Best Affordable Track Day Cars Under £5k
Dreaming of the thrill of a track day without breaking the bank? These budget-friendly options deliver big on fun and performance, both on and off the track. Ready to find your perfect ride? Let’s dive in!
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 17 November 2025 | 7 mins read
Ever dreamed of channelling your inner racing driver on a proper circuit? Track days are a fantastic way to experience the thrill of motorsport without needing a millionaire's budget or a souped-up supercar. It's all about having fun, pushing a car to its limits in a safe environment, and enjoying the freedom of a road with no speed cameras.
You don't need to break the bank to get in on the action. There are plenty of budget-friendly track cars that deliver huge smiles per mile and still work perfectly for the weekday school run or trip to the shops. We've put together a list of our favourite affordable track day cars, all of which you can find for under £5,000.
So, let's take a look at five brilliant cars that prove you can have serious fun on a sensible budget.
What makes a good track day car?
Before we dive into our top picks, let's quickly cover what you should look for. A great track day car isn't just about raw speed. It's about how it makes you feel behind the wheel. You'll want something that is:
- Light and responsive: A car that feels agile and reacts quickly to your steering is much more fun in the corners.
- Reliable: The last thing you want is for your car to give up halfway through the day. Look for a well-maintained model with a good service history.
- Fun to drive: This is the most important part! It should be a car that puts a massive grin on your face every time you get behind the wheel.
- Affordable to run: Think about parts, tyres, and general maintenance. Cheaper parts mean you can spend more on enjoying yourself on the track.
Our top 5 affordable track day cars
Here are five cars that tick all the boxes. They're fun, affordable, and guaranteed to give you an unforgettable day on the track.
1. Mazda MX-5
It's almost a rule that any list of fun, affordable cars has to include the Mazda MX-5. This little Japanese roadster is legendary for a reason. It’s a simple, lightweight, two-seater sports car with a peppy engine and rear-wheel drive. That's the perfect recipe for fun.
The MX-5’s lower driving position and responsive steering make you feel connected to the road. On a track, it’s beautifully balanced and loves to be revved out. Because it’s so light, it doesn’t need a huge engine to feel quick, and it’s gentle on its tyres and brakes. Plus, with the roof down, the experience is even more exhilarating. It’s one of the best track cars under £5k, offering pure driving joy without a hefty price tag. You can get any of the first three generations of the MX-5 for under that price, but currently the third generation car represents the best value for money as there are still plenty on the market and it's yet to enter classic status like its predecessors.
Why we love it:
- Classic rear-wheel-drive fun
- Lightweight and agile handling
- Incredibly reliable and cheap to maintain
2. Honda Civic Type R
If you need a bit more practicality but don't want to compromise on performance, the Honda Civic Type R is a brilliant choice. This is a hot hatchback that thinks it's a full-blown race car. With a high-revving VTEC engine, the Type R delivers a thrilling surge of power that is incredibly addictive.
It’s a front-wheel-drive car, but Honda’s engineers are masters at making them handle brilliantly. The precise steering and excellent chassis mean you can attack corners with confidence. It’s also a surprisingly practical car, with plenty of space for passengers and luggage, making it a perfect all-rounder. You get weekday usability with weekend warrior performance.
Why we love it:
- Incredible high-revving VTEC engine
- Sharp, responsive handling
- A practical choice for everyday driving
3. Ford Fiesta ST
The Ford Fiesta ST is another hot hatch hero. For years, it has been the go-to choice for drivers who want a car that’s as entertaining on a B-road as it is on the weekly shop. It’s energetic, fun, and has a playful character that will have you grinning from ear to ear.
The Fiesta ST’s real magic is its chassis. It’s nimble, grippy, and feels incredibly balanced, encouraging you to push on. The steering is quick and precise, letting you place the car exactly where you want it. It’s a fantastic package that works well as a daily driver thanks to its decent fuel economy and practicality, but it truly comes alive on the track. £5,000 will get you a good first-generation Ford Fiesta ST or a higher-mileage example of the second-generation turbocharged car. Second-generation cars appear as either 'ST', 'ST-2' or 'ST-3', with the higher number denoting a higher specification from factory.
Why we love it:
- Superb, playful handling
- Punchy and economical engine
- A brilliant all-rounder for road and track
4. MINI Cooper S
Every modern MINI is known for its "go-kart-like" handling, and the Cooper S model takes that fun factor and turns it up a notch. It’s a stylish and characterful car that packs a surprising performance punch. Its short wheelbase and wide stance make it feel incredibly agile and eager to change direction.
On a track, the Cooper S is a bundle of energy. The responsive steering and minimal body roll let you zip through corners with confidence. The supercharged or turbocharged engines (depending on the generation) provide a satisfying shove of acceleration down the straights. It’s a car that proves you don’t need huge power to have a huge amount of fun.
Why we love it:
- Iconic "go-kart" handling
- Peppy and responsive engine
- Full of character and personality
5. Subaru Impreza WRX
With its deep roots in rallying, the Subaru Impreza WRX brings a different flavour to this list. Its combination of a punchy boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive gives it incredible traction and performance, whatever the weather. That distinctive engine burble is just the cherry on top.
The WRX is a practical saloon, but on the track, its motorsport heritage shines through. The all-wheel-drive system provides immense grip, allowing you to get on the power early out of corners. It’s a robust and rugged car that can handle a hard day on the circuit. For those looking for a budget-friendly track car that feels like a rally legend, the Impreza WRX is hard to beat.
Why we love it:
- Rally-bred all-wheel-drive performance
- Unique and characterful boxer engine sound
- Practical saloon body style
