How to pick a budget drift car explained

In this episode of Lone Star Drift, learn how to pick a budget drift car! We go over the ins and outs of basic drift car, budget drift cars and how you pick them. Should you get a BMW, a Nissan, a Toyota, a Mazda? How about if you live in the USA or Japan? How big is your budget? How much does it cost to build stuff? How about the cost of tires, suspension, all this stuff? Maybe it is just cheaper to play Forza or Assetto Corsa? The answer to that question is definitely yes by the way.
I get this question asked so much I made a video about it so I can just link people and save myself decades of my life explaining the subject. OMG is that all youtube has become to me, a twisted path of consuming my entire life trying to save myself time. I think modern phones and tablets and stuff are a metaphor for my life. It is all wasted. This is it. I am definitely not going to survive this daily Vlogging thing.
Whatever, go pick an M3 or something and go drift it and watch BMW nerds cry.

[@VindicatorFFXI]

I had no clue Matt Damon was so into Drifting :)

[@ResurWreck]

VindicatorFFXI the love child of matt damon and mark walberg

[@demisixx7936]

I JUST FRICKEN SAID THAT

[@smirnoffsmash6283]

lmao!

[@Rtcmanga_YouTube_Channel]

I was gonna say that too, than the first comment was this... :D Totally Matt Damon!! :D

[@joshuaca7]

Literally came to the comments to write that and it’s already top comment 😂

[@SDSBBQs]

*Aaron, once again this is a great perspective with clear and concise opinions that are valid and helpful.*

[@LoneStarDrift]

Thanks for the nice comment : )

[@dylangarrett9180]

SDSBBQ A Aron’s be like

[@deiviy]

Make a video about tires: what are the best tires for budget drifting / pro drifting. Used tires / new tires. Best tires cost per lap.

[@stephngibson5517]

Deivi Y kenda

[@gtfanaticsracingchannel3205]

Conclusion....you need money

[@akilh340]

Minimum 5k USD

[@jaspernolan3780]

Do you have money? Is legit the only thing i heard in this video

[@BlackFireGaming125]

@@akilh340 That contradicts the huge amount of videos on youtube that shows you can drift dirt cheap on a car you bought for $500-1000

[@akilh340]

@@BlackFireGaming125 that doesn't include cost of getting a cage, harness, helmet, and proper maintenance

[@BlackFireGaming125]

@@akilh340 You can do proper maintenance at home on your own with simple hand tools that any car owner should have. Maintenance that you'll be doing anyways if you own ANY car. You also don't NEED a roll cage either. People think they need a fully built drift car with tens of thousands of dollars in mods to go drift at a weekend beginners club and that's just flat out not true. One of hoonigans winners for two years in a row won the drifting competition with a $1500 grandma miata.

[@SpiderMax95]

here in germany, there is not much of a choice but to go BMW... S-chassis is just way too expensive since there were never that many sold; even not-so-good examples go for at least 10k and there are practically no stock ones left. bmws are cheap af, which is why at drift events at the nürburgring for example, last year at an event, i saw one 350z, one corolla, three s13/14 and 15 e36/46.

[@1jzbert]

Maybe you're looking in wrong places. Yes E36's are dirt cheap still. But You can find a lot of cheap s13's here.

[@simonsiemens9575]

Miatas are still cheap in Germany

[@Mitch3343]

Just take it from the French. Like your ancestors. Haha

[@ardian7699]

SpiderMax 350z are like 7000 euros

[@bryanlettow4389]

Sounds like the S chassis there are similarly priced to the US

[@hollow_realm]

New drivers: miata on a small track-stupid cheap/teach you how to drive/teach you how to wrench/cheap parts/parts every where/disposable chassis. You can graduate from there

[@pistonsoup3749]

Or its your only drift csr for 5 years lmao

[@justinwright54]

So what your saying is my 67 mustang drift car project was probably a bad idea and I might have to agree with you lol

[@gluee8674]

definitely

[@josegamoa2261]

Yes

[@AcidRaul]

I predict mustangs will be the next choice for drifting on a super low budget. Plenty around and still super cheap

[@LoneStarDrift]

Yeah and so many parts. Drifters typically hate USA stuff though lol

[@hellb0y792]

I wish they were cheap in eu, so I could just trash them around lol

[@LoneStarDrift]

You have JZX100 don't you? And Euro engine E36 M3!

