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Need a new family sedan under $2500 . Looking to AutoX
#1160544
01/19/12 08:51 AM
01/19/12 08:51 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 135
Springfield, Ohio
shortbed88
OP
member
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OP
member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 135
Springfield, Ohio
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Hello,
The family will be getting bigger this year and I need to upgrade from my beater pickup to a family sedan. I have been wanting to join the local AutoX club and would like to learn in the new sedan. So my question is, what cars would be good starting points given a $2500 price cap? I have seen mention of Neon's,Intrepid's,Dippy's,ect in this forum. I thought I would get some opinions to see if there were cars I hadn't considered. Thanks
1988 Dodge D100 Short bed
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Re: Need a new family sedan under $2500 . Looking to AutoX
[Re: shortbed88]
#1160545
01/19/12 10:25 AM
01/19/12 10:25 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,123
Grand Haven, MI
patrick
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,123
Grand Haven, MI
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buy my 5th ave, all the hard work is done....
check the cars for sale section
1976 Spinnaker White Plymouth Duster, /6 A833OD
1986 Silver/Twilight Blue Chrysler 5th Ave HotRod **SOLD!***
2011 Toxic Orange Dodge Charger R/T
2017 Grand Cherokee Overland
2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude (holy crap, my daughter is driving)
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Re: Need a new family sedan under $2500 . Looking to AutoX
[Re: autoxcuda]
#1160547
01/19/12 02:22 PM
01/19/12 02:22 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,645
Phila. Pa.
Mattax
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,645
Phila. Pa.
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For learning the game, almost anything will do. That's a tight budget and the hobby isn't as cheap as it used to be. My advice is find a vehicle for your family that also has at least decent throttle response. FWD vs RWD is largely personal preference - you can learn on either. Smaller car will be more responsive and more fun - a long wheelbase (and long wide bodies) require more work to weave through the cones.
There are some cars to avoid. I instructed a guy with an automatic transmission Neon that was incredibly unresponsive in the throttle. So if you get in it and its a total dog even with manually selecting the gears, find another. It doesn't need to be a torque monster, but at least somewhat responsive. In fact you will learn better with a less powerful car. It teaches you to be smooth and not to overdrive the corners.
You might luck out and find an older ex-Solo2 or rally car especially in the 'mini-mopar' catagory. For mopars in that group will be Omni/Horizon, Colt, Shadow and FWD Charger/Daytona etc. Your local SCCA region probably has a newsletter with classifieds where old solo cars often show up. The turbo versions of course will be extra tempting...
Of the vehicles you mentioned, I'd lean to the Diplomat and then the Neons. The Dippy group will only have limited upgrades possible due to the transverse bars, but if the bushings are not shot, you're good to get your feet wet and have fun. An ex-fleet vehicle would be the best starting package. One thing about autocrossing your DD is that you will be checking over the car before and sometimes after every event. Definately a motivator to be checking fluids, adjusting brakes, checking suspension bushings and bearings as well as tire condition.
Last edited by Mattax; 01/19/12 02:26 PM.
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Re: Need a new family sedan under $2500 . Looking to AutoX
[Re: autoxcuda]
#1160550
01/19/12 10:32 PM
01/19/12 10:32 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,491
Lethbridge, AB, Canada
dangina
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,491
Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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Quote:
Neon ACR is the closest thing competitive in a SCCA Solo II class that might be in that price range.
Or buy a regular Neon and then look for people ACR take off used parts.
cheap, easy to work on - used them for dirt and autox and still drive the kids home...
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Re: Need a new family sedan under $2500 . Looking to AutoX
[Re: patrick]
#1160552
01/20/12 12:44 PM
01/20/12 12:44 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 24,562
Brookeville, Md
Mr.Yuck
Not enough dumb comments...yet
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Not enough dumb comments...yet
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 24,562
Brookeville, Md
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Quote:
Quote:
Police package Crown Vic
yeah, this is probably the best value out there, but it's not a mopar...
does it have to be a mopar? I had a 99 and it was a great car. I gave it to my dad and he loves it. For a big car it handles great, decent power stock (and they make upgrades that aren't $$$$) and they last forever. The suspention on them is crazy.The front sway bar is as big as my wrist. I'd bet if you put it on a diet, added a good exhaust system, some mustang goodies (intake, Mass air, fresh air, headers) and a tune it'd be a real steady AutoX car.
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Re: Need a new family sedan under $2500 . Looking to AutoX
[Re: Mr.Yuck]
#1160553
01/20/12 05:17 PM
01/20/12 05:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,263
Southwestern Ontario Canada
racealittle
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,263
Southwestern Ontario Canada
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I agree on the Crown Vic. The package is hard to beat. I had one for a few years and it was an absolute joy to drive.
