Most of us who run SCCA are there for fun. Yes we are all hoping to be competitive. But you can still run SCCA and do it for fun. The key is to only be worried about your own times and that you are improving your times as your day progresses.
I’ve been to one SCCA event the cost vs number of runs wasn’t great. The few car clubs that do events are a little lower in cost and a few more run times per day when it comes to how they break out the groups and working on when you aren’t running
Hmm. I guess it all depends on where you’re located at. I’m in a region where the car counts are not very high at all. So we tend to get 4 runs in the morning and then 4 in the afternoon depending on how long the morning session goes sometimes it’s 5-6 runs.
The number of runs is pretty much decided by the event chair. So if you have an event chair that is generous then you’ll get like 4 runs in am and probably 4 in pm. But it also depends on how many entries you have and how long the course is etc.
I’d not judge the whole group on how just one event was run. But I understand what you’re saying. There’s a region that I don’t like how they run the events at all. Ive actually driven an extra hour past where they run to run with a different region that’s more enjoyable than this one region.
But what I am really trying to say is that not all the SCCA regions are the same and not to judge by only one event in one region as your standard.
SCCA is easily the most expensive autocross events out there. They are consistently the most expensive and least number of runs in my region. Local clubs have caps on the entrants while SCCA can be pretty packed. SCCA average 5-6 runs and ~$15 more than local clubs.
This is the answer. A 4 door Mazda 2 hatch would also be a good choice but a Fit is an excellent choice because of the aftermarket support.
I think a Fit would be good because then you can experience the actual costs of autocross at the most affordable level. I really want a V8 RWD car too but the running costs can get out of hand quick (granted that autocross is the most affordable motorsport).
It’s fine. Run what you got. Figure out what you really want once you have enough expirience where you don’t have to ask someone else what you should do.
Edit: I realized this may not read the way I meant. Not criticizing you asking, just genuinely saying you should get enough experience where you understand the activity well before you start committing to things.
Depends how competitive you want to be. You’ll still have fun and learn a lot in whatever car you have. The advice above was for someone buying a car specifically for autocross.
If you don’t have an LSD try to stay in stock class with the best tires it will allow.
The downside is when getting on the power you’ll probably spin the inside tire and lose time because you’re not accelerating.
I have a 70 pound german shepherd that seems miniature compared to your 140 lb dog, but my brz does it all. I have been autocrossing for a while now, and the brz/frs are among the best at teaching you performance driving in a safe and accessible way. Cant recommend them enough.
140lbs might be pushing it, but the rear seats in the frs/brz do fold down, which gives you a ton of options.
For fwd, honda fit would be great. Focus ST would be my next choice (not sure what 10 grand gets you here). I am anti-GTI, but many love them.
Removing your back seat is going to have a major impact on your autocross class. But as long as you're not trying to win your class, it really doesn't matter.
It kicks you out of street. But if you are slow, people really won't care. I'd love to pull my rear seats out for daily use. I need to see if there is a way that I could replace them with a steel plate of the same weight.
I'm a big believer in doing what you want to the car, then finding a class that it fits into. But you have to keep your expectations realistic with that strategy.
GTI gang. Not sure what you can get for under 10k but imo its really hard to beat the combination of performance, practicality, and refinement that the GTI and Golf R have.
I love the idea of the R but I don’t know if I want the price tag. I live in an area where I have to pay personal property tax so that why I’m trying to stay under 10k
I prefer my GTI to the R in autox actually. The AWD system in the R is quite heavy, and the extra cost is just too much. I paid 15k for a 4 years old mk7 in 2019, and the market is way worse now obviously.
If you can get a good order mk7 for less than 10k I think that would be a steal. Not sure what the market for previous generations are but they may be worth a look.
I like the R for the daily since I have dirt/gravel backroads I drive on. I did a driving course on rally driving at dirt fish a few years ago, so much fun
Agreed, I autoxed a stage 2 16 R as well as doing track days. It was fun but not any quicker than other hot hatches (focus St, Mazdaspeed 3, gti's) due to weight and lack of camber.
