Looking at cars for daily-driver/track usage

[DanB]

I wanna replace my '95 240SX. Somehow it just doesn't speak to me like my old '91 SX did. I require:
1) rwd/irs
2) not too heavy! (<~3000 lb.)
3) reasonable utility (more stowage space than Miata or S2000)
4) reasonable price (<$20k)
5) decent power/weight
6) not horrifically ugly

I'm currently considering (in no particular order):
240SX (pref. S13) w/ SR20DET (or turbo'd KA24DE)
Boxster (S would be nice...)
BMW Z3 Coupe or M Coupe
RX-8
RX-7 (2nd or 3rd gen)
'87-'89 911 coupe

Whadda y'all think?! Any insider info (like what to run away from!) on these cars appreciated.

Thanks!

Dan

[cfossum]

Dan,
I can comment on the RX8. I LOVE mine, but... I'm a rotor-head so you can't really depend on my opinion.

Highs:
-Rear drive and 50/50 weight distribution, feels balanced, very tossable.
-Dynamic stability control can be easily switched completely off!
-Trunk is suprisingly big.
-9000 rpm!
-Fewer RX8s on the road than other cars you mentioned (around my area anyhow.)

Lows:
-Not really as fast as you might hope.
-Occasionally tempermental when starting the engine
-Electric power steering is a little numb
-18mpg
-bad in snow (duh!)

I had it at Limerock in November. I borrowed Dan Malek's mustang wheels and turned a 1:05 within 6 laps. Without trying much harder, I'm sure the 4's were only a few laps away. Its a company car, so I didn't want to push my luck. This was with race tires, but otherwise absolute bone stock condition with stock pads, springs, etc.
I can barely do 1:04's in my ST prepared RX7.
Overall, I am pleased with it.

-Carl

[DanB]

Thanks for the RX-8 info, Carl. 1:05s at LRP in a 238hp (weak-ass Mazda hp at that) 3000 lb car with stock suspension sounds pretty decent. And if you did 1:05, I'm sure I could dip into the :02's with one

The mileage does give me pause, though...
I drive 70 miles every day (~15%city/85%hwy), so the difference between the 26mpg I'm getting now and 18mpg is pretty hideous. Doing the same commute I got 19mpg in my '90 convertible RX-7 (before it wasted an apex seal or two...).

I test drove an -8 last weekend, LOVED it, as did the wife. Definitely under consideration. Hmm...

[PaddyMcP]

i like the rx8 the best from your list. The back seats are huge. Prices are falling... Awesome handling and revs - just hope the bastard stays together for the whole season. The gearbox feels freakin awesome too.

-Paddy

[SSNH]

e30 and e36 bmw's

[jrottn]

dan
if you want utility think back to the road trip home from mosport a few years ago
stompin track car, 30+ mpgallon, 3 people, huge tool box, camping gear, 4 track wheels, helmets, jack, and other track shizzy
thats right 318ti
you can pick up a pretty decent car for about 5k
I bought mine with 160k on the clock, my bro mark now owns the car with almost 230k on it and we still rev the thing to 6500 or wherever that damn rev limit kicks in
if you cant handle the obscene power (guessing sub 100 at the wheels) you could probably throw an m3 motor in and still be way under budget
as far as track duty the car is awesome. our car has konis and brake pads and the softest springs bmw makes (body roll is cool)
nothing so good as watching a miata realize he/she has to lift to let you by
hope to see you at the track
john

[jrottn]

although if you want a real car buy a 911

[rajito]

How about an 03 or 04 Z06?

Curb Weight: 3116 lbs.
Horsepower: 405 hp
Torque: 400 ft-lbs.

Manual: 19 mpg / 28 mpg

If your commute is mostly highway, I think the car loafs at under 2000 rpm at 80mph, so the 28mpg is probably not a lie.

And FWIW, the two SSU Z06's ran 59's at LRP, which means you'll be able to run 30 second laps

Raj

[brucesallen]

... the 318 with the RX8 engine... and a turbo.

[WillM]

You drove the 8 and loved it, I think that says it all. I've always been a fan, and I think I'd have one if the window sill was a bit lower (what was that about "coming up short"? ). That said, I may still splurge one day. I've been waiting for the forced induction or 3-rotor Mazdaspeed!

Seems a good set of dedicated snow tires and the 8's 50/50 weight dist might make it manageable in the white stuff. The guys on the RX8 Club forum seem to like it.

I've read that the mileage isn't the greatest, but such is life. Your wife loved it, need I say more?

[Stynger]

I've read that the mileage isn't the greatest, but such is life. Your wife loved it, need I say more?

She WILL learn where the dipstick is.

[cfossum]

Oil consumption in the RX8 has not been an issue at all. Maybe I got a good one, but I don't know what all the fuss is about that.

I should also mention that I put a few hundred miles on my dad's Boxster when he had it. I loved that too. It had that funky little "trunk" in the front, but the sound of the engine right behind me was something special.
Incidentally, my wife has no love for the RX8, but she was all smiles in the Boxster.
-Carl

[Stynger]

Oil consumption in the RX8 has not been an issue at all. Maybe I got a good one, but I don't know what all the fuss is about that.

-Carl

That's good to hear. I know of 3 people that sold theirs, it was just a hassle in this day and age.
Rotarys are supposed to use oil, some seem to use more than others.

I must admit I love the car if i'm driving it looking out the windshield.
It has the feel of a true sports car.

[cfossum]

Right. That's the problem with hearing the opinion of a biased rotor-head. I tend to overlook those characteristics that others may consider to be a nuisance.
I've told others that the RX8 is not a car for the masses. But Dan already broke that threshold with his previous ownership of an RX7.
-Carl

[mtc13]

Dan, you are clealy a man of sophisticated automotive tastes. I think you should shoot a little higher than the "under 20k" ceiling. I think you should raise a little more money. I think you should sell me your Z car. You know how to reach me! [-o<
Michael "cash in hand" Campbell