Mk3 MX5 - fast enough to excite?
Discussion
Hello,
I'm in the process of selling my Focus RS (mk1) to move to something N/A and involving to drive (I miss my old EK9 Type R basically). The car will be doing very low mileage and probably won't be a daily as I have access to another car. I was looking to spend up to around £8k. Less is obviously a bonus given the car is a toy.
Now I've looked at a number of options mainly M3's, Z3M's, Z4 3.0i, 986S' and Integra's but finding a good example in budget seems fairly hard. MX offers a newer, cheaper to run alternative to consider.
I've always been a fan of the MX5 concept and a handful of mk3.5's have caught my eye recently (mainly grey hardtops), has anyone faced a similar decision and gone for a mk3 and have any feedback? Having the RS with circa 250ish bhp will it eliminate the thrill from the MX? Thinking a mk3 2.0 Sport with soft top is my pick of the range at this stage.
I am aware of the suspension issues so would probably fit coilovers.
So my main concerns are:
- would it be a let down in pace?
- at a later stage can the ending power be sensibly increased with FI?
- would I constantly regret not having a 3.5?
- did anyone consider a 3.0i Z4 before going for the MX? Probably the closest competitor from the above list.
I'd probably spend around £6k and keep £2k for other things if I went for an MX.
Interested to hear your thoughts, there are no MX's up locally just now in the right spec to test drive but will watch the market.
Cheers!
I'm in the process of selling my Focus RS (mk1) to move to something N/A and involving to drive (I miss my old EK9 Type R basically). The car will be doing very low mileage and probably won't be a daily as I have access to another car. I was looking to spend up to around £8k. Less is obviously a bonus given the car is a toy.
Now I've looked at a number of options mainly M3's, Z3M's, Z4 3.0i, 986S' and Integra's but finding a good example in budget seems fairly hard. MX offers a newer, cheaper to run alternative to consider.
I've always been a fan of the MX5 concept and a handful of mk3.5's have caught my eye recently (mainly grey hardtops), has anyone faced a similar decision and gone for a mk3 and have any feedback? Having the RS with circa 250ish bhp will it eliminate the thrill from the MX? Thinking a mk3 2.0 Sport with soft top is my pick of the range at this stage.
I am aware of the suspension issues so would probably fit coilovers.
So my main concerns are:
- would it be a let down in pace?
- at a later stage can the ending power be sensibly increased with FI?
- would I constantly regret not having a 3.5?
- did anyone consider a 3.0i Z4 before going for the MX? Probably the closest competitor from the above list.
I'd probably spend around £6k and keep £2k for other things if I went for an MX.
Interested to hear your thoughts, there are no MX's up locally just now in the right spec to test drive but will watch the market.
Cheers!
Firstly you need to try a sorted mk3 not a bog standard one.
Difference is black & white.
Look over on mx5nutz.com
You will notice the lack of boost most, but the handling & balance are sublime on the 5.
On track with a few modifications you will supprise many cars, especially in the corners.
Difference is black & white.
Look over on mx5nutz.com
You will notice the lack of boost most, but the handling & balance are sublime on the 5.
On track with a few modifications you will supprise many cars, especially in the corners.
By 'sorted' I assume one lowered on the Eibach 30mm kit if possible?
I don't attend track days but would like the option, most driving is B roads and at sensible double figure speeds.
As for missing boost, I prefer NA power delivery but I have been spoilt by M cars and VTEC engines so the MX may not be as encapsulating in standard form. Will check on a test drive!
I don't attend track days but would like the option, most driving is B roads and at sensible double figure speeds.
As for missing boost, I prefer NA power delivery but I have been spoilt by M cars and VTEC engines so the MX may not be as encapsulating in standard form. Will check on a test drive!
CrouchingWayne said:
Thinking a mk3 2.0 Sport with soft top is my pick of the range at this stage.
I got one of these recently. Is it "fast enough to excite?"
