Trackable cars that are automatic

Criteria:

1) Cheap (under 10k, but cheaper the better)

2) Reliable-ish

3) Automatic (preferably something easily controllable via paddleshifters or sport shifters)

Any good ones or am I looking at something hopeless here? I was looking at some 335i Automatics and they look like a fun toy that the g/f can also drive.

E46 M3 SMG?

How about a C4 Corvette? They're really cheap, suspension doesn't need much more than a freshening up and good tires, and the TPI's torque curve means it doesn't give up as much when paired with an automatic as more high winding mills. You'll want one with the Z51 handling package; this doesn't command a premium over the regular suspension.

Porsche 911 with Tiptronic is the best that I've driven.  Mercedes AMG is a close second, though less affordable.

Big V8 and automatics are usually a decent combo.

~10 yr old Nissan 350/370Z or Infiniti G35/37 should fit the bill from a budget, power & reliability standpoint.

BUT the brakes on the Auto cars were smaller than the Brembo's that came on the manual rigs & inadequate for track work.

SC400 with a shift kit?  

codrus said:

E46 M3 SMG?

 

Porsche 911 with Tiptronic is the best that I've driven.  Mercedes AMG is a close second, though less affordable.

For less than 10 grand? Where?

Dual-clutch GTI, maybe, or I also like the C4 suggestion.

The C5 cars that aren't Z06 are in that price range and extremely capable.  Only downside is they are heavy on tires/break consumables.  Some other options above would work as well.  I'd vote DSG GTI if you could find one with good maintnance.  I wouldn't go near a 335 auto unless it's a sport pack with the trans cooler.  Fast but fragile in my experience - though not much track time to speak of as I couldn't keep my healthy long enough to beat on it.

I’d suggest GTI or possibly an Audi A3 with the DSG, but get one with the TSI motor, the FSI motors have an issue with Cam Followers disintegrating.    

Auto c5s and SMG M3s are available pretty commonly at 10k or just under. It won't be the nicest example of each but even then you sometimes find someone who cant sell a nice car for a good price for any number of issues like personality or bad pics/ad and get a good car for bottom dollar.

jstein77 said:

Porsche 911 with Tiptronic is the best that I've driven.  Mercedes AMG is a close second, though less affordable.

I have never heard good things about the shifting of the tiptronic so this surprises me.

My suggestion was going to be DSG GTI but I like the vette options don't need to shift as much when you have torques

SyntheticBlinkerFluid said:

I’d suggest GTI or possibly an Audi A3 with the DSG, but get one with the TSI motor, the FSI motors have an issue with Cam Followers disintegrating.    

This is the kind of suggestion I was hoping for. I know nothing about VW/audi though. What year(s) of the cars are this?

Vigo said:

SMG M3s are available pretty commonly at 10k or just under. 

 

Yup

Here's a local one

One in Dallas

There's more but yeah that was easy. 

yupididit said:

Vigo said:

SMG M3s are available pretty commonly at 10k or just under. 

 

Yup

Here's a local one

One in Dallas

There's more but yeah that was easy. 

Damn, I wish I was in that area! I'm up in the Northeast (NJ)

RyanGreener said:

SyntheticBlinkerFluid said:

I’d suggest GTI or possibly an Audi A3 with the DSG, but get one with the TSI motor, the FSI motors have an issue with Cam Followers disintegrating.    

This is the kind of suggestion I was hoping for. I know nothing about VW/audi though. What year(s) of the cars are this?

2009-2014

Damn, I wish I was in that area! I'm up in the Northeast (NJ)

As long as you are ok with waiting a few weeks I could (be paid to) drive it up to you and fly back.  

MR-S with flappy paddles. 

I’ve been racing a 2006 350Z with auto. in WRL the last two years.  The trans has been modified a bit (much less slipping, as races go at least 7 hours) and has a huge cooler.  It’s been surprisingly reliable.  But you WILL need a brake upgrade for any serious track work.

Uhh,  miata.

How did this thread get this far without suggesting the answer?

yupididit said:

Vigo said:

SMG M3s are available pretty commonly at 10k or just under. 

 

Yup

Here's a local one

One in Dallas

There's more but yeah that was easy. 

Huh. Had no idea those had dropped that much. The manual cars are still $15k and up, right? Is the SMG really that bad?

Still looking for that $10k Tiptronic 911, though...... 

wvumtnbkr said:

Uhh,  miata.

 

How did this thread get this far without suggesting the answer?

Because he said automatic.  No one in their right mind wants an auto Miata.

racerfink said:

wvumtnbkr said:

Uhh,  miata.

 

How did this thread get this far without suggesting the answer?

Because he said automatic.  No one in their right mind wants an auto Miata.

Have you tried the newer 6-speed automatics in the NC and ND?  They aren't penalties to fun.

racerfink said:

wvumtnbkr said:

Uhh,  miata.

 

How did this thread get this far without suggesting the answer?

Because he said automatic.  No one in their right mind wants an auto Miata.

I don't even want a manual one, so yeah....this. (I already drive an Integra)

racerfink said:

wvumtnbkr said:

Uhh,  miata.

 

How did this thread get this far without suggesting the answer?

Because he said automatic.  No one in their right mind wants an auto.

FTFY.