What multipurpose car would you go for?

My ADD kicks in when I'm too lazy to go install parts on the track rat..........so I've been thinking.

The wife and I are, again, considering moving into Tulsa vs being in the suburbs. The neighborhoods we want to live typically have smaller homes with 1 car garages and no room to park a truck/trailer combo, so I would need a DD that could also handle track work.

I would want something newer (No E36 M3 suggestion), reliable that could carry the necessary stuff for going to the track or could easily attach a trailer to for tires/ice chest.

For some reason I keep thinking 370Z + brakes/suspension = good to go? Any other weak points?

What would you suggest?

I hate to suggest this, but Miata?
After that a price range is needed. I want to suggest C5 Z06 or any C6 vette.

z31maniac wrote: I would want something newer (No E36 M3 suggestion), reliable that could carry the necessary stuff for going to the track or could easily attach a trailer to for tires/ice chest.

Uhhhhh... E46 M3?

If I were in that position, the first thing I'd consider would be a C5 vette and a good tire trailer. They're such a smokin' deal right now at ~$10k, you could almost ball one up and not care too much. Plus, reliable, cheap parts with a great aftermarket, good mpg, etc. Just take out the terrible seats and it sounds perfect to me.

370Z
Mustang GT
Camaro
Miata
Not my favorite, but STi
C5
Cooper S

mazdeuce wrote: I hate to suggest this, but Miata? After that a price range is needed. I want to suggest C5 Z06 or any C6 vette.

I have an NA all prepped and getting ready to get more stuff. But I could easily sell the nice and put some cheap stuff back on and sell it.

I could just use my NC, but there isn't a good roll bar option unless you run a hardtop year round.

Klayfish wrote: 370Z Mustang GT Camaro Miata Not my favorite, but STi C5 Cooper S

I was under the impression the boost buggies aren't even that reliable in stock form, are they really any good for track use?

Every person with an STI or WRX that races with us has replaced the shortblock at some point.

Didn't you have a Z before, and sell it after only a short time? Why would it be better this time?

C5 then. If you're going to step up to the world of bigger/higher priced tires, I would absolutely choose the vette over the 370z.

In reply to DaveEstey:

That's what I thought. Which is why I hadn't considered them.

In reply to Sonic:

I had an '06 350Z, part of what ruined that car for me was the stupid rear strut bar that killed what would be plenty of storage.

I'd need to go drive a 370Z, but lighter, more HP, nicer interior, and no rear strut bar killing the storage space. However, I don't know about their track reliability.

Spitfire!

In all seriousness, what about the Frisbee twins or Genesis? The new Genesis is a good car.

In reply to Giant Purple Snorklewacker:

This or Z4M.....

The only problem with the C5 is high running costs (tires & brakes specifically).

The Toyobaru is very light on consumables and much more practical (sorta-usable back seats, much more compact, won't make all your gas disappear if you put your foot down) but will actually cost you more up front for a car that's not nearly in the same league of performance.

In reply to GameboyRMH:

This one makes me want to punch kittens and kick puppies, way to go.

I know... I know... it isn't new enough.... but what about finding a low mileage AE86???? My wife is still using her's daily.......... just a thought

oldeskewltoy wrote: I know... I know... it isn't new enough.... but what about finding a low mileage AE86???? My wife is still using her's daily.......... just a thought

I'd go for an E30 before that and I'm over DD'ing stuff that old.

S197

I've been really considering a FR-S for this sort of thing... may go test drive one next week.

911SC

I'd give the FR-S a long hard look.

Or put a hitch on your NC.

F40?

I'd buy a SAAB Turbo!

Ian F wrote: I've been really considering a FR-S for this sort of thing... may go test drive one next week.

You and Swanky may be on to something with this. IIRC, Emilio from 949 is saying these are up there with the S2000 in terms of lap times.

Would be easy on gas and consumables since it's "relatively" light and lower HP compared to the other options.

I guess I need to go drive one of these and a 370Z, then see just how serious the wife is about making a move that will put here within .5 miles of her work.

Actually... Emilio said that they have MORE potential than the S2000 mod for mod, and that they were going to destroy NASA TT.