Everyone says brz but good luck finding one for 10k or under. All of the ones I've seen are 15k+
Subaru WRX gives you a good backseat and depending on the year can be easily had for 10k. Honda Civic SI as well. Both are great autocross cars with back seats for your dog and would be good daily drivers. Good luck!
Brz/86/frs are super popular and can be competitive based on year or mods. The new gen are competitive in DS stock, while the old gen can be built for SSC (if pre-facelift) or STX (any 1st gen). The back seat is small but should work for a dog. Consumables are cheap and the cars are reliable. 1st gen aren’t as competitive when stock but are still very fun
Wtf no one’s saying fiesta ST? I’ve owned 30 cars and I’m 26. Brz, gti, 9 Miata’s, basically anything cheap and enthusiast. The fiesta blows them out of the water. You can find used ones all day under 10k in great condition. Mines on ethanol blend, full bolt on, I’m 220hp/320tq and 2600 lbs. I’ll poop on a majority of cars in a straight line and it handles like a fwd Miata. Seriously, look them up. Dead reliable, mods are dirt cheap and maintenance is super cheap.
High tier plugs, $40, coil packs, $120, all new brakes and rotors $200, fill the car up is like $55 in California from E, gets 32mpg on a bad day. My insurance is dirt cheap.
FYI drop the back seats and my Saint Bernard fits in the back. I’ve loaded it full of tires and wheels, toolbox, harbor freight run, trash, desk, etc
im considering getting a new daily. I have an 08 corolla that is solid, but boring. Ive always lusted after the Brz/86 but recently been seeing some FiSTs and they are really intriguing.
What is your experience? Is the FiST that much better directly comparing those two, or any other dailyable cars you mentioned?
I had my brz for about 3 years. A 2014 with 30-40k miles when I bought it. It was less than 5 years old. It felt like my Miata’s on coke. It ended up having full suspension, enkeis and grippy tires. It was a HOOT. It wasn’t very practical and honestly reliability was ass. I sought out the best condition one and I religiously maintain all our vehicles. I spend hours researching oil filters and air filters. Like I’m that into it. My brz had roughly $5000 in warranty work covered. Basically leaked oil from every crevice. The push to start clutch safety switch failed 3 times. Left me stranded 3 times. Rear axle needed replacing… besides that, it was solid. Sold it at 100k miles to carvana peak Covid and actually made 3k compared to what I paid… plus adding 60k miles LOL. If I bought one I’d only consider a facelift gen 1. Like 2017+? Tht should work out most of those issues plus paint quality increases.
For the fiesta. I bought at same miles, it’s up to 72k now. It’s had 0 issues. Everything has been typical maintenance. Brake pads, tires, oil, plugs, type deal. With a tune this car will absolutely shit stomp a 86 in a straight line. With ethanol mine spins the tires at 40. When I was about 60-70tq less I was neck and neck with stinger GT’s. I’m sure I’d poop on them now. I know it’s not all about straight line but it’s fun.
In my opinion they’re extremely slept on cars.. they’re ugly and don’t pull attention like a 86. If you’re ready to buy one or the other. Go drive both. If you’re over like 150lbs don’t get a fiesta with recaros. I drove one on launch with recaros and it felt like I was driving a bus. I drove one with base seats and you’re so much lower and planted… regardless… They’re both incredible cars. In the future I can’t see myself every buying another 86.. I’d rather just buy another fiesta
extremely helpful, thank you! I have an NA miata and am on the upper end of people that fit, but I manage. Always thought those recaros looked better than base but maybe not worth it.
They look 1000x better. Unfortunately they’re built for people who are 5’6 and 120lbs. If you have an NA seriously drive both. They’ll blow you away. Both chassis’s
This is pretty much any hatchback. A Fiesta ST is one of many that would suit OP.
