Looking at a sub $10000 AutoX + Daily Driver

An RX-8 with a bad engine can be had from $500 - $1500 depending on condition... and that's a realistic, "always one available" price for them.
A rebuilt engine block can be had for 3-5k depending on where you look. 

So far, we're at 3.5k-7.5k for an RX-8 that should last for another 60k miles at the minimum, assuming you take proper care of the motor. Add a couple more hundred dollars for things like an SOHN adapter and you can possibly have a bad-ass car for about 5k, total investment. 

Pocket the leftover 5k for some light mods, tires, track days, and gas and you're good to go! 

This is probably the best way to own an RX-8 nowadays. 

spacecadet said:

one FYI about fiesta's is what ProDarwin is eluding to. They're on the hairy edge of width and height for autox and they have rolled.

I have never heard of or seen a Fiesta roll over in an autocross, and I am on every Fiesta Forum there is.  Not saying it hasn't happened, but no one has mentioned it that I have seen.  I have seen some up on two wheels, but never gone over.  I have tried my darndest, and I cannot roll the thing.  (and I know how to roll cars)  

What about a BMW 1 Series?

Ah.... I did just this exercise HERE Basically $10k gets you a tuned turbo Veloster with suspension, wheels and tires. If I had an extra $10k to spend that the wife wouldn't kill me over I'd do just that. 

Check out my Cobalt SS in the classifieds and let's talk. Mazdaspeed 3 won't see which way you went. Dead reliable.

pinchvalve said:

spacecadet said:

one FYI about fiesta's is what ProDarwin is eluding to. They're on the hairy edge of width and height for autox and they have rolled.

I have never heard of or seen a Fiesta roll over in an autocross, and I am on every Fiesta Forum there is.  Not saying it hasn't happened, but no one has mentioned it that I have seen.  I have seen some up on two wheels, but never gone over.  I have tried my darndest, and I cannot roll the thing.  (and I know how to roll cars)  

The thing about autocross incidents is they tend to not get widely publicized so I'm not surprised it's not being discussed on the forums. I believe I've heard of at least one rollover, and several close calls. I've seen video of at least one going up high enough (on smooth, medium grip asphalt) to discourage me from ever running mine seriously. I do a couple of events a year in mine usually and even on low grip pavement with "regular" performance summer tires it feels like it wants to roll in just about any transitional element. It usually takes a run or two for me to get up to speed in it just because of how far past the comfort zone it needs to be pushed to find the limits.

In any case, the right answer here is an E46 with some minor upgrades or a focus ST.

Veloster is nice, but I didn't like the headroom nor the visibility. The FiST and FoST are also equally appealing. Right now I'm leaning toward a G35 as I don't fit well in an IS300. Any other suggestions? Maybe a Golf GTi?

GentlemanShark said:

Veloster is nice, but I didn't like the headroom nor the visibility. The FiST and FoST are also equally appealing. Right now I'm leaning toward a G35 as I don't fit well in an IS300. Any other suggestions? Maybe a Golf GTi?

You'd need to get a new 2015+ GTi to be worth it for autox.I'd encourage you to look for a Focus ST and see if you can find one within your budget in decent shape.  

Alternatively, look for a cheap 99-00 Miata for ES or a STS Civic/CRX/Miata and use the other 5-6K to buy a second car with 4 doors that has no use in Autox.  The Focus ST is a great 1 car for autox/DD combo but 2 cars are generally better because each can be better for the job rather than being compromised for each. 

In reply to GentlemanShark :

I've been very happy with my G35. I would think $10k might get you into a G37.

Mine was sub $5k. Add wheels, tires, and Konis and I'm still under $7k. 

In reply to Toyman01 :

Any thoughts on G35 vs G37? Either more reliable than the other?

In reply to Toyman01 :

Damn! Your G35 looks gorgeous. Plus, there's a lot more in my area.

I suppose it really matters how competitive you want to be.  I don't know enough about the classes and PAX to comment.

I do know LSD & Sticky tires will make a big difference.

mr2s2000elise said:

In reply to Toyman01 :

Any thoughts on G35 vs G37? Either more reliable than the other?

The G37 gets you the extra 30-40 hp and some torque. They also solved the oil consumption issues on them. The G35s will use oil when flogged. Cruising I use almost none but 10-15 autocross runs will use half a quart. 

I just picked a 00 Boxster S in your price range.  

In reply to Toyman01 :

Appreciate 

sounds like g37 is the one to get