MX-5 opinions

Skiddley

Skiddley

Skiddley

Soldato
Joined
1 Aug 2003
Posts
3,797
Location
Cheshire
Right, I've got an 05 plate Seat LCR that I share with the missus, and we were planning on getting our own cars next year when $$ permits. I was looking at a 987 boxy.

Now, over the past few months we've both been doing a lot of sport after work so the car sharing thing isn't really working. Hence - cheap 2nd car required to tide us over.

I was thinking, ~4K budget. Register the car & insurance in my name (LCR is insured in hers - cheaper) to get some NCB, plus get used to a 2 seater - see if it works in a practical sense.

What are the opinions on MX-5 mark 1\2 preference? mileage? Things to look out for when buying privately. I was thinking a 1.8 UK mark 2, '98/'99 <=70K. But that is from 5 mins research :D

Ta!
 
For that sort of money, that age should be fine. Try one of the (many) special editions or if not, the 1.8iS is the spec to have tbh. Brillaint cars to drive, worlds of fun and very cheap to run, you can't really fall off tbh.
 
Yea totally agree, but it's not like I'm taking it seriously, just a runaround - and I can't face driving a corsa or some such :D

Any specifics to look for when viewing private examples? What are the common faults? Anything wrong with a Jap import?
 
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On the mk1 check for rust at the front of the rear arches.

They really are very good cars, the mk1 being the most raw version, then the mk2 being a bit more grown up compared. My mate, on these forums, has a mk1 and it really is a down to basics one, doesn't have electric windows, powersteering or central locking. But this also means less weight.

Shame you don't have a little more, could have got a turbo/supercharged one. For example this one. Really is a nice looking car.

http://pistonheads.com/sales/238588.htm
 
Yea I saw that :). I did have it in my mind that I'd possibly turbo it in the future, but I suspect that by that time comes I'd be looking at a propper car :p - anyway - I've got the cupra R if I fancy a blast.

This is about something that looks ok, isn't going to kark it in the next 12 months and is cheap to run - hence not going for a sky high mileage, old, tuned to the hilt. I just don't know them so am a little wary hence posting.

I know a girl with a mark 1 import, might go for a blast at lunch if my luck's in and get some insurance quotes.
 
Solid cars, check for Rust on the rear arches and the base of the windscreen pillars, Get the 1.8iS since you get an LSD and other toys that are well worth having.

New hood costs 250 upwards, check it seals!
 
Nope, plan is We'll sell both in about a year, missus wants a pokey Saab 95, i want a 987. But I might consider keeping the mazda as a daily driver for me (i park in city center carparks daily).


EDIT: Can I fit - good point, both me and the GF are 6'1. Whaddya reckon?
 
I sat in one recently, and my left leg was wedged solid between the steering wheel and the transmission tunnel. Not comfortable for driving imo. Also, I got in it with the roof down, so I dont know how that fits either. Only way is to try mate.
 
I was following one of these the other day.

Wasn't racing or anything, but came to a cross junction, we were both doing 30 and without warning he turned left, no slow down, nothing.

Couldn't believe it, just went straight round, no problems.

Awesome :cool:
 
I recently sold my 98' mk2 1.8i for just under £4k, so you're in the right ballpark.
The mk2 has a nicer interior, a more rigid bodyshell and a glass window that doesn't need to be unzipped to avoid creasing.
Generally they're well cared for. If anything mine wasn't a great example. Mechanically it was spot on and nothing went wrong with it. Unfortunately it picked up a number of small supermarket carpark dents from SUV drivers (WHY was there always one parked next to my car when I'm leaving, never deliberately parked next to one myself).
The only issue my car had on purchase was a soggy steering wheel. The non-sport cars had a really unpleasant piece of plastic which seemed to melt in the sun. They are VERY expensive (£400+) to replace as you're meant to buy an air-bag equipped unit.

The mk1s do have more issues, including the rust already mentioned, though the drive trains are very dependable.

Have to say that it's still one of the most fun cars I've driven and makes my existing 330i feel like a lump of lard for agility, despite the 330i being a good deal faster in reality.
 
Thanks guys, appreceiate the first hand experience. We're gonna go and find a mark2 to sit in locally as soon as, hopefully this won't qualify it out. Then all being well find a 1.8iS. The GF informs me that she used to have an MG midget many moons ago so fingers crossed.

Just talking to the girl I know she recommends a hardtop if it isn't garaged during winter due to condensation buildup inside overnight etc. Not sure how realistic this is.

Insurance came in pretty much what i expected for a 0NCB approx. 300notes so that's fine. Just need to find the local Mazda anorack selling his pride and joy now :p
 
Seeing a stealer '98 1.8i S 53K on Friday after work :). And after I stopped being a dumbass and selected 'right hand drive' the insurance is sub-300 beer tokens too. Result.
 
great cars. Loads of fun and superb for fasting twisty road driving. Sure they are not particularly powerful as standard but they are no slouch. I am no driving god but was able to overtake rank amateurs driving Porshce 911's around the ring (I assume they were really pants drivers because they had much more power than me but couldn't use it). I drive a 1.8 MX5 mk1. If I were to grumble I would say that for track use you could do with some more power to use on the straights. However, for road use they have more than enough power for any road I have encountered. They are also reasonably good on fuel as long as you don't thrash them all the time.
 
Mr_Sukebe said:
I recently sold my 98' mk2 1.8i for just under £4k, so you're in the right ballpark.
The mk2 has a nicer interior, a more rigid bodyshell and a glass window that doesn't need to be unzipped to avoid creasing.
Generally they're well cared for. If anything mine wasn't a great example. Mechanically it was spot on and nothing went wrong with it. Unfortunately it picked up a number of small supermarket carpark dents from SUV drivers (WHY was there always one parked next to my car when I'm leaving, never deliberately parked next to one myself).
The only issue my car had on purchase was a soggy steering wheel. The non-sport cars had a really unpleasant piece of plastic which seemed to melt in the sun. They are VERY expensive (£400+) to replace as you're meant to buy an air-bag equipped unit.

The mk1s do have more issues, including the rust already mentioned, though the drive trains are very dependable.

Have to say that it's still one of the most fun cars I've driven and makes my existing 330i feel like a lump of lard for agility, despite the 330i being a good deal faster in reality.
Click to expand...

Yes the Mk1's do have a couple of minor issues but generally all MX5's offer superb reliability especially for a sports car. Used parts are also cheap and plentiful.

I would agree that in reality there are many cars that have the potential to be driven much faster than the 5 but few are as fun at speeds not too far from the speed limit and even fewer have handling that inspires as much confidence. I am trying to be objective here...:p
 
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