What Model Year for track car?
 

I'm currently trying to do some research on getting either a frs/brz and making it a primary track car. I currently have a nearly stock 15 sti with several track days on it, rear sway bar, tires + wheels, pads, aos, stock power.. After some track days there's two things I've noticed.. 1. My driving style doesn't really suit AWD and 2. continuing to track the sti further might lead to a slippery slope of the mod bug. which I don't want to really deal with since it is primarily my DD which I love at the moment.

I've done a lot of reading and decided either a NB/NC miata or a 86 twin would be what I want to pursue. I have no intention of trading in my STI and I will continue to DD it and occasional weekend canyons. If I were to trade/sell it in, I know I would regret it big time, so I'm looking for a 2nd car in the FRS/BRZ.

Because I will already have a DD, the 86 will be track duty mainly, I am looking for a cheap used one that I can learn on and have fun with. So my question is.... Are there any year models I should try to avoid or look out for? Are there any big differences between a '13, '14,'15 in regards to track performance?

Thanks~

You say cheap.

Miata. Roughly equal on the track for roughly half the price. 15 inch tires are dirt cheap too.

Get a MY14+ as they worked out most the kinks. The early ones had tune issues

You already know what you want. Miata.
Proven cheap track car time and time again. Cost per performance out beats pretty much any other car unless getting one for free.

But just so I won't butt hurt fan boys, go with the '14's. As for cheap, wait a year or two and they'll get some under $8k with under 80k miles on them.

But you know...Miata.

2015+. Issues weren't all resolved until then. Get a salvage title for optimum cheap.

As the others said, a car with manufactured day after June '14. Many of the first year engine and tune issues were solved after this period. Performance wise you won't see serious differences.

Plenty of track days on 13s. If you fit miata

^^^ This.

Starting with a no-rust $5K '99-'00 NB, even if you had a QUALIFIED shop build it for you, you could have a real track weapon built for $12-$15K. DIY would be less. The running costs are commensurately cheaper as well.

Salvage '13. Chances are the known issues have been addressed already, and if they haven't, it's no mystery how to fix them, and it might actually help in negotiating a price. Who cares if your track car doesn't have the latest window rubbers..

What ever is cheapest and in good mechanical condition. There is no big performance changes as you go thru the years.

I have been tracking my '13 since 2014, no issues at all. Many of the main issues these cars have a present over most of the years.

The rocker arm issue kinda freaks me out. Not exactly an easy fix and it's a roll of the dice if you are going to have it.

A 2014 and later would be my recommendation. Difference in price vs a 13 is not that big so you might as well save yourself some potential headaches.

But...what are your goals? Driver improvement? Time attack? Just for fun? Fast laps?

- Andrew

Miata is always the answer

Miata :scared0016: