Come across this... might be a good idea for me to have a go on the track with. Thoughts?

came across what?

Oops lol . I meant this.

Er, no. That is best left to its original purpose of transporting pensioners to the shops. The 1.9D has sod all power and is really too heavy for the Felicia chassis, so the handling suffers. You could stick a TDi in it, but then the gearbox probably wouldn't last a single track day.

A petrol Felicia would certainly be viable - the 1.3 is lightweight and fairly tunable, or the 1.6 makes a pretty straightforward swap for a 16V Polo/Lupo engine for a lot more power. It's definitely not worth the hassle and effort of fitting a petrol engine in a diesel car though, given how cheap they can be picked up these days. If you want something a bit different and fancy a challenge, a track Felicia's a perfectly workable idea. However, given that there are barely any off-the-shelf tuning parts available outside CZ any more, if you just want something cheap and tweakable I'd imagine something like an Ibiza or Fiesta would be a lot less grief.

Assuming you yourself are somewhere vaguely in the vicinity of Newark, I'd recommend one of the MR2s listed on Autotrader:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/postcode/ng241ad/radius/100/price-to/500/quantity-of-doors/2/sort/pricedesc

The Mk1 would get my vote, even though it's the most expensive. The two Mk2s are early ones which have dodgy handling AIUI. Of course, any of them would need a good inspection before buying...

Good luck!

Thanks guys. I like the idea of the MR2 Apogee but I don't have a trailer so needs to be something I'd have a chance at getting insured on (20). I do think a little petrol hatch though would be ideal though Robin, just something which is cheap as chips to give a track day a go in and sell on / scrap when I'm finished with it. Or do you think I'd be better off just having a go on a single seater experience sort of thing? All this is ideas, as unfortunately I can never decide what I'm going to do when it comes to putting more than £50 into something lol.

Hmm, something dirt cheap but fun...

Now don't laugh, but I'd honestly suggest a Rover 200 (the 1996-on bubble shape) - even the little 214 8v (75bhp) is an absolute hoot to drive (yes, I couldn't believe it either at first). A 216 or 218 (or even a 214 16v if insurance dictates) can be had fairly easily for under £400 it seems, or even less if you don't mind doing a head gasket yourself (but avoid one that's completely blown and overheated). Strip out the interior and you've got something about the same size and weight as a Felicia with a fair bit more power from a revvy, responsive engine, and crucially much better handling on stock suspension.

It's probably a good thing I know I don't have the space or spare cash for another car, 'cause I've tempted myself now thinking about that

Thanks guys. I like the idea of the MR2 Apogee but I don't have a trailer so needs to be something I'd have a chance at getting insured on (20).

I reckon you could get the Mk1 MR2 on classic car insurance:

http://www.lancasterinsurance.co.uk/qualifying_for_classic.htm

(This is the first company I came across, so you should shop around if you think it's suitable...)

Is there a reason you aren't prepared to take your everyday car (a Lupo from your profile settings) on track?

Buying a second track car is a big investment for not a lot of return.

You have purchase price, insurance cost, tax cost, and then general running costs to keep it in tip top track condition.

And then unless you absolutely minted (which I guess you're not, otherwise you wouldn't be looking for something cheap in the first place) you're only going to use it on a couple of track days a year at most.

Personally I'd buy a second set wheels and tyres for the Lupo and spend a day driving that round a track.

Ok it won't be the quickest but it'll still be great fun.

I did a day last year where a couple of guys had spent a couple of hundred quid on a 1.2 106 which they spent the day ragging the absolute nuts off. The huge amount of body roll meant it cornered on it's door handles most of the time!

Again it wasn't quick but they had the biggest smiles of everyone there.

I guess it boils down to what you expect from a track day.

Are you turning up to set new lap records or to have fun?!

If it's the former you need deep pockets, if its latter you don't need deep pockets or bucket loads of power!

Edited 8 February, 201115 yr by PastyBoy

Me and a friend are looking at the Almera GTi as a track day toy.

Meant to handle well, and aren't too slow either - 2.0 150bhp as standard. Pick one up from around £500 too.