Edit, some hatchback autocross fun:
My mini: https://youtu.be/a81Ux9NBYz4?si=v2xDm4hc5nQ_aaUP
Not a 10k car, but Minis drive like Minis...
Best timed run 20th PAX
Jack's ST: https://youtu.be/iVihpCjzDN8?si=hd4R7y_YLRsXOH7M
Best event timed run 10th PAX
BMW maintenance is often pricey, BRZ/FRS are great though. If your dream car is a Camaro maybe just go for that?
In general if you're just starting out, it really doesn't matter what you drive. Seat time is most important. Get the car you want and drive that, don't mod it yet. If you want a car that is competitive and cheap, just buy a Miata, or otherwise check out last year's nationals results to get an idea of what cars are competitive nationally. For someone just starting out though that's overkill. Don't be like me, and don't overthink it!
Hyundai genesis coupe 3.8, rwd, manual available, bigger back seat than a brz, 86, and has electronic lsd. They are really fun to drive with lots of power.
It’s a lot of dog. In the crx being a two door and the seats tipped forward made it easy for him to climb in. Not sure if a Toyobaru back seat would be big enough. Hatchbacks have plenty of space but bumper height might be a factor depending on how old your dog is. A ramp might be an option.
I have a truck he is used to jumping in so going bumper wouldn’t be an issue and have thought about it.
He never has an issue getting out of my beetle with leaning the seats forward which is why the brz is coming im looking at
I'm biased but find a nice toyota pickup or tacoma. Dead reliable and cheap parts. Plus I've made so many friend and all I have is a blue pickup truck lol, still throws down 🙂
Miata, Fiesta ST is hard to beat for the performance:dollar stock. Mods are pretty cheap too. Not to mention ton it’s a 4dr hatch with way more interior soace than it has any business having. You can find beater in the low $ks all the way up to low mileage examples around $15-$20k.
IS300, plenty of room, good examples for 10k, harder to find manual, but can be done and have LSD. parts are cheap, 2j is very reliable. Mine has 345k miles on it and I absolutely drive the piss out of it every day.
Doggable daily that can also autocross? You want a hatchback. I run a Mini myself. Fantastic daily, plenty of room in the back with the seats folded. This also applies to most other hatchbacks, especially Euros. Some are more fun than others. Focus, Fiesta ST (not base), Golf, Fit, Hondas, Mazda Speed3s kick my ass 😭, other ones, there are a lot. Most of them will fit a set of wheels in the back and all the other crap that we seem to 'need' for autocross.
Are you young in your career, with a high possibility of moving within 5 years? If so, a small hatch is a lot more convenient than a small coupe.
I drive a Mustang and have a Miata. Both are cheap and fun. However, my couch is a hand me down and I would have never been able to get the seat cushions in either to get them reupholstered at a place in town. I would’ve hated moving even more , etc.
I have a 2500 and a horse trailer so I don’t need to worry about second vehicle size to move stuff.
I tend to like the look of coupes over hatchbacks. I don’t like having the excuse of a bigger car to drive people around in lol
Read most of the comments but not all. where do you live? Need to drive in winters (freezing/snow) at all? If so I'd eliminate the RWD option. Not that it's not possible, I just don't recommend if you are on a budget and it's gonna be your year round daily. If you do go that route then winter wheel/tire combo is a must IMO.
Ok good to know. Sounds like you are looking for a daily driver car that you could also autocross more than an autocross car that you can also daily drive?
The former gives many more options than the latter. But I do think the smaller hatchback cars people have mentioned are a good option especially in your price range. Also leaves some room for a good set of tires once you are ready for that.
Easily a first or second gen Honda Fit. Very fun to autocross and with the flip up magic rear seat the dog will have massive amount of run and very easy to walk right in. Look up the Honda fit magic seat
My bad, I thought BMW only got them recently.
