fun and budget autoX car?

  • Thread starter Thread starter bakemono858
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IkuBakemono
I'm trying to decide on a fun and cheap car i can use for autocrossing with my father. I kind of want a s13 but my dad says it's to old. Any suggestions? I'm staying away from civics and integras.
 
In which case, you have removed possibly your best bets. I'd suggest an EK9 Civic, or maybe a Chevrolet Cavalier, like what one of the moderators did. They aren't bad platforms, I think, but they may require extensive tuning. I'll let a pro help you.
 
A Civic EG hatchback is one of the best autocross platforms you can get. Numerous engine options, chassis and suspension upgrades and tons of aftermarket support.

Failing that, almost any compact or subcompact with a decent stock set-up will do nicely. Meaning your basic mid-90's Sentras, Mazda Proteges, Honda Civics (again), Mazda MX-6s, really old Accords, Integras, or even Ford Festivas or Focuses. If you want a rear-driver, the Miata is a good choice, as well (and it makes an excellent beginner, or even mid-level, track car, to boot...).

In autoX, it's not big power or RWD that gets you into the faster-half of the field. It's having a well-sorted, and preferably, light car with a good driver. Inertia counts for a lot when you're taking a zillion turns in less than one minute. Which is why you should start with a small car.

Whatever you buy, make sure you have the budget for brake pads and suspension mods. Tires can follow. It takes tires to make you competitive, but you can upgrade as you learn.
 
haha I own a Mazda Protege at the moment but it's an automatic sadly. My dad keeps suggesting to grab a newer car but I just really like the older cars like early 90's and mid 80's haha and thank's for all of the replies
 
I assume you live in the US?

Get a first gen Dodge Neon, they are cheap and make excellent autox cars. I have a couple buddies who autox neons and all do fairly well as it and they are all on a pretty tight budget.
 
The base Protege is a good auto-X car. Not as heavy as the later MP3 and MSP models, and the engine is decently torquey.

A swap out to a 5-speed... preferably the Mazdaspeed transmission, with the helical limited slip... will do you good. Add a Mazdaspeed rear anti-sway bar to help make it more neutral, and you're all set to learn Auto-X.

Or you can up your budget, slap on some coil-overs and a turbo-kit, and go racing. The lack of manual control with an automatic sucks, but at least you'll have a decent chassis underneath you.
 

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