Test drove a mk3 MX5 today

[Mr_Sukebe]

Drove to visit my sister in Eastbourne, top down all the way there and back, lots of fun. Whilst there, we popped into the local Mazda dealer as I think she fancies one now. Got the chance to take out and try a mk3.

The one in question was a 2ltr sport, ie. the top model.
Have to say that it was probably better in almost every way that my existing car. It wasn't any faster on acceleration, but the interior was a good deal better, less road noise, less wind buffeting at speed, probably has more grip from bigger tyres (though I still got the traction control kicking in at one point), slightly smoother ride, easier to deal with roof etc etc.
If you've never driven an MX5 before, you'd probably be smitten. Unfortunately as I have one as a daily driver that's not the case, and I actually came away rather underwhelmed. The problem is simply that it's not dramatically better in any way, and feels a little false in areas. What I mean by that is that there's a "power bulge" in the bonnet, but it's not a real one. Real ones stick up from the bonnet. This one is recessed into the bonnet at the edges, then sticks up, meaning that it's purely cosmetic. The engine note is the same, it sounds like someone has tried to make it sound that way, as against just naturally being raspy and roarty. Lastly, it's actually taken a slight step backwards on road feel and feedback, being not quite as direct.

So basically, it looks like we now have a choice of MX5s depending upon level of comfort and feedback you want. The mk3 is the softest and nicest, the mk1 is the rawest, the mk2 sitting pretty much in the middle. You make your choices and pays your dosh...

 

[Siliconslave]

Lastly, it's actually taken a slight step backwards on road feel and feedback, being not quite as direct.

So basically, it looks like we now have a choice of MX5s depending upon level of comfort and feedback you want. The mk3 is the softest and nicest, the mk1 is the rawest, the mk2 sitting pretty much in the middle. You make your choices and pays your dosh...

interestingly thats pretty much what i thought when i drove one, felt a little revyer than mine, but generally not as responsive to the steering, slosher in the corners and a touch slower... having said that it wasn't the sport version i took out and the dealer reconed the sport would have changed all the issues i had with it... maybe not then!

edit: and traction control, wtfs that about??? the old ones never needed it so why do they suddenly have to add it in. Have the fun of all the wet roads is sliding around, and in the dry you have to be a nut job or have very very bad tyres to need it...

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

I'm told that the model I tried did have "sports" suspension. I found it a little softer than my "non sport" mk2 1.8i. No wonder you didn't rate the mk3 you tried.

I guess the good news is that it opens up a slightly wider market for the car. My sister would probably prefer a mk3 as it is a little nicer and softer. The traction control is also not a bad thing for people who don't particularly want oversteer on tap.

 

[nommy]

Guys - I am seriously considering getting an Mx-5 and maybe you could give me some pointers?

I am looking to spend between 5 and 7 thousand - if a 7 grand example is going to be far cheaper in terms of maintainence etc then I'd rather spend that bit extra at the outset. Is there a big difference between the 1.6 and 1.8 in terms of performance, running costs, and insurance? Also how does buying from a dealer comare to buying privately? It would mainly be driven at weekends so no more than 4000 miles a year would be added to the clock.

Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[cleanbluesky]

there is a difference between 1.6 and 1.8 - car price, speed, insurance are all dearer for the 1.8

Dealer prices go down in winter I believe, private prices might as well. I'd buy from private and hope to be lucky.

 

[mattpc]

I've driven a Mk1 from Norfolk to Manchester this weekend. It was the 1.8i no power steering, no ABS, no airbag, no electric windows, no aircon. Completely raw and intense fun! Loved it. My Xantia is considerably more comfortable but the MX5 is WAY more fun (perhaps no suprise). LOVE IT.

 

[Ev0]

A guy at work traded his RX8 for one so can't be too bad

I still like my folks 1.8s, ok so it's not the fastest thing in a straight line but it's so much fun!

 

[Siliconslave]

The traction control is also not a bad thing for people who don't particularly want oversteer on tap.

I have to work for my oversteer in the dry damn it!

Price wise buy now, its the ideal time. The prices will go up a fair wack over the summer. For 5-7k your looking at a really good mrk2, proberbly a nice special edition. Or a good standard mrk 2.5 (again maybe a special edition)

The 1.6 / 1.8 difference isn't huge proformance wise due to the weight difference in the engine. The sporty versions, and most of the special editions will come with tighter lower suspension, and lsd. The special editions will often have leather, nicer interior trim and sound systems and are generally worth getting (although check the effect on the insurance)

Generally they hold together very very well, check for rust on the boot lid and bonnet cause it very very occasionally happens, check the roof's operation and the normal stuff. Dealer and private ones won't be all that much different, you just have more comeback with a dealer, not much more but still....

I still like my folks 1.8s, ok so it's not the fastest thing in a straight line but it's so much fun!

thats the whole joy of them, just so much fun to drive, and enough power to make it interesting... up the power and its perfect

 

[Ev0]

Yeah, they are selling it this year as it doesn't get used much, a tiny voice is saying "buy it buy it", but I don't really like green cars

And the numberplate is cool, would be a perfect ex convicts car as it ends in GBH.