[@oldhotdogwater1958]

350z is already the next s13 here on the west coast

[@AcidRaul]

m 130zt id just go find a 94-03 Mustang Gt and do knuckes and coilovers.

[@Nec89]

Aarons on point about the 350z's Coming from someone who has owned both the DE and the HR just buy an HR. Less oil consumption and overall issues. Spend the money on the spring bucket delete with a true coilover setup to allow better adjustment in the rear. Tie rod ends with spacers are a must for more angle but even removing the bump stop gives you a bit more than stock. ARP wheel studs are necessary too because the stock studs will break when you get the car sideways. I highly recommend switching to a 17 inch wheel to give you more sidewall (tires are also generally cheaper) and make sure the wheels you buy are the correct offset and are hub centric (hubs are 66mm) Also there's no need to cut the bump stops off. I see so many videos of people grinding or cutting them off. They're removable with a 19mm deep socket.

[@LoneStarDrift]

Thanks for the input!

[@rileysemmler9382]

I will say if you start taking the bumpstops off with the spacers and or tie rods you start to have problems with overcentering your steering which has scared the hell out of me a couple times your exiting a corner and all of a sudden your steering is basically locked and you have to manhandle it back

[@evergreenstateelite9046]

totally agree with this 100% I have no money I have an s13 vert I bought got 800 bucks it was already manual swapped I did a couple events and got rod knock with the ka24de I bought a complete swap from a friend just plug and play sr20det black top for 2500 bucks I still run stock 240 wheels in the rear tires are cheap psi in the rears about 45 to 50 and an entire event I might use 4 used tires brand new tires I'd only use about 2 rear tires for the rear I have k sport coilovers and the car already had a welded diff I bought a nameless hydro e brake did pass thru no dual caliper and works great I have done oil changed and that's it never touch the stock sr had in in my car for 4 years I did a transmission cooler from oreilys to make my own power steering cooler I'd say I'm maybe 5,000 dollars into my drift car.

[@cell172]

Aaron, you've been on point with the videos lately. Keep it up!

[@LoneStarDrift]

I am trying so hard lol.

[@Freeman_AF]

Thanks for putting quality info like this out into the drifting scene! It wasn't long ago that drifting videos and information was few and far between, and now it's all over and easy for new people to understand.

[@zerohourdrift]

Where are you finding 350z’s for under 5k.... people by me are asking like 3500 for blown up ones! S13’s are even worse here too

[@zerohourdrift]

Also e36’s are like 3000-5000, and e36 m3’s are 5000-8500 here😕

[@nospoons]

@@zerohourdrift 350z's in california running in meh condition go for 3500 -4500 no problem here. e36's in trash condition but running go for around a grand here as well.

[@zerohourdrift]

dallace seiuli yea that’s because you guys don’t get rust like we do in the northeast. All the car guys automatically think that bother have a sorta clean rust free car that it’s worth a million bucks. There was a guy who tried to sell a stock s13 shell for 6 grand just because it was rust free... smh

[@Thefinancialhelper]

Thank you. you're really great for the drift community, all your information for beginners like me is helping so keep on keepin on my friend

[@Rtcmanga_YouTube_Channel]

Thanks for the awesome buying guide! It makes a lot of sense. I love how you point out all those different factors that interdepend... :D

[@s_wggns]

I really like seeing these budget e36 drift cars, think they not only look rad but the potential is there just like a S chassis.

[@Mr_jz_12]

Except expensive for anything that's not fucked. Parts etc expensive.

[@s_wggns]

Mister j and shit for S chassis’s aren’t expensive? Lol just finding a decent 240sx nowadays means you’re spending close to $5k range.

[@jrisk573]

Thanks Aaron, this was actually really interesting to listen and watch. Thanks again for the quality content

[@OkamiDrift]

Thanks for the great content dude, I wish this info was around when I started drifting a few years ago. It would have made my life a lot easier :)

[@dmasterson12]

Love the flood of content recently, keep it coming!!!

