Probably a great idea to just buy the cheapest , class eligable car, that doesn't need everything replaced. (loved the idea of driving an impreza but , does not look like it would work out well)
I've got a weilder who is gonna make me a roll cage for material costs [300-400], and my nav man allready agreed to buy his seat and safty harness . although it could still be very hard to have a car ready for less then 2K. i have heard a lot about baja bugs / bug kits/ old bugs being a cheap rebuild / repair . infact i had a buddy who rebuilt 1 bug and 2 karman gias , and i know he kept his costs way down.
My main goal is to have a lot of fun, and hopefully finish a stage
im more concerned abou keeping costs down , then winning 1st.
[and yarr i've decided to keep my STI totally stock , love my warentee and waste money on something else]