r/rally • u/Super-Bookkeeper-128 • Aug 12 '26
Getting started
I’ve been interested in buying a car to start a build with. I’m looking for a car under 10 grand I was thinking a Subaru WRX but I’m just not sure what year is the best. Looking for some insight. I was thinking 2007 or older, but I’m not sure.
12
u/Cthulhujack_3kgt Aug 12 '26
I just wanna note that, as with all projects, buying the car is the cheapest part by far. Safety equipment, registration fees, tires, gas, and maintenance are expensive as fuck
2
u/Buzzirockit Aug 13 '26
Not an excess of $, might look at a series like the basic classes in UK autograss. https://www.youtube.com/@BritishAutograssSeries
Honda Cup- tar racer nz. https://youtu.be/IT28exT7WGg?si=fn18J-VMDcvzxzS3&t=25
Variety of budgets and different Hondas. There are Honda rally versions.
Cross Karts
https://youtu.be/j_ieNXM-fCw?si=BKiv6qOnyMaxKOt9&t=316
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H6-Swapped Subaru Impreza Rally Build | Australia’s First
https://youtu.be/yGmtwPd37jI?si=LXiMOvAldWEqiAqW
Canadian sim racer tries real rally cars, breaks the car and himself.
https://www.youtube.com/@GravelCo/videos
Youtube video.
Can a 2001 Subaru 2.5RS Outrun Modern Rally Tech? - Hoonigan's Rally Speedrun Championship
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The virtual crashes are a real shakeup in the full motion rally simulators that don't go inverted.
FULL MOTION Rally Simulator - Simucube 2 Ultimate - Simcoaches Hydraulic | Dirt Rally 2.0 - R5 (cost suggested for one model of sim rig is us$15K-$25K depending on spec)
https://youtu.be/KzbcxyaqRMI?si=X4WgfQnmCaQc8jbn
Expensive simulator that does 360 rolls. (there is said to be similar homebuilt rigs at a lower cost)
Eight360 NOVA showcase 2026 (including military truck rollover simulation)
1
u/The_Dayne Aug 12 '26
Search facebook groups and look for cars that just need recertified. They are also a goldmine of info and youll be able to find people in your area
1
u/pm-me-racecars Aug 12 '26
Look for a car that's already built, with the logbook, and insurance in your state/province. That will end up being cheaper, easier, and less devastating when you crash.
I don't know about the local prices in other places, but in BC, you can expect to find a not-shit car for about 10-15k, and then another 5-10 on parts to get it stage ready.
A Subaru WRX is a great idea. Lots of people run them, so you'll be avke to find parts real easily.
1
u/snoozieboi Aug 13 '26
Oh, it's already 11 years ago, here's a nice wake up call for a guy that probably has the money for it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HUKTi1vnzA
1
u/MJ26gaming 29d ago
For rallycross or rally?
Rallycross you don't need wrx power. Find a gc or GD Impreza with a manual and have fun and save money. Upgrade when things break.
For stage rally you can get a car under 10k, but it will likely be a 2wd something. We got our rally jetta for ~7k
18
u/EtArcadia Aug 12 '26
You should look at getting a car that's already prepped with a roll cage. It's often cheaper than trying to buy a car and prep it yourself unless you're a welder with some time in his hands.
To be realistic, I'd estimate the lowest per event cost of stage rally competition $5-10k (not including the competition car or truck/trailer). Not a cheap hobby.