Car shopping - need advice

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OK, I won the Roadster Endoru and won the freakin' green Miata, which I ditched right away, because I have one. Here's what I've got at the moment:

* About ~120,000 in the bank
* I have a monster Miata that I'm planning to use for the Beginner GT championship and the Speedway Enduro
* I have a stock Miata for stock-only races
* I have a fairly quick FWD Daihatsu
* I have a Vitz for the Vitz races

I want to buy some additional car(s) to maximize the series in which I can be competitive. So far I have 2 plans to choose:

1) Spend 99,000 on the NSX-R and run it in the MR cup, the Stars& Stripes cup, the NA cup, and the Type-R cup.

2) Spend 37,000 on an Evo VII + 70,000 on a Viper GTS and run them in the 4WD cup, the EVO cup, the Stars& Stripes cup, and the NA cup.

3) Or ???

Anybody have any recommendations?
 
I would suggest buying a rx-7 or Corvette z06. If u purchase the bigger of the 2 (Viper or Supra) they end up with +1000hp and its not really a fun race. The Corvette z06 or rx-7 end up with +700hp and they both are very fun to drive, and both handle better than the viper or supra.

The rx-7 is turbo, and the Corvette is Normally Aspirated (NA)..both are FR.
 
Typical second or third (if your first two are not really good) cars would be one of these (arranged in order of max modded horsepower):

Nissan Skyline (~1000hp)
Chevy Corvette z06 (~750hp)
Mustang SVT Cobra (~650hp)
Mazda RX-7 (~650 hp)

Each have many fans, all are capable of winning more races than you mentioned. I like this FAQ the best for looking up which races to do. The layout is easy, the prizes are accurate, and for series you can know which course and how many laps of each.

I'm fond of German cars so I'd also pitch in the RUF 3400S, a fast MR car with great handling and a max HP of about 600. Only about 10-15k credits more than the cars mentioned and should be able to clear a lot with it.

Since you mentioned doing the Miata endurance, you could also do the Seattle, Rome, or Super Speedway with your new car. I was able to win at Rome with a 325hp BMW 328ci with super slicks, so with a half decent car you can get 300k credits for 2 hours of Rome. Speedway is easy with a 650hp+ car as well, that's a quick 200k. Then you could go shopping for some bigger cars (or have fun with the powerful race cars you will win from both endurances).

The RUF RGT is my most used car with over 1,500 miles. It's acceleration is just incredible (better than a Zonda race car and Toyota GT-One road car at 400m and 1000m). Buying the car and full mods will cost abut 300k.

Ultimately though, it's your choice.
 
Thanks for all the input, guys. What I'm really trying to do is make intelligent choices so that any cars I buy will be eligible for more than one category.

For instance, I'd truly love to have a Skyline, but the Evo VII will run in the 4WD cup and the Evo Meeting. That's at least two classes with one car.

Those are the kind of decisions I'm trying to make.
 
Hey, the Evo VII got me a good ways through beginner and some of amateur league also. I see the kind of strategy you are using. I done the same thing.

Anyway, your idea of the Viper GTS would be good for the big thing I done. IF you have your S License, tune that Viper up with racing tranny and some NA, stretch her legs out on "Like the Wind" on Pro League. Win that 787B, that will take care of a ton of stuff. Some people would not like the thought of that simply due to no competition in most races.

I eventually bought an NSX Type R for just the Type R series. But your thoughts on using it for more series is a great idea, at least from what I see. Maybe this will help you. I used it to progress the game quicker, but I have come to a complete stop at about 98.x%..... Later!!
 
Finally got a break from summer classes to drop in an reply to a couple things... :D

You've gone the very quick way of getting cash, which is much smarter than what I'm doing now, but we'll move on from that... I'll recommend a couple of cars that'll see you through a lot of the game cheaply and effectively.

First, get a Honda Integra Type-R 98 Spec. It's a great FF car that you can use for all three FF Challenges, both Type-R races, and quite a few other things too if the mood strikes you. It will win you a Honda NSX Type-R in the Amateur Type-R race, too (saving you a six-figure debt).

Second, get a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI RS. It is among the lightest 4WD cars in the game (with all the benefits that brings); very cheap (just under $26K); and it'll get you through the first two 4WD races (at least), both Evolution-specific races, and a lot of other races if you care to use it in them.