Hmm, something dirt cheap but fun...

Now don't laugh, but I'd honestly suggest a Rover 200 (the 1996-on bubble shape) - even the little 214 8v (75bhp) is an absolute hoot to drive (yes, I couldn't believe it either at first). A 216 or 218 (or even a 214 16v if insurance dictates) can be had fairly easily for under £400 it seems, or even less if you don't mind doing a head gasket yourself (but avoid one that's completely blown and overheated). Strip out the interior and you've got something about the same size and weight as a Felicia with a fair bit more power from a revvy, responsive engine, and crucially much better handling on stock suspension.

It's probably a good thing I know I don't have the space or spare cash for another car, 'cause I've tempted myself now thinking about that

I wasn't going to laugh but by reverse psycology, I find it quite amusing lol . I do appreciate the advice and have a friend who is mechanically minded that hopefully wouldn't mind assisting me in doing a head gasket. As for insurance, I'm 20 so to insure as a 2nd car sort of full time (which I wouldn't need either... maybe day insurance is an idea?) isn't really an option. Suggestion below of classis insurance I do think is a good one though!

I reckon you could get the Mk1 MR2 on classic car insurance:

http://www.lancasterinsurance.co.uk/qualifying_for_classic.htm

(This is the first company I came across, so you should shop around if you think it's suitable...)

I had a look at that company and another, came across something that confused me a bit:

Your No Claims Bonus has been earned in the UK from a private car policy and is not being used on another vehicle.

^ <-- How can you have more than one no claims bonus..? Not following that clearly, should hopefully knock the price down to something reasonable due to the limited mileage (doubt it'd do 1k a year!).

Is there a reason you aren't prepared to take your everyday car (a Lupo from your profile settings) on track?

Buying a second track car is a big investment for not a lot of return.

You have purchase price, insurance cost, tax cost, and then general running costs to keep it in tip top track condition.

And then unless you absolutely minted (which I guess you're not, otherwise you wouldn't be looking for something cheap in the first place) you're only going to use it on a couple of track days a year at most.

Personally I'd buy a second set wheels and tyres for the Lupo and spend a day driving that round a track.

Ok it won't be the quickest but it'll still be great fun.

I did a day last year where a couple of guys had spent a couple of hundred quid on a 1.2 106 which they spent the day ragging the absolute nuts off. The huge amount of body roll meant it cornered on it's door handles most of the time!

Again it wasn't quick but they had the biggest smiles of everyone there.

I guess it boils down to what you expect from a track day.

Are you turning up to set new lap records or to have fun?!

If it's the former you need deep pockets, if its latter you don't need deep pockets or bucket loads of power!

Reason I won't take my Lupo on track are because I'm not prepared to risk £2,000+ (even if I behave, can't rely on others not to hit me) that is my only car and required for my work (contracted hours I'm under 10k a year, currently up to £13k with 2 paydays to go). Also, because it's an automatic, it'd defeat the object quite a lot. Going to look at a Fabia VRS this week (if someone could view this with me I'd highly appreciate it! The more you know about the model the better, please - please drop me a PM) but again it would become my only car and too much money for me to justify in a gamble of going on the track. With a cheap banger, if I stack it or someone takes me out I'll take it a lot better, both mentally and financially. I'm not interested in being the fastest person around the track, I've not got the driving experience or the financial stability to fund lap records, plus tbh I'd much rather have a good time . Could still try and set my own lap record, if I beat that then I'd be improving.

Me and a friend are looking at the Almera GTi as a track day toy.

Meant to handle well, and aren't too slow either - 2.0 150bhp as standard. Pick one up from around £500 too.

I'd hope it was reliable though as being Japanese the parts I'd expect to be more expensive to acquire?

I will also say a big thank you for all the replies so far, cheers guys .

Haha! I've just realised you'd have been barely at school in the late '90s Suffice to say small Rovers (as well as Skodas) were what most pensioners drove before Kias and Daewoos became commonplace, and they originally had a reputation for terrible reliability (they did eventually solve the K-series head gasket issue shortly before going bust, though)

Your No Claims Bonus has been earned in the UK from a private car policy and is not being used on another vehicle.

