I know it's another but....

[1scotthawkins1]

Basically I am very interested in buying a 5 .
I have roughly 3-3.5k, I will be using it for a everyday commute 20-25 mins. So it needs to start everyday in the cold, also it will not be garaged, so I need to bare this in mind. Insurance is also unfortunately an issue and I believe the Eunos will be too dear on insurance .

So my question I put to you. Do I spend all the cash on the newest MK2 I can get my hands on, or do I buy a MK1 and throw some cash at it to get it tip-top?

Also is the difference between 1.8 and the 1.6 night and day or are they still just as fun to drive?





The other option is spend £500 on a real rough MK1. Use it as a project not so keen on this idea but still an option.

[phil_cardiff]

You could buy a mk2 and still have £1500 to spend to make it mint. Mine, for example, is for sale at around the £2k mark. I'm sure there are loads of other mk2's at this price range.

[snotrag]

This bit -

1scotthawkins1 said:

I will be using it for a everyday commute 20-25 mins. So it needs to start everyday in the cold, also it will not be garaged,

Will not be a problem.

[Hippycake]

You can find absolute gems with that sort of budget! I had exactly the same budget but i spent the top end: 3.4k. However it did get me a top spec 2002 mk2.5 SVT with heated leather, lsd, 6speed box, 1.8l and with 39k genuine miles

Although i have just re-done the underside in dinintrol rust conversion paint and black gloss as it was rather ravaged by rust!

[1scotthawkins1]

Spoken to insurance company and its good to go, I have decided I want to spend £2000-2500 on a UK MK2 1.8 1998-2002.
So going to have a scout around and see whats about just need to find a tidy example now.

I understand if I am correct 2001 they became MK2.5?

[Evangelion]

Correct, from 2001 to 2004 to be exact.

[1scotthawkins1]

They are half a second slower and a face lift but is there any other differences?

Cheers Scott

[Disco You]

The interior is different, particularly the seats - they moved from split to integrated headrests, the 2.5s seats are much nicer imo.

The 1.8 engine changed as well (became vvt-i or something, I'm not 100%)

[Hippycake]

it gained variable valve timing didnt it?

[MX-5 Lazza]

Gained VVT (not i), better headlights and more aggressive front bumper, nice but relatively high deep seats, more chassis bracing, better stereo, white dials... and it's a touch quicker.
Sport has bigger brakes, 6-Speed gearbox and heated leather seats.

[1scotthawkins1]

Going to test drive one now, very eggare to see how I fit inside being 6'2. There was no sign of rust from what I could see. Although someone has tried to jack it up not on the jacking point. The hood has a small tear by passenger window through the first layer does not seem to be a major issue it is T reg MK2 1.8iS. Is the 6 speed gear box only in the MK2.5?

Cheers Scott

[LukeBird]

6-speed 'box was on the Mk2 10th Anniversary (a nice metallic blue with Chrome wheels & blue/black interior) and the Mk2.5 Sport.

[1scotthawkins1]

Just test drove it way too tall

6'2 and the roof bar dirrectly in my line of sight, have no clue what to do now. Other than that it was all ready to sign the papers
What do I do, I need to loose 2" bucket seats would'nt be enough I do think....

[BonzoG]

1scotthawkins1 said:

What do I do, I need to loose 2"

[Sway]

1scotthawkins1 said:

Just test drove it way too tall

6'2 and the roof bar dirrectly in my line of sight, have no clue what to do now. Other than that it was all ready to sign the papers
What do I do, I need to loose 2" bucket seats would'nt be enough I do think....

The seats and rails are mounted lower than you'd get with buckets, but they do have loads of padding..

Google foamectomy, took 15 minutes and you can easily gain 2" from doing it.

Just wish it was as easy gaining 2" elsewhere....

[1scotthawkins1]

Went to veiw two more today, one has some black and cream lotus seats. They were a hugh improvement of the cloth seats. The other had MK2 black leather seats in which was enough lower to be reasonable. Looks like it's back on the cards!