What car should my car club get for autocrossing?
I’m in the car club here at my college and we’re planning on doing a “project car” that we can all work on and then all use on the days we go out to autocross. We could handle most any car (a few of us are very knowledgeable), but we’re not sure what to get for the money our group can afford. We’re looking at a price cap (at least initially) of 2k. That would include any parts or repair work that we couldn’t do. A few ideas we’ve had so far were an 80’s/early 90’s camarro/mustang/firebird with rear wheel and a 6/8 cylinder, or maybe like a CRX. Basically the only solid requirements would be the price range, and that it has plentiful replacement parts available (ala a civic or something like that). Any ideas?
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
6 Answers
i wouldnt suggest the camarro/mustang/firebird. while these would be a decent choice for a drag car or something, they wont ever turn and maneuver like a smaller car would. its been a good 5 or 6 years since i did any autocrossing but hondas always did very well. if u can afford it, a midengine car like a boxster would probly be superb
miatas are cheap, plentiful, rear wheel drive and handle well…
a CRX is a lot of fun…
late 80’s/early 90’s RX-7’s are popular if you don’t mind the rotary engine
Sometimes you can find an old Datsun 510 on ebay that someone has done all the suspension work to and just doesn’t have time for anymore. The ugly ones sometimes go for $2k or so.
Go out to the track and talk to folks, there’s always someone selling something they can’t use anymore and sometimes it goes cheaper to a ‘good home’ where it will get driven and enjoyed. Your college group would definitely fit the bill there. Maybe you even get all the spare parts and stuff they don’t want laying around anymore.
Hope you find something to enjoy and throw us an update here when you settle on something.
Honda’s do great for motocross and for road rallies. Parts are plentiful, they’re relatively easy to work on, they handle great, and they’re basically reliable.
I’m partial to VW Golf/GTI, myself. There are many VW enthusiast sites and shows where parts and advice can be found. This sounds like a fun club… I wish I had one when I was in school!
If you can afford an Evo 8, that would be the one to beat. If you are on a strict budget, an Acura Integra GS-R 1994–2001.
Dodge/Plymouth Neon. They’re cheap and plentiful, they handle well, and there are lots of aftermarket parts available.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
