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Automotive Discussion Thread | OT3 | Playing with our sticks while petting Jaguars!

Stinkles

Clothed, sober, cooperative
If I could own only one car, the Quattroporte would actually be pretty high up the list. That sound is truly incredible.

It completely falls down on paper, but cars aren't bullet points, if you love it, that's OK.

I love the Audi S8 for the same reason and that car almost never makes sense. RS7 and RS6 Avant make sense though. You can't fight that.
 

SliChillax

Member
Have you seen the Fiesta in person? I thought it looked way better than the previous gen. Previous gen looks like an Air Max Nike sneaker or a fish, new one looks more like a proper hot hatch to me.
 

Skel1ingt0n

I can't *believe* these lazy developers keep making file sizes so damn large. Btw, how does technology work?
Drove next to a brand new Viper GTS today - still had temp tags. Gotta assume it's a 2017/final year build. My entire life the Viper has been my dream car - I'll absolutely own one some day; but not anytime soon.

Anyway, the thing was - as always - absolutely breathaking in person. It just has more character... more of a temperament... than just about anything out there today.

Such a shame it's been put to rest.
 

v1lla21

Member
Have you seen the Fiesta in person? I thought it looked way better than the previous gen. Previous gen looks like an Air Max Nike sneaker or a fish, new one looks more like a proper hot hatch to me.
I've yet to see a new one in person. Just that the pictures make it look like a sporty cmax from the rear. The front is good though.
 

SliChillax

Member
Drove next to a brand new Viper GTS today - still had temp tags. Gotta assume it's a 2017/final year build. My entire life the Viper has been my dream car - I'll absolutely own one some day; but not anytime soon.

Anyway, the thing was - as always - absolutely breathaking in person. It just has more character... more of a temperament... than just about anything out there today.

Such a shame it's been put to rest.

The Viper has always been one of the most beautiful cars ever made. It has so much character and is so different from the rest I adore it.
 

Gritesh

Member
I need help.


Ready to move on from my 2015 sti to something more...mature.

Narrowed it down to what i believe to be 4 cars.

1. Jaguar ftype s

2. Corvette z06

3. Porsche 911 carrera s

4. Godzilla


each car brings something unique to the table each car also falls into my canadian pricepoint of sub 130.

If i could stretch the jag svr here it would be a no brainer, however its going for north of 150 here.

corvette wasnt really on my list until i went and looked at one today and its really hard to argue with what you get for the price there.

If you could pick one of these or if you have already throw me your votes.
 

Skel1ingt0n

I can't *believe* these lazy developers keep making file sizes so damn large. Btw, how does technology work?
The GTR - especially now that we're in 2017 - just does absolutely nothing for me. So I think your search is really between three cars, not four.

How important is interior quality? The Z06 is a bargain and a half for its performance, but its interior is pretty damn shitty. The new Camaro is far from "good," and even it has a better interior, now.
 

Gritesh

Member
The GTR - especially now that we're in 2017 - just does absolutely nothing for me. So I think your search is really between three cars, not four.

How important is interior quality? The Z06 is a bargain and a half for its performance, but its interior is pretty damn shitty. The new Camaro is far from "good," and even it has a better interior, now.

The GTR for some reason I still find myself attracted to the aesthetics of the refresh, however I cant get over the fact that this car is now selling for close to double what it was launched at. And when setup against comparables in terms of performance it falls flat.

Interior is not all that special to me, I'm coming from an STI so that should give a bit of hint what is important.

This is not a daily driver this is a weekend/evening toy for me, we have a mercedes Suv and I got a few work vehicles that I daily for my own company.

My key concerns are the driving experience, coupled with intoxicating engine noise, and a performance feeling on all fronts.

2 shitty things right now going against me are:

I'm still "youngish" and walking into these dealerships and looking at these cars gets me the "you cant afford this attitude" from dealerships and it pisses me off, simply due to the fact that they don't really know anything about me. Makes it hard to get a feeling for the driving aspect when you are already being judged against before going for a test drive.

and the second, we are just coming out of our prairies winter so I have another few weeks before the roads are dry and clean for me to even consider asking for that test go on these vehicles.

I've been constantly stressing, watching tons of videos and reading tonnes of articles on these cars, in the end this is a HUGE purchase for me and I want to make sure I get it "right"
 

GHG

Member
I need help.


Ready to move on from my 2015 sti to something more...mature.

Narrowed it down to what i believe to be 4 cars.

1. Jaguar ftype s

2. Corvette z06

3. Porsche 911 carrera s

4. Godzilla


each car brings something unique to the table each car also falls into my canadian pricepoint of sub 130.

If i could stretch the jag svr here it would be a no brainer, however its going for north of 150 here.

corvette wasnt really on my list until i went and looked at one today and its really hard to argue with what you get for the price there.

If you could pick one of these or if you have already throw me your votes.

What about the AMG GTS or is that over budget? The F type S doesn't fit with the rest of the cars you listed IMO. Looks, yes, but performance? No.

Oh and don't worry about the dealerships judging you, fuck them. It's not your problem, it's theirs, since you're the one with the money they need to make a sale.
 
Anybody keeping tabs on MightyCarMods Daihatsu Mira build?

That thing has gone from a "cool sentimental value car" type of build to a "holy mother of god this shit ain't worth it anymore" type of build.

I don't hate it, I love it actually... I love that they're going through the trouble in getting it right, but goddamn, it's such a waste of time and money on their end. At this point the only thing they're getting, besides a legal turbocharged AWD JDM Mira in Australia, is street cred as real car enthusiasts.

Anyway, I dunno if my opinion counts(being a pleb that can only dream of affording one right now) but I gotta agree with Skel1ingt0n, the GT-R is still a visually striking car but it doesn't look good anymore. 10 years ago, yeah it looked gorgeous, but today? The NSX holds the crown of the most beautiful Japanese car in production.

IMHO, and I'm probably gonna get crucified for this, the GT-R is a lot like the Maseratis we've been talking about earlier... in that a majority of it's buyers just buy it as a status symbol(which is funny as fuck imo since this is a damned Nissan lol). Seriously, the GT-R owners I see are your typical douche canoes from Silicon Valley or some other startup that's destined to fail in a couple of years. The owners of older GT-R's are probably the only people who still have them for driving performance.

If somebody gave me a GT-R for free, I'd daily drive the hell out of it.

But if I had $130K to spend for a sports car, no question about it, the F-Type or 911 would be my choices. The 'vette Z06 is definitely a great value and a performance monster, but I can't see myself in a Corvette at all, whereas I felt right at home when I drove a 911 a few months ago, and I expect to feel the same with the F-Type since it's essentially a grown-up Miata in many ways.
 

No Love

Banned
I need help.


Ready to move on from my 2015 sti to something more...mature.

Narrowed it down to what i believe to be 4 cars.

1. Jaguar ftype s

2. Corvette z06

3. Porsche 911 carrera s

4. Godzilla


each car brings something unique to the table each car also falls into my canadian pricepoint of sub 130.

If i could stretch the jag svr here it would be a no brainer, however its going for north of 150 here.

corvette wasnt really on my list until i went and looked at one today and its really hard to argue with what you get for the price there.

If you could pick one of these or if you have already throw me your votes.

Jag or 911. All day. Or Dodge Viper.
 

Gritesh

Member
Thanks for the pitch ins everyone.

Ftype S totally doesn't fit performance wise, I could push for an R right at the top of the budget however.

The 911 I looked at today in depth a bit more too, such a lovely car, so it's not out yet.

The vette drew me in with its $/power but man......I'm just not a corvette guy, had a few gentlemen coming up to me at the dealership while I was looking at it to talk about it, and it just kind of put me off...as in old dudes gushing about the Chevy power...and while this is petty I just don't want to own a car that i have to deal with that at gas stations and grocery stores etc..

Honestly this isn't a bad problem to have, but yeah its pretty tight in a Ftype if I can swing an R or SVR or the 911.

Curious to see if Porsche does another GT4 sometime soon, and brings something other than the flat 4 turbo back to the cayman line.
 

