What next after an MX5?
Discussion
The missus likes the ST. Took her a bit of getting used to after the MX5 but she's settled with it now. Me, I'm fine driving it, but in all honesty I don't think I could live with it. I find the steering is overly assisted being too light and not weighting up enough and both the torque steer and tramlining are very noticeable. I think it'd run better on smaller wheels and dare I say it, less power 
On paper it looks a very good package, but I just can't settle into it and feel at one with it, I always feel it's fighting me a lot more than anything else I've driven. It is a lot more practical though 
Having read that back, it could be the geometry is badly setup too, she's not had it that long really and don't think it's been anywhere to be fettled yet.
On paper it looks a very good package, but I just can't settle into it and feel at one with it, I always feel it's fighting me a lot more than anything else I've driven. It is a lot more practical though Having read that back, it could be the geometry is badly setup too, she's not had it that long really and don't think it's been anywhere to be fettled yet.
I had a similar scenario. Had a vx220 which I loved but had little grunt for overtaking. Fantastic to drive but then you would get stuck behind a dawdler and never quite have the firepower to get round. Hence I moved on to the 350z. I used to take the vx out for a blast most weekends. Think I only took the 350z out once a month in the 6 months I had it.
Nothing wrong with it and the mid range grunt was stupendous but it was just too big and heavy to really enjoy on a country road. Really the polar opposite of an mx5.
It always felt heavy to me but maybe that was because I was coming from the vx.
Don't get me wrong, great car, I did really like it, but fun little sports car it ain't.
Try one and see if you like it. Easy to get lured in by the speed and aural drama though.
Nothing wrong with it and the mid range grunt was stupendous but it was just too big and heavy to really enjoy on a country road. Really the polar opposite of an mx5.
It always felt heavy to me but maybe that was because I was coming from the vx.
Don't get me wrong, great car, I did really like it, but fun little sports car it ain't.
Try one and see if you like it. Easy to get lured in by the speed and aural drama though.
drgoatboy said:
I had a similar scenario. Had a vx220 which I loved but had little grunt for overtaking. Fantastic to drive but then you would get stuck behind a dawdler and never quite have the firepower to get round. Hence I moved on to the 350z. I used to take the vx out for a blast most weekends. Think I only took the 350z out once a month in the 6 months I had it.
Nothing wrong with it and the mid range grunt was stupendous but it was just too big and heavy to really enjoy on a country road. Really the polar opposite of an mx5.
It always felt heavy to me but maybe that was because I was coming from the vx.
Don't get me wrong, great car, I did really like it, but fun little sports car it ain't.
Try one and see if you like it. Easy to get lured in by the speed and aural drama though.
I've got a mate with a 350Z and the noise is very good.Nothing wrong with it and the mid range grunt was stupendous but it was just too big and heavy to really enjoy on a country road. Really the polar opposite of an mx5.
It always felt heavy to me but maybe that was because I was coming from the vx.
Don't get me wrong, great car, I did really like it, but fun little sports car it ain't.
Try one and see if you like it. Easy to get lured in by the speed and aural drama though.
i think you need/want a contrast. i suggest a decent hot hatch.
today's hatches are very good but for me i still prefer rwd. That said, everyone should experience the breadth of car formats and make their own choices. if you then return to a 5 it will be informed and with conviction. Choose wisely, some really are a bit naff and just fast (VXR comes to mind). Renault - 1x2 would be my punt, the later ones get fat. If you wanted newer then the Megans pick up the batton for driving finese where the Clios left off. Keep it Jap and got CTR?
The 86 is quite different to the 5 imo. Ok, across all cars they clearly overlap more than 95%+. But if you enjoy fine handling, light rwd cars they really are different. The 86 is sharper, more Elise-like, and clearly more practical. The 5 is ever playful and fluid, in it's deliberate rolling way.
Z4s are a let down, but the 6cyl engines are to be savoured before they disappear. In fact, maybe that could be your priority? big normally aspirated 6 or 8cyl before they die or become prohibitively expensive to buy and run. 3 cyl caterhams are great but they'll be around for a few years.
today's hatches are very good but for me i still prefer rwd. That said, everyone should experience the breadth of car formats and make their own choices. if you then return to a 5 it will be informed and with conviction. Choose wisely, some really are a bit naff and just fast (VXR comes to mind). Renault - 1x2 would be my punt, the later ones get fat. If you wanted newer then the Megans pick up the batton for driving finese where the Clios left off. Keep it Jap and got CTR?
