Help me decide on my next daily driver, which will become a track car in around a year.

Currently own a 2008 BMW 328xi, aka the Understeer Express. Great as a daily driver but as a track car it's simply not a good choice, mostly due to the all wheel drive and heavy front end. I'm slowly returning a few aspects of it to stock and I plan on selling it and purchasing another daily driver that I'll soon turn into a track car. I should be retiring in the next 6 months or so if all goes well, so it'll just need to be a daily driver for that much time, then when we move and get a house it'll slowly turn into a track car that I'll tow behind a motorhome as we go autocrossing and visiting racetracks.

Before anyone says just make my car handle better, it's a bad base to start with. AWD version weighs about 150 pounds extra, and that's all in the front. Front suspension kinda sucks also and you can swap M3 parts onto it to fix the issues.

What I want:
Reliability is a big requirement. This car will mostly be autocrossing and a track day here and there and I don't want things to break every week.
Rear wheel drive. No FWD and no AWD. I had a lot of fun driving my old civic challenge car but I really prefer RWD.
Manual trans
It doesn't need to have 500hp but I would prefer a reasonably quick car or something that can be made quick
Not too heavy.


What I don't want:
A miata. Sorry, guys. I know they're great cars, it's just not what I want
Turbo or other high maintenance things.
Heavy car

So, the cars I'm idly considering:

A Porsche 944 is highest on the list, simply because I've always loved the cars and I hear they handle like a dream. I've wanted one for 20-something years now. Not the most powerful car and you do have to pay the Porsche tax a bit, but I think flogging a 944 on Watkins Glen sounds like a blast. There are faster cars, and I know maintenance on this is more in depth and expensive, but I'm a Porsche nut so ultimately this one would make me happy. I do have concerns that the lower horsepower would get boring. There is a turbo version but those are $$$ now.
Rear wheel drive BMW E90: The cars aren't perfect and the AWD versions are pigs, but I already have some parts for this and the N52 engine is super reliable. With a 3 stage intake manifold, header, MILVs, and a couple other mods you can get around 300 reliable horsepower, and some tasteful mods will get it down to 3000 pounds no problem, still with an interior. M3 front suspension components will mostly get rid of the excessive understeer. This one is pretty high on the list the more I think about it, as I said, I can swap camber plates from my car over to a new one, I already have a header, racing seats, etc. Downside is I am absolutely sick and tired of dealing with BMW electrical gremlins. The twin turbo version is an option, but that's an extra 100 pounds, a ton of extra heat, more maintenance, etc. The NA version will take a beating and hit 200K miles no problem. Sedan or coupe versions are both fine. The transmission is an issue though: There is a huge gap between 1st and 2nd gear that's a big pain in the rear end while autocrossing. Since I would be autocrossing this car a lot, that's something to take into consideration.
Porsche Boxster: I don't love these cars, but every time I see a 944 mentioned as an inexpensive Porsche track car, the Boxster inevitably comes up as a better option. Newer, faster, more reliable (assuming IMS bearing fixed), great handling. Problem is I like them, I don't love them, and the cost of modding them is painful. I don't want to pay that heavy a p-tax on an $8000 car.
Porsche 996: So this would be the ultimate, a sort of dream car. I would be able to afford the car when the time is right but I don't think I'd be able to afford to track it. But one can dream. The 996 may be the redheaded stepchild of the 911 family but I love how they feel and drive and prices are coming back down. As I said, one can dream!

I've been a Porsche fanatic since owning a 1978 911SC around 12 years ago, and I would absolutely love to own another Porsche, so I'm leaning towards a 944. Not that I'm a national level driver or anything, but they're still pretty competitive in many of their classes, also. The more practical side of me is leaning towards a rear wheel drive BMW E90, but electrical gremlins abound and it's not really a competitive car (that's not a deal breaker—I'm doing this for fun, not to be a national champion). At this time I don't plan on doing a fully gutted race car, maybe just some bolt-on mods and a 4-point cage but I'm sure scope creep will kick in quickly.

If location factors into this, I currently live in Cleveland and we're planning on moving to the finger lakes, NY. 

Open to all suggestions!

