[LePew]

I'm still in serious need of a new car in the $25-$30k range that is not borrowed from one of my kids (LOL) The car needs to keep up with the "big boys" more or less on the track. Would appreciate you MINI2'rs chiming in with some advice (although I can guess what you will say).

Crossed off my list so far: used Boxster, used M3, used M Roadster, new MazdaSpeed Miata, new Evo 8, new RX-8 (sorry CCM!), new 350Z. That leaves the S2000 and the MCS (both new) still on the list.

Here's where the proc/con decision matrix stands now:

S2000: Pros: classic sports car looks; faster than the P-Car; Honda reliability; hi revs; wife thinks they're cute; cars sitting on lot and selling at invoice.

S2000 Cons: needs a roll bar to track it; its a Honda; uneven torque band; hi rev tuner crowd; will lose more hair faster; sometimes gets confused with a delSol; will have to find some new folks to hang with; vagueness of Honda dealer reputations

MCS Cons: not a "sports car"; wife says "why do we want another MINI?"; not as good looking as the S2000 (but its not how you look, its how you feel, isn't it?); the dreaded 8-10 week wait.

MCS Pros: with a pulley and chip will be faster than an E36 M3 (am I right about that?); already have a set of track wheels; everyone thinks its cute; might stave off Hair Club for Men for a while longer; its a "baby Bimmer"; I love you guys; MoP

So, please help me ponder the questions of the ages!

[Cape Cod MINI]

I have had lots of fun on the track dueling with an S2000. A very even match in my opinion. I would go with the Honda just because you already have a MINI. It's a sweet looker and the roll bar can't be that costly.

[MrV]

Is the difference in insurance something to consider here? I would be willing to bet that the typical MINI owner is in a lower insurance risk group than the typical S2000 owner.

[onasled]

I'm kinda in the same quandary here as I too have been looking for a single purpose track car. I guess the difference is that I want it to be a designated track car that I can trailer to the events. For the investment I may make I then start to think that maybe this should be a car that fits into an SCCA class as I see this track day thing becoming something more.
I'd possibly look into a good used Spec Miata. Otherwise maybe a BMW that would fit into one of the BMWCCA classes for club racing.
Getting a used race car is a great option I think as there are quite a few very nice ones out there. Something that you don't sweat putting into the tires if it happens.

This would be a great track car!

[jcsinnh]

If it were I, I'd buy my car, a proven non-clunker, and add mods. Rear bar already there.

[LePew]

Insurance is not a factor. The difference in premiums is only like $100 per year.

Had crossed SpecMiatas off the list asnot being able to "keep up with the big boys" at BMWCCA and SCDA type events. Maybe I should rethink that. Dave Del Genio, the godfather of the SpecMiata class, has his shop right here in NH.

Mmmmm that 911 is sweet but looks to be too much of racer. Looking for something that's more streetable and street presentable.

[Cape Cod MINI]

Quote: Originally Posted by jcsinnh

If it were I, I'd buy my car, a proven non-clunker, and add mods. Rear bar already there.

Normally I would jump on any post by John like stink on poop but this may be a good opportunity.
S-CarSLO is almost stock, no? It's ripe for track prep. As we know the S is untouchable in the corners already and with a few tweaks here and there you will be very competitive.
Except for the drool and other bodily fluid stains this may be a good deal.

[MGB Boy]

Random non-pertinent non-helpful observation: Am I the only one who thinks the S2000 photographs better than it looks in person? After seeing the pics when it first came out, I thought it was the bees knees, but seeing it in person was a real let down, every time I see one on the road it looks much more bland in the flesh (or in the steel, if you will) than it does on my monitor...

-Ricardo