MX-5 Model Variations (Mk2) and Buyers Guide?

[hamzamian]

Hi,

Still looking to buy an Mx-5 and ideally a Mk2... now i understand there is a 1.6 and a 1.8 and I'd like to get a 1.8 if possible but I notice some are advertised as 1.8, 1.8S and 1.8iS.

SO i'm guessing the iS and the S are actually the same just some people added the i? or not? Also what is the difference between an S and non S car and what differences are there (apart from engine size of course) between and 1.6 and 1.8?

Also is there a good buyers guide someone can point me to? I'm hoping to go and see a couple of cars and hopefully drive one away tomorrow.

OH and also how often are the service intervals? Is it really every 5000 miles???

Thanks in advance!

[Red Firecracker]

Well, Parkers is a good start for an idea of specs;

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/summary.aspx?m...

Although I do tend to take Parkers stats with a pinch of salt.

There's plenty of info on the owners forums from people who've asked exactly the same.

Good luck!

[rfn]

Hi Hamzamian...

The Mk2 MX-5 ran from 1998, and was revised in 2001 (this is called the MK2.5). The Mk2.5 has different headlights, slightly different bumpers and also a different centre console.

This website is quite good at some of the special edition model designations (you're looking at the "NB" models - the Mazda "code" for the Mk2).

The service intervals are every 9000 miles, with the cambelt change due at 54000 miles or 6 years (so check it's been done!).

With regards the model designations you posted, the 1.8iS is a correct "edition" as such, and I suspect that the 1.8S you have seen is a "Sport", which was based on the iS.

HTH