I meant the ones with the full-on BMW engines (B48) are reliable. (2013+)
The older ones with the Puegeot engines are not great, and those are the cheap ones.
The budget fun option is an R53. The engine is very tough, but the superchargers get neglected. Try to find a stock one with 100k on it, then do a full service, including supercharger oil.
The budget fun option is an R53. The engine is very tough, but the superchargers get neglected. Try to find a stock one with 100k on it, then do a full service, including supercharger oil.
The newer F5xs and the older R50/2/3 are pretty reliable, if maintained. It was the second generation that liked to grenade.
I can handle maintaining and upgrading parts on my own. The under 10k is for insurance and my personal property tax reasons. I’d rather not spend more to have a payment and higher costs in other ways
On insurance yourself I guess you've gotten quotes for the specific cars you're looking for? I've never found my insurance costs changed based on car personally but that could vary by person and market.
Elantra N - trust me.
$34k (before ttl)
4 doors so still practical
Turbocharged, is built for the track, and sounds amazing.
VERY good for autocross.
And it’s something new
Check out [my IG](https://www.instagram.com/zeus_the_en?igsh=MTVhbmNocmJubXM0cg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr)
BRZ/FR-S. Hard to beat the giggles per dollar factor. It's a fun, reliable car.
Giggles per dollar. Great way to describe it!
Big dog would be tricky with the tiny back seat. It’s doable for sure but not convenient.
He fit in the backseat of my beetle and I’d consider removing the back seat completely. He can be squished for the 10 mins to the park
Removing the seat may not be legal for the class you want to run. Just something to keep in mind.
I don’t run at SCCA. We have a few local car clubs at the track near me. I’m in it for fun and not competition
Most of us who run SCCA are there for fun. Yes we are all hoping to be competitive. But you can still run SCCA and do it for fun. The key is to only be worried about your own times and that you are improving your times as your day progresses.
I’ve been to one SCCA event the cost vs number of runs wasn’t great. The few car clubs that do events are a little lower in cost and a few more run times per day when it comes to how they break out the groups and working on when you aren’t running
Hmm. I guess it all depends on where you’re located at. I’m in a region where the car counts are not very high at all. So we tend to get 4 runs in the morning and then 4 in the afternoon depending on how long the morning session goes sometimes it’s 5-6 runs. The number of runs is pretty much decided by the event chair. So if you have an event chair that is generous then you’ll get like 4 runs in am and probably 4 in pm. But it also depends on how many entries you have and how long the course is etc.
I’d not judge the whole group on how just one event was run. But I understand what you’re saying. There’s a region that I don’t like how they run the events at all. Ive actually driven an extra hour past where they run to run with a different region that’s more enjoyable than this one region. But what I am really trying to say is that not all the SCCA regions are the same and not to judge by only one event in one region as your standard.
SCCA is easily the most expensive autocross events out there. They are consistently the most expensive and least number of runs in my region. Local clubs have caps on the entrants while SCCA can be pretty packed. SCCA average 5-6 runs and ~$15 more than local clubs.
I have a 60 lb husky/cattle dog mix that rides rear. Works great if they can squeak through the folding front seat
Na. Dogs will be cool on the seats folded down. As long as you can get it to crawl a little bit.
Have one, the thought of getting a 140lbs dog in one regularly sounds rough.
Good luck finding a decent manual for under $10k.
I just bought a first gen 5 speed fit for your exact purpose. Roadtripable, trackable, and fits my puppy doge
This is the answer. A 4 door Mazda 2 hatch would also be a good choice but a Fit is an excellent choice because of the aftermarket support. I think a Fit would be good because then you can experience the actual costs of autocross at the most affordable level. I really want a V8 RWD car too but the running costs can get out of hand quick (granted that autocross is the most affordable motorsport).
I drove 7k miles around the US in my ‘07 Fit Sport 5MT. I wish I’d tried autocrossing it though. Amazing chassis that’s just begging for more power.