Lizardus

Member
Ever wanted to own a clk60? Here's your chance
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/6097135863.html

For that money, I'd rather get the GTR thats beside it in one of the pictures.

I need help.


Ready to move on from my 2015 sti to something more...mature.

Narrowed it down to what i believe to be 4 cars.

1. Jaguar ftype s

2. Corvette z06

3. Porsche 911 carrera s

4. Godzilla


each car brings something unique to the table each car also falls into my canadian pricepoint of sub 130.

If i could stretch the jag svr here it would be a no brainer, however its going for north of 150 here.

corvette wasnt really on my list until i went and looked at one today and its really hard to argue with what you get for the price there.

If you could pick one of these or if you have already throw me your votes.

I'd go with the 911 because it has the best driving dynamics out of all 4. What about the Viper?

You said that you have an SUV and other work vehicle so its best to go with a pure sports car. How about the Alfa 4C?
lolreliability
 

Smokey

Member
I need help.


Ready to move on from my 2015 sti to something more...mature.

Narrowed it down to what i believe to be 4 cars.

1. Jaguar ftype s

2. Corvette z06

3. Porsche 911 carrera s

4. Godzilla



each car brings something unique to the table each car also falls into my canadian pricepoint of sub 130.

If i could stretch the jag svr here it would be a no brainer, however its going for north of 150 here.

corvette wasnt really on my list until i went and looked at one today and its really hard to argue with what you get for the price there.

If you could pick one of these or if you have already throw me your votes.

the DEMON
 

boltz

Member
Link/what did they change?

Exterior and interior got overhauled (both are nicer except for the rear end, which looks pretty bland) and now it has a 3-cylinder engine that makes about the same power.

Anybody keeping tabs on MightyCarMods Daihatsu Mira build?

That thing has gone from a "cool sentimental value car" type of build to a "holy mother of god this shit ain't worth it anymore" type of build.

I don't hate it, I love it actually... I love that they're going through the trouble in getting it right, but goddamn, it's such a waste of time and money on their end. At this point the only thing they're getting, besides a legal turbocharged AWD JDM Mira in Australia, is street cred as real car enthusiasts.

Anyway, I dunno if my opinion counts(being a pleb that can only dream of affording one right now) but I gotta agree with Skel1ingt0n, the GT-R is still a visually striking car but it doesn't look good anymore. 10 years ago, yeah it looked gorgeous, but today? The NSX holds the crown of the most beautiful Japanese car in production.

IMHO, and I'm probably gonna get crucified for this, the GT-R is a lot like the Maseratis we've been talking about earlier... in that a majority of it's buyers just buy it as a status symbol(which is funny as fuck imo since this is a damned Nissan lol). Seriously, the GT-R owners I see are your typical douche canoes from Silicon Valley or some other startup that's destined to fail in a couple of years. The owners of older GT-R's are probably the only people who still have them for driving performance.

If somebody gave me a GT-R for free, I'd daily drive the hell out of it.

But if I had $130K to spend for a sports car, no question about it, the F-Type or 911 would be my choices. The 'vette Z06 is definitely a great value and a performance monster, but I can't see myself in a Corvette at all, whereas I felt right at home when I drove a 911 a few months ago, and I expect to feel the same with the F-Type since it's essentially a grown-up Miata in many ways.

I like the presence of a GT-R whenever I see one on the road; it's just so burly compared to other performance cars. But besides losing its value proposition that it used to have, I can't see myself owning a high performance vehicle without a stick.

Thanks for the pitch ins everyone.

Ftype S totally doesn't fit performance wise, I could push for an R right at the top of the budget however.

The 911 I looked at today in depth a bit more too, such a lovely car, so it's not out yet.

The vette drew me in with its $/power but man......I'm just not a corvette guy, had a few gentlemen coming up to me at the dealership while I was looking at it to talk about it, and it just kind of put me off...as in old dudes gushing about the Chevy power...and while this is petty I just don't want to own a car that i have to deal with that at gas stations and grocery stores etc..

Honestly this isn't a bad problem to have, but yeah its pretty tight in a Ftype if I can swing an R or SVR or the 911.