The 86 is quite different to the 5 imo. Ok, across all cars they clearly overlap more than 95%+. But if you enjoy fine handling, light rwd cars they really are different. The 86 is sharper, more Elise-like, and clearly more practical. The 5 is ever playful and fluid, in it's deliberate rolling way.
Z4s are a let down, but the 6cyl engines are to be savoured before they disappear. In fact, maybe that could be your priority? big normally aspirated 6 or 8cyl before they die or become prohibitively expensive to buy and run. 3 cyl caterhams are great but they'll be around for a few years.
I moved on from my mx5 almost a year ago now.
After the mazda I was sold on the roadster type layout which ruled out going back down the hot hatch or fast saloon route. For me these cars just don't thrill like a rwd 2 seater convertible can. I wanted a bit more oomph tbh so started looking a Z4Ms (liked that), jags (didn't like so much), etc. The boxster is kinda the default choice tbh, but 2 problems here; the misses already has one plus porsches are just everywhere now.
What to do??!! Well happened to be on my way to a friends wedding and we passed a merc garage. Stopped in for a break and spotted a lovely looking slk55. A cancelled order that they turned out to be desperate to sell. Drove it and knew straight away it was the car for me. Flawed but wonderful. My misses actually prefers it to her boxster (its a much easier and more comfortable and friendly car to just drive) which is probably going to go now. The plan is to replace it with a JCW Mini (for her) and a MK1 MX5 (for us).
After the mazda I was sold on the roadster type layout which ruled out going back down the hot hatch or fast saloon route. For me these cars just don't thrill like a rwd 2 seater convertible can. I wanted a bit more oomph tbh so started looking a Z4Ms (liked that), jags (didn't like so much), etc. The boxster is kinda the default choice tbh, but 2 problems here; the misses already has one plus porsches are just everywhere now.
What to do??!! Well happened to be on my way to a friends wedding and we passed a merc garage. Stopped in for a break and spotted a lovely looking slk55. A cancelled order that they turned out to be desperate to sell. Drove it and knew straight away it was the car for me. Flawed but wonderful. My misses actually prefers it to her boxster (its a much easier and more comfortable and friendly car to just drive) which is probably going to go now. The plan is to replace it with a JCW Mini (for her) and a MK1 MX5 (for us).
clarki said:
I moved on from my mx5 almost a year ago now.
After the mazda I was sold on the roadster type layout which ruled out going back down the hot hatch or fast saloon route. For me these cars just don't thrill like a rwd 2 seater convertible can. I wanted a bit more oomph tbh so started looking a Z4Ms (liked that), jags (didn't like so much), etc. The boxster is kinda the default choice tbh, but 2 problems here; the misses already has one plus porsches are just everywhere now.
What to do??!! Well happened to be on my way to a friends wedding and we passed a merc garage. Stopped in for a break and spotted a lovely looking slk55. A cancelled order that they turned out to be desperate to sell. Drove it and knew straight away it was the car for me. Flawed but wonderful. My misses actually prefers it to her boxster (its a much easier and more comfortable and friendly car to just drive) which is probably going to go now. The plan is to replace it with a JCW Mini (for her) and a MK1 MX5 (for us).
i love this type of story as it shows real interest in cars, not just upgrading to 'higher value' cars all the time. it's good to see how you chose a JCW and a MK1 5. A lot of people here seemed to have made an informed choice of SLK55, i must drive one!After the mazda I was sold on the roadster type layout which ruled out going back down the hot hatch or fast saloon route. For me these cars just don't thrill like a rwd 2 seater convertible can. I wanted a bit more oomph tbh so started looking a Z4Ms (liked that), jags (didn't like so much), etc. The boxster is kinda the default choice tbh, but 2 problems here; the misses already has one plus porsches are just everywhere now.
What to do??!! Well happened to be on my way to a friends wedding and we passed a merc garage. Stopped in for a break and spotted a lovely looking slk55. A cancelled order that they turned out to be desperate to sell. Drove it and knew straight away it was the car for me. Flawed but wonderful. My misses actually prefers it to her boxster (its a much easier and more comfortable and friendly car to just drive) which is probably going to go now. The plan is to replace it with a JCW Mini (for her) and a MK1 MX5 (for us).
I have an NA MX5 that I bought as a track car project in October for £500 and then spent a lot more than that to use it as a track car with track pads and discs, track tyres, Meistr R coil overs, roll bar and all new hoses, fluids, belts etc. Has been fantastic and done 6 track days so far with three more booked for this year. So good that I now use it as my daily and done 10,000 miles of which 1000 on track (probably/about). Hugely entertaining and do so many laps on track days. Prior to this my daily for 18 months was an S2000. A whole different league of car. I still own it but because the MX5 has been such fun the S2000 is now SORNed and sits in the garage. I will get it out when I have got bored or blown up the Mazda. The MX5 has been liberating, never looked at them before, probably because they are so ubiquitous but have loved it. Cheap and you can thrash it everywhere and with good brakes, suspension and exhaust it is huge fun.
Honda is much faster and more serious. Much more exciting but not sure it is any more 'fun'. However, take the air box off and fit an air filter £50 and you will spend 6 months revving the nuts off it just to hear that intoxicating induction roar. Combination of that noise and gear box, practicality, brilliantly easy roof and the reliability means it is probably the best car I have owned (not saying much). Yes it is not checkable in the way the MX5 is but just show some respect when it is cold and damp. In the dry it is fine. In the MX5 you throw it at empty roundabouts to see what will happen, I don't do that in the Honda but think on the track where you can build up to it. it will be fine.
Much as I am loving the MX5 and all the money I am saving I am looking forward to getting the Honda back out and tracking that. S2000 is perfect step up from MX5, more potent, more demanding, more rewarding and won't feel fat and heavy. However MX5s do manage to be more fun than they should be.
Honda is much faster and more serious. Much more exciting but not sure it is any more 'fun'. However, take the air box off and fit an air filter £50 and you will spend 6 months revving the nuts off it just to hear that intoxicating induction roar. Combination of that noise and gear box, practicality, brilliantly easy roof and the reliability means it is probably the best car I have owned (not saying much). Yes it is not checkable in the way the MX5 is but just show some respect when it is cold and damp. In the dry it is fine. In the MX5 you throw it at empty roundabouts to see what will happen, I don't do that in the Honda but think on the track where you can build up to it. it will be fine.
Much as I am loving the MX5 and all the money I am saving I am looking forward to getting the Honda back out and tracking that. S2000 is perfect step up from MX5, more potent, more demanding, more rewarding and won't feel fat and heavy. However MX5s do manage to be more fun than they should be.
Boxster. I sold my MX5 and bought one.
Shop carefully and buy from a reputable dealer with warranty, though.
I do need to send mine to the local Porsche specialist for some fettling - my local man does all the regular servicing, but I want some Boxster specific stuff looking at. Bracing myself for the bill!
Shop carefully and buy from a reputable dealer with warranty, though.
I do need to send mine to the local Porsche specialist for some fettling - my local man does all the regular servicing, but I want some Boxster specific stuff looking at. Bracing myself for the bill!
edoverheels said:
I have an NA MX5 that I bought as a track car project in October for £500 and then spent a lot more than that to use it as a track car with track pads and discs, track tyres, Meistr R coil overs, roll bar and all new hoses, fluids, belts etc. Has been fantastic and done 6 track days so far with three more booked for this year. So good that I now use it as my daily and done 10,000 miles of which 1000 on track (probably/about). Hugely entertaining and do so many laps on track days. Prior to this my daily for 18 months was an S2000. A whole different league of car. I still own it but because the MX5 has been such fun the S2000 is now SORNed and sits in the garage. I will get it out when I have got bored or blown up the Mazda. The MX5 has been liberating, never looked at them before, probably because they are so ubiquitous but have loved it. Cheap and you can thrash it everywhere and with good brakes, suspension and exhaust it is huge fun.
Honda is much faster and more serious. Much more exciting but not sure it is any more 'fun'. However, take the air box off and fit an air filter £50 and you will spend 6 months revving the nuts off it just to hear that intoxicating induction roar. Combination of that noise and gear box, practicality, brilliantly easy roof and the reliability means it is probably the best car I have owned (not saying much). Yes it is not checkable in the way the MX5 is but just show some respect when it is cold and damp. In the dry it is fine. In the MX5 you throw it at empty roundabouts to see what will happen, I don't do that in the Honda but think on the track where you can build up to it. it will be fine.
Much as I am loving the MX5 and all the money I am saving I am looking forward to getting the Honda back out and tracking that. S2000 is perfect step up from MX5, more potent, more demanding, more rewarding and won't feel fat and heavy. However MX5s do manage to be more fun than they should be.
Great post. Honda is much faster and more serious. Much more exciting but not sure it is any more 'fun'. However, take the air box off and fit an air filter £50 and you will spend 6 months revving the nuts off it just to hear that intoxicating induction roar. Combination of that noise and gear box, practicality, brilliantly easy roof and the reliability means it is probably the best car I have owned (not saying much). Yes it is not checkable in the way the MX5 is but just show some respect when it is cold and damp. In the dry it is fine. In the MX5 you throw it at empty roundabouts to see what will happen, I don't do that in the Honda but think on the track where you can build up to it. it will be fine.
Much as I am loving the MX5 and all the money I am saving I am looking forward to getting the Honda back out and tracking that. S2000 is perfect step up from MX5, more potent, more demanding, more rewarding and won't feel fat and heavy. However MX5s do manage to be more fun than they should be.
I love having different cars to feel the contrast. I really enjoy the different feelings and as a consequence learning too. why not develop the 5 even more into a track weapon and enjoy the 2000 on the roads, maybe an occasional track day for contrast? Your 2000 won't depreciate anymore, enjoy it.
My 5 is similar to yours in spec, plus I've added more chassis bracing which was very noticeable, great mod.
If you've room for a covered trailer you could keep a 7 on the drive in the trailer. A decent 7 would be everything a track focused MX5 would be but turned up to 11.
The big money option for a more grown up 7 is the SLS, same sort of car to drive believe it or not as they are mid front engined rear wheel drive cars that are very playful. I wouldn't dismiss a S2000 out of hand as I think their engine is mounted quite a way behind the front wheels as well so they are *similar*?
Other option would be an Elise or Exige? They are lovely cars to drive and more than a match for a MX5 in that area.
The big money option for a more grown up 7 is the SLS, same sort of car to drive believe it or not as they are mid front engined rear wheel drive cars that are very playful. I wouldn't dismiss a S2000 out of hand as I think their engine is mounted quite a way behind the front wheels as well so they are *similar*?
Other option would be an Elise or Exige? They are lovely cars to drive and more than a match for a MX5 in that area.
Some great post on this.
I had a lovely eunos a few years ago, which met an untimely end when I tried to see if it would mate with a Bongo Friendee.
Bought an off road molded Suzuki Samurai with 36" tyres, no roof, and gearing so low it topped out at 40mph. Loved it.
Some that after 18 months, was getting pestered to get a family friendly motor, so moved onto a saab aero. Lasted a month before I decided I couldn't live with the weight and numbness.
Then a GTM Libra. 160bhp k series, 750kg. Revvy, comfortable, quick and a great steer - put 30k on it in 18 months, and loved every one. But not 'playful', and really missed being able to drop the roof.
So the hunt for a replacement started in earnest:
S2k - borrowed a mate's 03 for a fortnight. Hated it. Gave me absolutely no confidence in either the steering, or what the back end was going to do if it hit a bump mid corner. So looked at a late one, and whilst the rear end was better the front was the same - and it just didn't feel like decent value considering the running costs.
GT86 - great, really liked it. But no convertible and would have wanted to mod it within weeks to give an extra 50bhp or so.
Z4 - felt heavy, steering feel was pants (maybe I'm just sensitive, I'm certainly no amazing steer!), way too civilised.
Boxster - grown up version of the GTM. Which wasn't what I wanted. Plus reliability worries (says he who thrashed the hell out of a tuned k series!). Van definitely understand why people love them though.
TVR t350 - perfect. Just perfect. The only thing that stopped me spending many multiples of my original budget was the image - I'm a self employed consultant, and it would have caused grief at work (flash b
d, we're obviously paying you too much...).
So I'm back in an mx5. Mk2 RS this time, with the intention of making it as close to the tiv as possible. To that end, I've currently spent at least as much as the asking price on killing rust, and it's currently in with Skuzzle for an engine rebuild after I blew the headgasket and oil rings within 500 miles of use (and I thought the k series was the one with the reputation?). Interior is being 'made nice', suspension and brakes are getting a thorough overhaul next month (it's got 8yo Gaz gold pros, thinking of trying out Meisters next along with refurbed wishbones and poly bushes). Then comes powwwweeeeerrr...
Still undecided between the tdr rotrex kit or a jag v6 swap. Both cost a spookily similar amount when I factor in sale of my freshly rebuilt forged engine, one is very well tried and tested - the other gives me a v6 soundtrack and potential for silly power with throttle bodies. All within an under the radar shell.
My advice, have a play with a few different things. Nothing wrong with buying a car just to give it a proper test, then flogging it on six months later if it's not for you. You may go in a very different direction, you may come back to where you started. That last result isn't a retrograde step, nor a waste of time. The experience will be worth it!
I had a lovely eunos a few years ago, which met an untimely end when I tried to see if it would mate with a Bongo Friendee.
Bought an off road molded Suzuki Samurai with 36" tyres, no roof, and gearing so low it topped out at 40mph. Loved it.
Some that after 18 months, was getting pestered to get a family friendly motor, so moved onto a saab aero. Lasted a month before I decided I couldn't live with the weight and numbness.
Then a GTM Libra. 160bhp k series, 750kg. Revvy, comfortable, quick and a great steer - put 30k on it in 18 months, and loved every one. But not 'playful', and really missed being able to drop the roof.
So the hunt for a replacement started in earnest:
S2k - borrowed a mate's 03 for a fortnight. Hated it. Gave me absolutely no confidence in either the steering, or what the back end was going to do if it hit a bump mid corner. So looked at a late one, and whilst the rear end was better the front was the same - and it just didn't feel like decent value considering the running costs.
GT86 - great, really liked it. But no convertible and would have wanted to mod it within weeks to give an extra 50bhp or so.
Z4 - felt heavy, steering feel was pants (maybe I'm just sensitive, I'm certainly no amazing steer!), way too civilised.
Boxster - grown up version of the GTM. Which wasn't what I wanted. Plus reliability worries (says he who thrashed the hell out of a tuned k series!). Van definitely understand why people love them though.
TVR t350 - perfect. Just perfect. The only thing that stopped me spending many multiples of my original budget was the image - I'm a self employed consultant, and it would have caused grief at work (flash b
d, we're obviously paying you too much...). So I'm back in an mx5. Mk2 RS this time, with the intention of making it as close to the tiv as possible. To that end, I've currently spent at least as much as the asking price on killing rust, and it's currently in with Skuzzle for an engine rebuild after I blew the headgasket and oil rings within 500 miles of use (and I thought the k series was the one with the reputation?). Interior is being 'made nice', suspension and brakes are getting a thorough overhaul next month (it's got 8yo Gaz gold pros, thinking of trying out Meisters next along with refurbed wishbones and poly bushes). Then comes powwwweeeeerrr...
Still undecided between the tdr rotrex kit or a jag v6 swap. Both cost a spookily similar amount when I factor in sale of my freshly rebuilt forged engine, one is very well tried and tested - the other gives me a v6 soundtrack and potential for silly power with throttle bodies. All within an under the radar shell.
My advice, have a play with a few different things. Nothing wrong with buying a car just to give it a proper test, then flogging it on six months later if it's not for you. You may go in a very different direction, you may come back to where you started. That last result isn't a retrograde step, nor a waste of time. The experience will be worth it!
Oh, and if trackdays are your thing, bear in mind the massive increase in consumables costs as soon as weight or power increase.
Having had heavy but quick cars in the past on track, destroying a set of tyres and pads every time gets old very quickly when you remember how little a lightweight takes out of them.
Having had heavy but quick cars in the past on track, destroying a set of tyres and pads every time gets old very quickly when you remember how little a lightweight takes out of them.
Some brilliant responses in here!
Went out for some passenger rides around Curborough in various different things this week, went in a few hot hatches and they're much faster in a straight line than the '5 but they just didnt feel right? Quicker but different, not sure if it's for me but I will leave the EP3 Civic on the cards for a proper test drive.
Went out in a 350z and they're still awesome in my opinion, but as drgoatboy maybe suggesting not all that special? Brilliant machinery though and I do still want to own one at some point, but running costs, tyres and pads could potentially get expensive.
Went in a few more 86's and they're definitely more precise, more of a tool than the '5 is but I think I need something a little more different next.
I love the idea of a V8 but if I'm slightly concerned of running a 6 pot surely a V8 would be even worse? Nice to see how you can go from Porsche's, AMG's and still enjoy the '5, maybe I'm just not appreciating what I already have enough.
I haven't been in and around many S2000's so I do need to start looking into those I think. My list is becoming quite conclusive now of what I want to try; S2000, Boxster, CTR, 350z.
The Lotus / Caterham idea is where I'd love to go but ideally the car needs to have some ability to be used year round, so right now they're kind of off the cards, one day though!
I am having second thoughts; do I just spend a wod off money; Manifold, Midpipe, Cams and remap and hopefully have the MX5 around 200bhp, just concerned that I'd spend the money and still fancy a change of car.
Went out for some passenger rides around Curborough in various different things this week, went in a few hot hatches and they're much faster in a straight line than the '5 but they just didnt feel right? Quicker but different, not sure if it's for me but I will leave the EP3 Civic on the cards for a proper test drive.
Went out in a 350z and they're still awesome in my opinion, but as drgoatboy maybe suggesting not all that special? Brilliant machinery though and I do still want to own one at some point, but running costs, tyres and pads could potentially get expensive.
Went in a few more 86's and they're definitely more precise, more of a tool than the '5 is but I think I need something a little more different next.
I love the idea of a V8 but if I'm slightly concerned of running a 6 pot surely a V8 would be even worse? Nice to see how you can go from Porsche's, AMG's and still enjoy the '5, maybe I'm just not appreciating what I already have enough.
I haven't been in and around many S2000's so I do need to start looking into those I think. My list is becoming quite conclusive now of what I want to try; S2000, Boxster, CTR, 350z.
The Lotus / Caterham idea is where I'd love to go but ideally the car needs to have some ability to be used year round, so right now they're kind of off the cards, one day though!
I am having second thoughts; do I just spend a wod off money; Manifold, Midpipe, Cams and remap and hopefully have the MX5 around 200bhp, just concerned that I'd spend the money and still fancy a change of car.
I could probably cut my list down to; S2000 or 350z, with potentially a CTR as the oddball as it's just totally different, not sure the Porsche is something I want to get into just yet, probably the "best" car to buy though.
I've never really looked into F/I mk1's, any idea how much they go for, for a well set up mechanically one, I don't really mind so much on body condition as long as they're not a complete rot box.
I've never really looked into F/I mk1's, any idea how much they go for, for a well set up mechanically one, I don't really mind so much on body condition as long as they're not a complete rot box.
an FI 5 should be around 5k for a good one. Sure they're around for less but be careful, get it checked by a specialist.
I think a 350 could suit your needs, it's interesting and a contrast. I've driven one several times and 'quite' liked it, but it misses something for me. quite heavy, a little noisy on a cruise and lacking some finesse. The engine is great though, and in that all cars have +/- it's a worthy car and after ownership you'd be a rounder car person (if that's not too creepy a thing to say?). I certainly enjoyed driving it and returned to it a few times (car club).
86 is a great car, but maybe too similar as you say.
You want a contrast, good, do the Z!
I think a 350 could suit your needs, it's interesting and a contrast. I've driven one several times and 'quite' liked it, but it misses something for me. quite heavy, a little noisy on a cruise and lacking some finesse. The engine is great though, and in that all cars have +/- it's a worthy car and after ownership you'd be a rounder car person (if that's not too creepy a thing to say?). I certainly enjoyed driving it and returned to it a few times (car club).
86 is a great car, but maybe too similar as you say.
You want a contrast, good, do the Z!
I am in a lucky position where I own several cars, from a bike-engined kit car to a 70's VW camper. And a bog standard ( ish ) 1600 MK1 Eunos which I use for production class sprints / hillclimbs. But you know what, on a sunny sunday morning it will probobly always be the MX5 I choose for a blast! Seriously, the grass is not always greener, if you "get" the MX5 then you will probobly be one if the group which regrets selling it someday...
Remember it's not how fast you go, its how you go fast.
Remember it's not how fast you go, its how you go fast.
HaylingJag said:
the only replacement for an MX5 is an MX5 turbo or Supercharged version.........
Its interesting having gone from a fairly standard Mk1 to a very modified turbo Mk1 in the past, I don't think the turbo one was actually any more fun. Heaps faster of course, but it just made it a different type of fun instead of more fun.If/when I buy another MX5 I'll probably go back to a naturally aspirated one and enjoy the throttle response and thrashability. Maybe a Mk2 or Mk3 though, I was never really a fan of pop-up headlights.
I am having this dilemma currently, next March im looking to get shot of the 5 and move on. Truth is i cant find anything im even remotely interested in that i can insure (Living in Manchester). Only 2 cars that are serious options are a VX220 and a Nissan S15. The VX is the only car i can see beating the 5 for fun down a b road. Maybe i'll just run the 5 into the ground.
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