Track Night, occasion Autocross. RWD Manual
Sub $10k
Thanks
1999 -2005 MR2 Spyder are pretty similar. 2003 got some revisions to the engine that supposedly reduces oil consumption. Do not get an SMT (computer controlled manual) unless the car is super cheap and you plan to do a manual conversion. The SMT is hot garbage.
RacingComputers said:Can't find a Mustang or Camaro that aren't POS
YRMV
You're new here, but we all know that but it doesn't stop some from buying them and making them work.
There aren't a lot of sporty RWD cars that meet your requirements since they are either SUVs, Miata or huge luxo-barges.
Fiero? Plenty of engine swaps available there, though I can't say how often they are autocrossed. Merkur XR4Ti, An old MKI or MKII Capri, RX7....I suppose anything can be made to turn depending on how much work you put into it.
I have to agree with the recommendations for the MR2. I have a 99 Miata sport, which often owns the ES class in autocross.
I'm just competent at best, but I usually do okay in the local events by having a better car...
unless there's a good driver there with an MR2.
Biased because I'm still in the honeymoon phase w/ mine but 986 Porsche Boxster. Relatively easy to work on, good parts availability, cheap ones are out there, and a higher performance potential than a lot of other cars at the same price point.
Another oddball (and kind of cheating because there's a miata based off this): 09+ RX8
You can get a basically pristine version of this with money to spare. The 09+ cars have a like 3 page long list of upgrades over the earlier cars. The elephant in the room is reliability. Realistically, since it's mainly a "fun" car it makes it easier to stay up to date on the maintenance. You have to keep the oil topped up, and hey if you do need to swap the engine it can literally be done in under an hour. Longblocks can be found for $500 shipped in some cases.
Slap some Ohlins on, some 17x9's, some pads/fluid, and upgrade to the 4.7 or 5.3 FD. Then have some fun :)
I agree with enginenerd. The Boxster is a great handling car and there are some good ones for Miata money. However if you are open for older rear drive manual cars, the 924S/944 is very hard to beat.
Surprised nobody listed corvette? Despite higher consumable cost the c5 cars are a screaming deal in terms if dollar per hp and they handle.
2005 - 2010 S197 Mustang with the 4.6L 3 valve engine can be found under $10k in good condition and is fun for HPDE and AutoX.
More discussion about them here: https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/learn-me-s197s/152927/page1/
Join the S197 Mustangs & Parts Buy/Sell/Trade Facebook group as there are often some decent looking ones for sale
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