Mk 3 decision - Please Help

[Iceman82]

So after years of seeing how highly recommended the MX-5 is, I have decided to take the plunge!

I am looking at 2 Mk 3s but I would appreciate some help from the MX-5 gurus before I make the final purchase.

I am going to buy one of the following, both are 2.0 but only the second car is labelled as a sport.

1. '07 Plate with 31,000. Spec is listed as: Brilliant Black, 1 Owner. Full Service History, 16" 5 Spoke Alloy Wheels, Wind Deflector, Electric Front Windows, Electric Adjustable Mirrors, Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Leather Steering Wheel, Stereo Radio CD Player, Sports Suspension, Remote Central Locking, ABS, Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Anti theft system, Front armrest, Power assisted steering, Remote Boot Release, Cloth seat trim.

£7,995 from an independent dealer.

or

2. 57 Plate with 28,000. Import. Mica Grey. 17" alloy wheels. Leather interior with heated seats. Bose and 6 speakers. Detachable hard top. Usual rest of kit.

£7,993 from a Mazda main dealer.

I am torn. I prefer the black one as I like black and I am slightly concerned about having an import. However, I am happy to be educated on that point. Annoyingly, car number 1 seems pretty low spec in comparison to car number 2.

Any advice would be gratefully received. I think if I went for car number 1 I would want to change to the 17s, unless people think keeping the 16s would be better for teh handling?

Additionally, if anyone knows of a reliable place in the Portsmouth/Southampton area where I can get the geo sorted and the Eibach lowering done then I would be extremely grateful!

Thanks for any help guys!

[BIG DUNC]

For a reliable place in Portsmouth,

www.mx5parts.co.uk

Their main business is selling parts, funnily enough, but they do have a couple of service bays as well.

I have no association with them, other than as a long term customer.

[Don Phil]

Surely the Sport would be the one to go for, as it is just better!

If you're worried about it being an import, keep looking for a UK sport model, there'll be a good few about i'd have thought?

[targa_man]

- the Sport model is definitely the one to have - comes as standard with Bilstein suspension (worth having if handling is important to you & you want to get lowering Eibach springs fitted)