Curious to see if Porsche does another GT4 sometime soon, and brings something other than the flat 4 turbo back to the cayman line.

From your list I would go with the z06 (too good of a performance bargain and interior is good enough), but if it was my money I was spending, I would get a Camaro zl1. Apparently the power is more manageable compared to the z06 and I could still throw the kids in the back.
 

Futaba

Member
That's awesome you know Alexi. Do you drift with him at Ebisu?

A couple times yeah, not recently though! haven't had the time to go to any events because of work sadly.

IMHO, and I'm probably gonna get crucified for this, the GT-R is a lot like the Maseratis we've been talking about earlier... in that a majority of it's buyers just buy it as a status symbol(which is funny as fuck imo since this is a damned Nissan lol). Seriously, the GT-R owners I see are your typical douche canoes from Silicon Valley or some other startup that's destined to fail in a couple of years. The owners of older GT-R's are probably the only people who still have them for driving performance.
I assume (I'm too lazy to check) that you're talking about the R35.
In which case, I agree about most of that, but will also add 'somewhat successful youtubers" to the list of types that buy them.
Personally, I like the performance and the routes you can take for upgrades with it, but I have never liked the headlights, most of the front end, and the fact there is no MT version writes it off as being a car I will never own unless it's far enough into the future that it's cheap enough not to feel bad about taking a blowtorch to it and converting it to MT.

Also I suspect when the day comes that it's legal for R34's to be imported to the US, the prices on them will climb even higher and they'll be the next status symbol.
R32, R34, S14, S15 and 180's are basically the super-predictable US military purchase for servicemen stationed in Japan as it is.
If you see a non-japanese dude driving one in Japan, you can be more or less certain it'll be on Y plates.
 
Anybody keeping tabs on MightyCarMods Daihatsu Mira build?

That thing has gone from a "cool sentimental value car" type of build to a "holy mother of god this shit ain't worth it anymore" type of build.

I don't hate it, I love it actually... I love that they're going through the trouble in getting it right, but goddamn, it's such a waste of time and money on their end. At this point the only thing they're getting, besides a legal turbocharged AWD JDM Mira in Australia, is street cred as real car enthusiasts.

I actually really like. I feel like I am unlike a lot of car people because I don't go through my cars like crazy. I kept my M3 for over 10 years until it was totaled and I plan on keeping the MS6 for as long as it lets me. I love the constant tweaking and figuring out the car to make it truly unique and truly your own.

So in that vein, I love what they are doing on MCM right now. I love that he is so passionate about having that exact car, that they are going so above and beyond what is normal.

Fuck, in a weird (REALLY weird) way, it is making me want to go find my first real car again (95 Beretta) and buy it back and fix it up to showroom spec just because. It wouldn't be worth a tenth of the price but I do dig the sentimental attachment.
 

AlphaSnake

...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
I need help.


Ready to move on from my 2015 sti to something more...mature.

Narrowed it down to what i believe to be 4 cars.

1. Jaguar ftype s

2. Corvette z06

3. Porsche 911 carrera s

4. Godzilla


each car brings something unique to the table each car also falls into my canadian pricepoint of sub 130.

If i could stretch the jag svr here it would be a no brainer, however its going for north of 150 here.

corvette wasnt really on my list until i went and looked at one today and its really hard to argue with what you get for the price there.

If you could pick one of these or if you have already throw me your votes.

Get a base Jaguar F-Type R at invoice. Or pickup a used one with a CPO warranty - you can negotiate a lot on them.
 

matmanx1

Member
I need help.


Ready to move on from my 2015 sti to something more...mature.

Narrowed it down to what i believe to be 4 cars.

1. Jaguar ftype s

2. Corvette z06

3. Porsche 911 carrera s

4. Godzilla


each car brings something unique to the table each car also falls into my canadian pricepoint of sub 130.

If i could stretch the jag svr here it would be a no brainer, however its going for north of 150 here.

corvette wasnt really on my list until i went and looked at one today and its really hard to argue with what you get for the price there.

If you could pick one of these or if you have already throw me your votes.

