Hey guys, I'll be looking into making a purchase of a car within a year. I am much more interested in auto-cross/road-racing than I am in drag racing. I believe that takes much more skill and its a skill I want to learn and master for my own satisfaction.

What are some good platforms in stock form that are efficient starting bases for an auto-x/track car?

I'm not going to be looking into roll-cages, etc. etc. *most-likely* :rick:
Would you recommend AWD, RWD, or FWD?

What cars/platforms are easier and cheaper to mod for auto-x?

Any other suggestions, opinions and comments welcome.

My budget for a newer car is < /= $20k.
If buying an older/cheaper car obviously I would have money for mods after purchase but would def. not be throwing $20k into it.

Thanks in advance.

 

Hmmm...I always hear about Miatas being good for auto cross but I don't race don't take my word for it. :dunno:

 

Yeah a Miata is a great starting point. Civics and Integras ain't bad either, although you probably want to stay with the lighter models like hatches.

I only fit in the 2nd gen Miata though. My shoulders are too wide for the 1st gen. h:

 

Yeah Miatas. I thought about them. The thing is I could pull it off cuz I do have a beater for winter, but I dunno how long it'll last.

Bump....anyone else? May I hope for FatBooty's opinion???

 

Me no guru! Me guy with computer!

(and I posted before you could even ask )

 

Haha we posted at the same time. I thought about an EK hatch which has always been a wet dream for me. So that might be a serious option. But I was also thinking about how a civic is still an economy car. Anything higher end that I could afford?

What about RWD what about a manual IS300? Or etc.

 

E36 M3? :naughty:

 

yeah...maybe. That would be nice. How are they for auto-cross? I bet suspension upgrades cost though...

 

The E36 M3 doesn't really need much in the way of upgrading to be competitive. You could run in B-Stock just fine with relatively few mods.

As for a hatch, their low equipment level kind of limits them in Stock classes. I think most of em don't even have sway bars. I'd want to run in STS with a hatch.

These are the rules and classes and stuff, which should give you an idea of what goes where and how much you can change: http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/

 

Thanks

Anyone else?