A few Mk1 MX-5 questions, if you don't mind
Discussion
I'm thinking about getting a mk1 MX-5 as a first car - 116bhp, RWD, soft top, IMO a practical Westfield (the car I really want 
but aren't allowed).
I can get insured on one, but it will have to the the 1.6 and probably a basic spec level. So I was wondering if you could answer a few question, I know I should go to the owners club really but I'm nackered and can't be bothered to register etc. Anyhow, here we go: (oh, and it has to be a UK car, not an import!)
1. Is there any insurance difference between the 116bhp and the 88bhp versions?
2. Should I be going for the later models with side impact bars (1993->1997?) or are they not too important?
3. With a (small, I know) budget of £2-3k, what kind of year and milage car should I be getting?
4. Are the soft tops any good in winter or should I also gbet a hardtop (for cold weather and added security)?
5. What/where are these drainage pipes for the roof?
6. Is it worth waiting for aspecial edition version to come up for sale, and if so what should I go for? (although I don't like the wooden interior on what I think is the V spec cars)
7. Is leather or cloth interior better? (although I'll be putting in sports seats after a year)
I think thats about it. And don't even think about telling me to get a crappy car for a year, I've been banned from buying motorbikes and kit cars, I want a decent car!
but aren't allowed). I can get insured on one, but it will have to the the 1.6 and probably a basic spec level. So I was wondering if you could answer a few question, I know I should go to the owners club really but I'm nackered and can't be bothered to register etc. Anyhow, here we go: (oh, and it has to be a UK car, not an import!)
1. Is there any insurance difference between the 116bhp and the 88bhp versions?
2. Should I be going for the later models with side impact bars (1993->1997?) or are they not too important?
3. With a (small, I know) budget of £2-3k, what kind of year and milage car should I be getting?
4. Are the soft tops any good in winter or should I also gbet a hardtop (for cold weather and added security)?
5. What/where are these drainage pipes for the roof?
6. Is it worth waiting for aspecial edition version to come up for sale, and if so what should I go for? (although I don't like the wooden interior on what I think is the V spec cars)
7. Is leather or cloth interior better? (although I'll be putting in sports seats after a year)
I think thats about it. And don't even think about telling me to get a crappy car for a year, I've been banned from buying motorbikes and kit cars, I want a decent car!
Hi m8,
I'm thinking about getting a mk1 MX-5 as a first car - 116bhp, RWD, soft top, IMO a practical Westfield (the car I really want but aren't allowed).
Wise decision - good, reliable fun cars.
I can get insured on one, but it will have to the the 1.6 and probably a basic spec level. So I was wondering if you could answer a few question, I know I should go to the owners club really but I'm nackered and can't be bothered to register etc. Anyhow, here we go: (oh, and it has to be a UK car, not an import!)
1. Is there any insurance difference between the 116bhp and the 88bhp versions?
Not sure, insurance on my 1.6 1991 is group 12, try AON, put it on a limited mileage if possible, that should help bring the cost down. Thing is an 88bhp version will be some years newer so will probably be the same to insure. I'd go for the 116bhp, will be more fun than the detuned 88bhp version.
2. Should I be going for the later models with side impact bars (1993->1997?) or are they not too important?
Yes if you get T-boned otherwise no Depends on how important safety is to you, mine hasn't got side-impact bars but you can retrofit the cockpit brace which will add more strength if you are T-boned than the door side impact boors, I'd have thought.
3. With a (small, I know) budget of £2-3k, what kind of year and milage car should I be getting?
Well for 3.5k you can buy my 210bhp 1991 rwd mx5 of me, its done 142k miles but has a synthetic oil and filter change every 3k and is looked after but driven daily so not concurs by any means. I've had the car for over 8 years, its never once let me down, its had over 20k of all the best bits spent on it since I've owned it. It has a lot of history (a bulging folder full no-less). Just sailed through its MOT last weekend.
[pic]www.hull.ac.uk/designs/vmax7/mx52.jpg [/pic]
4. Are the soft tops any good in winter or should I also gbet a hardtop (for cold weather and added security)?
A good soft top is fine for winter.
5. What/where are these drainage pipes for the roof?
Well as your probably aware they allow the water to drain from the car, you do have to check the drainage holes in the deck near the seats belt turrets to ensure they aren't filled with leaves, twigs, rubbish etc if they are water will collect in the sills. Easily corrected though with a small pen-knife and a good clean.
6. Is it worth waiting for aspecial edition version to come up for sale, and if so what should I go for? (although I don't like the wooden interior on what I think is the V spec cars)
Yes I'd say so, theres a lot of mx5s out there, why not let someone else have spent all the money on it before you buy it?
7. Is leather or cloth interior better? (although I'll be putting in sports seats after a year)
Leather seats certainly look nicer, though there are arguments that they aren't particularly practical for a convertible, ie too hot in the summer to cold in the winter, I 'd personally go for alcantra or half leather sports seats.
I think thats about it. And don't even think about telling me to get a crappy car for a year, I've been banned from buying motorbikes and kit cars, I want a decent car!
Any other questions feel free to ask. Good luck with your search, they are great cars.
>> Edited by dewey on Thursday 6th April 09:47
I'm thinking about getting a mk1 MX-5 as a first car - 116bhp, RWD, soft top, IMO a practical Westfield (the car I really want but aren't allowed).
Wise decision - good, reliable fun cars.
I can get insured on one, but it will have to the the 1.6 and probably a basic spec level. So I was wondering if you could answer a few question, I know I should go to the owners club really but I'm nackered and can't be bothered to register etc. Anyhow, here we go: (oh, and it has to be a UK car, not an import!)
1. Is there any insurance difference between the 116bhp and the 88bhp versions?
Not sure, insurance on my 1.6 1991 is group 12, try AON, put it on a limited mileage if possible, that should help bring the cost down. Thing is an 88bhp version will be some years newer so will probably be the same to insure. I'd go for the 116bhp, will be more fun than the detuned 88bhp version.
2. Should I be going for the later models with side impact bars (1993->1997?) or are they not too important?
Yes if you get T-boned otherwise no
Depends on how important safety is to you, mine hasn't got side-impact bars but you can retrofit the cockpit brace which will add more strength if you are T-boned than the door side impact boors, I'd have thought. 3. With a (small, I know) budget of £2-3k, what kind of year and milage car should I be getting?
Well for 3.5k you can buy my 210bhp 1991 rwd mx5 of me, its done 142k miles but has a synthetic oil and filter change every 3k and is looked after but driven daily so not concurs by any means. I've had the car for over 8 years, its never once let me down, its had over 20k of all the best bits spent on it since I've owned it. It has a lot of history (a bulging folder full no-less). Just sailed through its MOT last weekend.
[pic]www.hull.ac.uk/designs/vmax7/mx52.jpg [/pic]
4. Are the soft tops any good in winter or should I also gbet a hardtop (for cold weather and added security)?
A good soft top is fine for winter.
5. What/where are these drainage pipes for the roof?
Well as your probably aware they allow the water to drain from the car, you do have to check the drainage holes in the deck near the seats belt turrets to ensure they aren't filled with leaves, twigs, rubbish etc if they are water will collect in the sills. Easily corrected though with a small pen-knife and a good clean.
6. Is it worth waiting for aspecial edition version to come up for sale, and if so what should I go for? (although I don't like the wooden interior on what I think is the V spec cars)
Yes I'd say so, theres a lot of mx5s out there, why not let someone else have spent all the money on it before you buy it?
7. Is leather or cloth interior better? (although I'll be putting in sports seats after a year)
Leather seats certainly look nicer, though there are arguments that they aren't particularly practical for a convertible, ie too hot in the summer to cold in the winter, I 'd personally go for alcantra or half leather sports seats.
I think thats about it. And don't even think about telling me to get a crappy car for a year, I've been banned from buying motorbikes and kit cars, I want a decent car!
Any other questions feel free to ask. Good luck with your search, they are great cars.
>> Edited by dewey on Thursday 6th April 09:47
We bought a 96 1.8 recently. It's no dearer than a 1.6 to insure. We went through elephant.
Drive a few cars before you buy and make sure it's straight - get the alignment checked.
The soft top is fine in my opinion as it doesn't leak.
Check the lights work.
Check the brake pads too.
Buy on condition - not age. You could get a very tidy car for about £2k - just do it
Drive a few cars before you buy and make sure it's straight - get the alignment checked.
The soft top is fine in my opinion as it doesn't leak.
Check the lights work.
Check the brake pads too.
Buy on condition - not age. You could get a very tidy car for about £2k - just do it
I'm looking for one too. Coincidentally after I admitted to myself that a Westfield was beyond the scope of my budget (also near-impossible to insure in Ireland). £3k looks like a good budget - especially if you're looking for a 1.6. I'm looking for a 1.8 in a similar price range. Over here, there's no insurance discrimination against the Eunos so that's what I'm after - they're generally better specced.
Mine's purely a toy but it would make a nice first car. I had a nasty little Micra!
Mine's purely a toy but it would make a nice first car. I had a nasty little Micra!
Good choice, If it's any help here are the insurance groups for (the many!)variants
between 1990-2005, no idea how much a Eunos, import difference is though
1.6i 2d (01) 11
1.6i 2d (03) 11
1.6i 2d (95) 11
1.6i 2d (98) 11
1.6i Angels 2d 11
1.6i Arctic 2d 11
1.6i Arizona 2d 11
1.6i California 2d 11
1.6i Euphonic 2d 11
1.6i Icon 2d 11
1.6i Isola 2d 11
1.6i Monaco 2d 11
1.6i Monza 2d 11
1.6i Nevada 2d 11
1.6i Phoenix SE 2d 11
1.6i 2d (90) 12
1.6i 2d (91) 12
1.6i Le Mans 2d 12
1.8i 2d (01) 12
1.8i 2d (03) 12
1.8i 2d (94) 12
1.8i 2d (98) 12
1.8i 2d Auto (01) 12
1.8i Angels 2d 12
1.8i Arctic 2d 12
1.8i Arizona 2d 12
1.8i California 2d 12
1.8i Euphonic 2d 12
1.8i Icon 2d (05) 12
1.8i Indiana 2d 12
1.8i Nevada 2d 12
1.8i Nevada LT 2d 12
1.8i Phoenix SE 2d 12
1.6i SE 2d (1/92) 13
1.6i SE 2d (4/92) 13
1.8i Berkeley 2d 13
1.8i Classic 2d 13
1.8i Dakar 2d 13
1.8i Gleneagles 2d 13
1.8i Harvard 2d 13
1.8i Icon 2d (00) 13
1.8i Jasper Conran Platinum 2d 13
1.8i Merlot 2d 13
1.8i S 2d (94) 13
1.8i S 2d (98) 13
1.8i S Sport 2d 13
1.8i SE 2d 13
1.8i Sport 2d (01) 13
1.8i Sport 2d (SN) 13
1.8i Trilogy 2d 13
1.8i Montana 2d 14
1.8i 10th Anniversary 2d 15
1.8i Jasper Conran Classic Black 2d 15
1.8i Sport 2d (98) 16
>> Edited by tuttle on Thursday 6th April 14:15
between 1990-2005, no idea how much a Eunos, import difference is though
1.6i 2d (01) 11
1.6i 2d (03) 11
1.6i 2d (95) 11
1.6i 2d (98) 11
1.6i Angels 2d 11
1.6i Arctic 2d 11
1.6i Arizona 2d 11
1.6i California 2d 11
1.6i Euphonic 2d 11
1.6i Icon 2d 11
1.6i Isola 2d 11
1.6i Monaco 2d 11
1.6i Monza 2d 11
1.6i Nevada 2d 11
1.6i Phoenix SE 2d 11
1.6i 2d (90) 12
1.6i 2d (91) 12
1.6i Le Mans 2d 12
1.8i 2d (01) 12
1.8i 2d (03) 12
1.8i 2d (94) 12
1.8i 2d (98) 12
1.8i 2d Auto (01) 12
1.8i Angels 2d 12
1.8i Arctic 2d 12
1.8i Arizona 2d 12
1.8i California 2d 12
1.8i Euphonic 2d 12
1.8i Icon 2d (05) 12
1.8i Indiana 2d 12
1.8i Nevada 2d 12
1.8i Nevada LT 2d 12
1.8i Phoenix SE 2d 12
1.6i SE 2d (1/92) 13
1.6i SE 2d (4/92) 13
1.8i Berkeley 2d 13
1.8i Classic 2d 13
1.8i Dakar 2d 13
1.8i Gleneagles 2d 13
1.8i Harvard 2d 13
1.8i Icon 2d (00) 13
1.8i Jasper Conran Platinum 2d 13
1.8i Merlot 2d 13
1.8i S 2d (94) 13
1.8i S 2d (98) 13
1.8i S Sport 2d 13
1.8i SE 2d 13
1.8i Sport 2d (01) 13
1.8i Sport 2d (SN) 13
1.8i Trilogy 2d 13
1.8i Montana 2d 14
1.8i 10th Anniversary 2d 15
1.8i Jasper Conran Classic Black 2d 15
1.8i Sport 2d (98) 16
>> Edited by tuttle on Thursday 6th April 14:15
ccharlie6 said:
hope you dont mind me asking but qhat kind of quotes have you been given for the MX5 on insurance?
So far, I've only put it through confused.com, and they came back with 5 insurers the cheapest being just over £4,000. However, in the past I've had quotes for way more than that and by calling a specialist insurer the prices have more than halved from confused.com's quotes. I'm waiting for Footman James to send me a quote, and I'll be calling A plan and AON tomorrow to get some quotes.
Thanks for the answers Dewey. Can I just ask what the 0-60 time is like for the early 1.6's, max speed, and are they easily chipped?
It would be nice if it was faster than a Mini Cooper - someone at my school have just had a new Cooper bought for them for £17k 
and £4k insurance so I'd be so smug if my £2k car was faster. Oh, and do 1.6's sound nice with the standard exhaust?
Thank you
MrFlibbles said:
Whats the most you would be willing to pay?
Well my total budget will be around £5k, maybe a little bit more. So I'm expecting to pay about £3k for a car and then anything from £1-2.5k for insurance. All quotes are TPFT btw I hope to get insured on an MX5 for about £2k though, and thats taking into account doing Pass Plus, adding other people on as named drivers and also the fact that I live in a pretty bad postcode area for insurance 
Still, pwig paid over £3k to insure his Eunos when he was 19/20!!!
I hate insurance companies
>> Edited by southpaw on Sunday 28th May 22:42
Try elephant with added driver, see if that gets any cheaper.
Not being funny, but I would go for a Mk1 for the service hsitory and condition, rather than hunt around for a special edition, or one with a hardtop, all this will add on extras that you may not get the benefit of.
I do worry about the roof being slashed but then I have a garage, I also worry about 'car roof off flipping squashed driver' problem too
Not being funny, but I would go for a Mk1 for the service hsitory and condition, rather than hunt around for a special edition, or one with a hardtop, all this will add on extras that you may not get the benefit of.
I do worry about the roof being slashed but then I have a garage, I also worry about 'car roof off flipping squashed driver' problem too
m1spw said:
hope you dont mind me asking but qhat kind of quotes have you been given for the MX5 on insurance?
So far, I've only put it through confused.com, and they came back with 5 insurers the cheapest being just over £4,000. However, in the past I've had quotes for way more than that and by calling a specialist insurer the prices have more than halved from confused.com's quotes. I'm waiting for Footman James to send me a quote, and I'll be calling A plan and AON tomorrow to get some quotes.
Thanks for the answers Dewey. Can I just ask what the 0-60 time is like for the early 1.6's, max speed, and are they easily chipped?
Oh, and do 1.6's sound nice with the standard exhaust?
Thank you
0-60 standard 1.6 115bhp is around 9 seconds.
Top Speed 115mph or so.
Aon don't cover under 25s, and there are no cheap and easy ways to get decent HP gains on a 5. Best thing to do is "add lightness" and adjust the timing to 14deg.
As Si (Dewey) says look for condition on a car at that price.
I am also looking for a similar car with very similar criteria however I only want if for some summer fun for 3 months rather than as a longer term car. Many of my questions were the same as m1spw so they have been superbly well answered by everyone here, however in true PH tradition I have a few more to add 
They are mainly about insurance and how to get a cheap price for an MX5 if I only keep it for a short period. First up is can you get short term (3 month) policies on an MX5 as I am only planning to keep the car for a short period. Second up, can you get a 1991 MX5 UK car on classic insurance policies with limited mileage? I imagine this will eat down the prices I am quoted and hopefully make it worthwhile as a summer toy. The gorilla in the mist here is that I am only 20 and many insurers get out the bargepoles to push me away until I turn 21, does anyone know of a company that will insure a 20 year old on a short term policy? Finally can anyone suggest companies I should call to get the cheapest short term, limited mileage and classic quotes for such a car?
Insurance is my main problem and main cost as selling after 3 months will mean minimal if any depreciation and petrol/oil etc would still have to be paid if I drove my other option which is a 1997 Micra Insurance seems to be the thing preventing me from buying this car so if anyone can help on that then I would be hugely grateful!
They are mainly about insurance and how to get a cheap price for an MX5 if I only keep it for a short period. First up is can you get short term (3 month) policies on an MX5 as I am only planning to keep the car for a short period. Second up, can you get a 1991 MX5 UK car on classic insurance policies with limited mileage? I imagine this will eat down the prices I am quoted and hopefully make it worthwhile as a summer toy. The gorilla in the mist here is that I am only 20 and many insurers get out the bargepoles to push me away until I turn 21, does anyone know of a company that will insure a 20 year old on a short term policy? Finally can anyone suggest companies I should call to get the cheapest short term, limited mileage and classic quotes for such a car?
Insurance is my main problem and main cost as selling after 3 months will mean minimal if any depreciation and petrol/oil etc would still have to be paid if I drove my other option which is a 1997 Micra
Insurance seems to be the thing preventing me from buying this car so if anyone can help on that then I would be hugely grateful!I used to talk to a guy called Simon Ambler at AON insurance. AON are very mx5/roadster friendly. I spoke to them at length when they where working out what to charge for mods on 5's, what mods needed doing if you went FI, etc. My insurance was about £380 for my 210 rwhp highly modded 5, unlimited mileage, 1991 UK.
Looks like I've got a buyer for my 5 and I didn't even had to advertise
Looks like I've got a buyer for my 5 and I didn't even had to advertise
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