Drove a Mk1 yesterday, now want one! Questions...
Discussion
Fallen in love with the mx5, drove a mk1 1.6 yesterday, but didn't get chance to go on a dual carriageway or motorway with it, so just wondering what are they like on said roads?
As if I buy one it will be a daily, so will need to cope with these roads, dual carriageways every day (but not far) and motorways every now and again. Obviously am expecting some wind noise, but is the engine reasonably refined/quiet at motorway speeds?
Other than this little query I am completely sold and need one in my life!
As if I buy one it will be a daily, so will need to cope with these roads, dual carriageways every day (but not far) and motorways every now and again. Obviously am expecting some wind noise, but is the engine reasonably refined/quiet at motorway speeds?
Other than this little query I am completely sold and need one in my life!
TAHodgson said:
Obviously am expecting some wind noise, but is the engine reasonably refined/quiet at motorway speeds?
Not exactly...umm...it'll be doing ~4000rpm at "motorway speeds". It's not bad. But it's not refined or quiet. I used to do 1/2 hour each way daily on the motorway in mine though and was happy.JimSuperSix said:
They are superb on a motorway - put the roof down, dawdle along at about 60, enjoy the scenery and pity those in the tin boxes as they desperately try to get everywhere yesterday.
Exactly this. 60mph in my 1.8 is about 3k and if I'm on a long (not busy) motorway stint I'll wear headphones.
Where are you based, OP? More than happy to take you out in mine.
For about 9 months I was doing a 250-mile round trip every other weekend in mine - M25/M3. I find that the wind noise with the roof down is less wearing than the mechanical noises you get with the roof up - and I don't drive slowly...
Top tip on the radio is to get a pair of in-ear headphones (I have Sennheiser CX300s) and listen to an mp3 player (I have an iPhone so I just stock up on podcasts before long trips). I'd never drive a tin-top with earphones in because you're insulated from the sounds of things going on around you: but "outside" I find that I can still hear the engines etc of other cars on the road so it's not a problem.
Driving at night with the barn doors up and the roof down does murder the fuel economy though
Top tip on the radio is to get a pair of in-ear headphones (I have Sennheiser CX300s) and listen to an mp3 player (I have an iPhone so I just stock up on podcasts before long trips). I'd never drive a tin-top with earphones in because you're insulated from the sounds of things going on around you: but "outside" I find that I can still hear the engines etc of other cars on the road so it's not a problem.
Driving at night with the barn doors up and the roof down does murder the fuel economy though
Gizmo! said:
Top tip on the radio is to get a pair of in-ear headphones (I have Sennheiser CX300s) and listen to an mp3 player (I have an iPhone so I just stock up on podcasts before long trips). I'd never drive a tin-top with earphones in because you're insulated from the sounds of things going on around you: but "outside" I find that I can still hear the engines etc of other cars on the road so it's not a problem.
I've got the same headphones, and think the same. You're much more aware of things going on around you so its no different to being in a normal car.
maybe thats why 
JonnyFive said:
Exactly this.
60mph in my 1.8 is about 3k and if I'm on a long (not busy) motorway stint I'll wear headphones.
Where are you based, OP? More than happy to take you out in mine.
Only just checked this thread after a while, i'm in Redditch, West Mids if that's anywhere near you? Haha 60mph in my 1.8 is about 3k and if I'm on a long (not busy) motorway stint I'll wear headphones.
Where are you based, OP? More than happy to take you out in mine.
The roof is bloody noisey when you're driving along. I was out with a passenger tonight and even at 60mph in very light wind we were having to shout to speak to each other over the noise of the engine and the wind buffeting the roof. They're competant motorway cruisers, but they're definitely not going to win any awards for long distance comfort or refinement!
Sorry guys but along with the fun of a sports car comes the not so good bits!
Having owned some so called hairy chested sports cars the MX was a car I rejected in the 90's when a friend had several of them because they were too refined and more like saloon car.
A tiny weeny bit of noise is a small price to pay for the fun and low depreciation.
Buy one they are a sports bargain and wont be for long!
Having owned some so called hairy chested sports cars the MX was a car I rejected in the 90's when a friend had several of them because they were too refined and more like saloon car.
A tiny weeny bit of noise is a small price to pay for the fun and low depreciation.
Buy one they are a sports bargain and wont be for long!
Road noise is a factor to consider at speed, but it's not that bad in mine. But then I lived with 4x Lotus Elise's for 6 years as my only cars, so I'm possibly not a good judge!
Beware of driving with earphones in, cops could pull you for driving without due care. An alternative which I find helps cut out the white noise, but still allows you to hear radio and what's going on, is to get some foam ear buds (Boots sell them near the sleeping aids/pills) and pop them in lightly.
Beware of driving with earphones in, cops could pull you for driving without due care. An alternative which I find helps cut out the white noise, but still allows you to hear radio and what's going on, is to get some foam ear buds (Boots sell them near the sleeping aids/pills) and pop them in lightly.
Aside from the wind noise I don't mind motorway driving in the '5 at all - and to be fair the noise only starts to get annoying after about 45 minutes solidly driving at circa 70. For longer journeys I use bike earplugs since you can still hear the important noises but it makes the journey far more relaxing. Oddly, having the roof down seems to be a nicer experience than having the roof up at motorway speeds, although I can't say why this is.
Some people recommend the Mk2 as a better long distance driver, as it's a bit more refined. However it depends if you want "those" lights, and some people view the Mk1 as the most fun. I've not driven or been a passenger in a Mk. 1, but in my Mk. 2 it's fine for commuting - I do around 70km a day. Not sure with the soft top, but with the hardtop it's been totally fine. My girlfriend said it was a bit noisy, but nothing excessive. Roof off has been fine too. I guess you will have seen that the later Mk1 1.6 was revised to 90hp and the general recommendation is to avoid these cars.
They are lousy distance cruisers. Even with a hardtop on my mk2 it's (relatively) quiet and comfy but if the suspension and wheels are standard the car still floats and bounces around and feels vague as hell at anything over 70mph - quite simply you don't WANT to go any faster.
For the mileage you're suggesting it'll be fine though, even with the plastic-bag roof up or down. You get used to it quickly enough.
For the mileage you're suggesting it'll be fine though, even with the plastic-bag roof up or down. You get used to it quickly enough.
as said above, ear plugs are a good idea on a long motorway journey either sennheiser in ear headphones or earplugs an turn up the music.. usually just sit at around 80 ish an it fine, used to stop quite a bit, but got used to it now an can just push on.. dont let it deter you though, it is a brilliant car, an ive had so much fun with mine so far 
mk1 1.6
mk1 1.6
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