MK1 VS MK2

[Walter_White]

Hi everyone

Sorry to start another MK1 vs MK2 thread but i had a couple of questions. I am looking at getting a 1.6 due to insurance and would prefer to spend around £1000 on the car itself as I'm thinking about just insuring it for the summer but that may change

1. I'm nearly 6'4" and I understand that the MK1 has more space than the MK2 but is this just due to the seats alone?
2. Is it true that MK2s are more susceptible to rust than MK1s?
3. What sort of mileage should I be looking at?

What do you think of this? https://www.gumtree.com/p/mazda/mx5-eunos-roadster...

Not too keen on the roof and interior but seems a decent buy

[Evanivitch]

First, check the rear offside tyre for a nail in it...

If you're after a mk1 1.6 then I would like for a pre-94 so you don't get the emissions strangled engine with reduced power. Unless insurance really is an issue and the lower power is the only way to do it.

Mk1 and mk2 both suffer sill and arch rust. But mk2 front subframe can be completely rotten and still pass an MOT because they are hidden by an undertray.

Its an auto. Those wheels are too big. The roof is possibly original and still plastic rear (400 quid replacement roof with glass), and that style bar is both useless and looks squiff in one of the photos.

But if it's rust free then that's not a bad price.

[Walter_White]

Thanks for the helpful reply.
Can't believe I didn't notice it's an automatic so it's a no. I just thought the price was quite good for a rust free example and I could just gradually change the things I don't like (including the wheels, don't really like big wheels on older MX5s) but i'm not going to be doing a auto-manual conversion. Anyway, thanks again for the reply

[Evanivitch]

Always worth asking if they kept the original wheels. When I bought mine it originally had 17 inch wheels on it, but he knocked money off and stuck the 14s with barely legal rubber on it.

[Rickyy]

I've not driven or evem sat in a mk2, but I am just shy of 6'4" and just about fit in my mk1.

I think it depends on which part of you is the tall bit! My height is in my legs, I have an inch or two between the top of my head and the roof. But my right leg is a snug fit between the door handle and the steering wheel.

I've resolved this by replacing the handle with a leather strap. But it doesn't look the best!

Don't get too hung up on mileage, engines are dirt cheap and even the youngest Mk1 is probably overdue a suspension refresh!

ETA: Aim for a UK model if insurance is a worry, imports are more expensive to insure apparently, although they usually have better spec.

[Oldandslow]

Rickyy said:

I've not driven or evem sat in a mk2, but I am just shy of 6'4" and just about fit in my mk1.

I think it depends on which part of you is the tall bit! My height is in my legs, I have an inch or two between the top of my head and the roof. But my right leg is a snug fit between the door handle and the steering wheel.

I've resolved this by replacing the handle with a leather strap. But it doesn't look the best!

Don't get too hung up on mileage, engines are dirt cheap and even the youngest Mk1 is probably overdue a suspension refresh!

ETA: Aim for a UK model if insurance is a worry, imports are more expensive to insure apparently, although they usually have better spec.and less rust

[Evanivitch]

I don't think imports are so much about issue with insurance these days, especially if you go through a broker (like Footman James).

[anonymous-user]

I've had a few import Eunoses (Euni??) and insurance has always been really cheap, at most about £200. Try a company like Footman James or Chaucer for a classic car policy with limited mileage. Currently I am using Performance Direct and it cost about £120 fully comp with no no-claims (can't use that on a classic policy) and some mods (eg MX5Parts exhaust, rollbar).

I would never consider a mk2 , too many stories of terminal (but almost unspottable) rust on the front chassis rails. At least sill rust on a mk1 can be easily seen and sorted. Also it has pop-up headlights, which IMHO should be compulsory on all cars.

Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 4th July 19:55

[lilwashu]

Chassis rail rust on a mk2 is not terminal if it isn't too far gone and is fairly easy and cheap to fix with pre-made repair sections.

[Retroglide08]

lilwashu said:

Chassis rail rust on a mk2 is not terminal if it isn't too far gone and is fairly easy and cheap to fix with pre-made repair sections.

In defence of the mk2 I managed to stumble across an immaculate one with no chassis rail issues. So there are some out there

[killingjoker]

I loved my mk2 but after having three mk1 Eunos models i reckon they're the one to go for. Manual, 1.6 - rev the nuts off it and enjoy. They just feel right on it and i had my mk2 for nearly five years but know which i would recommend. But it's about which you want. Drive one of each and you'll know which appeals to you.

[battered]

lilwashu said:

Chassis rail rust on a mk2 is not terminal if it isn't too far gone and is fairly easy and cheap to fix with pre-made repair sections.

Can it be done with the engine still in place if it rots in the usual places like the ARB mountings? I ask because mine is going a bit and may need a repair sometime.