Good Beginner DE Car?
01-04-2016, 11:26 AM
#46
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Under $30k with somewhat reasonable operating costs.
May eventually install a half-cage
definitely streetable.
Needs to be newer -E30, e36 and 944 are great, but I don't want to screw around with an older car.
I'm leaning towards the BRZ as a little more practical than the miata. I would assume it's safer too with a real roof?
This would be a grassroots learning car (my girls can't even drive a stick yet...), so true beginner car.
I drove my 04 Mini Cooper S on track a few times. It was a blast for FWD. I can't find any info on the mystery door-opening - anybody know more about this?
May eventually install a half-cage
definitely streetable.
Needs to be newer -E30, e36 and 944 are great, but I don't want to screw around with an older car.
I'm leaning towards the BRZ as a little more practical than the miata. I would assume it's safer too with a real roof?
This would be a grassroots learning car (my girls can't even drive a stick yet...), so true beginner car.
I drove my 04 Mini Cooper S on track a few times. It was a blast for FWD. I can't find any info on the mystery door-opening - anybody know more about this?
That being said you can find a dirt cheap Spec Miata in the 90-97 flavor that is safer and cheaper to run. At some point my kid (9 now) will likely be getting one of these to re build and use for autox and track
01-04-2016, 12:21 PM
#47
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BRZ. Warranty. 
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-Peter Krause
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Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
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-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
01-04-2016, 12:58 PM
#48
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Good Beginner DE Car?
Under $30k with somewhat reasonable operating costs.
May eventually install a half-cage
definitely streetable.
Needs to be newer -E30, e36 and 944 are great, but I don't want to screw around with an older car.
I'm leaning towards the BRZ as a little more practical than the miata. I would assume it's safer too with a real roof?
This would be a grassroots learning car (my girls can't even drive a stick yet...), so true beginner car.
I drove my 04 Mini Cooper S on track a few times. It was a blast for FWD. I can't find any info on the mystery door-opening - anybody know more about this?
May eventually install a half-cage
definitely streetable.
Needs to be newer -E30, e36 and 944 are great, but I don't want to screw around with an older car.
I'm leaning towards the BRZ as a little more practical than the miata. I would assume it's safer too with a real roof?
This would be a grassroots learning car (my girls can't even drive a stick yet...), so true beginner car.
I drove my 04 Mini Cooper S on track a few times. It was a blast for FWD. I can't find any info on the mystery door-opening - anybody know more about this?
01-04-2016, 04:02 PM
#49
Drifting
That's why I hesitated on the comparison (heresy), but handling-wise reminds me of 944 behavior. Engine response is quite different...
I thought about it, but if practicality is a criteria for selection, a fr-s newer (or new) car brings warranty and is still inexpensive to run.
However 944's are great...
I thought about it, but if practicality is a criteria for selection, a fr-s newer (or new) car brings warranty and is still inexpensive to run.
However 944's are great...
Purchase a used race car with full roll cage and add any upgrades that are needed. You can develop your driving skills, develop to be smooth, maintain momentum, and not get yourself or the car in trouble unless you loose concentration or respond incorrectly to an error.
It is the best forgiving car to learn how to develop to drive at 10/10 without scaring yourself, to be smooth, and see success with lower lap times. No PDK, No ABS, put fun, fun, fun and it can corners at 1.5G's.
Lowering lap times is the end game not how fast you can go down the front straight, that is being "cool."
😃😃😃😃😃
Full disclosure, I own one
Last edited by T&T Racing; 01-04-2016 at 04:03 PM. Reason: Correct spelling errors
01-04-2016, 11:21 PM
#51
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I vote a 07 base cayman. It's a total momentum car and are a blast to drive. The 2.7 is a great little engine. Running cost like brakes are cheap (for a Porsche). One of the best track cars I have even owned, made me a much better driver getting entry speed correct.
01-05-2016, 10:21 AM
#53
Drifting
Some anecdotal facts:
There is a girl at DEs that has been running used mini for 2 seasons. I see minis very often. The upside is you can fit 4 wheels with you in the car.
FRS/BRZ are very capable but those who say you get warranty should reconsider. There was a guy who blew a motor...well the spring on the valve broke and the rocker cracked the valve cover or something along along those lines. That caused some oil spill which caused him to spin out at first session but he didnt hit anything. Toyota denied the engine claim as they found some pics of him on the track on FB. And these cars blow engines even in street driving from what I read. But yea they are pretty cheap and you may get lucky.
There is a girl at DEs that has been running used mini for 2 seasons. I see minis very often. The upside is you can fit 4 wheels with you in the car.
FRS/BRZ are very capable but those who say you get warranty should reconsider. There was a guy who blew a motor...well the spring on the valve broke and the rocker cracked the valve cover or something along along those lines. That caused some oil spill which caused him to spin out at first session but he didnt hit anything. Toyota denied the engine claim as they found some pics of him on the track on FB. And these cars blow engines even in street driving from what I read. But yea they are pretty cheap and you may get lucky.