[JoosyJoos]

Alright so one of my buddies is looking for a new car. He wants something sporty that he can autox because I turned him to the dark side lol...

His budget is roughly 25k and below. Any suggestions?

A few I thought of
-Mazda RX8---> anyone have experience with these?
-Honda s2000---> doubt he'd fit
-Mazda 3---fwd, boooo!
-New Genesis coupe 2.0T
-Older 3 series

I don't think a used STI or EVO is in the picture since he'll be paying insurance and will have just graduated from college so it would be ridiculously expensive. Right now I think he's leaning towards the RX8 so if any of you have experience with them that would be great. Oh and of course this car is likely to be modded so cheap power is always a plus.

[LaLakers91tc]

my friend has an Rx-8 and its a fun drive (especially with that appx 9000 rpm redline), haven't pushed it too much so I can't really comment on its autocross ability, but for that price range, he could definitely get an 06 e90, although there are no real quick and cheap power upgrades for the 325/330

[ptack]

Mini Cooper S
Perfect starter car for the serious driver.

[ben14142001]

RX-8's are fun, but they have no torque. Seriously, none. I agree with the Mini-Cooper S or the Genesis coupe or possibly even a 09 WRX, but they are a tad ugly, but damn quick.

[PeteW84]

Used wrx or 350z. You can get these pretty cheap.

[freshwhite335]

i would agree with the 350, but i was riding around in a friends g35 sedan the other day and the novelty exhaust note wears thin VERY quickly

[Year's_End]

Used '07 STi

[MSPORTWORLD]

Low mileage, e46 330i or 330ci, NA Inline six probably the last of the breed and fairly bulletproof. Great gas mileage, lots of susp/wheel/tire options for auto-x, classy. Lighter weight than the E90s so similar acceleration times. Lighter weight is always better for auto-x anyway.

[Garduna]

Originally Posted by ptack

Mini Cooper S
Perfect starter car for the serious driver.

+1 or the new Genesis Coupe

[JB135i]

I am going to go off your comment that he would not fit in an S2000 for my answer, as in, he is a big dude (weight and/or height).

First he should drive an S2000, because they are awesome cars, but onto the answer.

If it's a weight issue he should stay away from low torque vehichles like the S2000 and the RX-8 because acceleration will be an issue on the autox course. It's of course possible to keep them up in the sweet spot, but it's not always practical or easy to do, especially for a new(er) driver.

Turbo's "can" also be an issue but to a lesser degree. Until a turbo spools up fully, they often have crap torque, so you have a similar issue.

If it's height, then MAKE SURE he can fit with a helmet ON. Take it to the test drive or have it close by if you don't want the dealership to know he will be driving in a competitive event. I have a hellava time in my 135i because I have a tall torso compared to my overall height. It's one of the reasons I am not driving my 1 in autox. I just can't find a reasonable driving position.

Beyond all that, what type of driver is he? Finesse or a drag racer that now wants to turn the wheel? And how good of a driver is he overall?

Don't disregard all fwd cars either, some rock in autox.

Good luck in your search...

[JoosyJoos]

I follow everything you said. He's about 6'5" and 260lbs. So that obviously cuts out a lot of choices lol. He's probably more of a finesse driver... I can't see him really drag racing.

[ragingclue]

Definitely the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

Stay away from old 3-series for auto-x. Some may disagree with me, but if it's also your DD, don't auto-x it without reinforcing the strut mounts and subframe mounts.

[kyleb350]

Cheap car for Auto X? I'm surprised you didn't mention another car made by Mazda

[wimpwgn]

Originally Posted by kyleb350

Cheap car for Auto X? I'm surprised you didn't mention another car made by Mazda

Not for a big guy like his friend, though.

[E82tt6]

I have a buddy that had 3 motors pop in his BONE STOCK RX8... Nuff said.

I'd check out a 350z.

[lyndon_h]

I vote for the S2000. Its a beast in AutoX. Torque or not. Just look at the class it runs in.

[Ender514]

G35 coupe or 350Z

[lyndon_h]

Originally Posted by lyndon_h

I vote for the S2000. Its a beast in AutoX. Torque or not. Just look at the class it runs in.

Nevermind, i just realized that he's 6'5!

[aut0sh0cker]

25k? auto-x?

e46 M3!

[OBI_agent]

Genesis coupe (turbo)

[Genericuser1]

Originally Posted by E82tt6

I have a buddy that had 3 motors pop in his BONE STOCK RX8... Nuff said.

I'd check out a 350z.

I had one for two years and never had an issue (do some research and stick with an 06 or 07 model year). If one of the main things will be autocross then a Miata, RX8 or S2000 are all very good choices. While alot of people race or autocross STI's its not the best platform for it and needs a fair amount of suspension modification IMO. (I owned an 06 RX8 and now an 08 STI).

The Cooper S is a very fun car but I prefer either RWD or AWD and they are expensive even used. You can easilly find a 2 year old RX8 for $17k and a miata for $13-14k.

Wait 6’ 5”, may have some issues fitting into an RX8 if he tries one look for one without a sunroof and leaned that seat back.

[JoosyJoos]

Hey guys thanks for all the advice. We're going to be test driving a few cars over the weekend to see what he fits in etc. So far I think the ones that have grabbed his eye are the Genesis 2.0T, RX8 (hes leaning that way right now), Evo (its obviously a stretch budget/insurance wise, and maybe a 350Z but hes not wild about it right now.