[@LoneStarDrift]

It is killing me though lololol. So much work.

[@AustinTillison]

@@LoneStarDrift I wish I was local to you so I could help shoot and edit for you! Production and quality on this video was really nice. if you're interested, you could send me footage to edit. shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@nissanpacific9793]

D_ Baggington I'd prefer a flood car 370z mkay

[@nikki5399]

“Vi-De-O...G-A-M-E...Sss-Immmmm...” Lmaooo! Cracked me up man

[@johnodonnell5836]

Hell yeah great video. I’m building a 88 Volvo 240 sedan for the 2020 season. Gonna keep it simple but still turbo the single cam

[@Jamesfurtado128]

Awesome awesome video aaron. Thank you for the upload

[@bagelbandit6076]

Three takeaways: 1) being a mechanic is not the same as mechanically inclines. [noted] 2) cheap=pay and play 3) if 2 is too expensive, buy a video game/simulator. Nailed it! Now how honest am I ready to be with myself?

[@rgcarlson8658]

good shit Aaron 👍 I said to myself as well, wow 4 days in a row!!?? rock on brotha🤙

[@MojoTheDj]

This is an amazing piece sir....I am actually considering getting an E36 and hope to get more build info/guidance from such a platform.

[@HatchieeOG]

Well I’m settled on a 350z for sure now. Thanks Aaron

[@Jamie-gk4kf]

If I had money I wouldn’t be watching this man I’m goin back to video games see ya

[@quenteriswright3077]

Wow ..teacher... more like a life coach ..awesome vid👌🏾

[@thebrowntown1337]

Love the video, building my e36... well waiting for the snow to melt, then ill build it.

[@jadonthiessen3370]

The new video I'm sharing with people that want to get into this sport. Great video yet again sir

[@LoneStarDrift]

Thanks!

[@taimurrasheed9843]

My dream car is a miata I would chose it over a Lamborghini Ima like cuz no one will

[@rickyarroyo5889]

i gotchu bro ;)

[@filkz4530]

Step 1: Choose the lambo Step 2: Sell the lambo Step 3: Buy a bunch of miatas

[@idknev]

Filkz *STONKS*

[@brokenrotor13b86]

L33 rx8, cam, e36 ps rack, wisefab kit, welded 8.8 diff, let er eat. Tried the Renesis for 2 seasons, barely got seat time. Hoping for all the laps this season.

[@Lone_Wolf_91]

Damn dude! So much knowledge, most important thing to start something and ppl still will skip that. The way You explain and seams like You rly want to help.. enjoyed this very much and add to ^Car Stuff^ to rewatch when I start my shit!

[@LoneStarDrift]

Thanks for watching I hope it helped!

[@Lone_Wolf_91]

@@LoneStarDrift It will for sure!

[@jamesharden4mvp75]

i actually really needed this, thanks !

[@richardisaac8659]

I’m so glad I came across this video. I’m currently saving up for a 350z and I wanna make a drift car. And this video covered literally everything I was planning around. In my area 350z’s r going up in price so I’m buying one asap and this video solidified my idea. Thank you for making this video.

[@MikeHowl]

A Nissan 240sx counts as an s chassis right?

[@lamella64]

yup, thats what it is called in america

[@thorvonfalin9975]

sure

[@LoneStarDrift]

Yeah.

[@MikeHowl]

Great! Thanks guys. Because I really want to start my drifting with a 240sx, but I wanted to make sure that it was apart of the s chassis. So thanks again!

[@PreShitbox]

@@MikeHowl Coilovers, welded diff and your done

[@playmkr4341]

This video is super informative, thanks.

[@ghoastzeus2887]

This helped me choose my 350z for round 1! thank you

[@NissanR33Ztune]

how awesome..... and im about to undertake this process here in Japan..... perfect timing.... great attitude and include the S15 which is the direction i think i will go due to needing it as a daily here too and small roads in the mountains. Cant wait to see Alexi out there with you in the US at the lone star event - can it get any better Aaron and Alexi together.. ending was gold....

