nowata

I’m looking for a car I can drive to and on track for HPDE

And I am prioritizing reliability and liquidity

and while I’d love a gt4 I can’t bring myself to track something so valuable without insurance

so can I get some sub-$40k recommendations? And I’ll certainly consider non P cars but I really can’t think of many attractive options

or have track days become the world of “wrench your wreck” or drive a Gt car?

zedcat

09-12 Cayman (987.2) is a good choice. I had the opportunity to drive a E36 M3 last year and liked it too.

nowata

987.2 CS is my first choice but they’re still in the $50k+ range

yeah the e36 m3 is the old track day war horse but they’ve increased 50% in the last couple years

TXE36

E36 M3 has been an answer for a while, but they are getting long in the tooth and I believe the comments about prices. I don't drive the street E36 M3 I have all that often, but it seems like every time lately somebody asks about buying it. Mechanically is in great shape, but ascetically, it is a 22 year old car in the TX sun and it needs a paint job. 5 years ago, when I bought the track E36 M3, values were in the toilet.

E46 M3 may work, but I bet prices are up on those too. An E46 non-M may work, perhaps a ZHP. The ZHP steering rack is a popular upgrade for E36s. I don't know if you can get an E46 non-M with a limited slip diff. However, mods are pretty easy on BMWs on this vintage.

There is always the old standby of a Miata. Don't know where your skills are, but if you can learn to drive a Miata fast, you'll be able to drive anything fast. Miatas are fun, cheap, have cheap parts, and are easy to sell.

MoD

For what you’re looking for this is the perfect car for you. Incredible car, meticulous owner and would cost way way more to build.

http://omniglh.net/cayman/

Berringer

+1 on the Cayman. Fantastic first track car! Thank God for RL where I don’t have to see a bunch of “Miata is always the answer” nonsense when someone asks this question.

ProCoach

Cayman, it is the best tool.

Oliver911

I'll throw another one into the mix... https://rennlist.com/forums/market/1245876

My buddy is selling, I have driven and it is really nicely set up. I think he's negotiable on price.

Glyndellis

It would be worth looking at a Corvette C5 Z06 or C6 GrandSport.

tcsracing1

2009-2012 Cayman with 3.4L and PDK.
Pay a little extra now and get it back later.

You can buy everything for these. Coolers, Diffs, Seats, roll bars, brakes, exhausts, suspensions, wheels etc.
Some of it you can find used.

J. Kid

Cayman or C5 ZO6

85Gold

Cayman 987.2 S 6 speed as the PDK track reliability is sketchy. Or I would take a look at the coming upgraded FRS/BRZ with the 2.4 ltr engine. Good balance, comes with a diff, and upgrade parts don’t carry the Porsche Tax.

Peter

txbdan

Just get track insurance.

If I had to do an old BMW, an E46 330i is prob the ticket. Cheaper and better than an E36 M3. (I've had several E30s and E36s, and have an E30 race car now).

As for cheap newer cars, the BRZ is it.

JSETarga

If you are prioritizing reliability and liquidity as you stated then buy the GT4 and get track insurance.

85Gold

Only on RL does a person come looking for a sub $40k car and get told to spend over twice as much for a GT4.

Peter