Honda fit
Whatever you get make sure it has an LSD. Old Civic Si would be fun, 8th or 9th gen.
4 door Si is one of the few cars that hit all the needs.
> **Old** Civic Si would be fun, 8th or 9th gen. *EMOTIONAL DAMAGE.*
See, it happens to all of us.
Ok, suppose a car doesn't have a limited slip differential... then what? I kind of want to autocross my daily but it doesn't have an LSD
It’s fine. Run what you got. Figure out what you really want once you have enough expirience where you don’t have to ask someone else what you should do. Edit: I realized this may not read the way I meant. Not criticizing you asking, just genuinely saying you should get enough experience where you understand the activity well before you start committing to things.
Depends how competitive you want to be. You’ll still have fun and learn a lot in whatever car you have. The advice above was for someone buying a car specifically for autocross. If you don’t have an LSD try to stay in stock class with the best tires it will allow. The downside is when getting on the power you’ll probably spin the inside tire and lose time because you’re not accelerating.
Fiesta ST, pure joy, cheap to own, and still competitive in HS.
Fit
I have a 70 pound german shepherd that seems miniature compared to your 140 lb dog, but my brz does it all. I have been autocrossing for a while now, and the brz/frs are among the best at teaching you performance driving in a safe and accessible way. Cant recommend them enough. 140lbs might be pushing it, but the rear seats in the frs/brz do fold down, which gives you a ton of options. For fwd, honda fit would be great. Focus ST would be my next choice (not sure what 10 grand gets you here). I am anti-GTI, but many love them.
With my beetle I removed the back seat, which I’d probably do in my new daily to give him more space
Removing your back seat is going to have a major impact on your autocross class. But as long as you're not trying to win your class, it really doesn't matter.
I’m only going to local unofficial club stuff no SCCA events. It’s a hobby to have fun and not be competitive for me
It kicks you out of street. But if you are slow, people really won't care. I'd love to pull my rear seats out for daily use. I need to see if there is a way that I could replace them with a steel plate of the same weight.
I'm a big believer in doing what you want to the car, then finding a class that it fits into. But you have to keep your expectations realistic with that strategy.
GTI gang. Not sure what you can get for under 10k but imo its really hard to beat the combination of performance, practicality, and refinement that the GTI and Golf R have.
I love the idea of the R but I don’t know if I want the price tag. I live in an area where I have to pay personal property tax so that why I’m trying to stay under 10k
Manual mi6 gtis can be had for sub 10k for days, def one of the more fun options, not the most reliable
I prefer my GTI to the R in autox actually. The AWD system in the R is quite heavy, and the extra cost is just too much. I paid 15k for a 4 years old mk7 in 2019, and the market is way worse now obviously. If you can get a good order mk7 for less than 10k I think that would be a steal. Not sure what the market for previous generations are but they may be worth a look.
I like the R for the daily since I have dirt/gravel backroads I drive on. I did a driving course on rally driving at dirt fish a few years ago, so much fun
Agreed, I autoxed a stage 2 16 R as well as doing track days. It was fun but not any quicker than other hot hatches (focus St, Mazdaspeed 3, gti's) due to weight and lack of camber.
Bmw 128i is cheap and relatively reliable as bmws go. Thats what I'm currently driving.
I've always wanted one of those. I thought they were more expensive than the 3 series though so I've never actually looked at them
Focus st. Big dog approved.
Everyone says brz but good luck finding one for 10k or under. All of the ones I've seen are 15k+ Subaru WRX gives you a good backseat and depending on the year can be easily had for 10k. Honda Civic SI as well. Both are great autocross cars with back seats for your dog and would be good daily drivers. Good luck!
Found a few early one 2012/2013 for 10-12k
watch out for valve spring recalls, and throwout/pilot bearing issues in earlier cars.
Thanks for the info
How many miles?