[@LoneStarDrift]

The ending was actually shocked when Alexi and I were over in Poland together lol

[@NissanR33Ztune]

What a coincidence I was born in Poland and them vids sure surprised, never knew the was a drift seen there, but hey I was stuck on that large island they call Australian for 30 odd years

[@sammughal6592]

Really good breakdown !! good work !!

[@Suge_]

Thank you for breaking it down. Much help

[@johnhornbrook4975]

Thanks Aaron, vids have been great. Looking for a BMW or 350z myself. And this helped determine quality and price.

[@wkrx3048]

John Hornbrook get a e46 328-330i you’ll have much more fun

[@kurzjames]

Aaron, thanks so much! This video is sooo useful. Thankfully, I had already figured out (for the most part) my setup by watching some of your older videos and also Chelsea's videos. I have an E36 M3 that I started drifting stock last year, and it will soon be complete with coilovers, arms, and other mods that you mentioned. I also got a simulator rig because I don't have a lot of money for tires :)

[@LoneStarDrift]

Listen to Chelsea!

[@coscorrodrift]

@@LoneStarDrift who's Chelsea?

[@drifthubz6898]

This guy is like one of the teachers I would listen to by a long shot

[@noahsutton1362]

its simple guys...buy a stock 350z

[@wadeduffey3809]

Yeah disable air bags, traction control, and abs and weld the diff and buy a $250 gktech angle kit. Boom, drift car for less than 3k.

[@lynnmckenney1987]

@@wadeduffey3809 where are you finding z cars for $2500-2800?

[@wadeduffey3809]

@@lynnmckenney1987 I bought an 06 revup de 6 speed with coilovers, fbo, and varrstoens for 1900. Didnt run when I bought it, had a nissan anti theft system issue. Deleted nats off the ecu and car fired right up. It now has z1 adjustable uppers, angle kit, front lip, spoiler, and a tune. And I'm in this car for less than 3k total. Just have to look

[@lynnmckenney1987]

@@wadeduffey3809 *eyebrow raises uncontrollably*

[@stephenmaxwellfuks3484]

As an rx8 owner, this is not the car to drift unless you can afford an engine swap, and then it's the perfect car for everything

[@chrismccullough5107]

Thanks for the knowledge

[@ryanscanlan9875]

Great content! Boy have the prices changed in the last 3 yrs.

[@criticallycanadian]

All said and done my e46 330i set me back about $6500 (Canadian dollars) with proper angle kit, cage, all my wheels, tires, etc. to run an entire season. I bought the car for $500 needing a clutch. Mind you I'm not counting any of the money I've recouped from selling things. If I count that stuff I'm right around 5k CAD for the car and a full season of tires. I absolutely love my 330 and would definitely recommend anybody to get one.

[@LoneStarDrift]

How is the rust?

[@criticallycanadian]

@@LoneStarDrift absolutely none. I live in British Columbia so rust takes a lot longer to show up.

[@refresh2056]

I have no money and started drifting on a sim before I started drifting my 350z and I can honestly say it was well worth the investment. I am confident now in my driving skill that I won't total my vehicle

[@joshuabrown1323]

Dont quit it will get better bro you got this

[@sully3s]

Sobering! I gotta go hustle and make that money!!! Hey will you chat about what it takes to build older drift cars, like 70's 510's and Celicas??? THANKS & Love the channel!!!!!

[@tylerkolt3993]

"Its their disposable income, it's their choice, don't worry about it" That right there is some smart smart wise words to follow by. Especially the last bit don't worry about it

[@LoneStarDrift]

people hate each other over finances in the drift community so much : /.

[@tylerkolt3993]

@@LoneStarDrift its very unfortunate when it happens. Name of the game is positive and stoked about each other build. if its big money guy is telling the little guy his car is cool and vise versa, makes for happy community. Happy community means more events!

[@bmcshane80]

I'd also recommend the Lexus IS200/Toyota Altezza. They are really cheap now here in Australia. Clean low kms auto ones are going for AUD$4,500 - $6,500, higher km ones even cheaper. The Aftermarkets big for them, wrecked ones are everywhere and the manual conversion is easy as shit to do. Great video again Aaron! I really enjoy these types of vids as you give an insight into Drifting that you dont hear anywhere else. Keep up the good work!