^ <-- How can you have more than one no claims bonus..? Not following that clearly, should hopefully knock the price down to something reasonable due to the limited mileage (doubt it'd do 1k a year!).

You only have the one no-claims bonus (car-wise, anyway), but you could hold several different policies for different cars, so if you've already benefited from no-claims discount on another policy, you can't use it again on this one. Another thing I'll point out is that a lot of 'classic' policies require the driver to be at least 25, so check carefully.

I'd hope it was reliable though as being Japanese the parts I'd expect to be more expensive to acquire?

That was certainly my experience with a Corolla - nothing ever broke or went wrong, but when various original parts did start to need replacing due to being 15 years old, it cost a packet (£300 for an alternator!)

Reason I won't take my Lupo on track are.....

The Lupo being automatic is an excellent reason not to take it on track and I completely understand not wanting to risk your only car especially if it is required for your work; however I think you should adjust your attitude to track days.

Personally I reckon the 2 track days i've done were 100x safer and less likely to involve an accident than any brisk drive on the road.

Consider the differences:

The day is entirely monitored so any trouble makers are removed or potential bad drivers erradicated - you don't get that on the road!

Everyone is going the same way - You are never going to meet anyone coming towards you on your side of the track with a speed equal to yours!

Everyone is there for the same reason - to have fun. Nobody wants to crash or be crashed into so everyone is courteous and overtakes are generally done sensibly and are well considered with acknowledgement of the slower vehicle.

Admittedly accidents can and do happen however it's much more likely someone will run out of talent and end up in a barrier than in the side/back of someone else.

If you do want a taster of life on track I say come to the Combe meet in April

For your £30 you get entry to the event and 15 minutes on track with fellow Briskodians. That way you can get a taster of, and realise how relatively risk free, track days are

Jase might even let you do it in the Lupo

****ADDITION****

If fun really is top of agenda for your track car don't worry about buying something good!

Something sporty that handles and is quick would be great but I find driving bad cars just as fun!

The limits are gerenally much lower you you don;t have to be doing am illion miles an hour to feel lik eyou are pushing on.

Something like a mid-90's bubble shaped Nissan Micra would be ideal.

Edited 9 February, 201115 yr by PastyBoy

Haha! I've just realised you'd have been barely at school in the late '90s Suffice to say small Rovers (as well as Skodas) were what most pensioners drove before Kias and Daewoos became commonplace, and they originally had a reputation for terrible reliability (they did eventually solve the K-series head gasket issue shortly before going bust, though)

You only have the one no-claims bonus (car-wise, anyway), but you could hold several different policies for different cars, so if you've already benefited from no-claims discount on another policy, you can't use it again on this one. Another thing I'll point out is that a lot of 'classic' policies require the driver to be at least 25, so check carefully.

That was certainly my experience with a Corolla - nothing ever broke or went wrong, but when various original parts did start to need replacing due to being 15 years old, it cost a packet (£300 for an alternator!)

I heard about the K series eating head gaskets . As for the insurance thing, say I then accrued 1 years NCB on a seperate policy would I then be able to use that when getting a renewel and go back down to 0 years NCB on the track car? I'm guessing probably not, otherwise in effect it would give the impressive I'd be insuring a car since I was 16. As for the Corolla... I think the same would be with the MR2 also if anything did go wrong, the engine is not an easy thing to work on!

The Lupo being automatic is an excellent reason not to take it on track and I completely understand not wanting to risk your only car especially if it is required for your work; however I think you should adjust your attitude to track days.

Personally I reckon the 2 track days i've done were 100x safer and less likely to involve an accident than any brisk drive on the road.

Consider the differences:

The day is entirely monitored so any trouble makers are removed or potential bad drivers erradicated - you don't get that on the road!

Everyone is going the same way - You are never going to meet anyone coming towards you on your side of the track with a speed equal to yours!

