If the answer isn’t a Miata, what is it?

The MR2 roll bars that are out there sketch me out, at least if you keep the soft top.  They make NC Miata roll bars look beefy by comparison, and NC Miata roll bars also sketch me out.

I'd also vote for FRS/BRZ, a lot of the other cars listed are getting older and hard to find, and I like my track cars to be easily replaceable.  I think the Frisbee twins are at a real nice place in terms of performance and disposability.

Goingnowhere

Suggestions for forums/education?

boxster or E36

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/d/saint-paul-e-track-car/7059036259.html

Thanks

Track Night Cars need to be Street legal

I believe

Depending on your location, Track Night will let you run a convertible with no roll bar.....

E36 M3 in nice shape is in that budget. Not as fast as an e46 but more raw for a track you

Convertible yes

Street legal yes

I am casually shopping for exactly the same thing at the moment and my shortlist is pretty much as already mentioned...

MR2 would be perfect if I was smaller...

S197 want is strong but many are already been beat to hell...

E36 M3 is probably just right for me and I am watching a few on Bring a Trailer right now.

C5 always gets brought up but few exist for low prices and cheap ones get expensive fast!

350Z, Z3 and Boxster are all on my radar too but I hope the suggestions keep rolling in.

1986- 1990 CRX si.  

I'm doing the S197 thing right now. What I've noticed is that parts are plentiful and cheap, with tons of options. New parts, used parts, etc they are all over the place. I'm currently shopping my suspension setup, and don't know what it's like to have so many options. It's causing a little paralysis by analysis though...

Came here to say what everyone expected me to say (mr2-spyder). 
 

I'm 6"2 and zzw30 fits me fine. Way roomier than miata.  Where are you located? If it's near mass, you can drive my 1zz turbo car to try one out. 
 

Another forum is spyderchat but that is pretty troll infested in my experience. 

MR2 Spyder.  Boxster.

E36 M3 if you can find one and want a roof.

There is a MR2 that autocrosses local, stupid fast, he is always on the rev limiter, I have sort of looked for one but I have too many  projects. I don't think you could go wrong with one, but I havent had one personally.

Had a Miata, loved it, sold it to buy the RX-8.

The RX-8, bought it for $2000 exactly with a blown motor, came with a "good" motor. Yes it was a gamble but paid off. If you have never driven one you need too. Its my back up daily right now.

Handling is super, the rotary just loves to rev, not super fast as its a junkyard motor and stock, but quick enough. Parts are a little pricey but not terrible. I can't drive it to work too often because I'll get a damn ticket its so much fun, and I won't now because its messy out and I want it to last a long time (like no rust, and they are salting the roads).

A weird suggestion is a 2003 or newer P71. RWD, parts are dirt cheap and durable. You can put a manual in one and add some handling for under $10k all in. I doubt you go this way but it is interesting. Check this out.

I have a 2002 Grand Marquis with P71 suspension I am working on, its going to be a cross between a back up daily and back up autocross duty. I can drive it to the event, with a/c, it should handle ok but doesn't have the power of the P71 package. I suggest the 2003 or newer because it has better suspension.

I am selling a 2002 mr2 with 115k miles. New top.  It's in Jacksonville. $4900

Thanks for all the input and updates

Interested in hearing more about the MR2  in Jacksonville 

Please reach out to Racingcomputers at yahoo.com

Regards

RacingComputers said:

Goingnowhere

Suggestions for forums/education?

I'd try https://www.rx8club.com/ . Bunch of fairly knowledgeable people, but like every forum you have to wade through some nonsense. Also GRM did a couple of official articles on RX8 prep, and there's some good threads on them around (https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/rx8-success-stories/55401/page1/) Best of luck in the search!

Is there a reason you're tossing out Miatai?  If it's a question of cockpit room have you tried an NC?  Since the NC and the RX-8 share a platform it's got enough interior space to feel like a real car.

Alternatively, my latest track car  may not set the world on fire with it's raw power. For $500 a mid 90's 318Ti that feels like a hardtop Miata in power and handling while being so stupidly cheap that I can drive it at 11/10ths without fear.

I would second the NC or a 3rd gen MR2.  I daily my NC and it is perfect for my needs. It does need some minor suspension updates to be perfect, but springs, shocks and sway bars and you will really enjoy it! 

I would search for an e30, e36, or e46 bmw of any type that is in the best condition, with much of the safety and track prep items addressed. They are fast compared to their power, easy on consumables with cheapest replacements, and a hard top (which gives access to more events than a miata). Much easier than a miata to turn respectable times IMO while giving up some of the fun tossablenessity.

Compared to porsches, much more reliable from an oiling standpoint and transmission standpoint IMO. Boxsters have the same issues as miata asking for permission to join certain groups.

There is a track prepped e36TI on bimmerforums that just popped up for 5-6k. Boom!

How about E82 1-series?  I'll bet you could pick up one with ~100k miles on it for 10k.  I'm not sure if this is going to get daily driving duties too, but a 1-series is easily road-trippable and fun for track and autocross stuff too.  The turbo models are pretty quick little cars, but the N/A ones are too shabby either.  Lots of E90 M3 parts swap onto it too, so you've got a good platform for handling.  

Gen coupe track or r-spec? Pick the nicest one you can find for $10k and enjoy

done

rothwem said:

How about E82 1-series?  I'll bet you could pick up one with ~100k miles on it for 10k.  I'm not sure if this is going to get daily driving duties too, but a 1-series is easily road-trippable and fun for track and autocross stuff too.  The turbo models are pretty quick little cars, but the N/A ones are too shabby either.  Lots of E90 M3 parts swap onto it too, so you've got a good platform for handling.  

This is a great option for the money but steer clear of the 135 due to cooling concerns on track and boost leaks causing limp mode. A well setup 128i (with the 6 cyl) should fit 245 square rubber and basically is an e36 m3 with modern features and a much better interior. Can be easily found for less than 8k.

Ready to go 1 series

This belongs to the brother of a forum member. It's perfect for what you're describing. 

Great input everyone

NA Miata is too cramped 

Same with C5 Corvette

Think Ex - Pro linebacker +20#s

Thanks

Another vote for FRS/BRZ. They are getting in that price range already, and at this point have a HUGE aftermarket. They aren't completely aged like others mentioned either.