Hi all. Having a baby soon, so looking for a auto-x friendly 5-door. The short list; Golf 5-door, Mazda Protege5, Focus ZX5, and Volvo of some type (240?) Anyone know the pros and cons on these cars? If there is any other ones I should be looking at? Don't want to spend more than 5k. Need diaper money still when it's done 
Volvo 240's tend to run a looong time from what I hear. Dont know much about the others. Im sure a Volvo 240 can be had in that price range with money to spare.
Autocross friendly as in it can be autocrossed, and have fun doing it, or autocrossed and be competitive? I'm partial to Subaru's when it comes to this question, and there are a few flavors you can have at that price point. If it were me, I'd go with a legacy wagon with a 5 speed.
I would also go with a Legacy with the 5MT.
However, I do think the Protege5's are worth looking at. You could find the cleanest lowest mileage example in your area for dirt cheap, and they're really fun. I love that generation Protege and Protege5, way under rated car. Compared to my old 2000 Civic sedan, a 2001-(2004?) Protege of comparable trim level was the better car, and I'm the kind of guy that could be convinced to get an H-badge tattoo whilst blackout drunk. Hint hint GRM project car suggestion (non-Mazdaspeed version to make it interesting).
Don't worry, I'm partial to Subaru's too, right now i have a WRX but I still owe too much money and am always worred about a mishift killing the tranny. A for auto-x it's more or less for fun. Probably only make it to a few events a year and usually there is only 40-50 people with all the classes combined.
Volvo 740/940. Easier to find with a turbo than a 240 and a bit more comfortable imho. The FWD 850s and even the Rs are getting cheaper now and have better traction in winter to boot. Either can be made to handle with parts from IPD and other vendors.
Or just buy my 5 speed 240 4 door and a cheap Miata 
Yeah I've thought of that too but still renting so don't really have the room for two of mine plus one of her's. Guess I'm looking for a mythical "do it all" car
Where are you located? South Jersey Region has an unnofficial "240 wagon" class, or at least they did last time I ran with them.
Easy answer here...Protege
The focus will almost certainly be the cheapest to operate, definitely cheapest to purchase. Gets my vote.
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