10 Great Used Starter Cars For Your Track Days

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Dan Smith

If you want to try track diving and have some extra money for such a hobby, there are many used sports cars on the market. The truth is that the market is cooling down and there are actually a lot of great finds. Drivers may want to buy a more handling-oriented vehicle whether they visit the track or not. For those of you who need a car that not only performs well on the track but also takes care of you on the road, below is a list of the 10 most approachable sporty cars to start your performance driving journey. is shown.
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10/10 mazda miata

Mazda Corporation Inc
Front 3/4 view of a parked 2013 gray Mazda Miata
From the NA generation to the latest ND Miata, learning about your driving habits and your ability to get behind the wheel is inevitable. How this translates into vehicle limits is inherently relevant when driving a car like the Mazda Miata. As an excellent all-around entry-level track car, the Miata is your friend. NA-generation Miatas are available for as low as $10,000, sometimes even less. The ND generation cars are also competitively priced for a compelling driving experience both on and off the racetrack.

9/10 Ford Mustang GT

Ford-Mustang_GT-2015
ford motor company
Front 3/4 view of a red Ford 2015 Mustang GT parked
The Ford Mustang GT sits somewhere between a classic V-8 muscle car and a precision truck rat weapon. A properly equipped Mustang can handle quite well, despite the stereotype that they are all mob killers. A Performance Pack Mustang factory or expertly modified Mustang can usually prove to be a very capable machine on the track, posting impressive lap times without being beaten on the road. increase. With sticky tires and proper alignment setup, the S550 generation Mustang GT offers reliability and plenty of track ability to back up smooth lap times. Gone are the days of the slippery Mustang losing control, and Ford is now competing with the Mustang GT. RELATED: 10 Sports Cars Anyone Can Buy For Under $5000

8/10 Chevrolet Camaro V-6 1LE

Chevrolet-Camaro_1LE-2017
Chevrolet Motor Division
Green 2017 Chevrolet Camaro V6 1LE Driving Front 3/4 View
Friendliness is key. High speed is smooth. These are his two key factors that make the driver and car go fast on the track. Within five minutes of driving the 1LE Camaro, especially his V-6 and SS models, you can sense a familiarity that other sports cars don't immediately give drivers. Equipped with an all-manual transmission, the Camaro is very easy to get used to. Drivers often complain about the Camaro's physical disability, but this car has a circumscribing effect that helps a lot on the track. .

7/10 toyota 86

Toyota-GT86-2017
Toyota Motor Corporation
Front 3/4 view of a parked blue 2017 Toyota GT86
The Toyota 86 or any version thereof (Subaru BRZ, Scion FRS) is one of the funniest little sporty cars. Unlike the Mazda Miata, the Toyota 86 can hit the road without the high horsepower that often puts drivers in trouble. With very balanced handling and predictable limits, the 86 is a great way to explore your limits on track in relative safety. Replacing the factory-equipped tires with sticky rubber is known to completely transform the 86 from a playful car into a handling machine. Related: 10 sports cars from the 2000s that are still worth buying

6/10 BMW 135i

BMW-135i_Coupe-2010
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Front 3/4 view of a parked 2010 BMW 135i
Combine BMW's signature straight-six engine with a minimal chassis and you have a surprisingly capable mid-horsepower car that can explore slightly higher limits quite safely. The 135i/135iS can handle relatively fast tracks with the right tires, brakes, brake fluid and track-specific training. Never underestimate the propulsion of a BMW straight-six.

5/10 Honda S2000

Honda-S2000-2008
Honda motor industry stock company
Front 3/4 view of a parked 2008 Honda Gray S2000
Honda drivers have had a lot of success chasing the S2000. You'll find a happy, free-spirited chassis and a wild little inline 4-cylinder engine revving up to 9,000 RPM that's a sight to behold in an AP1 car. Note that AP1 cars tend to be tail happy. But if you prefer a more organized chassis, the AP2 solves many of your problems. In either version, the Honda S2000 was and will undoubtedly be the star of Trackday. RELATED: 10 Most Practical High-Performance Sports Cars

4/10 Porsche Cayman (987)

Porsche Cayman 2007
Porsche AG
Front 3/4 view of a yellow 2007 Porsche 987 Cayman driving
The smallest Porsche is also the most affordable model, and the mid-engined design allows this sports car to achieve incredible grip and overall performance. This is often a very capable sporting his car for the money that offers a higher level of handling than the driver can afford, making the 987 generation Cayman a true rock star on the circuit. Honestly, doing it in a car with the Porsche coat of arms is an added perk, and when you drive a Porsche, including the 987 Cayman, there aren't too many mods needed to work on the track. A true all-around performance car for everyday use with few compromises.

3/10 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen-Golf_GTI-2014
Volkswagen
Front 3/4 view of a red 2014 Volkswagen GTI driving
GTI loves to dance and is a great dance partner. Yes, believe it or not, his GTI equipped with his performance pack can handle track work like a champ. A performance pack car with a limited slip differential, added power and bigger brakes is what you are looking for as these additions allow him to throw his GTI in just about any driving situation. These models are priced in the sub-$20,000 range, and many hot hatches sell. RELATED: Top 10 Practical Sports Cars Under $30,000

2/10 Hyundai Veloster N

Hyundai-Veloster_N-2019
Hyundai Motor Company
Blue Front 3/4 View 2019 Hyundai Veloster N Driving
Much of BMW's M awesomeness has been superseded by Hyundai's N offerings. This is no surprise, as we have been working with BMW engineers and designers for several years. The Veloster N is the result of Hyundai pouring resources into the project and leveraging the best of BMW. The Veloster is priced very competitively considering the level of performance on offer. The manual for the N model is very accurate and I am happy with the operation. It was named Car of the Year for a reason. It's fast, engaging, and handles limitations well on and off the course.

1/10 the car you are driving now

Ford-Fusion-2013
ford motor company
Front 3/4 view of a red 2013 Ford Fusion parked
Surprisingly, yes. As long as your vehicle meets track safety requirements, you should consider improving your skills in the very vehicle you have access to. You can always find everything from the latest and fastest McLaren to his mid-90s minivan on Open Track Day. It doesn't matter what you drive as long as you are safe, willing to learn and respectful of the truck and your fellow drivers. Don't forget to have a great day while improving your precision and driving skills.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a fast car to get to the racetrack?

No! Vehicles of all speeds/abilities are generally allowed to participate in Open Track Days.

Q: What if my car is a convertible?

Depending on your truck/organization rules, you may need to drive your truck top down. Also, make sure your convertible is approved as not all convertibles have anti-roll features.

Q: Can I track modified cars?

Usually yes. Disclose changes to the organization responsible for organizing Track Days.

Q: Do vehicles need special equipment for Track Day?

No, the stock vehicle should work just fine, and in many cases mechanical issues will go away. Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.

Q: What is the best truck car for the least money?

The best truck car is the most comfortable car you can buy. This includes track participation and vehicle maintenance. These things can add up, so be sure to calculate them beforehand.

Q: Where's the best place to find a good used car for Track Day?

Sites such as Cars.com are a great place to start learning about the market for the vehicle you are interested in. In addition, you can find online forums that are specific to individual models and may have more detailed explanations about the lifespan of your vehicle.