go for a car I've never seen though. Unless someone in Indy could take a quick look at it I'm still looking local.
Quit being a Bill Clinton cigar holder and get yourself down to Indy! Then swap on an SC2 front clip!
I have found the solution to my daily transportation needs
85 Alfa
Just kidding. I would never do something that dumb... right?
If SUPER cheap running costs are a significant factor in your decision, I'd maybe stay away from the pony cars. More power, more weight, and more grip equals more expensive consumables that you're going to use more of. Not that a Moostang or Crammit is ridiculous to maintain by any means, and the aftermarket is nearly unmatched, just saying I think it is a noticeable step up from , say, a Neon or Saturn (which seems to be where you're leaning anyways.)
Good point on the pony cars.
So... I found this Volvo wagon, swapped to a five speed manual: I'm almost wondering if it's someone here on the forum? He mentioned having a bunch of other cars and doing track days at Waterford Hills
I sent an email to the seller. I don't know if it would be any better than the BMW in long term costs but I wanted to start the conversation since the price is right and it seems interesting. I really do like wagons. Looks like no word back from the Saturn in Indy 
http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/5821801763.html
trucke
Dork
10/12/16 2:24 p.m.
BlueInGreen44 wrote:
I have found the solution to my daily transportation needs
85 Alfa
Just kidding. I would never do something that dumb... right?
I knew a guy who used his Alfa to go buy parts for his Audi.
Check the mazdaspeed protégé that I posted in the $2017 classifieds yesterday
BlueInGreen44 wrote:
Good point on the pony cars.
So... I found this Volvo wagon, swapped to a five speed manual: I'm almost wondering if it's someone here on the forum? He mentioned having a bunch of other cars and doing track days at Waterford Hills
I sent an email to the seller. I don't know if it would be any better than the BMW in long term costs but I wanted to start the conversation since the price is right and it seems interesting. I really do like wagons. Looks like no word back from the Saturn in Indy
http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/5821801763.html
Having owned two 850s and an E36, I would say, in the most general terms, the parts cost a bit more on the Volvo, but they tend to be a bit less finicky.
Why the hell is that car not a turbo, though? I mean, if you're going to go to the trouble of swapping to a manual, swap it into a turbo car! You could get an N/A 5 speed from the factory.
captdownshift wrote:
Check the mazdaspeed protégé that I posted in the $2017 classifieds yesterday
The one in Texas? That looks yummy. Wish I had time to make that trip.
So... I've inquired into five ads. Only one of them has resulted in successful contact with a seller, the guy with the Civic. (Edit: now two, the Neon seller just replied, 4 days later)
Which brings me to the 6th worthy ad. I've expanded the search to include little crapcan trucks. This one is cheap and probably about 5 minutes away from me so I'm going to text the guy to see if I can give it a look after work.
Otherwise it looks like I might find myself the proud owner of an old Honda, which wouldn't be an awful thing.