I do think it's kinda funny that I want something relatively headache-free and all my current possible cars are German. The irony is not lost on me.

Toyota MR-S. It's like a Boxster, but reliable:

How about a 128i 6-speed? We have one and it's a blast. Tons of M3 parts bolt on as well as the 3 stage option you mentioned.

In reply to dyintorace :

That's a solid option, many of the parts are the same as the 3 series.

I think I'm going to find someone with a nice 944 for sale around here and see if I can give them a $20 bill to let me drive it around for 10 minutes. I've wanted a 944 since I was 18, and I think they're the coolest cars, but I should probably drive one before putting it so firmly at the top of my "I want" list.

Since you didn't specify a budget, Lotus Elise 

Plenty of 944 experience here on GRM if you want an idea of the maintenance headaches you will be facing. I'd love a 924s as a 3rd vehicle but not as a primary driver. They are just getting old at this point and the combination of age and German-ness is not easy to deal with.

They are not quick unless you are talking about the more expensive turbo or 3.0. And those are still not really fast. Best bang for your buck in Porsche world is probably mid-engined.

I really like the idea of an RX8 and I wish the Renesis didn't have the issues that it does. Although I guess there might not be any more heartache potential than there would be in an old Porsche.

In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon :

Yeah I just read through a couple GRM threads and one on Rennlist from a handful of years ago. Excellent autocross potential, even in stock form, but definitely a higher maintenance car. And the 2.5 engine has I think 160hp, which is not much. Ditching the cat and adding a header and a few mods can get you up to 180 or so, which is better, but I think I'd prefer a bit more power.

Still, though. I can just sit there and look at a picture of a 944 for ten minutes straight, admiring those lines. 

BlueInGreen - Jon said:

I really like the idea of an RX8 and I wish the Renesis didn't have the issues that it does. Although I guess there might not be any more heartache potential than there would be in an old Porsche.

So I was at an autocross this past weekend and there was a guy there with an MBG that he had swapped a Renesis motor into, as well as (shortened) S2000 rear end.

STM317 said:

Toyota MR-S. It's like a Boxster, but reliable:

 

This + LS swap.

lets start with your daily driver requirements and make sure we can recommend a car that meets those needs.

I'm guessing based on your current list that a RWD 2 door coupe is sufficient and that a small trunk, in ability to store large objects in a trunk is okay.  (I say that because a 996 has a deep trunk but a weeks worth of groceries for 2 people fills it completely.  

Do you have to deal with weather for your daily driver?  

Do you need any modern amenities?  Things like blue tooth, good A/C, etc. might be unavailable/not as easy to achieve in older cars such as a 944.  

What about your budget?  What is your tolerance for expensive/completed problems?  9x6 cars have more than just IMS issues (bore scoring, A/O seperators, coil packs, etc.) which can range from several hundred to fix to $15k+ for motor rebuilds.  

Separating all of those things, here is some ideas to consider.  
1. Hyundai Elantra N.  $33k gets you a new car that is about as quick around a race track as an E46 M3.  You get the versatility of 4 doors, all of the modern infotainment (car play, bluetooth, etc.) working A/C etc.  https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/can-our-e46-m3-run-with-a-new/257351/page1/

2. C5/C6 corvette.  while the corvette tax is real and the cars need a few things to be track reliable they are pretty capable out of the box and especially if you go C6 have A/C that works great are comfortable for longer drives and have a really big trunk making daily driving possible.  Also the Corvette tax is small compared to the Porsche tax.  

3. toyoburu twin?  in alot of ways a more modern and cheaper 944.  

Olemiss540 said:

STM317 said:

Toyota MR-S. It's like a Boxster, but reliable:

 

This + LS swap.

do you mean the 2AR swap?  https://www.mr2-spyder.com/community/engine-swaps/2ar-fe-swap-for-the-spyder/

You know what's a lot like a Porsche 944? A Toyobaru. Much more modern and no Porsche tax.

That's what I went with.

Edit: I see ClearWaterMS beat me to it.

In reply to ClearWaterMS :

My daily driver requirements are only slightly more mature than a 16-year-old's requirements. I'm only partially joking.