[@RetroWarhead]

Yeah, my is300 is great

[@maximillian4177]

what do you think about drift Volvos for beginners

[@ModifiedImportsandDomestics]

Conclusion I’m still building my fc rx7 to drift lol my 350z is the daily

[@LoneStarDrift]

lololol

[@motoray69]

Awesome vid. Would definitely be interested in a video on different mustang setups as they are getting pretty plentiful.

[@LoneStarDrift]

I will do that

[@speedchopwtf]

5 years later and i feel liker this is the best chops you could give anyone jumping in

[@Roshu8]

A car I would add if your getting started and just want something to have fun in and your in the US and even more so in the northwest is a Subaru they can be had really cheep and there everywhere and the RWD conversion is basically free just weld the center diff and remove the front axles, I put together an Impreza and had a ton of fun at PARC last summer.

[@LoneStarDrift]

Aren't you limited to pretty abysmal steering angle and HP by doing those things? Why not just get a cheap BMW or something?

[@bobbycrf4503]

Sweet info man ik your in Texas but could there be a video in the making about tracks/ legal ways to drift ideas about approaching owners of tracks possible skid pads areas?? I’m in eastern Iowa thanks

[@Ethericbikes]

This video really gave me the motivation to to get a sim and actually learn how to drift and 3 years later I’m usually one of the best drifters in lobby’s on carx next step is get a pc to get assetto

[@Saxxalizer]

This is so on point that I'm basically getting embarrased about myself, haha!! I'm driving and building an E34 M5 and while it's beginning to become a pretty cool driftcar, it has been wildly expensive for what it is and it will likely never ever be a viable car to run competitively, lol!

[@jackclark5220]

parts availability and aftermarket support are important things

[@bam24cf]

Informative 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@yellowslewis6764]

Very good video I too am on the fence as a noob wanting a car to daily and drift I i will be using a bmw 525 though thanks for helping choose easier @Lonestardrift

[@theFithWheel]

Been a passion of his for over 20 years.

[@CarShopTanoshi]

This has helped SO MUCH ✌️

[@zxKrookedxz]

damn he really out here dropping the FAX

[@bagelbandit6076]

Would that be considered driftcarfax?

[@7drone7]

Really practical thinking on the selection process. My feeling is that the ballpark costs were a little low, as I'm not waiting for a sale to order parts, I have no hookups, and really, cutting corners to save a fraction of the project's cost isn't my idea of sensible. Anyway; shared.

[@allelectrix7097]

What about a 240

[@NoiseBombS14]

I own an Rx8 and an E36 and while I do still have plans to build the Rx8 with a REW for Pro Am, guess which of the two I’m drifting right now for, as you said, cost

[@trapper-orbiter6284]

Great video wish you knew more about miatas so I wouldn't have to do more research lol.

[@letsplayclassicgames5024]

I thought this was a very well thought out video. I have a bonestock e36 328i with BC BR coilovers. For years the closest track that allowed drifting was 5+hours away, but within a few months a place has opened up 45 mins away and another in my hometown is finally opening up to drifters. Both tracks would be on a smaller scale, maybe something along the lines of where Chelsea runs his school of drift or maybe slightly bigger turns. I really want to get out there and give it a go but part of me thinks my car is going to be to slow. Thinking about welding up the diff and giving it a shot anyways, I've wanted to for years.

[@MrBangen2012]

Just got my first S13 a couple weeks ago for under 5k been working on it so far, very excited. Should be done by September/October realistically

[@jbeezy126]

Is it easy to work on? How’s it going?

[@josephguzman4693]

Super smart much help!!

[@arn6376]

Lone Star Drift 350z or mustang? What would Aaron pick?

[@jamesderrick691]

A DE 350Z on the east coast starts at like $4500. You could probably pick up a running and driving SN95 mustang for under a grand though. Thanks for all the tips. I'm buying my first drift car soon.

[@taylormartinelli8366]

As someone who doesn’t know anything about drifting, I thought the reliability part of this was funny with the rx. Man really said get it out of here. But that aside, this has been very helpful to figure out where to begin looking!! Thank you !

