Opinions on this MX5

Crizzy · 12 Feb 2008 at 17:33

As my weekly commute has changed from 400 miles to 150 I have decided to change my 306 for something a little more fun and after spending many hours trawling the net for various ideas I've decided on an MX5.

I've been to look at a few and this particular one I have been to see a couple of times and am very close to buying it, but just wanted the opinion of the very learned people on these forums

Thanks in advance!

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...MAZDA&model=MX-5&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=

Firestar_3x · 12 Feb 2008 at 17:54

Nope, not the one i would buy, you want a Mk2 1.8iS.

Skiddley · 12 Feb 2008 at 18:03

If it's any help I bought a V reg, 1.8iS Mk2 5 months ago, new tyres, 56K miles mint condition every option maxxed out for 4,400.

I think it's overpriced...

Does it even have leather? Standard alloys by the looks of it, and a cheap aftermarket front grill.

EDIT: And since when did MK2's have fog lights?

Freefaller · 12 Feb 2008 at 18:17

Go for the S if you can. If you can get the mk2.5 you get the slightly revised front bumper and a 6 speed box. Then you can add a turbo charger to it and get over 230bhp of fun!

Firestar_3x · 12 Feb 2008 at 18:21

Skiddley said:
Does it even have leather? Standard alloys by the looks of it, and a cheap aftermarket front grill.

EDIT: And since when did MK2's have fog lights?

It won't have leather cause its just a base model, its got 14" rims.

Only the Mk2 Sport had front fogs, that 'i' doesn't.

The Mk2.5 looks miles better imho the new front bumper and lights really change the looks and the updated wheels look much better.

The top spec Mk2 was the Sport or the 10AE.

If you got a Mk2 with everyoption maxed out for 4.4k then you have done very well since i've only ever seen one with AC.

Kitchster_uk · 12 Feb 2008 at 18:53

Avoid the A/C models tbh - waste of time. You've got a light, nimble rag-top, why would you want the extra weight? It's hardly as if you need to keeep cool in the summer!!!

Depends what you want the car for. Is it just for fun? Then you don't necessarily need the top spec model. THe 'leccy windows are poor anyway, also you may not want PAS. I had the 1.8iS Mk1 and it was a scream mind.

Anyway, the one in the 1st post is too much as has been said

Firestar_3x · 12 Feb 2008 at 18:56

Depends, why have a base model when you can have an almost top spec for a little more cash.

All the Mk2's come with electric windows (things moved on from the mk1

) And they worked great.

The PAS was well balanced and i don't think you can get a MK2 without.

AC is good for demisting in the winter.

Crizzy · 12 Feb 2008 at 19:21

Ok cool, thanks for the replies.

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...del=MX-5&min_pr=4000&max_pr=6000&max_mileage=

This one is the same price but the 1.8i S version, it has had 3 owners and has more mileage. (What does full dealer facilities mean?)

My budget is about £4000 and looking for around £1500 for my 306. The car is really a stop gap for a year or two while I get some RWD experience and get a chance to save up for something a bit more serious.

Thanks again gents, your input is most appreciated

Crizzy · 12 Feb 2008 at 19:27

Actually just found this: http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...X-5&min_pr=4000&max_pr=6000&max_mileage=60000

Will probably go and look tomorrow.

Skiddley · 12 Feb 2008 at 19:59

Firestar_3x said:
If you got a Mk2 with everyoption maxed out for 4.4k then you have done very well since i've only ever seen one with AC.

Yep, full leather, metallic paint, 17in alloys...everything that wasn't already on the S. Needed a major service & cam-belt which was a few hundred quid, that's it - least i know it's in decent shape now. Had just been MOT'd and taxed too

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1187/1439090350_08a56830d2.jpg

Firestar_3x · 12 Feb 2008 at 20:05

Crizzy said:
Actually just found this: http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...X-5&min_pr=4000&max_pr=6000&max_mileage=60000

Will probably go and look tomorrow.

Looks alright for the money that, gearchange should be smooth as silk, shoud start first turn of the key, no smoke and no odd engine noises.

