Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam_W
I know what your saying and have definitely considered that. In fact, that was my original plan and I was *this* close to signing the papers on a new Corvette after spending a couple hours at the dealership haggling.
The reason for my seeking an "intermediate" car before a higher level sports car is that
1) I'm not 100% sure I want a Corvette Z06, over a 911 or other car (even though I'm heavily leaning towards Z06) and I figure once I learn more about what I like in a car I can make a more educated decision (who knows, maybe I'll prefer a Lotus), and
2) I want to learn more than just how to drive stickshift without stalling or lurching, I can already do that. I'm interested in learning how to drive stickshift *well*, i.e. heel toe downshifting, finding the racing line around a track, and gaining some experience turning corners at the limit. Granted, there is a learning curve with every vehicle, but the guys at corvette forum recommended against me getting the Z06 as my first foray into manual transmission sports cars. If I crash an old Miata at HPDE, I won't feel so bad (if I crash a 370Z I will feel very bad) but if I crashed a shiny 2013 3LZ Black on Black Z06, I just might shoot myself if I'm not already dead, and
3) I figure I can learn car control and driving better in a car that takes 8 seconds to get to 60 MPH than a car that takes 3.5 seconds in first gear.
As I learn more about the expenses involved in tracking cars, I'm wondering if I would ever want to track a Z06 or 911.
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If you drive any of the performance cars and aggressively shift it a lot in a racing style you are prone to damaging them specially on the newer hi tech transmissions, they really don't stand up well to aggressive or track conditions for a long time.
If you buy any sports car make sure you get the best waranty you can buy , if you intend on driving it aggressively.
One car that is easy to work on and get parts cheap for would be an old c4 corvette with a 6 speed manual , you can pick them up cheap and most are as quick as the 370z and you could use it as a learning platform for buying the Z. Or even an older mustang gt, mildly set up for performance or a track car.
Before you buy any sports car you should really look at the BMW line up of sports sedans and coupes around.
Once you buy a 2 seat sports cars it ends up being just like a motorcycle or a boat and sits around unused a lot.
If you have a lot of money and you want to buy a ultimate toy, than get what ever you want.
But the reality is that unless the sports car is your only vehicle to drive every day, than it will sit around a lot.
I'm in the position that I could buy any car I want and own 3 cars and 4 motorcycles and my every day beater is Nissan Sentra and when me and the wife go out or take long trips we take a 2012 CRV.