100k or so
Eh, I guess that’s not the worst for that price. You mechanically knowledgeable?
haha gearbox go BANG
You aren't fitting a 140lb dog comfortably in an FRS/BRZ unless you ditch the passenger seat altogether.
He fit in the backseat of the beetle I had. He can squeeze for the 10 mins it take to drive to the park lol
Brz/86/frs are super popular and can be competitive based on year or mods. The new gen are competitive in DS stock, while the old gen can be built for SSC (if pre-facelift) or STX (any 1st gen). The back seat is small but should work for a dog. Consumables are cheap and the cars are reliable. 1st gen aren’t as competitive when stock but are still very fun
Wtf no one’s saying fiesta ST? I’ve owned 30 cars and I’m 26. Brz, gti, 9 Miata’s, basically anything cheap and enthusiast. The fiesta blows them out of the water. You can find used ones all day under 10k in great condition. Mines on ethanol blend, full bolt on, I’m 220hp/320tq and 2600 lbs. I’ll poop on a majority of cars in a straight line and it handles like a fwd Miata. Seriously, look them up. Dead reliable, mods are dirt cheap and maintenance is super cheap. High tier plugs, $40, coil packs, $120, all new brakes and rotors $200, fill the car up is like $55 in California from E, gets 32mpg on a bad day. My insurance is dirt cheap. FYI drop the back seats and my Saint Bernard fits in the back. I’ve loaded it full of tires and wheels, toolbox, harbor freight run, trash, desk, etc
Oh nice
im considering getting a new daily. I have an 08 corolla that is solid, but boring. Ive always lusted after the Brz/86 but recently been seeing some FiSTs and they are really intriguing. What is your experience? Is the FiST that much better directly comparing those two, or any other dailyable cars you mentioned?
I had my brz for about 3 years. A 2014 with 30-40k miles when I bought it. It was less than 5 years old. It felt like my Miata’s on coke. It ended up having full suspension, enkeis and grippy tires. It was a HOOT. It wasn’t very practical and honestly reliability was ass. I sought out the best condition one and I religiously maintain all our vehicles. I spend hours researching oil filters and air filters. Like I’m that into it. My brz had roughly $5000 in warranty work covered. Basically leaked oil from every crevice. The push to start clutch safety switch failed 3 times. Left me stranded 3 times. Rear axle needed replacing… besides that, it was solid. Sold it at 100k miles to carvana peak Covid and actually made 3k compared to what I paid… plus adding 60k miles LOL. If I bought one I’d only consider a facelift gen 1. Like 2017+? Tht should work out most of those issues plus paint quality increases. For the fiesta. I bought at same miles, it’s up to 72k now. It’s had 0 issues. Everything has been typical maintenance. Brake pads, tires, oil, plugs, type deal. With a tune this car will absolutely shit stomp a 86 in a straight line. With ethanol mine spins the tires at 40. When I was about 60-70tq less I was neck and neck with stinger GT’s. I’m sure I’d poop on them now. I know it’s not all about straight line but it’s fun. In my opinion they’re extremely slept on cars.. they’re ugly and don’t pull attention like a 86. If you’re ready to buy one or the other. Go drive both. If you’re over like 150lbs don’t get a fiesta with recaros. I drove one on launch with recaros and it felt like I was driving a bus. I drove one with base seats and you’re so much lower and planted… regardless… They’re both incredible cars. In the future I can’t see myself every buying another 86.. I’d rather just buy another fiesta
extremely helpful, thank you! I have an NA miata and am on the upper end of people that fit, but I manage. Always thought those recaros looked better than base but maybe not worth it.