Check the roof for leaks and cracks round the top of the windows, rear arches rust sometimes, check the sills.

Firestar_3x · 12 Feb 2008 at 20:07

Skiddley said:
Yep, full leather, metallic paint, 17in alloys...everything that wasn't already on the S. Needed a major service & cam-belt which was a few hundred quid, that's it - least i know it's in decent shape now. Had just been MOT'd and taxed too

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1187/1439090350_08a56830d2.jpg

Nice colour, 16" wheels arn't they if they have come off a Mk2.5 Sport?

Skiddley · 12 Feb 2008 at 20:09

Crizzy said:
Actually just found this: http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...X-5&min_pr=4000&max_pr=6000&max_mileage=60000

That's more like it

Looks tidy. Double-check the cam-belt was done at ~60K, and that the service history is sensible.

EDIT: Oh yea, check all the locks work as well as the central locking. They can be a little temperamental.

Skiddley · 12 Feb 2008 at 20:13

Firestar_3x said:
Nice colour, 16" wheels arn't they if they have come off a Mk2.5 Sport?

Sorry, 16" yea. It's a MK2, no idea where they came from, assumed just an upgrade on purchase.

Having said that, on the model guide http://ox.mx5oc.co.uk/guide_mx5.htm the 16" option isn't listed...curious.

Firestar_3x · 12 Feb 2008 at 20:15

2001 onwards mate 1.8 Sport iirc, the Euphonic wheels are even nicer.

This was mine before i stripped and sold her.

She took a lot of work and had a fair amount of cash spent on her, but it was time to go.

Skiddley · 12 Feb 2008 at 20:19

Very nice

. Do the (mx5parts?) clear indicators fit as badly as people say? Look really nice on yours.

Firestar_3x · 12 Feb 2008 at 20:21

Mine fitted alright, i ended up with the cheaper ones since i didn't really want to spend £50 and get the metal surround ones.

I always felt they stuck a little too far away from the cars body but tbh they looked fine.

Tombles · 12 Feb 2008 at 20:37

Nice MX-5 Firestar_3x, what was the full spec?

Firestar_3x · 12 Feb 2008 at 20:41

Jackson Racing M45 Supercharger
IL Motorsports Twin Exit Backbox
K&N Cone Filter
Magnecor HT Leads
Painted Cam Cover & Crossover Pipe

Volk Racing TE37 Rims
Volk Racing Duraluminium Wheel Nuts
Volk Racing Alloy Valves
Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 Tyres

EBC Turbogroved Disks
EBC Greenstuff Pads

Greddy Emanage Ultimate
Boomslang Wiring Harness
Greddy MAP Sensor
Innovate Motosports LC-1 (WBO2)
Innovate Motorsports XD-16 (AFR Gauge)

Chrome Style Bar
2004 Euphonic Heated leather seats
2004 Euphonic Doorcards (Flocked)
2004 Euphonic Carbon Dash Trim
Satin Alloy Vent Surrounds
Chrome Door Handles
Alloy Door Cups

Bixenon Conversion With 6000k Bulbs
Clear Side Repeaters
Clear Side Rarkers (Illuminated at night)
Alloys mesh Front Grill
Mazdaspeed Chrome Filler Cap
Mazda Sports Sideskirts
Small Front Plate
Bosch Aerotwin Low Profile Front Wipers

Pioneer Avic X1BT (6.5" Motorised Touchscreen, Sat Nav, MP3, DVD)
Pioneer Bluetooth Phone Module
Pioneer Ipod Adapter
Apple Ipod 60gb
Alpine SWD-1600 Sub
Infinity 6510CS Components
Vibe Black Box 1 Amp
Stinger Wiring

About 185 - 190bhp but never had it on the dyno, however after racing other mx5's with known power outputs i would say thats a fair figure, was based on a 1999 V Plate 1.8iS with 50ish k on the clock.

Most fun car i've ever owned but i've now got other plans, wild on this forum has it now, looks the same just not got the power.

Crizzy · 12 Feb 2008 at 20:45

Firestar that is a very nice 5!

Apart from the ABS what are the main advantages of the 1.8iS over the standard 1.8i?