Hmmmm. I have some fast cars and some exciting cars so not sure if "fast" and "excite" are the right words for the MX5. 160bhp and 0-60 in about 8 secs would probably indicate that the answer would be a resounding "no" but that doesn't take any account of the fact that it really is a lot of fun to drive. Really. Lots of fun.
Interesting - I guess fun to drive is a harder to measure output than BHP and 0-60. Out of interest, how would you rate the car as a potential second car for B road driving on a relative budget (compared to your garage at least!)
I'm not bothered about top speed at all but would enjoy some acceleration so it doesn't feel laboured getting up to NSL speeds.
Will try and find one locally to test drive but I seem to be surrounded by a sea of 1.8's.
I'm not bothered about top speed at all but would enjoy some acceleration so it doesn't feel laboured getting up to NSL speeds.
Will try and find one locally to test drive but I seem to be surrounded by a sea of 1.8's.
I am a convert. Well, at least in terms of fun / ££ and smiles / mile 
Before getting the MX5 I had a go in a Z3, Z4 and SLK. None of them felt as "right" as the MX5. Any wee 2 seat convertible will feel fast, especially with the roof down. At least with the MX5 you get to use a lot of the performance on the road and have fun and enjoy the drive... without needing to do "go to jail" speeds or drive like a lunatic.
Before getting the MX5 I had a go in a Z3, Z4 and SLK. None of them felt as "right" as the MX5. Any wee 2 seat convertible will feel fast, especially with the roof down. At least with the MX5 you get to use a lot of the performance on the road and have fun and enjoy the drive... without needing to do "go to jail" speeds or drive like a lunatic.
That's good to hear. My ideal car would probably be a Z4M but buying one would be a bit of a stretch! Thought it was a nice package of performance and civility.
I think my old Civic was about 175bhp/tonne which was nippy enough and handled well, would like to get close to that figure if possible. By my calculations the MX is about 135 but RWD and convertible should add to the sensation if speed and enjoyment.
From what I've read an exhaust will free up a few ponies due to a restrictive OEM header and would be sensible price wise. Looks like much beyond that would exhibit diminishing returns for the cash short if charging.
Had another look and there isn't much for sale around me just now, I'm quite keen to try one now. This is the most exited I've been about a (relatively) new model of car in quite a while!
I think my old Civic was about 175bhp/tonne which was nippy enough and handled well, would like to get close to that figure if possible. By my calculations the MX is about 135 but RWD and convertible should add to the sensation if speed and enjoyment.
From what I've read an exhaust will free up a few ponies due to a restrictive OEM header and would be sensible price wise. Looks like much beyond that would exhibit diminishing returns for the cash short if charging.
Had another look and there isn't much for sale around me just now, I'm quite keen to try one now. This is the most exited I've been about a (relatively) new model of car in quite a while!
One of my colleagues has a Z4 3.0 with a few M add-ons and while it is actually a similar size as an MX5 it feels a lot bigger, heavier and bulkier. Yes it is a lot quicker in a straight line and probably has a lot more grip but it really doesn't tease you into thrashing it down a country lane like the MX5 does. It's much more of an A-road blaster than a B-road hooner.
FI comes in the shape of, immediately, Superchargers
Shortly, a Turbocharger from the good people at BBR will be announced
There have been TCs before but i would guess that a secondhand Tc (or SC) would be about as rare as hen's teeth
Non FI is the Super 180 - BBR's Star Chip that increases the car's BHP by, about, 20bhp
http://www.bbrgti.com/product_details.php?id=11659...
Not having £6k to play with I have recently gone for the latter option
So, you don't lose the handling but you do gain some oomph
The B roads of the UK still beckon
Shortly, a Turbocharger from the good people at BBR will be announced
There have been TCs before but i would guess that a secondhand Tc (or SC) would be about as rare as hen's teeth
Non FI is the Super 180 - BBR's Star Chip that increases the car's BHP by, about, 20bhp
http://www.bbrgti.com/product_details.php?id=11659...
