Decisions decisions

FWD RWD AWD

For a street class autoX?

318ti SLK230 C30 t5 6spd mazdaspeed 3 RSX WRX WTF

Or something exotic?

Dont want a project, dont want to smash my piggy bank.

Looking for a competitive model capable of showcasing my awesome driving skills.

This thread is relevant to my interests, or at least DD#1's interests. Her requirements include AWD and 5 doors.

Need a budget.

Forgot to add a Z3 to that list.

And boosted or not for any model.

Say $5000

What about a B15 SE-R Spec V? Reliable, LSD, manual, decently quick, sticky, fun, cheap, and fairly competitive.

bentwrench wrote: FWD RWD AWD For a street class autoX? 318ti SLK230 C30 t5 6spd mazdaspeed 3 RSX WRX WTF Or something exotic? Dont want a project, dont want to smash my piggy bank. Looking for a competitive model capable of showcasing my awesome driving skills.

The SLK230 and the related Chrysler Crossfire are generally regarded as a bit of a pig. I like the looks of them, so I maintain a CL search for SLK listings anyhow. You could never get the biggest engine with the manual. An SLK32 AMG, complete with "Speed Shift" automatic would be a cheap but interesting car.

They apparently like to consume their own pre-cats and small screws from the intakes.

They tend to be available pretty cheap though. I almost bought one for $400 a few years ago.

G_Body_Man wrote: What about a B15 SE-R Spec V? Reliable, LSD, manual, decently quick, sticky, fun, cheap, and fairly competitive.

E street. Miata

/thread

G_Body_Man wrote: What about a B15 SE-R Spec V? Reliable, LSD, manual, decently quick, sticky, fun, cheap, and fairly competitive.

That's not going to beat a Fiesta ST though.

NGTD wrote: They apparently like to consume their own pre-cats and small screws from the intakes. They tend to be available pretty cheap though. I almost bought one for $400 a few years ago.

G_Body_Man wrote: What about a B15 SE-R Spec V? Reliable, LSD, manual, decently quick, sticky, fun, cheap, and fairly competitive.

They're so cheap, and a set of sticky but still legal tires turn these things into little rockets due to the extra grip from the LSD. Not as fast in a straight line as a FiST, but 0-60 in 7 dead is nothing to sneeze at.

That looks like a Nissan Badge what's the model? Opps Sentra

FiST gave me sticker shock

What year Miata?

I wanted one for a rally-X car. I75 Hp, LSD and 6 speed sounds like fun. Not much wheel travel though. IIRC

G_Body_Man wrote:

NGTD wrote: They apparently like to consume their own pre-cats and small screws from the intakes. They tend to be available pretty cheap though. I almost bought one for $400 a few years ago.

G_Body_Man wrote: What about a B15 SE-R Spec V? Reliable, LSD, manual, decently quick, sticky, fun, cheap, and fairly competitive.

They're so cheap, and a set of sticky but still legal tires turn these things into little rockets due to the extra grip from the LSD. Not as fast in a straight line as a FiST, but 0-60 in 7 dead is nothing to sneeze at.

In reply to bentwrench: NA/NB with good shocks, a fat front bar, and RE-71s. Surprisingly a Mazdaspeed Miata is also in E street. Tough to find one in your budget though.

KyAllroad wrote: In reply to bentwrench: NA/NB with good shocks, a fat front bar, and RE-71s. Surprisingly a Mazdaspeed Miata is also in E street. Tough to find one in your budget though.

This man speaks the truth.

An E-street Miata (forget the Mazdaspeed) is the easy button for a competitive and budget friendly car.

Is300 manuals are 5k nowadays.

125cc shifter kart

90's civic hatch

Miata, theres a reason we call it "the answer"

Affordable 10+ year old cars that trophied at Nationals last year in Street class.

CS: RX8, MR2 Turbo

ES: Miata, MR2, MR2 Spyder

In 2014 there was also a Celica GTS (GS) in addition to the above noted.

If it is capable of being made good enough to trophy at Nationals, it's already better than I am.

bentwrench wrote: FiST gave me sticker shock

FiSTed.

G_Body_Man wrote: What about a B15 SE-R Spec V? Reliable, LSD, manual, decently quick, sticky, fun, cheap, and fairly competitive.

A former roommate had an '02 SER Spec-V. I LOVED the way it drove. Very communicative and easily tossable. Decent MPG to boot. I'd like to have one but I'm one of those who are gun shy about the seemingly self-destructive engines.

Bentwrench said: Looking for a competitive model capable of showcasing my awesome driving skills.

If the above is really true then the answer is Miata.
You'll never be able to blame the car.

Driven5 wrote: Affordable 10+ year old cars that trophied at Nationals last year in Street class. CS: RX8, MR2 Turbo ES: Miata, MR2, MR2 Spyder In 2014 there was also a Celica GTS (GS) in addition to the above noted. If it is capable of being made good enough to trophy at Nationals, it's already better than I am.

If having a very competitive autocrosser is that important, this is the list I always start with. (I also use the list to check tires)

If not, then get the car you like and can afford. Anything can be made to turn and have fun with- people autocross Civic 1.5's and Focus SPI motors in HS and have fun around here.