From your list the 911 is going to have the best overall driving dynamics but an F Type R would be my 2nd choice. I guess it depends on how bonkers you want it to be but for a sportscar I favor lightweight, nimble and as analog as possible which means I'd probably go for something like a 2016 Boxster Spyder if it was purely for fun and didn't need any practicality.
 
I mean ive got two. No one really needs 2 E36s, but the price of the E36 M3 is going up right now and I don't want to cash out too early.

You aren't in the states, right? Because, as far as I can tell, the prices are hitting damn near bottom on E36 right now. I had to fight tooth and nail with my insurance to get anything decent for my M3/4/5.
 

jcutner

Member
Do you guys know any good resources for learning how to drive stick? I want to learn it, and rowing through the gears is easy enough, but the hardest thing for me to grapple is starting from a dead stop, and slowing down for corners and not stalling.

I either don't give it enough gas and let the clutch out and it gets very jerky then stalls. I spent most of the week watching videos on youtube learning about slipping the clutch, or at least only releasing the clutch to the bite point until you get the car moving with some throttle, then releasing, which I don't think I did, but any more tips or resources that I can pour over would be greatly appreciated!
 

Nander

Member
Do you guys know any good resources for learning how to drive stick? I want to learn it, and rowing through the gears is easy enough, but the hardest thing for me to grapple is starting from a dead stop, and slowing down for corners and not stalling.

I either don't give it enough gas and let the clutch out and it gets very jerky then stalls. I spent most of the week watching videos on youtube learning about slipping the clutch, or at least only releasing the clutch to the bite point until you get the car moving with some throttle, then releasing, which I don't think I did, but any more tips or resources that I can pour over would be greatly appreciated!

It's not difficult, after all pretty much every single 16 year old in the rest of the world is able to figure it out. Take an afternoon, go to an empty parking lot and just practice, practice, practice until you can feel how much power you need to apply, where the clutch bites, when you should shift etc.
 

Stinkles

Clothed, sober, cooperative
It's not difficult, after all pretty much every single 16 year old in the rest of the world is able to figure it out. Take an afternoon, go to an empty parking lot and just practice, practice, practice until you can feel how much power you need to apply, where the clutch bites, when you should shift etc.

This and watch a couple of youtube videos for some basic pointers.


And remember that every clutch/stick feels different. Sometimes a little, sometimes WTF IS HAPPENING (older VWs, for instance). And the "bite" point is the thing you want to "feel" for, where the sensation under your foot changes as the clutch plates release.

Everything else is mechanical and then muscle memory. Practice a LOT of downshifting to slow down your vehicle (on hills and long straights, not the parking lot), because a) that's how you're supposed to drive and b) that's the thing stick shifters are generally the worst at.
 
So I just realized that my new office is basically next door to the Maserati and Ferrari dealership... should I go in there and ask if I can buy a Chrysler Quattroporte?
 

Futaba

Member
Do you guys know any good resources for learning how to drive stick?

All you need is a car with stick and very basic knowledge of what the process is.
no matter how many tutorials you watch/read, it'll just come down to experience actually doing it, and frankly, in my opinion, if you go looking too much into it you'll end up more confused than if you just jump in one and try for yourself.

Just practice pushing in the clutch, changing gear, easing off the clutch and applying a little gas, car doesnt even need to be running, and when you get used to that, try it for real.

If you mess up it'll either stall or you'll push the clutch in just in time to save it, you'll get the hang of it long before you do any damage.
 

Makki

Member
God damn it, they went and ruined the Fiesta ST. I guess I'll pick up a 2017 used model 2 years from now.

Are you talking about cosmetics? The current design, at least for the US market, has aged badly. The alien-like interior with weirdly shaped vents and angular cuts looks dated, the dials remind you daily that you bought the cheapest ford model, the headlights and taillights are relics of a decade past with no LED accents or significant output/styling, the giant catfish mouth grill is super played out, and the wheels choices are bland or blacked out bland.

Mechanically it is a wildcard, although I think if the new 3 cylinder isnt tapped out on power, the sound from it will be weird enough to set the car apart from other econoboxes. I never go beyond Stage 2 tuning on cars, so the lower potential from displacement limitations dont matter to me.