When I took out the used car for a test drive, I was surprised at how well the Crown Vic (with a package) handled. Another ten minutes in an empty parking lot convinced me to buy it. I could only imagine what some upgrades would do for that car.
That car is much lighter than you think. I had a luxury, dual exhaust, rear air supension, version with a higher numerical gear ratio. I had to downsize the number of cars I owned at the time due to young teen drivers and insurance issues.
I would buy a Marauder package version at the right price in a heart beat.
Too many cars, too many parts, too little coin, too little space to work in, too little time left to make it all happen!
Update: down to one ride, still too many parts, a little more jingle in the pocket, gaining space, and it's going to happen this year!
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Re: Need a new family sedan under $2500 . Looking to AutoX
[Re: Mr.Yuck]
#1160556
01/20/12 07:15 PM
01/20/12 07:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,468
So Cal
autoxcuda
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,468
So Cal
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Quote:
the key here is the OP needs a new family sedan a GLHS is NOT a family sedan
Good point. I saw the Neon was in his list. But I guess and Neon has a lot more room than a GLHS.
Would you think one of the CSX Shelby's based on the Shadow have as much room as a Neon?
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Re: Need a new family sedan under $2500 . Looking to AutoX
[Re: autoxcuda]
#1160557
01/20/12 09:54 PM
01/20/12 09:54 PM
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 12,481
Chino Valley
RodStRace
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 12,481
Chino Valley
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Wanting an autocross car and a family daily driver is worse than a street/strip car. Compound that with a tight budget and you might as well ask for a sure-fire way to make millions without working, legally.  How often are you planning on replacing tires, brakes, and other wear items? How well equipped is your shop? How many hours do you have to check over the car each time it's asked to swap roles? Just because they can do amazing things at 24 of lemons and the grassroots challenges does NOT mean this same car can be a reliable DD for a family. Those price points come from huge talent and single focus.
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Re: Need a new family sedan under $2500 . Looking to AutoX
[Re: RodStRace]
#1160559
01/20/12 11:56 PM
01/20/12 11:56 PM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,074
Manitoba Canada
67autocross
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,074
Manitoba Canada
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My Wife has a 98 Lexus GS thats a great performance sedan and has been super reliable. In fact I can't even think of one thing thats gone wrong with the car from when it was new.
I'm sure that if you looked you should start to find them in your price range, and I know for a fact that it will beat a Crown Vic cop car.
A new iron curtain drawn across the 49th parallel
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Re: Need a new family sedan under $2500 . Looking to AutoX
[Re: 67autocross]
#1160560
01/21/12 11:37 AM
01/21/12 11:37 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 24,562
Brookeville, Md
Mr.Yuck
Not enough dumb comments...yet
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Not enough dumb comments...yet
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 24,562
Brookeville, Md
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Quote:
My Wife has a 98 Lexus GS thats a great performance sedan and has been super reliable. In fact I can't even think of one thing thats gone wrong with the car from when it was new.
I'm sure that if you looked you should start to find them in your price range, and I know for a fact that it will beat a Crown Vic cop car.
yes but it's about 3x the cost.
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Re: Need a new family sedan under $2500 . Looking to AutoX
[Re: autoxcuda]
#1160563
01/21/12 03:03 PM
01/21/12 03:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,263
Southwestern Ontario Canada
racealittle
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,263
Southwestern Ontario Canada
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Quote:
For as tight and narrow autocross course are, I'd think a Crown Vic is just too big and heavy.
I'd think a used Omni GLH(S) or Shadow Shelby with 225/50/15 tires crammed on it would turn better times on an autocross course.
Now on a road course track day, that may be a different deal. And I'm sure a Omni or Shadow would not be as nice a daily driver.
How heavy do you think a police interceptor Crown Vic is? The price is right, the car is balanced, and handles pretty good with cop tires. You have to drive one before you condemn it. Its not the end all, be all. However, it has a spacious interior, generous trunk space, safe design for a family, and a great starting point as is. It is not a floaty, boaty, Vic commonly seen with seniors behind the wheel.
I also would bet that the Vic is more solid than any of the speacially equipped Omni's left on this earth.
If a solid police M body car could be found, it might be a candidate, but I know it would weigh more and lack the safety features that a family deserves.
I don't think the OP can be an all out racer with a family car, but the right car in a tight budget could be fun.
Too many cars, too many parts, too little coin, too little space to work in, too little time left to make it all happen!
Update: down to one ride, still too many parts, a little more jingle in the pocket, gaining space, and it's going to happen this year!
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