Daddy duty/Track toy?

So I've been reading GRM for years and now I come to the masses to ask your opinion on my next purchase.

I have a budget of around $6k. I'm looking for a 4 door that I can haul my daughter around in and possibly take to a couple HPDE's and have some fun in.

I've narrowed the decision to a bmw 330i or subaru bugeye WRX.

The BMW would have a lot of nice creature comforts and has a decent aftermarket.

The subaru would have AWD and a turbo engine that would be easy to mod. Interior obviously isn't going to be as good and won't have all the options of the BMW.

I have a 60 mi round trip commute every day so I'm not going to go all out race car with either of these. Just a spring/strut combo with sticker rubber on nice wheels.

So what would you guys suggest? Both of these cars have pros and cons and I can't make the decision. I've found a couple sport package 330i's in my price range(albeit pre 2003's) and I've found a couple wrx's(even a bone stock, one owner wagon!).

Thanks for any input, feel free to offer suggestions or opinions and hopefully I'll be able to pull the trigger on one of these soon!

When I saw the thread title I immediately thought WRX, but the 330i is a good choice too. Ownership costs will be similar...I'd say choose whichever one you like better.

The bugeye is my least favorite Impreza body style though, looks-wise...if you can find a GC, they're lighter, the 4dr and 2dr are the exact same length, and they're the best looking IMO.

Subie FTW. Only problem is finding a good one....most of the ones here in Ohio have the dreaded tin worm and have been run to hell and back.

Keep us posted.

To add another car to the mix looking at local CL adds there's a couple e36 m3 sedans alittle over my price range. I'd like to have some extra $$ to be able to invest into whatever I buy but if an m3 is going to be that much better I can spend it all now and just save back up for tires or suspension.

I wouldn't consider a bugeye over a 330i

Many Subarus have had oiling issues with track use, leading to spun bearings and need for a rebuild or new engine. There are fixes for it, but plan ahead to see what it costs.

I'd prefer the 330i, it is a much nicer place to spend time every day. Plan to replace the plastic bits in the cooling system and some bushings.

Yea I'm leaning more towards the BMW camp myself. Inline 6, awesome interiors with plenty of cool gizmos to break on me :-P.

Now I just have to find a good optioned 330i that doesn't have a million miles. I'll have to go test drive a 330 and an e36 m3 to see which one is really better. M3 has LSD and well it's an m3. But 330i is newer and e46's look better IMO.

Plus I'd have $1-2k to play with to put into an e46. The e36 would pretty much tap my funds

I'd go with a BMW over the boost buggy, if only because I think there's a better chance of finding a "never molested" 330i that's in good shape despite the high mileage. Plus its a nicer place to live on a 60mi commute.

Might as well have your priorities straight!

I absolutly LOVE my 97 E36 M3/4/5!!! At 153k miles it is still a blast around town hauling the kids to school, pulling the harbor freight trailer to Lowes and doing the occasional track day. Worth every penny!

I don't understand the appeal of the Subaru for track days. Rallycross, ice racing, stage rally yes. Tarmac? Get the BMW.

skierd wrote: I'd go with a BMW over the boost buggy, if only because I think there's a better chance of finding a "never molested" 330i that's in good shape despite the high mileage. Plus its a nicer place to live on a 60mi commute.

+1

TDI golf, injectors, chip and SRS kit and turbo upgrade to do down the road.

Or a volvo 240 if you want RWD.

Buy the nicest BMW you can find. Enjoy.

I had a WRX for seven years. I loved it and I think it would make a great track car (especially if it rains), but there wasn't really enough room for a car seat in back. I had to put it behind the passenger seat, which I slid fully forward. The front passenger seat became useless. Unfortunately, a Legacy GT isn't a whole lot bigger back there.

Yeah, I had a forester xt, same platform, and there is no space in the back. I can stuff my family in my 4 door integra easier.

Have you considered:

2 or 4 Door Golf
Mini Cooper S
Civic Si
Cobalt SS
Mustang GT

Not advocating any, just wondering if you have considered all options?

My new "dad duty" rig is my Charger RT. You can pick up a retired cop car one for about $5k bonus points if it still has the barrier between front and back (kidding).

Of your options I would say go with the BMW if you can afford the maintenance and can find a non molested one.