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!
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
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