Need for Speed Underground 2 - Help :(

[puppy]

Hi folks, I know this game is a bit old hat now that Most Wanted is out, but has anyone played this extensively? It's just that I'm stuck

I got my hot hatch souped up so it can win races and win extra points for styling but I've now advanced a bit in the game and I've just got the Hyundai coupe. The hot hatch is now no longer powerful enough to win any races and I don't have any cash to soup up the Hyundai so that can win races either, so basically I'm stuffed Does anyone have any tips (apart from starting again, I've done that already and had exactly the same problem last time)

Ta for any advice - otherwise I'm gonna give up and try and get a few quid for it in the MM

 

[HangTime]

Pick some races from the menu rather than finding them on the map - should be able to find some fairly easy ones there.

Try and initiate some outruns perhaps so that you can get some unique upgrades.

Speed isn't all that important in drift races so you might be able to rack up some money doing those even in your rubbish motors.

 

[HangTime]

Oh I forgot to mention that races started through the garage menu thing need to be restarted once or you don't get the cash for winning it - some stupid bug

Drag races should also be doable with weaker cars since it's mainly technique based rather than standard racing.

As a general overview of racing and what cars/upgrades to get, acceleration is probably the most important thing to concentrate on. Think about it: A high top speed is no good on tracks with a lot of tight, winding bends. Likewise amazing handling won't help you when tearing down a straight without turning. Whereas you always benefit from good acceleration, especially at the start or following crashes.

This brings me onto another point, the use of nitros. It's worth giving a car at least level1 nitro, and since it replenishes you can just leave it at that if you are short on cash. However make sure you use them in the right places. Personally I use nitros mainly to aid acceleration.... e.g. at the start, or following a crash. But remember that you will stop accelerating while changing gear, so don't simply hold down the button and waste nitro, use it in squirts. i.e. once you hit 2nd gear, hit the nitro, then once the engine starts to redline, release nitro until you shift up to 3rd, and then slam it down again. Obviously you can also use nitro to boost your top speed when blasting down a straight, but generally I only do that if I've got plenty to spare, mostly I save it for recoving quickly after I've stacked it into a wall, or had to brake hard for a hairpin bend.

 

[Netphreak]

If you can get it, get the Mazda MX5 and work on it when you get the cash.
Its the best handling car in the game and with some mods and skill you can easily win races.
However its not all that good at drag racing untill you unlock the 3 Transmissions which give it a 6 speed gear box as it keeps overheating (flat out in 5th) before you get that.

I've got a fully engine modded MX-5 and a fully engine modded Skyline and the MX-5 is 2 seconds faster around the test track.

I also have a fully modded RX-8 and its great too. Handling is ropey till you get decent suspension though.