Choices - Mx-5 Vs S2000

Randell Floyd

Randell Floyd

Randell Floyd

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Due to my current car looking like it's going to my sister, I've a window of opportunity to purchase the convertible I've always fancied.

Before I drive both, as I know that will be a crucial element, how do people who have driven/owned these car rate them against each other?

I come with a history of owning a ITR and a tweaked Octavia vRS, so I understand what it's like to own and drive a vtec car, so the lack of torque isn't a big issue.

The budget starts from £3k up to the £9k area if need be, and it will be my main car for the next 2-3 years, before kids start to arrive. Insurance isn't a issue, the S2k comes in at around £500 and the MX5 £300.

I'm initially drawn to the S2000, but can't shake how easy a MX-5 would be to find and own, and probably deliver just as much on the fun front.
 
S2000 is the better car over all but the MX5 is the cheaper to own, on a fun side it's open season.
 
WHOAA!

Just checking through pistonheads now and can't believe how cheap they are going for these days :eek:

Shame it is not suitable for work or family. Hmmm quit job and bin family? :D
 
I wouldn't ever buy an MX5, it makes men look gay IMO lol

The S2000 has had consistantly good reviews from Top Gear (if you're into that)

Personally, if it was me I'd skip the MX5 and get an RX8, but as you said you want a convertable, why not get a Triumph or a Morgan?
 
My preference is a S2000, and having had a handful of Hondas in the past I like their reliability and so on, but the MX5's have such a cult following, reliability and a mass of parts and such.

I've contacted three people off pistonheads and waiting to hear back.
From what I've read online the best seem to be the 04 due to small but worthwhile revisions, and to watch out for the 06 that now have the higher tax banding. Although that isn't a massive issue for 2-3 years ownership.

I've even had a quick look on Honda UK, and the prices seem to be a little bit variable. Anyone know what the level of discount that can be had from a dealer these days? More so on a convertible this time of the year. I've a feeling it's not going to be much more than 10% off, meaning they come in about £1500-£2000 more than private purchase. If it was closer to 20%, some of the £10,500 dealer cars become quite attractive.
 
Try and go for 2004 onwards S2000. These have slightly better handling. If you go for one registered after March 2006 you will be paying £400 odd for car tax otherwise £200 odd.

S2000s are very reliable. The only problems you can get is seized bushes which can be expensive to sort out (up to 1k). Seizures are only problem if you want to tweak the suspension. Calipers tend to seize although I've never had a problem with mine.

They aren't that expensive to run considering. Tyres are £120 a pop. They are pretty good on fuel (30 mpg). I can replace all pads and discs for £120. Only thing you can stung with is insurance. Oh and try and get a GT model (hardtop). Hardtops are handy for the winter.

Here is a pic of mine. I've sold it now. :( I sold it for 8.5k to a German guy.

100_0117.jpg
 
personally an Mx5 but depends what you want it for, if you want a car to cherish, S2000, if you want a cheap chuckable toy then Mx5 all the way, S2000 will be a fair bit quicker too
 
Had a quick reply off pistonheads, and it's funny how a really good advert can turn into little things that don't add up.

The FSH and record keeping was spotless, but on asking about geo being done he doesn't see the point, it's better letting tyre wear to speak on how good the geo is.Then posts picture of the alloys, and one is scratched all across the wheel and looks pretty much a right off for an alloy, that leads me to be concerned the suspension took a knock, and thus another on to be left alone. I'd have looked at it if it hadn't been 300 miles away.
 
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I found the roof of the S2000 prone to damage, there are several weak points. My 08 S2000 was showing wear towards the back pillar and the seals on the passenger side.

Apart from that niggle I loved the time with the S2000.
 
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