Advice on an auto please.

[keiron99]

OK, OK, I know it's anathema to many, but my wife and I only drive autos so please don't try and pursuade us otherwise. It is something we will not budge on. (For the record, it started 15 years ago when I had problems with my knees). So that's out of the way!

Now I currently drive an XKR but we're looking to downsize - my wide finds it too intimidating to drive and naturally, it is costly to run.

The mx5 seems the natural choice for its versatility and reliability.

But I'm confused about the choice for autos. As I see it, there were some autos in the Mk1 model but then none until about 2006 (I'm not sure whether that's the mk2 or mk3) but then, looking at the classifieds, there seem to be "rare" auto versions of all models dotted about.

I have 3 absolute musts: auto, leather and air con. And a budget of about £6-7k.

Can anyone advise? Ta.

[hornetrider]

Autos are quite rare but they are around. Your best bet for one with air-con is an import - and it looks like dandycars have a few nice ones.

http://www.dandycars.com/Mazda-MX5s/property/Comin...

http://www.dandycars.com/Mazda-MX5s/property/Comin...

http://www.dandycars.com/Mazda-MX5s/property/Comin...

[keiron99]

Thanks....ooh, I do love a bit of tan leather and wood. (I am a Jag man after all!)

Are there any issues with buying imports? More difficult to get spares and repairs? Higher insurance?

[hornetrider]

Insurance can be higher with mainstream companies but if you shop around (Flux, A-Plan etc) then you can get comparible quotes. Otherwise there's no difference with imported cars (apart from generally speaking they are superior spec and condition to UK cars).

Fill yer boots! I love a bit of leather and wood as well!

[keiron99]

One thing I notice about those vehicles there is that they are quite old though...I was thinking os fomething up to about 8 years.

Any reason to be concerned about the age, or is it condition that matters more?

Do Dandy cars have a good reputation?

[Mazdamender]

I drive Auto roadsters now(long story)but i have never looked back, to the point that i even went on a search in Jap land for another Mk 2 V.S Auto 1.8cc for myself in black to import over, to go with her younger sister a Mk 1 V.S II 1.8 Auto in black .
One thing i would say, is go for the biggest engine, the 1.6 struggles with the Auto box on the Mk 1's, it was detuned to use it,my track car is manual and is a different dog,my autos are road cars, and as never killed any fun using them on the roads.
Anyone who as been to the rallies may have seen my two on Autolinks plot.
The Mk 2.....
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/26130.aspx
And this is worth a read.....
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/12594.aspx
The way i look at it is, they made an Auto version for a reason ,for more owners to enjoy.
M-m

Edited by Mazdamender on Sunday 24th April 10:31

[LukeBird]

keiron99 said:

Any reason to be concerned about the age, or is it condition that matters more?

I wouldn't be at all worried about age or mileage. As long as the car has been looked after they are strong and will go and go!
My '03 car has done over 80k miles with no more serious work than a cambelt change.

keiron99 said:

Do Dandy cars have a good reputation?

They do, yes. You pay more with them, but everything I've ever heard is that if there are any problems post-sale, they get them sorted ASAP no questions asked.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them.

[hornetrider]

Dandycars have a top reputation of immaculate preparation so you'll have no worries there - it is at a price though. With MX5s always buy on condition. There was a facelift in 2001 which we call the Mk2.5 (the cars I linked to are Mk2). I'm not up on all the tiny differences between the two cars but the lights, bumper are slightly different, I think the interior is updated a bit, that type of thing.

Edit: oh they introduced the VVTi engine in the facelift too I think, an extra few horses.

I wouldn't worry about age at all, just look at the condition.

[Gizmo!]

Dandy have a reputation for quality at a price when it comes to buying one - not sure how negotiable the prices are. Servicing is eminently reasonable: I always take mine there for convenience and because they know what they're doing.

Bill has a lovely Alfa GTV Cup too.

[mondayo]

I've just bought a Mk1 1.8 auto and am very happy with it. As mazdamender has said, the 1.8 is better/quicker than the 1.6, but my best advice would be to go and try one, or a few and get a feel for them. I didn't try any newer cars though, so can't comment on the price bracket you're looking at.

Coming from my diesel daily driver, it felt a bit sluggish to me initially, but then you really need to explore the higher end of the rev range in the mx5 to get it's full performance Contrary to popular belief, if you're prepared to use the various gears/settings on the gearshift, you can easily hold it in the right gear for more spirited driving.

I looked at this car at dandycars http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2119435.htm and found it to be in decent nick, but on the (very) pricey side for what it was. They were very friendly and let me go for a test drive though, which seems to back up what others have said about them.

[Disco You]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2720298.htm

[Gizmo!]

Disco You said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2720298.htm

No pop-ups. Fail.