Not having £6k to play with I have recently gone for the latter option
So, you don't lose the handling but you do gain some oomph
The B roads of the UK still beckon
My mate has a mk3 2.0 sport and its nothing spectacular in a straight line. Even with the 'sports' exhaust it doesn't anything special and on the standard suspension it leans quite badly so, like you said, suspension would need addressed. I've got a mk1 mx5 and, although its over hyped on this forum, it felt more engaging and fun to drive than his.
Why a mk3 mx5 though? For the money you've got to spend, you could easily build yourself a 250bhp mk 1 or 2 mx5.
Why a mk3 mx5 though? For the money you've got to spend, you could easily build yourself a 250bhp mk 1 or 2 mx5.
The old vs. new is an argument I have with myself constantly. Sadly I quite fancy the safety of something a touch newer as I was very aware in my old Civic was old and not very safe. Not totally ruling one out if one appeared locally for a cheap price. Insurance can be a bit of a pain on a modified car particularly web it comes to roll bars and cages it seems, specialists hate me so I generally stick to Admiral or similar.
I have access to a good mechanic for beer so fitting parts/maintenance is not an issue regardless of model.
The super 180 set up sounds pretty ideal actually. I doubt I would be willing to pay £1900 for it but I'm sure following the same idea out with the brand it could be done for around half that which is a true bargain.
Edit: A 3.0i Z4 sounds quite good but less suited to B roads which is 90% of my driving. The surfaces are abysmal and I think the BMW might ride worse (based purely on Internet chat so I might be talking crap). I would also just constantly be aware it wasn't a Z4M which puts me off.
I have access to a good mechanic for beer so fitting parts/maintenance is not an issue regardless of model.
The super 180 set up sounds pretty ideal actually. I doubt I would be willing to pay £1900 for it but I'm sure following the same idea out with the brand it could be done for around half that which is a true bargain.
Edit: A 3.0i Z4 sounds quite good but less suited to B roads which is 90% of my driving. The surfaces are abysmal and I think the BMW might ride worse (based purely on Internet chat so I might be talking crap). I would also just constantly be aware it wasn't a Z4M which puts me off.
Edited by CrouchingWayne on Monday 11th February 22:59
At 8k and if it is only going to be a toy for the odd weekend here and there you may as well get a turbo ZX220. I can't imagine you not being excited by one of them.
I love my 5 but if I had the cash wouldn't think twice about replacing it with one of those or the slightly more expensive Elise
I love my 5 but if I had the cash wouldn't think twice about replacing it with one of those or the slightly more expensive Elise
I looked at VX220's as well as S1 Elise's and think they are probably a compromise too far. While I say 'weekend car' I'll still use it to go to the gym and football in the evenings (all B roads) so getting in and out easily would be a plus! Again if a VX comes up locally I'll definitely go for a look though as I am a miniature person at 5'7" so in theory should did it easier than most to glide into the seat.
The S2000 is a perfect car for me in theory but the reputation as a widow maker is off putting as is the lukewarm reviews received. Again if a local one (2004 on) appears nearby I will definitely check it out. Insurance is a big negative for these though as its comparatively high. Other costs should be low though.
For clarity if I was going for an MX I wouldn't want to go beyond £6k.
All these cars I think need to be driven to appreciate their individual traits but it's good to get some opinions from those with more experience than I.
The S2000 is a perfect car for me in theory but the reputation as a widow maker is off putting as is the lukewarm reviews received. Again if a local one (2004 on) appears nearby I will definitely check it out. Insurance is a big negative for these though as its comparatively high. Other costs should be low though.
For clarity if I was going for an MX I wouldn't want to go beyond £6k.
All these cars I think need to be driven to appreciate their individual traits but it's good to get some opinions from those with more experience than I.
CrouchingWayne said:
I looked at VX220's as well as S1 Elise's and think they are probably a compromise too far. While I say 'weekend car' I'll still use it to go to the gym and football in the evenings (all B roads) so getting in and out easily would be a plus! Again if a VX comes up locally I'll definitely go for a look though as I am a miniature person at 5'7" so in theory should did it easier than most to glide into the seat.