I'm looking forward to the new gen considering the refresh was long due, and the interior now looks much more upscale.
 

KRaZyAmmo

Member
All you need is a car with stick and very basic knowledge of what the process is.
no matter how many tutorials you watch/read, it'll just come down to experience actually doing it, and frankly, in my opinion, if you go looking too much into it you'll end up more confused than if you just jump in one and try for yourself.

Just practice pushing in the clutch, changing gear, easing off the clutch and applying a little gas, car doesnt even need to be running, and when you get used to that, try it for real.

If you mess up it'll either stall or you'll push the clutch in just in time to save it, you'll get the hang of it long before you do any damage.

that's promising. I do wanna learn stick. Just to need find a cheap car with a stick to practice on.
 
I assume (I'm too lazy to check) that you're talking about the R35.
In which case, I agree about most of that, but will also add 'somewhat successful youtubers" to the list of types that buy them.

Also I suspect when the day comes that it's legal for R34's to be imported to the US, the prices on them will climb even higher and they'll be the next status symbol.

You are absolutely correct on both fronts.

The R35 has for some reason become synonymous with douche bros wanting to show that they've got fast car and that's it. I actually don't get why the R35 has become THAT car. Just a quick look at Autotrader and you can buy a variety of crazy cars at $100K.

Funny enough, I saw a black GT-R earlier today coming home from work and I pretty much did a double take lol. So yeah, it's still visually striking and is probably still a cool car, but I just wouldn't get a new one at $130K or whatever.

As for the R34, yeah... it's happening already. R32's are basically mid 20's right now and it's progged to go higher for the next 5 years or so until the R33's become available here in the States. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if R34's are going to be higher than 60's once they finally become available over here... I've heard Canadian prices are basically at that point as well.

Anyway, I hope people keep disregarding the R33 as it's the one I really want lol.

So in that vein, I love what they are doing on MCM right now. I love that he is so passionate about having that exact car, that they are going so above and beyond what is normal.

It's absolutely insane what they're doing for a car that's pretty much supposed to be scrap right now... but they're pretty much living the dream by going through this process so yeah, like I said, I'm very excited for it too.

I just really hope it doesn't end it disappointment.

Try and get a deal on a Ghibli. Ask if they have a R/T version.

Heh, I was sorta tempted to stop by and take a look actually. They have a FF and California on display, like literally sitting on top of the grass outside the building kind of display lol.
 

Futaba

Member
Anyway, I hope people keep disregarding the R33 as it's the one I really want lol.

A man of taste!, much nicer than the 32 and nicer than most spec 34's too.
But me being the picky asshole that I am, I would still pick a DR30 ;)

that's promising. I do wanna learn stick. Just to need find a cheap car with a stick to practice on.

Entirely random but if you're in Japan sometime (I expect you will eventually or at least want to, having seen your posts in this thread :p) let me know, even if you land on Japanese shores having never touched a clutch pedal, by the time you leave you'll be drifting mountains in MT's like a boss.

I've actually been meaning to post about it, but I'm always either too lazy or forgetful.
For people wanting to learn to drift and/or just throw a JDM car around a track, there are plenty of tracks around japan that have companies very close by or on the track itself that will happily sell you a car that still runs just fine, but isn't in a good enough condition to use on streets, either through damage or simply not passing shaken, they're really cheap and the idea is that you pick one out, buy it, turn up at the track and pay for it, take the keys and take it out on to the track for as long as you're there, it's essentially yours and you can *if you want*, have it shopped back to your home country afterwards, though theyre usually too bad to be worth doing that for.

So process is essentially:
Contact company, select the car you want
Pay for it / Pay deposit
Turn up at track and pick up keys (or pay remainder)
Enjoy

The reason for them being so cheap is that they're considered too bad to ever be put back on the road, and since circuits are private land you don't need to worry about any government legislation or paperwork, as far as the government is concerned the car is scrap.
Hell some circuits won't even ask for proof of you even having a license.

