MK2 to MK3

[matts4]

I've got a 1.8 MK2 currently. Spent a fair penny on getting it just right,( no rust, roll bar, upgraded suspension) and done 2k in 2 years, dry miles, stored in my garage ready whenever the sun shines. .
I feel a move towards a MK3 2.0 sport coming on. Any scare stories/reasons why I shouldn't?

[g40steve]

Don't look back mk3 is soooo much better.
Cannot see the attraction of the older models, been there done that.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I can see one good reason for not updating... You aren't using the car you've got now! Will you use a Mk3 any more?

[matts4]

MX-5 Lazza said:

I can see one good reason for not updating... You aren't using the car you've got now! Will you use a Mk3 any more?

That's a valid question and the honest answer is I'm not 100% sure!

I don't like it getting wet due to the rust issues these things can suffer from. As mine is now totally rust free in the bodywork department, I only use the car now in the dry.

With the MK3 not suffering from the same issues, I just think i'd use it more on the less than fair days we seem to have, if that makes sense?

Also the 2.0 sport model would have a decent amount of power. My daily driver is an S4 or my wifes Golf GTi, both make the 1.8 MX5 feel very slow.

[Typhoons]

Rain doesn't make these things rust. A lot of cars in Japan live out doors. It's rains plenty there and most of them are clean as a whistle. It's the salt during winter and not clearing out the drains and not fixing the roof when it starts leaking than does it.

[em177]

matts4 said:

That's a valid question and the honest answer is I'm not 100% sure!

I don't like it getting wet due to the rust issues these things can suffer from. As mine is now totally rust free in the bodywork department, I only use the car now in the dry.

With the MK3 not suffering from the same issues, I just think i'd use it more on the less than fair days we seem to have, if that makes sense?

Also the 2.0 sport model would have a decent amount of power. My daily driver is an S4 or my wifes Golf GTi, both make the 1.8 MX5 feel very slow.

If your doing that sort of mileage sell the mk2 and supercharged a mk1!

[sbird]

The only real advantages that a Mk2 has over a Mk3 is: purchase price of the car, price/availability of aftermarket parts & range of colours available. Other than that, Mk3s are just as much fun as the earlier cars, and a lot more civilized.

[matts4]

Are the MK3 much quicker?
The numbers would suggest 20bhp more and half sec quicker to 60. Is it it noticeable?

I quite like the fact it would have better spec too, in sport trim.

[Riknos]

matts4 said:

Are the MK3 much quicker?
The numbers would suggest 20bhp more and half sec quicker to 60. Is it it noticeable?

I quite like the fact it would have better spec too, in sport trim.

Loads of kit in a mk3 Sport - Feels like a much more modern car. Drive your mk2 to a dealer and test drive a mk3 and compare the differences for yourself .

[matts4]

MK2 is now up for sale, so I'll get a ride in a MK3 and take it from there.
Seems like the car will suit my needs.