Everyone is there for the same reason - to have fun. Nobody wants to crash or be crashed into so everyone is courteous and overtakes are generally done sensibly and are well considered with acknowledgement of the slower vehicle.

Admittedly accidents can and do happen however it's much more likely someone will run out of talent and end up in a barrier than in the side/back of someone else.

If you do want a taster of life on track I say come to the Combe meet in April

For your £30 you get entry to the event and 15 minutes on track with fellow Briskodians. That way you can get a taster of, and realise how relatively risk free, track days are

Jase might even let you do it in the Lupo

****ADDITION****

If fun really is top of agenda for your track car don't worry about buying something good!

Something sporty that handles and is quick would be great but I find driving bad cars just as fun!

The limits are gerenally much lower you you don;t have to be doing am illion miles an hour to feel lik eyou are pushing on.

Something like a mid-90's bubble shaped Nissan Micra would be ideal.

Thanks for understanding Pasty, also I'm not willing to gamble £2,000+ (it's too much hard work in comparison to if I was on 50k). As for the issue of track safety, it's myself more than others I'd be worried about as I've got very little experience of fast driving and I'm going to want to push on. Slowly getting faster but also keeping an eye on what's going on around me so much (although a co pilot seems to work well for this after watching the nurburgring video with the ex police vrs estate). In a little 1 litre N reg Micra I could get hold of for the right money (but doubt it's reliability as it got diesel in it once) I'd be getting overtaken a lot which I'd expect, but if it was too much I'd spending more time giving way than actually going for it plus tbh I'd prefer a 1.4 engined car as it just seems that bit quicker. I'm all for the fun though, whatever car I got I'd could keep my own records and try to improve on them while enjoying myself at the time. As for Castle Combe, I'd seen that and thought it was an absolute bargain but again would not want to risk the Lupo. If I had a manual one I'd be well up for it, was so disappointed that I didn't qualify to go as such. Also, in the event I did crash the track car, how could I get it home? My thoughts would be get a mate to tow the track car (if it can still roll, but car would need mot/tax/insurance then) or if it's really badly done see if a scrapyard would come and get it. I don't live far from Cadwell Park (about an hour) and my Grandad is even closer still (about 20 minutes), can't imagine he would mind storing the car there. Do you think 1 day insurance would be a good idea for going to / from the track? Also, it would be required to have tax and mot which I'm pretty sure isn't needed on track days as the race officials check the car themselves. There is so many variables going on in this thread!

Again, I thank you all very much for the replies .

I understand cos i went through the exact same feelinges before taking the Fabia on track.

What if something termianlly breaks?! What if I crash? What if some crashes into me? It was almost enough to make be not go.

However once i got there I realised i was being a big girl and there really is nothing to worry about!

Getting over taken isn't the worst thing. Most days only allow overtaking on the straights where it's quite easy to move left or right depending on the rules and let the Porsche blast past.

I'd get lap times out of your head too as the 2 events I did we were told anyone who was using timing equipment or had passengers seen to be using stop watches etc would be ejected from the track. They were "track days" not "race test days"

With regards to insurance try to speak to broker about a second car policy. I was talking to Adrian Flux about a potential purchase for a small daily commuting meaning a mileage of less than 5k a year.

As long as you stick below that mileage the policy was a third of what a proper one was!

If you can make the journey down i'd come to Combe even if you don't put the Lupo on track. £10 for a good day out and if you wanted you could probably sweet talk a member into taking you along as ballast for the track session and at least experience it from the passenger seat for £5

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1993-ROVER-216-GSI-GREY-/160541521085?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item25610534bd

I'd go for that. £400 for a revy Honda engine.

I understand cos i went through the exact same feelinges before taking the Fabia on track.

What if something termianlly breaks?! What if I crash? What if some crashes into me? It was almost enough to make be not go.

However once i got there I realised i was being a big girl and there really is nothing to worry about!

Getting over taken isn't the worst thing. Most days only allow overtaking on the straights where it's quite easy to move left or right depending on the rules and let the Porsche blast past.