I don't really need a huge trunk, as we always take The Wife's prius to do all our shopping. Right now my car only goes to work and to autocrosses. I mostly want fun, rear wheel drive, reasonably comfortable, won't kill my wallet. I know that last one is a big red X on all the Porsche options.

As for budget, I grew up poor so I struggle with a cheap mindset, but I should be doing okay. I'm waiting to hear back from my lawyer on raising my VA disability to 100% (which will be the main source of my retirement) and I write books on the side and they do pretty well. If I can spend $10K and get a solid car I think I'd be doing really well. Or save another two months and get the 996? I would have to sit down and really write out the cost of autocrossing a 996 with the occasional track day. I have a book coming out in two weeks that should be very successful so I'll probably start squirreling some away. I know $20K is enough to get a fantastic car for all this and some mods as well. I could probably stretch it to $30K for the right car, but it would have to be something that really made my heart beat (like a Porsche).

A C5 is a solid option. It has basically everything I could want, and as you said the Corvette tax is cheaper than the Porsche tax. Having an engine that's easy to upgrade is a nice plus, as is the ability to run absolutely massive tires. I think the only real downside would be the cost of consumables: 305 wide tires aren't cheap. This is a good car though, thanks for bringing it up. A C6 would be even better but more costly, I'd probably go C5. Stomping the loud pedal on something with 500hp would be a hoot!

The BRZ is something to seriously consider. There was one at last weekend's autocross and it did really well. They look like fun cars, well balanced, the only downside being a bit low on power, although on their forums they lay out a nice plan for $5K to get 250 reliable wheel horsepower from a turbo setup.

I've driven both Boxsters and Caymans at autocross and track days. They are wonderfully balanced cars with a medium amount of power; if you get either one that's had the IMS bearing upgrade or a 2009 newer car, they shouldn't give you much trouble.

Now as for the 944, note I really like them. Yes by todays standards they are underpowered but they are still loads of fun. The big plus for them over others is the tire bill is pretty minimal. Seeing as the car you pick will eventually be towed behind a motorhome, having an older car doesn't seem to be as big an issue as it would be otherwise.

I get to drive everything from 80whp (my Datsun) to 800hp cars and I have to say I find that the 175-200hp range to be a really sweet spot. Momentum cars are fun because you have to stay after them every inch of every lap, they are easy on consumables and you just feel like you've really driven when you come off track. 

175-200hp is the point where cars go down the straightaways fast enough not to be painful. They will also accelerate fast enough between corners to make the next corner a challenge. A 944 is still a 140mph car so I wouldn't call them slow. 

One final thing on the 944 is weight; they are only around 2600lbs. They are 400-600lbs lighter than the Boxster or Cayman.

In reply to Tom1200 :

Thanks for that reply. My current car is about 270hp but 3500 pounds. I do enjoy the amount of power/acceleration it has. The 944 weighing a thousand pounds less would be a big help, and as you said the tire bill would be great. I mean, a wide tire on a 944 seems to be a 245 haha. A lot of guys just race on 225s.

I'm sure I'll bounce around from this car to that car in the coming months as I slowly prep my car to sell. I'll just be saving my money until then.

infinitenexus said:

In reply to ClearWaterMS :

My daily driver requirements are only slightly more mature than a 16-year-old's requirements. I'm only partially joking.

I don't really need a huge trunk, as we always take The Wife's prius to do all our shopping. Right now my car only goes to work and to autocrosses. I mostly want fun, rear wheel drive, reasonably comfortable, won't kill my wallet. I know that last one is a big red X on all the Porsche options.

As for budget, I grew up poor so I struggle with a cheap mindset, but I should be doing okay. I'm waiting to hear back from my lawyer on raising my VA disability to 100% (which will be the main source of my retirement) and I write books on the side and they do pretty well. If I can spend $10K and get a solid car I think I'd be doing really well. Or save another two months and get the 996? I would have to sit down and really write out the cost of autocrossing a 996 with the occasional track day. I have a book coming out in two weeks that should be very successful so I'll probably start squirreling some away. I know $20K is enough to get a fantastic car for all this and some mods as well. I could probably stretch it to $30K for the right car, but it would have to be something that really made my heart beat (like a Porsche).

