Good luck finding one, but a 1991 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4. My buddy spent a year looking for one for a project car. The aftermarket support isn't amazing, but IIRC, you can use eclipse GSX performance parts (but don't hold me to it).

 

At Oak tree VIR:



Instucting for Corvette Club at Summit Point:

 

Pete, that looks like my helmet. Am I in that helmet?

I have to attest to the "throwability" of the Miata on the track. I've not driven one on the track- only been a passenger. Slow as poop in the straights(long ones), but thoughts of "NEMESIS!!!" come to mind in the corners!

gfacter just bought one. He is looking at one Saturday for me, too.

 

are you fing serious?

guess I better go find a flamermobile too...

 

Yes, but not just for a track car. It'll be a teaching car for my son. I want him to start doing his own vehicle work, driving stick, etc. I started him driving at 11 in the V10, but not on a regular basis. I should have done this some time ago. He's already 14.

 

^^^ thats cool

(hopefully all his friends dont beat him up for driving a miata)

i kid

 

They'll have to catch up to him first. And when you're 14 and your dad encourages to drive.. the other kids will be in envy. I had to wait until after I was already 16.

I'm in this boat as well, except I won't be keeping the S. I'd rather go payment-less for a while but still drive something fun. I can't give up tracking / autocross. You guys have me thinking Miata today... it was e30 last night. decisions.

Aaron

 

Is that your total budget, or just your budget for acquiring the car itself? If it's the former, I think you should rethink your plan -- you're not going to get anything at that price range which is suitable for extended track use as-is.

Also, you should really rethink your aversion to Miatas. The list in that price range really begins and ends with the Miata unless you're deliberately looking to make this a more expensive and time-consuming project than it needs to be.

 

If you are willing to go FWD, there are several good Honda race cars prepped for NASA Honda Challenge and/or SCCA Improved Touring available in that price range.

 

I looked on Honda-Tech, eBay, and Auto Trader -- trying to find a good FWD Honda on the Internet is like panning for gold in my own bath water. Any other ideas on where to check? I'm terrible at this.