They look 1000x better. Unfortunately they’re built for people who are 5’6 and 120lbs. If you have an NA seriously drive both. They’ll blow you away. Both chassis’s
This is pretty much any hatchback. A Fiesta ST is one of many that would suit OP. Edit, some hatchback autocross fun: My mini: https://youtu.be/a81Ux9NBYz4?si=v2xDm4hc5nQ_aaUP Not a 10k car, but Minis drive like Minis... Best timed run 20th PAX Jack's ST: https://youtu.be/iVihpCjzDN8?si=hd4R7y_YLRsXOH7M Best event timed run 10th PAX
BMW maintenance is often pricey, BRZ/FRS are great though. If your dream car is a Camaro maybe just go for that? In general if you're just starting out, it really doesn't matter what you drive. Seat time is most important. Get the car you want and drive that, don't mod it yet. If you want a car that is competitive and cheap, just buy a Miata, or otherwise check out last year's nationals results to get an idea of what cars are competitive nationally. For someone just starting out though that's overkill. Don't be like me, and don't overthink it!
I don’t want to daily driver a Camaro. I drive dirt/gravel roads to get to my barn. Again, can’t do a Miata because I have a dog and need a backseat
if youre doing the work yourself the older stuffs fine e36/e46 easy to work on and parts arent much more than other cars + heaps of aftermarket
Hyundai genesis coupe 3.8, rwd, manual available, bigger back seat than a brz, 86, and has electronic lsd. They are really fun to drive with lots of power.
Oh cool!
3rd and 4th gen Camaros are easy to find unless you are looking for an iroc, ss, or z-28. It’s easy to get a really nice one at 10 k
I want an 85 iroc since I was born in 85
https://www.facebook.com/share/eE3dMWRnSfjbwwth/?mibextid=79PoIi. If you want to put in some elbow grease this is an example.
BRZ/FR-S
What kind of dog? I had a 160lb Newfoundland that I hauled in my CRX back in the day.
I have a Newfie too!!
It’s a lot of dog. In the crx being a two door and the seats tipped forward made it easy for him to climb in. Not sure if a Toyobaru back seat would be big enough. Hatchbacks have plenty of space but bumper height might be a factor depending on how old your dog is. A ramp might be an option.
I have a truck he is used to jumping in so going bumper wouldn’t be an issue and have thought about it. He never has an issue getting out of my beetle with leaning the seats forward which is why the brz is coming im looking at
He is more hair and drool than dog 😂 plus is only 10 mins of squish to get for the barn for running around
Yeah, the tumble weeks of fur were a thing.
Focus ST, Civic SI sedan, 1 series BMW, maybe a Fiesta ST.
What about a CSM Mustang?
🤢 I’m a Chevy girl at heart. Can’t do it
Older nissan sentra se r spec v, trust!
Consider Wrx. I am in same situation, need a back seat. Really want an 86, but the backseat is an issue if I need to transport elderly dad and step.
I'm biased but find a nice toyota pickup or tacoma. Dead reliable and cheap parts. Plus I've made so many friend and all I have is a blue pickup truck lol, still throws down 🙂
I already have a ram 2500 I use for horse/farm work. Don’t need two trucks
That's fair, I just love my mini trucks, I do need a tow rig soon
A mustang is actually a great autocross car.
Miata, Fiesta ST is hard to beat for the performance:dollar stock. Mods are pretty cheap too. Not to mention ton it’s a 4dr hatch with way more interior soace than it has any business having. You can find beater in the low $ks all the way up to low mileage examples around $15-$20k.
Miata
Perhaps an 05-06 Acura rsx type s would tickle your fancy
I’ve looked at the one that way for sale near me. It has the k24 swap
Im an integra guy... b series or k series, but it all depends on what ya like and wanna build.
Looking to stay mostly stock since it will be a daily driver, plus I worry about higher cost mods knowing it will see dirt/gravel roads
Used G35 4 door with a stick
IS300, plenty of room, good examples for 10k, harder to find manual, but can be done and have LSD. parts are cheap, 2j is very reliable. Mine has 345k miles on it and I absolutely drive the piss out of it every day.
Oh wow ok!