[@oscarfabian8074]

Between a C6 Corvette and a 2008 350Z which do you think would make the better starter car? I'm planning on daily driving it and adding mods as I get better.

[@thermanator2650]

Is the s13 a good beginning drift car?

[@Smoke_Club_666]

Very helpful and informative. Flying down to Texas this week for a G35 seat time car. Best lol of this video is Aaron saying JZX or S15 for 10k in the US. Those days are long gone.

[@LoneStarDrift]

I need to do another one of these videos lol, things have changed a lot in a few years! We have dudes on DW3 spending less on a F80 M3 than some do on a JZX100 now?!?!

[@JoeYates77]

I'm watching this now and prices have jumped to nearly double here in Australia. 350z's are now min 10k and that's a cheap find. Most are around the 16k AUD mark currently. You should do another video on what's more affordable currently, love the videos mate 🙂✌

[@speedfreak24]

I'm going to try and get a 2007 infiniti g35 coupe as my first drift car

[@jacobturner7742]

Are there like beginner drifting events at Lone star? Because I looked on the website and I could only find formula drift, and I’m trying to figure out where I can learn.

[@bryanlettow4389]

For me its between 350z and a Miata. Basically a daily grip car. Being 6' 2" could I even fit in a Miata?

[@goulvenchevalier8752]

Nice!

[@ExodusisThere]

what would you say about an IS300?

[@TheOfficialProcess]

this helps so much thank you

[@LoneStarDrift]

Glad you found it useful

[@rossyrocks5952]

so helpful dude

[@Mr_jz_12]

Your altezza/is200/300 suspension is same as the jzx100 Drifting your daily is asking for trouble.

[@nathantowe4148]

I have a question, in rally it’s commonly said the best car to start with is the one you already have, I have a mk3 Supra, I know that there is support for it but not much, my question is should I drift my Supra or wait and buy something else?

[@clutchkickpj693]

I have 40k into my 2jz s14 pro 2 car and it doesn't have wisefab, crazy fuel system,rear mount rad or built 2jz but I can easily see how it can get to 75-100k to build though. I plan to compete with you guys one day.

[@mountainwild5474]

@Lone Star Drift , I just purchased a Toyota aristo (jzs161) here in the US. I’m curious what your thoughts are on the car? I am swapping the automatic trans. for a cd009 6 speed with adapter. I opted for the R154 but the cd009 fits better with has better shifter location. Other than the trans and maybe a simple tune it will make for a good daily drifter. I prefer the backroads I have around here. Sadly there are no tracks that will host events

[@krichd1]

Purchase the newer CD00A instead of the CD009.

[@resistdemons]

You had me at the cliff notes.

[@Vgk36]

Hating on z32 hard makes me sad

[@anthonybrz]

So i bought my s13 about 3 years ago and dailyd it for about 2 until i came across problems that i couldnt fix, so now i have a daily and i want to drift my car as is, but cyl 3 has low comp, so i bought another sr to refresh and yeah its just taking forever honestly. i just want to go drift the thing and now its like i have to wait til i have the funds to finish everything up. then kit, wheels, wheel, and paint lol

[@DriftSquid]

This is damn good mate! Real life talk that most people will hate to see or even agree with. Now we just need all the people out there that think you can buy Pro level drift cars for 20k to watch this vid hahaha

[@LoneStarDrift]

Lol I get so much hate for putting race car prices up lol

[@DriftSquid]

@@LoneStarDrift f**k the haters 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@wkrx3048]

DriftSquid what about vinny langhorne in the c33😂 love ya bro just joking

[@martinwink2063]

What a legend!

[@jkalash762]

Speaking of ready to go there are some great places like driftworks forum to find great deals. Most will need imported or transported but even after that most of them are still cheaper than putting it together yourself. I've seen some very well optioned skylines gtst's and Silvia's and on and on run around 7000 including import fees.

[@gr0mania]

350 or g35? Is there much of a difference. I’m not picky on either one

[@CarWavExe]

i plan on getting a volvo 240 or 760 is that good for beginners?

[@davidgriffiths5897]

Oh I bought a E36 M3 for $900 ready for a LS swap is that any good? For a beginner