Let's talk high mileage street / autocross "Street prep" cars for less than $10k

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This rx-8 could be tempting though 

CyberEric said:

Sort of a side note: How is it that the FiST is outgunned by the Civic in HS? Fiesta has more power, is lighter. Is it that the Civic can fit so much more tire? I don't get it. 

I haven't driven the ugly last gen Civic, but I have a hard time imagining it's as fun on the street as a FiST.

An inch of wheel width is huge in camber limited fwd cars. I believe the civics are also capable of a bit more front camber and they're a little better on height/track width. The weight difference is pretty minimal and both probably make more torque than can actually be used with lateral load so unless you get a drag strip course that's not much of a factor. I also haven't driven a civic but would agree the fiesta is probably more fun. Mine was super fun and *felt* fast...until a timer was involved.

In reply to dps214 :

Gotcha, thanks for the insight. I didn't realize the Civic sport was as light as it is, or that the FiST is as heavy as it is. And an inch of wheel is a lot in autocross.

I wish the Civic weren't so damn ugly, I'd totally be interested. Well that and I have heard things about the 1.5T oil dilution issues. Anyway, thanks.

dunno how they slot into AutoX classing, but FCPEuro seems to think they've got the N20/26 timing chain and oiling issues figured out:

https://info.fcpeuro.com/328si

they've also got a video series on the build on thier youtube channel, that I've got earmarked but unwatched.  The above timing chains & lawsuits have sunk F30 resale prices (and I think are starting to bump e90 resales prices back up).  if you feel like "getting stuck in", might be a budget way to an newer 3-series?

Thanks for the responses! 

Since I'm not really in any kind of hurry, I may try to drive a few of these cars. 

I think finding a nice e46 330i sedan is #1 on my list - that's getting pretty hard these days. #2 is probably a MK7 GTI performance pack and I'd probably pay up to $12k if I found one of these. #3 I really don't like the looks of any previous Civics other than the current models - which look great - but those are way out of budget. #4 I've always wanted a WRX and there seem to be some of those out there - sort of afraid of the turbo and previous owners - probably not too likely to find a nice one. #5 Fiesta ST - I am so enthralled with this car. I've never driven one, but it seems to check all the boxes except I'm afraid it will be too small for 4 people - although we have a F250 crew cab & Jeep Wrangler JLU...so not as big of a factor. Well, the search continues...
 

Having had an early BRZ, even without the turbo I think it would be a good candidate.  Just enough power to get squirrely without the threat of doom.  Plus RWD goodness, plenty of parts, class options, etc.