What should I buy?

[T-Bird]

OK well asyou may have noticed I have been really absent on these boards lately asI have been really busy at work and some other ventures that hopefully work out in my benefit. but anyhow I am now looking for a new CAR.

I love my truck and have no real complaints butI have a new need.
I want to build up a track car with short track/auto cross as my main focus. But I would still drive it on the roads from time to time. My main reguirement is a small engine and OBDI.

I have been looking at quite a few MX5 Miata's especially my Cousins turboed one, they are light, fast and cheap to buy/mod. Second I was looking at a few Honda platforms like a CRX or Civic Hatch but they take more suspension work to get them really workeable yet they are even cheaper.

So what I am asking is what would you seriously recommend as a project autocross car.

[RC45]

Miata - the other 2 are econoboxes that can fake being sports cars.. the Miata is a sportscar that can play at being an econobox when needed ;)

Extra power, sticky tyres, extra stiffness and the Miata can become a blast.

[sentra_dude]

Miata definitely. As RC already mentioned, it is a sportscar. I'm sure the others could be made just as fast, but why not start out with an excellent car and go from there instead of starting with essentially economy-cars? Anyways, whatever you pick, keep us updated! :D

[acmarttin]

MX-5

Weather's gettin' hot. Time to put the top down.

[666fast]

I'd go for the CRX, they are unbelievably fun to drive.

[RC45]

I'd go for the CRX, they are unbelievably fun to drive.

3 cars have crashed into the tree across from our house in the last 5 years.. 2 CRX's and a Beetle... at least the Beetle wasn't trying to drift the entrance into the subdivision in the rain ;)

[666fast]

I'd go for the CRX, they are unbelievably fun to drive.

3 cars have crashed into the tree across from our house in the last 5 years.. 2 CRX's and a Beetle... at least the Beetle wasn't trying to drift the entrance into the subdivision in the rain ;)

and the average CRX owner is a 16 year old numpty who thinks he's the best driver on earth. I'm sure plenty of Miatas have been wrecked by the same morons.

Doesn't change the fact that CRX's are a blast to drive.


Anyhoo, if it were my money, Mk1 GTi.

[ZfrkS62]

i'd say the Miata. There's at least a spec Miata championship that runs and it doesn't cost a whole lot in comparison to some of the other budgetless race classes out there.

[nthfinity]

the CRX has too short a wheelbase to make a controllable car at the limit IMO. The Miata MX-5 is a sure fire answer... there is a reason why SCCA has a full spec racing class with them...

you'll have eons of parts available in the aftermarket, all tested and true, it looks better, and is quite reliable.

[racer_f50]

Miata for sure. In the past few months I've test driven a brand new one and a 2002, both had great handling and were pretty fun. The engine on the new one was much smoother, but maybe the 2002 was abused previously. Definitely a great drive, though, and I'm sure they're great with more power!

[dutchmasterflex]

CRX's are MAD tin cans on wheels! Great for building crazy drag cars for the streets.. but for Autocrossing I'd go with something RWD... way more control over the car's handling with power coming from the rear.

If you can find a great deal on a Miata and cope with the extra cost of parts, go for it.

But if you come across an even better deal on a nice CRX, I wouldnt hesitate either, but only if it's a great deal. Other than finding a great buy for a CRX, I'd lean towards the Miata.

Good luck and happy hunting.. I'm still trying to find a E30 for myself and it's been months of searching.

[sameerrao]

Miata

[silentm]

miata for all the reasons that have already been posted here :P

[T-Bird]

wow I guess the Miata is the way to go and I figured it is pretty good right out of the box when compared to the others. And I am trying to get a job at my buddies Mazda tuning shop come august when one of the mechanics leaves.

[Minacious]

Wow, I've never seen so many people call a Miata a sports car. I can't even fit behind the wheel of a Miata so maybe that is why I simply can't stand the little thing, but out of the choices you have listed I guess it is the best of the three.

[dutchmasterflex]

Yeah.. a particular Sports Car thread came to mind as I was reading some posts.

On second thought, if you just want to autocross, a light FWD CRX might be better suited for the tight corners.