What besides a Cayman?

[AcuMD701]

I have a 2010 Cayman. Love it on the track. And that is my price point.
My son wants a track car for DE. Can't afford a decent Cayman.
What would be a good "stock" option (we are not modify-it-yourself mechanics)?
Miata? Mustang? 944? What has hit that niche for you?
Thx for your comments.
KJC

[Tom]

As a long-time diehard 944 fan, I'd probably say a Miata if you are not the hands-on types. They don't require a ton of work, and have a massive support network -- so parts and capable mechanics for them are everywhere. I suppose the same could be said for Mustangs, but the cheaper/older ones have a solid rear axle. Older Boxsters are pretty affordable these days too...

[Stormy_Monday]

Miata

[ReidMcT]

There are well over 100 Miatas garaged at my track. For good reasons.

[J-Dub]

C5 corvette might be worth a look as well. Get a cosmetically ratty one pretty cheap.

[blueline]

C5 corvette might be worth a look as well. Get a cosmetically ratty one pretty cheap.

A C5 'Vette is an excellent recommendation Jeremy.

I would throw a C6 into the mix too. Both the C5 and C6 run very well, are easy to keep going, are not overly expensive to operate, easy to find competent competition oriented mechanics, are fun to drive, competitive on track, etc.

And beyond a C5/C6, one can never go wrong with a Miata imo.

[J-Dub]

I agree on the C6 recommendation, I was focused on the C5 as the C6 has some rabbit holes, ie LS2 vs LS3, ZO6 etc.... I guess you can do that though with anything.

Full disclosure, I have never owned a vette but from my friends that have they are affordable, easy to get parts and competent at the track.

[blueline]

I agree on the C6 recommendation, I was focused on the C5 as the C6 has some rabbit holes, ie LS2 vs LS3, ZO6 etc.... I guess you can do that though with anything.

Full disclosure, I have never owned a vette but from my friends that have they are affordable, easy to get parts and competent at the track.

I had many fine years with my race-built, track-only Z06. It was quite the car.

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[WillyDaP]

Raced Spec Miata for years and then even more years in Mustangs, and both have extensive parts and supply chains for easy mods at reasonable pricing. With Mazda , if you are autocrossing, doing Time Trials, or road racing, if you can show 2 event results you can sign up with Mazda Motorsports and get parts at Dealer cost. Lots of aftermarket competition with Mustang parts , so they also end up being fairly reasonable to run. I also raced Vipers and those will cost you a bit more to mod and keep in ........ tires, ha.

[ROB III]

I agree on the C6 recommendation, I was focused on the C5 as the C6 has some rabbit holes, ie LS2 vs LS3, ZO6 etc.... I guess you can do that though with anything.

Full disclosure, I have never owned a vette but from my friends that have they are affordable, easy to get parts and competent at the track.

I had many fine years with my race-built, track-only Z06. It was quite the car.


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VERY nice Tim!