FRS right for me?

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by Cole

I think you have me fairly convinced that something such as a used Lexus LS/GS for a DD and a cheap chassis (old S10 shitbox done up pro-touring style with gigantic fender flares?!?!) for some fun times/weekend shenaynays is the real winner.

I picked up my friend's E39 540i 6-speed for under $6k (~110k miles) for precisely this reason.

The V-8 is still strong and after it's done, I'm swapping in a fun turbo I-4. Oh, and I currently get almost 30MPG on the highway.

[Cole]

Originally Posted by mav1178

I picked up my friend's E39 540i 6-speed for under $6k (~110k miles) for precisely this reason.

The V-8 is still strong and after it's done, I'm swapping in a fun turbo I-4. Oh, and I currently get almost 30MPG on the highway.

Yeah, I'm thinking that may be the way to go. Now I just need to figure out what I'd actually want for a daily. Too many options, not enough driveway space. Guess once I'm ready to buy I'll just need my budget and see what's available.

[Sleepless]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Yeah at the end of the day, buying an 86, tracking it, then selling it, is likely more expensive than continuing to track the Z28, at best it'd be break-even after depreciation, which is probably your point. But there are other benefits OP is looking for outside of consumable cost.

Yes, that was my point.

I re-read the OP post again and it seems to me his main reason for looking at the 86 *IS* the consumables. He does mention that he's might be worried about balling up the Z and in that case, yes, the cost of balling up an 86 vs the Z would be cheaper!

As an owner of multiple cars that I like to track that range greatly in value, I can say that indeed, the 86 is the only one that I push to and past the limits and it is a blast! I agree, that Miata is the better choice if pushing hard enough to accept balling up the car as "okay" is a goal. But, at some point, one should probably consider moving into racing rather than HPDE. Also, add in the cost of safety equipment if wanting to run at the limit. I've got a half cage, 6 point harnesses and use a HANS...

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Sleepless

I agree, that Miata is the better choice if pushing hard enough to accept balling up the car as "okay" is a goal. But, at some point, one should probably consider moving into racing rather than HPDE. Also, add in the cost of safety equipment if wanting to run at the limit. I've got a half cage, 6 point harnesses and use a HANS...

Yes we just interpreted the OP a bit differently, and given that he's not moving very quickly as first year models tumble in price it won't be long until they're $10k-$12k for a zero-issue car with lots of life left in it.
But in the mean time: Karts or Spec Miata!



@Cole Pretty much the above, if I have space and ability to have a dedicated 'fun' car for closed course action it'll be wheel to wheel racing and trailered to tracks/autox's.

If I'm not trailering a car it's still going to be relatively streetable given that a 3+ hour drive is not out of the question to get to an event of interest, I certainly wouldn't be excited to do that in a gutted/caged shitbox.

[Cole]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Yes we just interpreted the OP a bit differently, and given that he's not moving very quickly as first year models tumble in price it won't be long until they're $10k-$12k for a zero-issue car with lots of life left in it.
But in the mean time: Karts or Spec Miata!



@Cole Pretty much the above, if I have space and ability to have a dedicated 'fun' car for closed course action it'll be wheel to wheel racing and trailered to tracks/autox's.

If I'm not trailering a car it's still going to be relatively streetable given that a 3+ hour drive is not out of the question to get to an event of interest, I certainly wouldn't be excited to do that in a gutted/caged shitbox.

Entirely understandable. That's why getting a cheap, 2wd truck appeals to me. It's been a while since I've looked into them, but I'm fairly certain I can get an ooooooold truck on the cheap. Miata's are hovering around 9k in my area for clean, unmolested models. That's a bit much for me to buy and entirely gut. Maybe I can find an auto for a bit cheaper and swap the trans, though.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Cole

Miata's are hovering around 9k in my area for clean, unmolested models. That's a bit much for me to buy and entirely gut. Maybe I can find an auto for a bit cheaper and swap the trans, though.

Don't get a nice one if you plan on banging fenders,

I always forget rustbelt problems mean used car prices skyrocket