A C5 is a solid option. It has basically everything I could want, and as you said the Corvette tax is cheaper than the Porsche tax. Having an engine that's easy to upgrade is a nice plus, as is the ability to run absolutely massive tires. I think the only real downside would be the cost of consumables: 305 wide tires aren't cheap. This is a good car though, thanks for bringing it up. A C6 would be even better but more costly, I'd probably go C5. Stomping the loud pedal on something with 500hp would be a hoot!

The BRZ is something to seriously consider. There was one at last weekend's autocross and it did really well. They look like fun cars, well balanced, the only downside being a bit low on power, although on their forums they lay out a nice plan for $5K to get 250 reliable wheel horsepower from a turbo setup.

one thing to consider on the Corvette as it relates to tires... While a 305 is possible, 285 is standard.  Also; it's a double wishbone on all corners which allows -2 deg camber right from the factory.  Additionally, the car carries its weight really low and with the transaxle is pretty close to 50:50.  All of this results in a car that is easier on tires than alot of the strut based competitors.  

I have run the SC3 tires for the last two years and got 3 full days and ~10 3 session TNiA like events and are still not on the cords.  I.E. for me I get a full season out of a set of tires (and this year have stretched a set from last year out due to availability being limited)

dyintorace said:

How about a 128i 6-speed? We have one and it's a blast. Tons of M3 parts bolt on as well as the 3 stage option you mentioned.

This was my exact thought. I'd probably still have a 1-series if I knew about the tunability of these, instead of the absolutely caning the 135i DCT caused to my wallet. 

In reply to infinitenexus :

I like light cars; the the Datsun is 1600lbs. For what a race motor or turbo track day motor costs I simply bought a Formula 500. I use the F500 mostly for autocross but I have vintage raced it twice.  I would have suggested an open wheel car but that won't fit the bill for you.

As time goes buy I find my car selection is based on tire costs as well as my being able to do most of the jobs myself. I know I can fix most things on a 944. Caymans and Boxsters are a different story.

I want a Porsche but if I do get one it will come down to a 914 or 944. 

Get the 944 - it's the car you've always wanted so why not?

If you want cheap RWD HP, I know you've been burned once, but would you consider a stang again? Same for cramit.

infinitenexus said:

In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon :

Still, though. I can just sit there and look at a picture of a 944 for ten minutes straight, admiring those lines. 

Yeah, they are simple, but I think something about them is Just Right. Especially with a tucked or turbo style front bumper.

Honestly, if you bought anything else would you regret not going for the 944? And, a decent 944 isn't likely to lose money if you own it for a couple years and decide it's not something you want long-term.

I used to have a 2002 non-S Boxster that I did track days in. I bought it pretty cheap and rebuilt the suspension, upgrading it to a Rest Of World sports suspension. It was way faster than a 944, and handled great. I upgraded the rear sway bar, but left the front stock, which made it very neutral but you could get a bit of throttle lift rotation entering turns, which was a ton of fun and fast. With 217 HP, it still got passed by lots of cars in the straight parts. I finally got frustrated by that and upgraded to a 2010 Cayman S with 100 more HP than the Boxster, and while that solved most of the getting passed down the straights issues, but it doesn't handle as good as the Boxster because I've left the suspension stock.

The Boxster was very reliable for me, and they actually aren't that hard to work on if you have a QuickJack or something to get them into the air. Because of the retractable roof right over the engine, most everything is accessed from underneath. You'll have to upgrade the brake pads, but the stock rotor size is fine. The Boxster/Cayman is just an inherently good sports car that is very livable on the street. 

I also like 944s, but they are just too slow and old for me. I have seen a couple that had LS's dropped in them, and that would solve the slow part, but it's still a really old car.

I've seen a Honda V6 swapped Miata (I know you don't want a Miata) and a Camry V6 swapped second gen MR2, and they were both really quick (easily blasted away from my Boxster), but still were reliable yet fun to drive Japanese cars. I was going to get a Miata and put the Honda V6 in it but the cheap Boxster fell into my lap and now I've fallen down the Porsche rabbit-hole. Just something to think about...