If you're a frequent visitor you can also pay a monthly fee to have the vehicle you bought/brought stored at the track so you don't have to mess around with transport to and from, super convenient if you're getting into drifting and just want a beater available, so you can just turn up and thrash it.
 

KRaZyAmmo

Member
Entirely random but if you're in Japan sometime (I expect you will eventually or at least want to, having seen your posts in this thread :p) let me know, even if you land on Japanese shores having never touched a clutch pedal, by the time you leave you'll be drifting mountains in MT's like a boss.

I might have to take you up on that offer if I ever do go to Japan. Also I like the R32s and R33s more than the R34 (mostly because people obviously go gaga over it). I really do like the R33 (even though I love the R32 and the KPGC10 the most)
dsc_1197.jpg

dsc_1184.jpg
 
A man of taste!, much nicer than the 32 and nicer than most spec 34's too.
But me being the picky asshole that I am, I would still pick a DR30 ;)



Entirely random but if you're in Japan sometime (I expect you will eventually or at least want to, having seen your posts in this thread :p) let me know, even if you land on Japanese shores having never touched a clutch pedal, by the time you leave you'll be drifting mountains in MT's like a boss.

I've actually been meaning to post about it, but I'm always either too lazy or forgetful.
For people wanting to learn to drift and/or just throw a JDM car around a track, there are plenty of tracks around japan that have companies very close by or on the track itself that will happily sell you a car that still runs just fine, but isn't in a good enough condition to use on streets, either through damage or simply not passing shaken, they're really cheap and the idea is that you pick one out, buy it, turn up at the track and pay for it, take the keys and take it out on to the track for as long as you're there, it's essentially yours and you can *if you want*, have it shopped back to your home country afterwards, though theyre usually too bad to be worth doing that for.

So process is essentially:
Contact company, select the car you want
Pay for it / Pay deposit
Turn up at track and pick up keys (or pay remainder)
Enjoy

The reason for them being so cheap is that they're considered too bad to ever be put back on the road, and since circuits are private land you don't need to worry about any government legislation or paperwork, as far as the government is concerned the car is scrap.
Hell some circuits won't even ask for proof of you even having a license.

If you're a frequent visitor you can also pay a monthly fee to have the vehicle you bought/brought stored at the track so you don't have to mess around with transport to and from, super convenient if you're getting into drifting and just want a beater available, so you can just turn up and thrash it.


Whoa, I had no idea this was a thing. I totally want to go drifting in Japan. How cheap are these cars usually? I'd totally buy a beater, drift it, then take it back to the US. And I'd be able to register it because there's no inspection where I live.


Also, I'm glad there's another person that recognizes the superior DR30 skyline. I honestly really want one
 

Futaba

Member
Whoa, I had no idea this was a thing. I totally want to go drifting in Japan. How cheap are these cars usually? I'd totally buy a beater, drift it, then take it back to the US. And I'd be able to register it because there's no inspection where I live.


Also, I'm glad there's another person that recognizes the superior DR30 skyline. I honestly really want one

It depends on the stock and the quality of the car really, there's different companies dotted about but the one that comes to mind (that serves english speakers, too) would be powervehicles, theyre based on ebisu circuit itself, and you can buy the car through their site, their prices are a little higher though, for example on a few of their cars:

180SX with S13 rear end, fully tuned to drift spec: $9,626
Pretty clean, tricked out R33 skyline GT-R (600+hp): $18,290
JZX110: $11,918
S13 Silvia, fully tricked out drift spec: $8205

In their coming soon, "Under $4600" section is:
1992 R32 Skyline Missile, RB25 Engine, Rad, IC, Seat, Cage, Needs body Tidied up and some prep work
Between $4600 and $8200 they have about 22 cars, their stock changes ever few weeks too.

Of course, you can also buy a car at auction anywhere in japan, for even less (avoiding their markup) and have it trailored to the track, too.

Also., who needs a porsche when you can make a MK1 Golf?:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyEPpn3U1TA

And for extra extra fun, here's what happens when you're chilling at Ebisu and some crazy fuck turns up in a Liberty Walk Ferrari.
https://youtu.be/AIOPmB3jBlw?t=1307
 
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