leolo007

I use to race a 92 civic hatch with a jdm B18C. It was sweet. Now I dont have a car. My company car is a Saturn Vue but I want to get my wife a car. Something she can be happy with but I can race on the weekends. She doesnt mind driving stick. My question is, can you guys recommend a car for AutoX around the $10-15K range (used of course). I was considering a Mini but would like to hear different opinions.
THanks!

bumada

S2000, miata, BMW E36, Mini, Impreza. All these are decent and very competitive with little mods. They are also good daily drivers. I guess it depends on if you want rwd, fwd, or awd.

tripp985

miata and mini s are the two cheapest and best doing cars in auto cross that are comptive and can still be your dd. get some race tires and ur good to go

jarrett2k

edit: nevermind i now see that you're not from va.

but yeah, a miata will do great for autox

leolo007

I like the miata and the way they perform on the track, but Im not sure she would like a two-seater...

what do you guys think of the RSX-S or the SRT-4 or a GTI? Considering the Impreza but does it have to be turbo or does the NA perform well?

I want something that is competitive but with very little or no mods.

I keep rooting for the Mini, I'll have to take her for a test drive and see what she says. Im just worried about maintenance on the Mini money wise.

I've been looking for a nearly a month for a good FM transmitters, cant imagine how long it will take me to find the perfect car...

I used to be undecided, and now... I dont know...

bumada

RSX-S is decent and fun to drive. The suspension is set up really well stock and if you want to be really competitive, koni and ground control set up would do the trick.

I've never seen an SRT-4 compete but my guess would be that they have too much power for the front wheels and understeer too much.

GTI's are decent but I dont know anyone who has really set one up to its potential.

Another suggestion I have is an EP3 Civic. They do fairly well stock and are a blast to daily drive.

No matter what you pick to drive, it will be fun to autocross. You really cant go wrong.

Niburu

OP you can also consider RX-8's, they do very well in their stock class and the 04-05's ar easily in your price range.
It'll give you the 4 seats you're looking for and handle great.
Since you're in Puerto Rico you have a ton of rotary mechanics at hand.

jarrett2k

believe it or not, but a spec v is pretty damn competitive, especially in STX.

vbspec

Buy a car that is already built!!! There are many natioanly fast cars for sale right now. Check out roadraceautox.com and sccaforums.com for the best deals. If you buy a car that is proven to be fast you wont want to dick aroud with it: you will concentrate in your driving. And that will make you faster!!

leolo007

Hey guys, thanks for your comments/suggestions!

I have to change my location, I am actually now living in Philadelphia. (not sure about rotary mechanics around here...)

I currently own a Sentra back in PR but just the 1.8S and its nice but I dont think Im getting another Sentra.

The SRT-4 I saw competing in autox when they first came out and everyone there was impressed but maybe it was a good driver.

I have to take my wife out for a couple of test drives and see what she thinks. Remember "its for her"... shhhhh!

Thanks everyone!