Car shortlist - MR2 / MX5 (mk1 or mk2?)

elmarko

elmarko

elmarko

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Joined
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Location
Portsmouth (Southsea)
So,

After some great advice in the last thread I think I've got a short-list.

MR2 - Pro, much nicer back
Cons, front is a little bug like.

MX5 (mk2) - Pro, nicer front
Cons, back is a boring.

MX5 (mk1) - Pro, raising lights!
Cons, getting old & potential for repair costs.

* also, would consider the old MR2 (as I do like the style of that era)

Any guidance between these as to what would be a safe bet (in regards to not breaking down ideally!) - up-to £5k mark for a second hand should be enough for these - lower mileage & hard-top if possible.

Insurance on all of the above is fine, so not an issue.
 
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I recently considered similar and ended up with a 2003 Mk2.5 MX5.

I ruled the MR2 out as like you i thought the front was a bit bug like and I just didn’t like them as much as the MX5.

I then struggled to find any decent Mk1's which were local to me. You've got a gret dealer in Southampton i think (MX% Restorer or Autolink) so should be a little easier I reckon.

It was then a case of finding a Mk2 that I liked and ended up with one about a month ago .

Generally it seems that most MX5's are very reliable (other than rusty sills/rear arches) and you should buy based on general condition of the car rather than mileage or anything like that.

£5k is probably overkill though, I wouldn’t pay over £2k for a mk1 (of which you’ll likely get a mint one), or over £3.5l for a very late mk2.5.

There are however the odd supercharged/turbo ones which may be worth it. Such as this http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=125216


Although this for a Mk2 MR2 looks fantastic!
http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=121974
 
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hurfdurf said:
Why do you care so much about how the car looks, they are both drivers cars, how the car looks won't affect you in any way shape or form.
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Simple aesthetic appreciation. :) - for me the form & proportions of many items have significance & can increase the enjoyment of using them.


Marvt74 said:
I recently considered similar and ended up with a 2003 Mk2.5 MX5.

I ruled the MR2 out as like you i thought the front was a bit bug like and I just didn’t like them as much as the MX5.

I then struggled to find any decent Mk1's which were local to me. You've got a gret dealer in Southampton i think (MX% Restorer or Autolink) so should be a little easier I reckon.

It was then a case of finding a Mk2 that I liked and ended up with one about a month ago .

Generally it seems that most MX5's are very reliable (other than rusty sills/rear arches) and you should buy based on general condition of the car rather than mileage or anything like that.

£5k is probably overkill though, I wouldn’t pay over £2k for a mk1 (of which you’ll likely get a mint one), or over £3.5l for a very late mk2.5.

There are however the odd supercharged/turbo ones which may be worth it. Such as this http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=125216


Although this for a Mk2 MR2 looks fantastic!
http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=121974
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Yeah, if I can get it cheaper it's not problem £3.5 is fine also.

How difficult is it to change the lights on a MR2 is one consideration - as apart from those bug-eyed lights I really like the general shape/size, like a tesco value Boxster :p

I can see myself going for a similar 2003-2005 MX5 at this rate (from all the comparisons) - but I'm not against the idea of doing a bit of work to it to alter the appearance slightly, as both need to be butched up a bit.
 
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Getting either of these as a hard top? Not sure.

I've driven my mates mk1 MX 5 non PS it was pretty cool all told. Although slow being a 1.6. Biggest issues were sill going through and rear shock blowing.

Other mate had a mk3 mr2. Funky run about. Except it was drinking about a litre of oil every 500 miles as these engines are renown for funky cylinders and pre cat destruction.

I drive an mk2 mr2 and love it but with the age of the car costs for maintenance are ongoing. Bonus is you can buy import turbos with nice power. Rust and shocks also an issue.
 
MX5 all the way, much more fun than the mr2.

Get the mk 2.5 if you can. You want the sport (I.e. with an LSD) for the best driving experience.
 
bledd. said:
This guy seems like a decent MX5 seller.

He pretty much only sells them, he's very honest in the sales and knows them inside out.

http://www.goodwoodsportscars.co.uk/

If/when we get one, I'll be going to him for it.
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I'm pick mine up from him tomorrow, so fingers crossed it's as described and I won't have wasted a day and loads on train tickets.

I was put off getting a mk 2.5 mx5 after seeing the stories about the chassis rail rust. Mk 1's rust but by a solid one and look after it you should be OK
 
Nursie said:
I'm pick mine up from him tomorrow, so fingers crossed it's as described and I won't have wasted a day and loads on train tickets.

I was put off getting a mk 2.5 mx5 after seeing the stories about the chassis rail rust. Mk 1's rust but by a solid one and look after it you should be OK
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They all rust, it's just a question of time.
 
Muffin` said:
I was going to post the same thing but I wasn't prepared to deal with the flak, but have a +1 :D
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Was that first car which came to mind. :p

Granted the AE86 is a well balanced car and fun to drive, but in standard trim it looks ****, and lets be honest, even if it revs to 7k, needs more power.

What did the AE86 bring to the table in real terms, did it revolutionise the sector, did it go on to be a best seller? No.

The 5 shares many of the driving traits the AE86 does, whilst being slightly quicker and minus a roof, the 5 moved the two seater affordable and reliable sports car market on, that's why it's sold about 11 billion units, its a game changer, and remains just as impressive today as it ever was.
 
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