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It's not a boring answer, it's very valid, however my counter to that is -
On a 20+ year old car that's racked up some miles, that OEM suspension is going to be pretty tired and wanting replacing anyway. If you're replacing the suspension, why not upgrade? Brand new OEM Mazda suspension is going to be in the same price region so it makes sense. Just because your dampers haven't failed the MOT yet, doesn't mean they're not fucked, they're just not dangerously fucked yet.
I wholeheartedly agree that driver training is one of the best things you can do to go quicker and be more consistent on track, and that's why any time it's on offer I always take it, but spending £800 in driver training is quite a lot! That's probably 2 full days of on track tuition.
A lot of TDOs include free 25-30 minute slots on a 1st come, 1st served basis, and every time I've managed to get one, I've learned something from the instructor, and been quicker as a result. I'd say, even if you were only doing 1 or 2 trackdays a year, it's a very cost effective way of improving your driving ability.
NurseHolliday-
Agree with all of that.
Money wise, I'm going buy Aussie pricing. Track days are spendy as is the tuition. But well worth getting into a club as you get reduced rates etc. Also making the right friends does help.And talking suspension, had my gti6 looked at for things to fix. Everything a-ok, already has solid bushings in the lower control arms so their fine, the dampers which are original and driven around aus (310,000 klms) are still fine. Nuts! But the strut top mounts are fooked. Time for some eccentric top mounts 😀
TRA
I know this is a boring answer but have you spent any time on track/ driver training? 800 quids worth of training will gain you more than coil overs. Although I do appreciate the desire for shiny new bits.