RX8 192 vs MX5 (What Car?)

[JDMDrifter]

Hi all,

Thought i'd put this question to the Jap section as i'm more likely to get some sensible answers/ owners thoughts.

I'll soon be in the position to buy myself a new weekend car, i have a company car for personal use as well so this car will just be for fun. I'll have around £1500 to spend. I want it to be really fun and maybe do the odd trackday but i don't want it to cost the earth as i'm a 21 year old whipper snapper who still has a lot to learn!

My 2 choices:

Mazda RX8 192 (A 231 is too much to insure)

Good bits

• I adore its looks and the way the power is delivered
• It's a very good car for the money
• It's also rather fast and has a good chassis

Bad bits

• The various engine issues, I've done lots of research and i know they can last up to 100k if looked after
• At my budget most will be abit leggy
• Potential for large bills

Mazda MX5 (Most likely a Mk2 1.8s)

Good bits

• Fun top down motoring
• Cheap to run and look after
• Masses of modification parts available
• I have friends who own MX5's

Bad bits

• Not the most manly of cars
• Rust seems to kill many
• Not massively fast, but i suppose its very fun

So to put it out there, what shall i aim for?

Alex

[JDMDrifter]

Thanks for that! I suppose it all depends if i can find an rx8 that's had a rebuild recently ?

[JDMDrifter]

Thanks. I think if I can find an rx8 that's been very well cared for I'll be a lucky man. The mx5 is probably the more raw drivers car but the rx8 has a very sweet power plant. This is why I'm so torn!

[JDMDrifter]

james_gt3rs said:

At that budget I think an MX5 would be a safer bet, stuff like tyres, petrol etc look like they're a lot cheaper on the MX5...

Just had a look into tyres, the equivalent track level tyres for the rx8 is around twice the price of the mx5 tyre! Read up some more on an mx5 thread in general gassing and the consensus is that MX5's are pretty much unbeatable at my budget for a fun road and track car.

[JDMDrifter]

Very true! Now just to find the right one, I'm really tempted by the mk2 1.8s however the mk1 is supposed to be the most fun?

[JDMDrifter]

Small update, my current project car (Mk2 golf 1.3) is hopefully going this weekend. So its just a cast now of searching for the right car that's rot free

[JDMDrifter]

UPDATE!

Picked the car up last night, a 1.8s mk2 mx5. Got a few tasty extras including bc racing rs coilovers, sparco steeling wheel, induction kit, rear brace and a few others. Picked it up for £1150 from a local guy!

I'm gonna do some work on the car then get it back on the road as soon as im 21. Once its on the road ill get it raised up slightly and get a fast road geo on it and some sticky tires

Edited by JDMDrifter on Tuesday 12th August 14:49

[JDMDrifter]

I believe the chassis rails are ok, car has passed recent mots with no advisories but i will investigate tonight.

Car is currently on T1R's but they've only got a few more thousand miles in them, probably will replace them with the same as the car feels good.