I've decided to take a break from the world of motorcycle racing and am looking to pick up a car that I can use for spirited mountain driving and autocrossing from time to time. The only drawback is it needs to be something I can get by with using to commute to work. Doesn't have to be super practical, just legal and somewhat reasonable for commuting. I've been looking at some of the more affordable sports cars in say the 30k and under range. I have yet to make my rounds to test drive any of these vehicles, but those on my short list so far are the RX-8, S2000, 350Z, and Evo VIII. I used to drive an NB miata, and while I know they can be very fast in track trim, I'm not considering another one. I'd like to have a 3rd gen RX-7, but they are becoming very hard to find in good shape with low miles, and I don't trust that they have the reliability factor to double as a commuter car. I have kicked around the idea of an E36 M3, but the age and cost of mods scares me. I've spent a little time in a friends heavily modified Evo and it was a very fast ride and seemingly on rails, but I know I can't afford to dump the chunk of change into it to get it to that level, so I'm going to have to check out a stock one before I form an opinion on it.

What I'm interested in is to see what some of you more experienced car guys opinions of these cars and any possible alternatives are. I plan to spend cash over time for suspension, brake, and drive train mods, and I don't yet know which cars lend themselves well to modding, or how they ultimately compare to one another. Looks wise I'm a big fan of the Z, but I've read very mixed opinions on its performance. The Evo and S2000 have pretty much had good reviews across the board, but I haven't found much info on the 8. I'm trying to weed out the opinions given by teenage kids that know nothing beyond what the spec sheet says, and get some opinions from people who have pushed these cars to the limit, and know how they can be woken up by mods.

Any suggestions and opinions are greatly appreciated!

 

"woken up by mods" = modding a forced inducted vehicle

This is purely a factual opinion

 

Sounds like an Evo would be perfect for you. Test drive one and you'll know right away.

It's amazing even in stock form and it lends itself very well to upgrades.

Here is a short list of what I consider to be essential mods with some examples:

brake pads (Ferodo DS2500)
brake fluid (Motul RBF600, ATE Super Blue / Type 200)
stainless steel brake lines (Stoptech, Technafit)
stainless steel clutch line (Speed Source, Works, Technafit)
clutch restrictor removal (free)
exhaust (so many choices here)
flash (Dynoflash, Works, etc)

Brake pads and a good brake fluid are an absolute must if you intend to track or autocross the vehicle. The others can wait until time and money allow.

Best of luck.

geo