I'd get lap times out of your head too as the 2 events I did we were told anyone who was using timing equipment or had passengers seen to be using stop watches etc would be ejected from the track. They were "track days" not "race test days"

With regards to insurance try to speak to broker about a second car policy. I was talking to Adrian Flux about a potential purchase for a small daily commuting meaning a mileage of less than 5k a year.

As long as you stick below that mileage the policy was a third of what a proper one was!

If you can make the journey down i'd come to Combe even if you don't put the Lupo on track. £10 for a good day out and if you wanted you could probably sweet talk a member into taking you along as ballast for the track session and at least experience it from the passenger seat for £5

Prevention is better than cure . Plus tbh, after todays events I think I'm tempted to sell the Lupo and get 2 bangers. One for track and one for daily. People can be such idiots in this town. As for the 2nd policy insurance, that sounds quite reasonable and I'd still be able to make sure it got a run etc. I do like the idea of coming down for Combe, got a feeling it's a tad far away but a passenger ride does sound like a really fun idea . Thanks for you advice Pasty ^^.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1993-ROVER-216-GSI-GREY-/160541521085?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item25610534bd

I'd go for that. £400 for a revy Honda engine.

Oh my... lol. You guys meant that Rover? I couldn't do it, that thing is hideous haha.

lol, nah they didnt mean that Rover, but it has the sweet Honda engine and is pretty nippy. It weighs next to nothing, so by the time you strip it out it will be quite suprising. The coupe looks better, even more so if you find one with a rear spoiler.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1996-Rover-216-Coupe-Red-TOMCAT-1600-PETROL-/370475477156?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item56420f28a4

You can also get a 2ltr and 2ltr turbo coupe but the Honda engine in the 216 is better.

lol, nah they didnt mean that Rover, but it has the sweet Honda engine and is pretty nippy. It weighs next to nothing, so by the time you strip it out it will be quite suprising. The coupe looks better, even more so if you find one with a rear spoiler.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1996-Rover-216-Coupe-Red-TOMCAT-1600-PETROL-/370475477156?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item56420f28a4

You can also get a 2ltr and 2ltr turbo coupe but the Honda engine in the 216 is better.

I'll take your word on that one .

I'll take your word on that one .

Rover made some decent cars back in the day. People tend to forget that now.

Went well, handled nicely. Not much weight, and some decent seats in the sports models too.

For this sort of use I'd seriously consider a 200 Coupe.

However once i got there I realised i was being a big girl and there really is nothing to worry about!

Having seen trackday madness as the day wears on I'd recommend being less sanguine.

Maybe the days i went on were incredibly well organised and the attendees all terribly sensible then.

Other than a group of lads who'd clubbed together to buy - and subsequently drift - an M5 both days had no trouble whatsoever.

They were on airfields rather than actual race tracks but i can't see that making too much of a difference.

I reckon it's much more about you than everyone else.

If you keep your driving to yourself, and be equally - if not - more aware of others, you don't get into situations where you crash intoa barrier or someone else and neither are you in a position to be crashed into (unless something huge like complete brake failure happens)

If it was me I wouldnt care what my track car looked like, in fact the ****tier the better. So long as it was light, handled well, and had some reasonable poke I'd be more than happy with my little sleeper.

Nail on the head there really! Agree fully :yes:

Hmm, something dirt cheap but fun...

Now don't laugh, but I'd honestly suggest a Rover 200 (the 1996-on bubble shape) - even the little 214 8v (75bhp) is an absolute hoot to drive (yes, I couldn't believe it either at first). A 216 or 218 (or even a 214 16v if insurance dictates) can be had fairly easily for under £400 it seems, or even less if you don't mind doing a head gasket yourself (but avoid one that's completely blown and overheated). Strip out the interior and you've got something about the same size and weight as a Felicia with a fair bit more power from a revvy, responsive engine, and crucially much better handling on stock suspension.

It's probably a good thing I know I don't have the space or spare cash for another car, 'cause I've tempted myself now thinking about that

I drove the diesel version of the MG ZS recently and was very impressed. Not sure it has quite the same characteristics in Rover 200 guise, but one should certainly approach them with an open mind.