Also, for the record, there is no NSX Type-R that can compete in the Stars & Stripes. For this race, you can pretty much enter anything that is allowed and you'll do fine with a little extra spending. I've used a Corvette and a Mustang in the past and had no troubles aside from keeping it competitive with the 'vette. I really wanted to use an Acura NSX, but didn't have the cash to get it at the time and didn't want to mess with the additional races my now-puritanical restrictions would've demanded.

Here's a list of cars you *need* to race through all of the leagues...

Vitz (Euro or RS)
Beetle (2.0, RSi, or Cup Car)
TT 1.8 Quattro
Evolution (any)
Type-R (any, but be sure it specifically says "Type-R")
Mercedes-Benz (any)
USA-made (any aside from Acura RSX)
Spider/Roadster (check to see if it qualifies, the Lotus Motorsport Elise does not)
80's (most cars in this were made after 1989, check availability)
Altezza RS200 or Lexus IS
Lightweight K (Alto Works, Mira, or Cooper)
Boxer (any Subaru or RUF)
Skyline (any)
Zonda (C12, C12S, or Race)
Elise (190 or Motorsport)
Clio (any)
Tuscan Speed 6
F1 (any)

If you plan out what cars you'll *need* in advance, you can cover your bases for several races in advance. Also, if you care to modify trophy cars, then you can plan which cars you'll need to win ones you'll want to use later to avoid duplication or needless spending.
 
bwdemon - THANKS!
That's exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I really want to maximize the number of cars I win versus the number of cars I have to buy outright. So I'm trying to plan which dealer cars can compete in as many races as possible.

Vitz (Euro or RS) -got one, just have to turbo it
Beetle (2.0, RSi, or Cup Car)
TT 1.8 Quattro
Evolution (any) -have to buy one, why not the EVO VII or GRS?
Type-R (any, but be sure it specifically says "Type-R")-planned on NSX, but I guess only the regular version qualifies for S&S
Mercedes-Benz (any)
USA-made (any aside from Acura RSX) -see above
Spider/Roadster -monster Miata, 190+mph top speed
80's (most cars in this were made after 1989, check availability) -see above
Altezza RS200 or Lexus IS -does the Lexus qualify for the Altezza cup?
Lightweight K (Alto Works, Mira, or Cooper) -got one
Boxer (any Subaru or RUF)
Skyline (any) -is there a Skyline cup?
Zonda (C12, C12S, or Race)
Elise (190 or Motorsport)
Clio (any)
Tuscan Speed 6
F1 (any)

Thanks again for the info. I plan to rerun the Miata Enduro and run the Speedway Enduro until I win some serious cars. I just want to buy wisely.
 
I like the Evo VI RS because it is a lot lighter than the other Evo's, so you get better acceleration, handling, braking, and tire wear in addition to lower cost. The only things you don't get with the RS that you do with the GSRs is a choice of paint job (RS is white only) and access to the AYC modification.

The truth of the matter is that it doesn't really matter which you choose here. Pick the one you like the look of best and use it happily.

For the Skylines, the model-specific race is the Race of the Red Emblem in Amateur and Professional Leagues.

Glad this helped :D
 
Originally posted by bwdemon
The only things you don't get with the RS is a choice of paint job (RS is white only) and access to the AYC modification.
Click to expand...

Thanks again. White is cool. AYC = Automatic Yaw Control ??
:confused:
 
Let me suggest that you buy a skyline R34 GT-R. You can win an EVO VI from the Beginner GT Championship. I used the EVO to win the Rally set, giving me over 1 million creds and enabliing me to buy my current car, the Penzoil GT-R, before even starting Amateur mode.
 
The NSX Type R is a good car to buy, because it can do all the Type R races plus the MR races. Added to that its a very nice car to drive, and easy to drive too in my experience.

If you're looking for a slightly cheaper option, I'd go with the Mustang SVT. It can be tuned to be pretty powerful, and so long as you don't mind oversteer in almost every corner, its great fun to drive.
 
yes there is a skyline cup and u win some pretty cool cars from it. i'd go some sort of skyline they are good all round when buffed up. :)
 
I'd pass a vote for the EVO. You can run it in the Trial mtn. enduro (Stock only limits) and pick up some serious cash. So add that to your list of races it can enter. Did you sell off the Green Silvia K? I've been slowly upgrading that as it can run in all of the 80's championships, and the turbo cups.

