This summer I'll be buying myself a car, most likely, and I want something nice. With around $2k to spend, I'll need a fairly fast car with fabulous handling to autocross. I've already looked into the obvious (1st gen) but need more options. I'm not really biased against FF but would prefer a RWD car. This thing will also have to occasionally be driven in adverse weather (probably nothing more than rain).

Some suggestions I've heard are CRX, 323 GTX or Galant VR4 (if I can find one), S13 240SX, and AE86. You guys are the pros in this area, any suggestions?

 

M
I
A
T
A

 

323 GTXs are horrible auto-x cars unless you put in a LSD.

 

You mentioned a $2000 price, right? That makes your decision for you. For $2000 you go simple: CRX or AE86. A $2000 GTX or 240 are going to be basket cases (you're going to be pushing it as it is...)

 

323 GTX's aren't that easy to find either.

I was in the same boat as you before I decided to get a NA FC. Here's a tip, forget about the fast part and just concentrate on handling. You can always make it fast later on down the road and in the meanwhile you won't lose the rest of your budget to speeding tickets.

Besides, its the corners that really make things interesting.

 

i agree, Miata.

PaulC

 

Miata...
The ones that came with a torsen are great.

 

Call me crazy, but how about a FC?!
I haven't looked at all, but what condition Miata can you get for 2K? I didn't realize they had come down that much in value.

Anyway find a good FC- GXL would be great, and have at it!

 

I picked up my 88 GTU (has the good options) for 2100 equipped with suspension, brake, exhaust upgrades and a 20k engine (and a few other things). Hard to beat that, it's a great platform to learn on and can be competitive. And they're definitely out there for cheaper, too.

Redwood

 

You can buy a 1st gen for practically nothing these days. That would leave you some extra money for some performance goodies. You might even be able to pic one up that already has some of the stuff on it.

 

If you're looking to learn to drive, all the above-mentioned cars should be pretty good, with the RWD cars being more fun to learn in.


If you're looking to be competitive and win trophies, learn a lot about the rules concerning car classes and mods allowed. For autocross, the Miata should take you further than the the Corolla (better in stock form, and the Toyota will be needing more TLC since it's almost 20 years old now), if you can even find either of those cars for that price. If you want to go big in auto-x without breaking the bank, I'm pretty sure the '88 Civic HB Si is the car to have; learn to drive it well, then eventually swap in the motor from the '91 Si, do all the suspension mods, and you've got a tough car to beat in STS class.

The 2nd gen RX-7's seem a bit too heavy to be competive in any of the (relatively) inexpensive classes, you'd have to spend big bucks to win trophies.


Galant might be a good car, but way too heavy for auto-x.


I always recommend to try and test drive all the cars you're thinking about buying, different people will prefer different things so our recommendations might be based on things you don't care about, like HP instead of handling, or practicality rather than good looks. Also check out the AW11 MR2 (86-89?), you might be able to find one of those at that price, and I've heard they are a blast to drive. It won't win any trophies though, they usually stick them in tough solo2 classes.

good luck,
-scott-

 

Around here you can pick up a 90-92 Miata for around $2500, and even though they have high milage they drive great, are bulletproof reliable, and very competitive in the CS class - all you need to add are tires and maybe a front sway bar. And a gas to drive, I might add.

 

CRX, buy a first gen Si and you can put all the goodies in it for that cost and have a really bitchin CSP car. 2k would get you the car, an LSD, rims, tires, adjustable struts, torsion bars, and rear coilovers. Also probably have enough money for strut bars and sway bars. www.opmautosports.com

 

yep, crx is one of the lightest, cheapest cars you can get, and their short wheel base makes for a car that will rotate around tight corners like a ****. it's gonna be loud and obnoxious, but what rx7 isn't? the bottom line is, look for something light and responsive (motor wise), that you can throw around. the n/a second generation MR2's are also competetive in their class.

 

Miata, crx, or if you have a Saturn... they can be made into awesome autox cars too. You might already know my friend ProDarwin from the Saturn forums... his SW is fast as hell in auto on terrible tires.

 

I have watched several autox's and participated in a few with my 84 gsl-se. The most common car I have seen is probably the miata and for good reason too. Stock they look like they have a good bit of body roll, but that can be cured with shocks. The miatas handle very well and have incredible potential (as you get more money to spend on it)

The fastest car I have seen so far would either be a rotary miata or a rotary sprite, those things would absolutely fly.

 

my vote for the honda

 

first gen MR2. obvious choice

MR is the best layout for handling, argue all you want but having wheight over the front wheels is horrible for turn in response. plus the n/a toyota's are bomb proof.

 

I've owned an AE86 and I have driven two different 1st Gen's. The 1st gen is a far superior car than the AE86. IMHO, the AE86 is a POS, plain and simple. The hype behind it is 99% myth, except if you're into the whole drifting thing.

Get a Miata or a 1st gen.