Discussion
I'm on my second and I love them. I had a 2.0 "Options Pack", and now a 2.0 "Sport".
My thoughts would be, go for the 2.0 litre if you can. I'm not a superfast driver but I feel the 2.0 is powerful enough, but only just. I'd feel short changed with any less.
There's not much difference between the way the two versions ride or handle at moderate speeds (as I say, I don't go nuts in it) but I prefer the look of the bigger wheels and the sixth gear on the Sport is useful, it just drops the revs back a bit on a fast cruise.
The main reason I changed was to get air conditioning which I (now) feel is a must in a convertible. We roasted on hot days in the previous one, and putting the roof up gets you out the sun, but is of course still very hot.
I also wanted Bose but I really like my music in my car, the standard stereo is adequate if you're less bothered.
As to faults, the only recurring one in both cars is wet carpets when it rains. Both tracked down to blocked drains from where the water runs off the back of the hood. Easily resolvable by a good Mazda mechanic and the new drains are supposedly an improved design so hopefully it won't happen again.
Great cars though overall, don't think you'll regret getting one.
My thoughts would be, go for the 2.0 litre if you can. I'm not a superfast driver but I feel the 2.0 is powerful enough, but only just. I'd feel short changed with any less.
There's not much difference between the way the two versions ride or handle at moderate speeds (as I say, I don't go nuts in it) but I prefer the look of the bigger wheels and the sixth gear on the Sport is useful, it just drops the revs back a bit on a fast cruise.
The main reason I changed was to get air conditioning which I (now) feel is a must in a convertible. We roasted on hot days in the previous one, and putting the roof up gets you out the sun, but is of course still very hot.
I also wanted Bose but I really like my music in my car, the standard stereo is adequate if you're less bothered.
As to faults, the only recurring one in both cars is wet carpets when it rains. Both tracked down to blocked drains from where the water runs off the back of the hood. Easily resolvable by a good Mazda mechanic and the new drains are supposedly an improved design so hopefully it won't happen again.
Great cars though overall, don't think you'll regret getting one.
the mk3 is every bit as good as the mk1's.....
Very reliable!!! yes they do need the suspension sorting to get the best out of them but overall very good. I have raced a mk3 now for just over a year and including trackdays its done several thousand track miles all without any problems.
Paul
Very reliable!!! yes they do need the suspension sorting to get the best out of them but overall very good. I have raced a mk3 now for just over a year and including trackdays its done several thousand track miles all without any problems.
Paul
The drains thing was never subject to a recall, but I believe that many dealersw are changing these when customers experience a problem.
The lowering thing, the later MK3.5's (came out 2009 I believe, different grille shape and a few other detail improvements) I think are lower and apparently handle better. However MK3's can be lowered using Mazda approved parts, and set up to handle much better. Wheels in Motion are the kiddies for this I understand, try a search on WIM in this forum and you'll find loads on it.
The lowering thing, the later MK3.5's (came out 2009 I believe, different grille shape and a few other detail improvements) I think are lower and apparently handle better. However MK3's can be lowered using Mazda approved parts, and set up to handle much better. Wheels in Motion are the kiddies for this I understand, try a search on WIM in this forum and you'll find loads on it.
Re lowering - Mazda designed the car to sit lower. It is higher when imported into Europe due to Euro legislation (on bumper height for imported vehicles).
Get it lowered - for £300 it makes the world of a difference to the feel & handling of the car. Less body roll, flatter on corners (& capable of cornering faster), steering feels more precise with more feedback, and the car feels more planted and safer at speed.
Check it with your insurance company though - I had to get mine done with a Mazda dealer (rather than Wheels in Motion) to keep my insurance company happy. The dealer should also check the geometry & do a wheel alignment, and if you're not happy you can always get Wheels in Motion to do another alignment in 12 months time for £80 (it should be done every year or so anyway).
I swapped a 911/993 for this - it's not a Porsche, but for what it is, it's fantastic value for money. Great chassis, great fun at lower speeds than the 911 & the wife loves it! (big bonus!)
Would I have another Porsche at some point - yes, of course, but I feel no shame with a MX5 Mk3. Anyone who criticises them has never driven one for any length of time or knows nothing about driving!
Get it lowered - for £300 it makes the world of a difference to the feel & handling of the car. Less body roll, flatter on corners (& capable of cornering faster), steering feels more precise with more feedback, and the car feels more planted and safer at speed.
Check it with your insurance company though - I had to get mine done with a Mazda dealer (rather than Wheels in Motion) to keep my insurance company happy. The dealer should also check the geometry & do a wheel alignment, and if you're not happy you can always get Wheels in Motion to do another alignment in 12 months time for £80 (it should be done every year or so anyway).
I swapped a 911/993 for this - it's not a Porsche, but for what it is, it's fantastic value for money. Great chassis, great fun at lower speeds than the 911 & the wife loves it! (big bonus!)
Would I have another Porsche at some point - yes, of course, but I feel no shame with a MX5 Mk3. Anyone who criticises them has never driven one for any length of time or knows nothing about driving!
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