Best Track Cars Under £15,000 in the UK
Looking for the best track car under £15,000 in the UK? We break down the best budget track cars, from hot hatches to RWD coupes, to help you find the ultimate track-day weapon!
Share This Post
If you’re looking for an affordable track car in the UK, £15,000 gives you access to some seriously capable machines. Whether you want a lightweight track-focused car, a turbocharged hot hatch, or a rear-wheel-drive drift weapon, there’s something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best track cars under £15,000, considering performance, handling, reliability, and upgrade potential.
Renault Clio 200 Cup
Price: £6,000 – £10,000
Engine: 2.0L NA Inline-4 (197 hp)
Weight: ~1,200 kg
Drivetrain: FWD
0-60 mph: ~6.9 sec
The Renault Clio 200 Cup is one of the best driver’s cars under £10k, thanks to its razor-sharp chassis, lightweight build, and engaging handling. The Cup chassis version gets stiffer suspension, a lower ride height, and quicker steering, making it a brilliant track car straight out of the box.
Pros:
- Incredible handling – One of the best FWD cars on track.
- Lightweight and responsive – Feels like a go-kart.
- Reliable NA engine – No turbo issues to worry about.
Cons:
- Not the fastest in a straight line.
- Interior is basic compared to rivals.
The Clio 200 Cup is a great beginners and track-day enthusiasts who want a lightweight, high-revving hot hatch.
Mazda MX-5 (ND or NC)
Price: £7,000 – £15,000
Engine: 2.0L NA Inline-4 (160-181 hp)
Weight: ~1,000 kg
Drivetrain: RWD 0-60 mph: ~6.5 sec
No list of budget track cars is complete without the Mazda MX-5. The NC (2005-2015) and ND (2015+) models offer rear-wheel drive, a lightweight chassis, and perfect balance, making them ideal for learning track driving.
The ND 2.0 Sport models (2019+) get 181 hp, making them more capable for track use. Coilovers, sticky tires, and a roll cage turn it into a true track weapon.
Pros:
- Rear-wheel drive fun – Perfect for learning car control.
- Reliable and cheap to maintain.
- Massive aftermarket support for track upgrades.
Cons:
- Lacks straight-line speed compared to turbocharged rivals.
- Some models suffer from rust (especially NC versions).
An MX5 is the best option or drivers who want a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive track car with low running costs.
BMW 130i
Price: £6,000 – £10,000
Engine: 3.0L NA Inline-6 (265 hp)
Weight: ~1,400 kg
Drivetrain: RWD
0-60 mph: ~5.8 sec
The BMW 130i (E87) is an underrated rear-wheel-drive hot hatch that delivers naturally aspirated power, great balance, and strong tuning potential. With a 3.0L inline-six (N52), it has a proper old-school BMW feel.
A LSD, coilovers, and better brakes make it a serious track contender. It’s also practical for daily use, unlike stripped-out track cars.
Pros:
- Naturally aspirated 3.0L engine – Smooth, high-revving power.
- RWD with great handling potential.
- Reliable with the right maintenance.
Cons:
- LSD wasn’t standard, so an upgrade is needed.
- Heavier than other track cars on this list.
Track enthusiasts who want a fun, rear-wheel-drive hot hatch with big power potential.
Honda Civic Type R FN2
Price: £5,000 – £8,000
Engine: 2.0L NA Inline-4 (198 hp)
Weight: ~1,300 kg
Drivetrain: FWD
0-60 mph: ~6.6 sec
The FN2 Civic Type R is a fantastic entry-level track car, thanks to its K20 engine, rev-happy nature, and sharp handling. It’s cheaper than an EP3 or FK2, but still lightweight and incredibly reliable.
Upgrading the suspension, brakes, and tires makes it an absolute track monster.
Pros:
- VTEC engine – Loves to rev, great for track use.
- Reliable – Bulletproof if maintained well.
- Cheap and easy to modify.
Cons:
- Stock suspension is stiff but not great for track use.
- Not as fast as turbocharged rivals.
Best for: Budget-conscious drivers who want a reliable, high-revving track car.
Toyota GT86 / Subaru BRZ
Price: £10,000 – £15,000
Engine: 2.0L NA Boxer-4 (200 hp)
Weight: ~1,250 kg
Drivetrain: RWD
0-60 mph: ~7.0 sec
The GT86/BRZ is all about handling and balance. It may not have big power, but its low weight, low center of gravity, and direct steering make it a joy to drive on track.
With the right coilovers, tires, and a lightweight flywheel, it becomes a serious track car.
Pros:
- Perfect balance and handling.
- Rear-wheel drive – Great for driver development.
- Huge aftermarket support.
Cons:
- Stock power isn’t great – Needs forced induction to be truly fast.
- Some models have oil consumption issues.
For drivers who value precision handling and want a proper RWD track car.
So Which Is The Best Track Cars Under £15,000?
Car | Best For | Price |
Renault Clio 200 Cup | Best budget track car, extremely agile with a lot of supporting mods | £6,000 – £10,000 |
Mazda MX-5 (ND/NC) | Best lightweight RWD car with great balance for learning | £7,000 – £15,000 |
BMW 130i | Best powerful RWD hot hatch, with big tuning potential | £6,000 – £10,000 |
Honda Civic Type R FN2 | Best reliable FWD track car | £5,000 – £8,000 |
Toyota GT86 / BRZ | Best handling-focused track car, the low power makes it great for all experience ranges | £10,000 – £15,000 |
For pure fun and affordability, the Clio 200 Cup or MX-5 are unbeatable. If you want power and RWD, the BMW 130i or GT86 are fantastic choices.
No matter which car you choose, upgrading suspension, brakes, and tires will make the biggest difference on track! If you are looking for someone local to you to work on your track car then we have a list of companies who have been vetted by ourselves on our directory for you to choose from.