Which one 1.6 or 1.8 £2K To £3K

[KelWedge]

A few ideas comments please,

I am after my first MX5, for about £2000 to £3000, its going to have to live outside so I guess I am also looking for one with a hard top for driving in the winter months, the car is for driving home to work about 30 miles a day, on nice B roads.

Which is best 1.6 or 1.8? Have tested a couple of 1.8 but not a 1.6 yet, 1.8 Handles well, bit slow but thats not a problem, I am sure when it gets to speed the handling more than compensates, I just want a fun drive to work.

many Thanks in advance.

[Typhoons]

If its a MK2 then get the 1.8 as its quicker. If its a MK1 then there are both the same really ( unless it the later UK low power 1.6s).

[DavesBRG5]

For 3k i`d be looking at a 1.8 MK2.5 Sport if you can find a rust free garage queen or a MK2 import RS.

If you are after a MK1 / MK2 i`d want at least 2 cars for that money unless it`s something really special. Hard tops can be had for about £300 unless you wait for the big freeze when they seem to rise in price a tad.

[TameRacingDriver]

DavesBRG5 said:

For 3k i`d be looking at a 1.8 MK2.5 Sport if you can find a rust free garage queen or a MK2 import RS.

This all day.

If you have to go for a Mk1 then a Turbo one will be in budget, or a very tidy RS-Limited.

I wouldn't bother with the hard top. Mine was fine in the winter.

[MattGTA]

TameRacingDriver said:

DavesBRG5 said:

For 3k i`d be looking at a 1.8 MK2.5 Sport if you can find a rust free garage queen or a MK2 import RS.

This all day.

If you have to go for a Mk1 then a Turbo one will be in budget, or a very tidy RS-Limited.

I wouldn't bother with the hard top. Mine was fine in the winter.

You can have my S-VT for 2750k if you like - 2003, green, full history, 54000 mile service at main dealer last month. :-) (not yet advertised, but need it gone soonish - bought car #5 last week and SWMBO wasn't impressed!)

Edited by MattGTA on Saturday 15th September 21:12

[KelWedge]

What to look for then, seat wear a problem I have worked out!, rust on rear wheel arches and cills, poor paint on some, but what else to look out for?

[TameRacingDriver]

Rust is the main one TBH. Everything else cheap to sort.

[ROBICON5]

Go for the 18,it's tougher all round and 140 BHP gives it some punch.Some good MK2's or MK 2.5's around for £3k,keep looking but check drain holes are clear(located near seat belt anchor points).No hardtop,no problem.Mine sleeps out,but treat soft top with cleaner/reproofer from MX5 Parts.It seems expensive but has done mine 3 times so far,even gets rid of algi in stitching when rubbed with tooth brush.I got W-reg MK2 Icon 54k on clock,rust free.ENJOY.

[KelWedge]

Well Thanks all for your comments,

I now have a 1.8 Series 2.5 Its the Nevada special edition, whatever that is! and complete with a hardtop,
03 reg not perfect but not bad at all.

So now the fleet of 3 cars on the road, all rear wheel drive and two of them are 2 seat convertable sports cars, sensible plan before winter!

Still after a few days of ownership, Yes I am happy, its a great little car, bit more wind in the hair (not that there is much)than in the wedge, but for a take me to work car and the odd trip out with the Mrs, this looks a great replacement for the civic.

Thanks all again, and now I have to keep an eye on another bit of PH