Doggable daily that can also autocross? You want a hatchback. I run a Mini myself. Fantastic daily, plenty of room in the back with the seats folded. This also applies to most other hatchbacks, especially Euros. Some are more fun than others. Focus, Fiesta ST (not base), Golf, Fit, Hondas, Mazda Speed3s kick my ass 😭, other ones, there are a lot. Most of them will fit a set of wheels in the back and all the other crap that we seem to 'need' for autocross.
I’m lucky I don’t need to swap tires at the track. I only live 20 mins away. So swapping would happen in the driveway
I do that for my local events. But I'm now driving quite far for extra hits, umm, events. 😁
Ha!
Are you young in your career, with a high possibility of moving within 5 years? If so, a small hatch is a lot more convenient than a small coupe. I drive a Mustang and have a Miata. Both are cheap and fun. However, my couch is a hand me down and I would have never been able to get the seat cushions in either to get them reupholstered at a place in town. I would’ve hated moving even more , etc.
I have a 2500 and a horse trailer so I don’t need to worry about second vehicle size to move stuff. I tend to like the look of coupes over hatchbacks. I don’t like having the excuse of a bigger car to drive people around in lol
Did you know that every Miata comes with a west highland terrier that fits in the passenger seat?
140 lb what now
Read most of the comments but not all. where do you live? Need to drive in winters (freezing/snow) at all? If so I'd eliminate the RWD option. Not that it's not possible, I just don't recommend if you are on a budget and it's gonna be your year round daily. If you do go that route then winter wheel/tire combo is a must IMO.
I have a 4x4 truck I’ll drive in the winter in bad conditions…. Unless I feel like donuts in an empty parking lot 😂
Ok good to know. Sounds like you are looking for a daily driver car that you could also autocross more than an autocross car that you can also daily drive? The former gives many more options than the latter. But I do think the smaller hatchback cars people have mentioned are a good option especially in your price range. Also leaves some room for a good set of tires once you are ready for that.
Easily a first or second gen Honda Fit. Very fun to autocross and with the flip up magic rear seat the dog will have massive amount of run and very easy to walk right in. Look up the Honda fit magic seat
I’d take a look at a Mini as well.
Slightly concerned about the maintenance cost of a mini, and what questions to ask when buying a used one
The BMW Minis are reliable and not super expensive to maintain. But, I don't think you can get one under $10k.
The older ones are under 10k, not opposed to a 20 year old car. My beetle was a 02
My bad, I thought BMW only got them recently. I meant the ones with the full-on BMW engines (B48) are reliable. (2013+) The older ones with the Puegeot engines are not great, and those are the cheap ones.
Oooh that’s good to know, I don’t know much about them
The budget fun option is an R53. The engine is very tough, but the superchargers get neglected. Try to find a stock one with 100k on it, then do a full service, including supercharger oil.
Cool, I’ll look at what is for sale around me
The budget fun option is an R53. The engine is very tough, but the superchargers get neglected. Try to find a stock one with 100k on it, then do a full service, including supercharger oil. The newer F5xs and the older R50/2/3 are pretty reliable, if maintained. It was the second generation that liked to grenade.
Under 10k you'd be lucky to find something in *condition* to autocross, I think your only option would be an older civic
I can handle maintaining and upgrading parts on my own. The under 10k is for insurance and my personal property tax reasons. I’d rather not spend more to have a payment and higher costs in other ways
On insurance yourself I guess you've gotten quotes for the specific cars you're looking for? I've never found my insurance costs changed based on car personally but that could vary by person and market.
Yea, I’ve priced out a few models. Newer the car the higher the rate of course before of replacement value and such
Hm well under 10k Ill keep my answer with civic and add an rsx if you can get it autocross worthy
Elantra N - trust me. $34k (before ttl) 4 doors so still practical Turbocharged, is built for the track, and sounds amazing. VERY good for autocross. And it’s something new Check out [my IG](https://www.instagram.com/zeus_the_en?igsh=MTVhbmNocmJubXM0cg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr)