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jamhow79
Original Poster
57 posts
42 months
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Not been on here for a while; Stupidly replaced my 04 plate mx5 with a 2.5 litre BMW Z4 about 18 months ago and have regretted the decision ever since. Its time for a change again - Any guidence on the mk3 ? I loved my mk 2.5 but the reviews of the early mk3 are not great. can anyone advise if the reviews are correct, if a suspension change would sort the issues the reviews give about the handling or what age the issues were sorted out from so I can look for the right car.
thanks
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Don Phil
433 posts
59 months
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Munter
23,827 posts
111 months
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I've come from my MK1 to a 06 MK3. It's a more refined car than the MK1. But has lost a little of the character.
Not driven a mk2.5 so can't really give that comparison.
Still much more fun to drive than the 3.0 Z3 I test drove though!
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DennisTheMenace
15,487 posts
138 months
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I have also come from a MK1 to the MK3, I have the 2.0 sport, so it has the 6 speed box and Torsen LSD plus Bilstiens and it had the eibach lowering springs fitted at purchase, It feels a bit more grown up to the mk1 and its quite refined also, but point it at teh twisty stuff and snick your way through the gearbox and its just if not more fun than the MK1, but then thats progression for you 
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Craikeybaby
1,252 posts
95 months
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DennisTheMenace said: I have also come from a MK1 to the MK3, I have the 2.0 sport, so it has the 6 speed box and Torsen LSD plus Bilstiens and it had the eibach lowering springs fitted at purchase, It feels a bit more grown up to the mk1 and its quite refined also, but point it at teh twisty stuff and snick your way through the gearbox and its just if not more fun than the MK1, but then thats progression for you Ditto, I went from mk1 to mk3.5 and I actually prefer the new one.
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hornetrider
41,161 posts
75 months
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Craikeybaby said: Ditto, I went from mk1 to mk3.5 and I actually prefer the new one. Same here.
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Corpulent Tosser
3,071 posts
115 months
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Mk2.5 to Mk3.5 via 996
Prefer the latest car to either of the two that preceded it, though the 'grunt' of the 996 is missed a little.
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jacjac
135 posts
94 months
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The Mk3/3.5's are clearly a car that has evolved over a number of years and generations. The later car might have lost a little feel but it has grown up - matured nicely I suppose you could say. It seems to have everything you could want but nothing you don't. From my experience the 2 litre with the 6 speed box and LSD is favorite. It's great for a quick blast around the lanes, but equally comfortable on a 400 mile motorway run. Despite it's undeserved reputation it's a great little sports car that's cheap to run, super reliable and a blast to drive. With the later cars you don't have to worry about rust issues or other age related problems. For me the metal folding top is just fantastic.
Lowering is a must, apart from that just drive and enjoy.
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Shaw Tarse
19,324 posts
73 months
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jacjac said: The Mk3/3.5's are clearly a car that has evolved over a number of years and generations. The later car might have lost a little feel but it has grown up - matured nicely I suppose you could say. It seems to have everything you could want but nothing you don't. From my experience the 2 litre with the 6 speed box and LSD is favorite. It's great for a quick blast around the lanes, but equally comfortable on a 400 mile motorway run. Despite it's undeserved reputation it's a great little sports car that's cheap to run, super reliable and a blast to drive. With the later cars you don't have to worry about rust issues or other age related problems. For me the metal folding top is just fantastic.
Lowering is a must, apart from that just drive and enjoy. Pedant it's not metal! 
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sbird
108 posts
48 months
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As others have already said - the Mk3 is more refined that then the Mk1. So if you want refined, get a Mk3. If you want raw, get a Mk1. Either way, they're both better than a Mk2 If you're worried about it not being fun, then don't. I've taken my Mk3 onto a drift/control day and it drifts very nicely, compared to the older cars.
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MX-5 Lazza
6,522 posts
89 months
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The Mk3 has a much stiffer chassis than all previous models. That allows it to be a much better platform for the suspension which is why it can have a much better ride, feel more refined (the smoother engine also helps here) while still having more grip than before. That's called progress.
Each new version from it's 1st introduction got a stiffer chassis which benefited the ride & handling, Mk1 > Mk1.5 > Mk2 > Mk2.5 > Mk3 > Mk3.5. I'm sure the next Mk3 facelift (Mk3.75?) and Mk4 will be further steps forward - as long as they don't go the FWD or electric PAS routes.
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Riknos
3,639 posts
74 months
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mk3 uses the RX8 platform, which is why the windscreens crack on a lot of them (mine was replaced when it was only 1 year old - some owners report repeated cracking) as the chassis has a bit more flex in it than the RX8 does (due to a lack of roof) and the windscreen design can't always deal with this.
Of course this isn't a problem, as most insurance policies have windscreen cover, but just thought it was an interesting fact.
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Riff Raff
2,293 posts
65 months
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hornetrider said: Craikeybaby said: Ditto, I went from mk1 to mk3.5 and I actually prefer the new one. Same here. I went from a 2.5 to a 3.5 and I'd agree. The engine is a peach.
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browno
273 posts
104 months
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I am interested in seeing the difference, as I'm due to pick up a Mk3 2.0 (non-sport) on Friday to replace my Boxster S (so far seen only in pictures, deal done by phone!) - I had a Mk1 before the porsche and fancy going back to an MX5, due to the lower onwership costs!Hopefully it will be as good as the first one was - I think a WIM appointment will be top of the to-do list though...
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Munter
23,827 posts
111 months
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browno said: I am interested in seeing the difference, as I'm due to pick up a Mk3 2.0 (non-sport) on Friday to replace my Boxster S (so far seen only in pictures, deal done by phone!) - I had a Mk1 before the porsche and fancy going back to an MX5, due to the lower onwership costs!Hopefully it will be as good as the first one was - I think a WIM appointment will be top of the to-do list though... Suddenly I'm happier about my decision to get a MK3 rather than a boxster
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hornetrider
41,161 posts
75 months
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browno said: I am interested in seeing the difference, as I'm due to pick up a Mk3 2.0 (non-sport) on Friday to replace my Boxster S (so far seen only in pictures, deal done by phone!) - I had a Mk1 before the porsche and fancy going back to an MX5, due to the lower onwership costs!Hopefully it will be as good as the first one was - I think a WIM appointment will be top of the to-do list though... Interesting! You've followed the same route as me. Mk1 > Boxster S > Mk3(.5 in my case). Boxster has an awesome engine and ride, but you have to be spanking it to be having fun as its like a GT car in comparison to a 5.
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