The S2000 is a perfect car for me in theory but the reputation as a widow maker is off putting as is the lukewarm reviews received. Again if a local one (2004 on) appears nearby I will definitely check it out. Insurance is a big negative for these though as its comparatively high. Other costs should be low though.
For clarity if I was going for an MX I wouldn't want to go beyond £6k.
All these cars I think need to be driven to appreciate their individual traits but it's good to get some opinions from those with more experience than I.
It's reputation is somewhat deserved - I had one and found it can snap unexpected, especially for those who are just getting used to more power and RWD (/suspect that's high %) of s2000 owners. Go easy at first on the corners and should be ok - it's the revs that get you into trouble, doesn't have the torque lower down.The S2000 is a perfect car for me in theory but the reputation as a widow maker is off putting as is the lukewarm reviews received. Again if a local one (2004 on) appears nearby I will definitely check it out. Insurance is a big negative for these though as its comparatively high. Other costs should be low though.
For clarity if I was going for an MX I wouldn't want to go beyond £6k.
All these cars I think need to be driven to appreciate their individual traits but it's good to get some opinions from those with more experience than I.
But, it is awfully good fun the vtec engine is v thrilling and gives real sensation of speed.
Reviews on this car were generally good I thought?
Insurance is a negative agreed
Gilhooligan said:
My mate has a mk3 2.0 sport and its nothing spectacular in a straight line. Even with the 'sports' exhaust it doesn't anything special and on the standard suspension it leans quite badly so, like you said, suspension would need addressed. I've got a mk1 mx5 and, although its over hyped on this forum, it felt more engaging and fun to drive than his.
Why a mk3 mx5 though? For the money you've got to spend, you could easily build yourself a 250bhp mk 1 or 2 mx5.
Yeah Mk3's out of the box are a bit dull really.Why a mk3 mx5 though? For the money you've got to spend, you could easily build yourself a 250bhp mk 1 or 2 mx5.
I owned one for 18 months & by the end couldn't wait to get rid.
People say "ah yes, but spend £3k fitting all the upgrades & you have a totally different beast" well duh!
Although quite frugal the 2.0l engine felt de-tuned, has poor pulling through the gears & never failed to disappoint me tbh.
A mk3 with a remap & coilovers is a totally different car to what you guys have been testing. I bet they have not even had a decent alignment done?
S2000 has more power but on track this is only apparent down long straights the rest of the time they are in the way. No fun in long starights anyway, corners is where the fun is.
Try insuring an S2000 for less than £400 with, unlimited trackdays included, european cover, loan car etc etc, not a chance!
Try grabbing a ride in one of the Max5 race cars if you ever come across one, you will then see why they are so much fun. As for turbo & supercharged older versions they just don't come close.
S2000 has more power but on track this is only apparent down long straights the rest of the time they are in the way. No fun in long starights anyway, corners is where the fun is.
Try insuring an S2000 for less than £400 with, unlimited trackdays included, european cover, loan car etc etc, not a chance!
Try grabbing a ride in one of the Max5 race cars if you ever come across one, you will then see why they are so much fun. As for turbo & supercharged older versions they just don't come close.
CrouchingWayne said:
The S2000 is a perfect car for me in theory but the reputation as a widow maker is off putting as is the lukewarm reviews received.
For clarity if I was going for an MX I wouldn't want to go beyond £6k.
Had 4 MX5's and a late model S2000.For clarity if I was going for an MX I wouldn't want to go beyond £6k.
There were times in the Honda when I was in motoring nirvana, kissing 9k rpm on upshifts, heel and toeing down through that lovely 'box, feeling the cam change at 6000 and listening to that lovely engine.
But, the MX5's were delightful ALL the time - the engine is mundane (MK1 1600 was sweetest), they roll, they creak a bit and they're not very quick but they were all such fun and had a joie de vivre that the 'I take my self seriously' S2000 didn't.
That 180bhp BBR conversion previously posted might be your answer for more power and it does sound very tempting but at £2k it's a big % of your total outlay.
Can you find a way to liberate that power increase for less?
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