I do recall the Lexus IS being acceptable in the Altezza race.

Another one that might be good, is the SLK Kompressor. Runs in the Spider/roadster and all of the Merc challenges. Amateur level grants you the DLK Touring car!

Let us know the results.

AO
 
Hey, I can tell you what I did, it worked out pretty well:

I bought a ACURA NSX. Its a bit heavier than the Type R, obviously, but not only can you do the MR and NA races with it, you can also do the Stars and Stripes and the amateur American Cup with it once you get it fast enough.

Then with the money you win, pick up a Honda Integra R and with moderate/heavy tuning, it can sweep all three levels of FF races, and both Type R races.

Hope that helps!
 
Wow, my original post was 3 weeks or more old. It must've gotten bumped. Thanks for the new advice!

I ended up buying and Evo VI RS and tuning it into the 400 hp range + suspension mods. With it I have won a bunch of stuff, including an R32 Skyline, a TK ZZII, a WRX wagon, and some other stuff. I used the ZZII to win the Speedway Enduro, gaining a Clio race car.

Amongst those, I've got plenty at my disposal now. But the little white Evo is still my fave for sheer fun to drive.
 
OK, I actually do have a question. I'm about to start the Amateur American Championship. I have a few races in Beginner left to run, including both the Stars & Stripes and the TT cup.

Should I spin for the Camaro racecar as my next prize, and buy a TT? Or should I win the TT, and buy a Viper GTS?

Both the TT and the Camaro racer are options from the series I'm about to start.
 
Neon: my journey through took me to the TT. I used this on the TT races (Beg, and Ama). The choice of the Viper or the Camaro, I'd lean more towards the Viper. Just an overall higher performance car.

I took my Camaro SS shopping. Full Suspension, Brakes, Stage 1 NA, Super Slicks, Lightweight 1&2, Muffler, and a chip. Bottomed out the suspension, Springs at 12.0 (F) and 11.0 (R). ASM = 5; TCS = 1.

gave me between 2 and 5 second wins in each race on the American Championship.

AO
 
Well, that's what I was thinking. I was planning to buy a Viper anyway because I'm a Mopar fan. I'll probably run it bone stock in the Stars & Stripes, then add the 6-speed transmission and run Like The Wind.

Plus I really don't want to spend a dime more than I have to on a TT since I'll only use it in the TT series.
 
Sound slike a good run in the S&S. I used the GTSR concept in the Like the wind race. Although I had to add a few things to get it to keep up with the Viper in the "like the wind" race.

Write up:

Back to the garage, jumped in the Viper GTSR Concept (won from License tests). Full suspension, stage 3 NA tune up, Full racing tranny and headed off to the “Like the Wind race”

Like the Wind - Professional

I pitted on Lap 10, with red tires
AI Pitted on Laps 5, 10 and 15

Viper GTS: + 15.483
Skyline GT-R V spec (R34): +1 lap
Castrol Tom’s Supra: + 2 laps
Esprit Sport 350: + 5 laps
Zonda C12S: + 6 laps

Best Lap: 1’41.621
Total Time: 34’32.422
Average Lap: 1'43.621

It was a tough run, as the viper was in the lead most of the time, Pit strategy Allowed me to win. I unfortunately didn't write down what my set-up was. Likely bottom out the suspension, ASM = 3; TCS = 1, and adjust Autosetting up to ??

This netted me 10,000cr and the 787B!

TT Beginner can be won with only a VCD, oil change and sport tires. Amateur needs more power. I won the series buy adding the racing muffler, stage 1 turbo, and racing intercooler. For the final race I had to add lightweight 1, port polish, racing chip and stage 2 turbo. I would have better benefited if I had put a racing tranny in. The AI always had a higher top end but I had better acceleration. Conservation of momentum applies fully in this race.

Tell me how it goes.

AO
 
Damn, I wish I had more time to play this game, instead of so much time to talk about it... but I'm stuck at work with only internet access for entertainment.
:lol:
 
Ditto, But at least I'm cutting out early with a good excuse...Took my parrot in for surgery today. $267. Have to go home to check on him...Which means with the wife at work until ten, I get ....6 hours of playing time...Overload.

AO
 
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
 

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