MX-5 MK3.2 INFO
Author
Discussion

AngryApples

Original Poster:

5,449 posts

288 months

Saturday 29th December 2012
quotequote all
Hi all,

considering a MK3.2 MX5 for the mrs in the new year.

Am I right in thinking the main definition of the 3.2 is the slightly "shark" looking front end?

Also, for the age/price we are looking at, we could get a 2.0 sport tech - whilst I'm a keen driver, the mrs likes a bit of comfort - is the set up in the ST likely to be a problem for general comfort (would we do better getting a sport/SE?)

What are the main advantages spec wise of the Sport Tech over the SE/Sport models?

Thanks for your time!

roddo

584 posts

218 months

Saturday 29th December 2012
quotequote all
What price bracket are you looking at?
Its a mk3 not 3.2........


AngryApples

Original Poster:

5,449 posts

288 months

Saturday 29th December 2012
quotequote all
Hi,

Sorry for the confusion, I meant MK3, revision 2 which I believe came in around mid 2009 with handling modifications?

Price wise around £9k - £11k

Deerfoot

5,171 posts

207 months

Saturday 29th December 2012
quotequote all
I think hornetrider has a '10th plate roadster coupe Sport Tech. It might be worth seeking him out for some information.

I think hornetrider (according to the Car Salesman thread in GG) he might be selling it as well.

Pulse

10,922 posts

241 months

Sunday 30th December 2012
quotequote all
Matt - Seek out PH'er 'rfn'. He's very knowledgeable about MX-5s in general, and currently owns a Mk3.5.

He may well also be selling in March, too. A bit over budget, but an absolutely stunning car.

g40steve

1,184 posts

185 months

Monday 31st December 2012
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Ask your questions on mx5nutz.com

Deerfoot

5,171 posts

207 months

Monday 31st December 2012
quotequote all
g40steve said:
Ask your questions on mx5nutz.com
.....and they'll tell you to supercharge it, lower it and fit a race harness.

I'd ask on the mx-5 oc forum to be honest.

g40steve

1,184 posts

185 months

Monday 31st December 2012
quotequote all
Deerfoot said:
.....and they'll tell you to supercharge it, lower it and fit a race harness.

I'd ask on the mx-5 oc forum to be honest.
You forget some of us have mk3 & 3.5 & do a lot more than add chrome trinkets laughlaugh

Deerfoot

5,171 posts

207 months

Monday 31st December 2012
quotequote all
g40steve said:
You forget some of us have mk3 & 3.5 & do a lot more than add chrome trinkets laughlaugh
Exactly.

MX-5 Lazza

7,954 posts

242 months

Monday 31st December 2012
quotequote all
A bit of a sweeping statement don't you think Deerfoot? I could suggest that the OC Forum will probably suggest that you keep it completely standard, don't change a thing, not even the alignment, just polish it and keep it stored in an air-tent in the garage and only let it see the light of day on the very hottest and driest of summer days.

Deerfoot

5,171 posts

207 months

Monday 31st December 2012
quotequote all
MX-5 Lazza said:
A bit of a sweeping statement don't you think Deerfoot? I could suggest that the OC Forum will probably suggest that you keep it completely standard, don't change a thing, not even the alignment, just polish it and keep it stored in an air-tent in the garage and only let it see the light of day on the very hottest and driest of summer days.
Perhaps but the OP was specifically asking for spec differences between two variations of the mk3. From what I've read on both nutz and the oc forum he'd possibly get more responses from the oc forum.

It really was as simple as that.

Riknos

4,701 posts

227 months

Monday 31st December 2012
quotequote all
Deerfoot said:
Perhaps but the OP was specifically asking for spec differences between two variations of the mk3. From what I've read on both nutz and the oc forum he'd possibly get more responses from the oc forum.

It really was as simple as that.
Surely a quick google can tell you spec differences, but he wants more of an opinion around the comfort between the models?

To answer your question OP - No MX-5 is going to be too 'hardcore' for the missus. As standard, they're not exactly track cars. Unless someone has fiddled with it, a standard one is is very usable day to day, too much so really!

AngryApples

Original Poster:

5,449 posts

288 months

Monday 31st December 2012
quotequote all
Cheers folks!

Genie Chaser

103 posts

168 months

Tuesday 1st January 2013
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Bought a 3.5 RC in August, seriously impressed with it. Bit marginal on cabin space , as 6ft, so long journeys bit painful. Only concern is a chain rattle on startup, suspect its a oil grade issue, as it has lessened as the weather has got colder. Dealer can't fault, no suprise - anyone one here had this issue??
Winter tyres were a good buy, as a daily runner.

AngryApples

Original Poster:

5,449 posts

288 months

Tuesday 1st January 2013
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Like the RC, good looking car

Pulse

10,922 posts

241 months

Tuesday 1st January 2013
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Matt, I can only give personal opinion, since I've not owned one, but I'd suggest...

1. Get a Mk3.5, as you've suggested. Some subtle changes on the inside I believe, but the main changes are on the outside. Far nicer looking than the original Mk3 (which was good looking anyway).
2. Get BOSE. You'll need it for any top down driving, I'd suggest.
3. Get a Roadster Coupe; especially as it's for your other half (but I'd choose an RC every time too, budget permitting).

That's about all you'll need to know I think. They're comfortable cars, but also great fun in the right hands (I've been out in rfn's Mk3, and it was hilarious).

Craikeybaby

11,808 posts

248 months

Wednesday 2nd January 2013
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I own a mk3.5 (2011 car, the facelifted 3rd generation) so if you have any specific questions ask away.

FWIW I'm not sure what the late 2012 facelift (bonnet lifters etc) is being referred to by the enthusiasts.

Trefy5

459 posts

175 months

Wednesday 2nd January 2013
quotequote all
Whatever you decide upon, if it's not already been done, get the geometry sorted out on it, too - and sorted properly
Too many garages have the Hunter machine but don't get how precisely aligned these Mk3s can be done
The 3.5s sit a smidge lower than the 3s
The doorcupholders are, i think, set differently so you're less likely to jam your knee in to the protrusion that exists on the 3s.
It doesn't affect me
Personally, i don't like the look of the RC BUT that is just me
I don't like the way the roof bulges - just how i see it.
It's a pain to have to pull over, put in neutral and handbrake on before you raise/lower the roof UNLESS you add the smart roof that allows you to alter the roof's status whilst on the move at, about, 30mph or less.
The earliest 3.5s came out in April 2009 so there's a fair bit of choice out there now

hornetrider

63,161 posts

228 months

Friday 4th January 2013
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Pulse said:
Matt, I can only give personal opinion, since I've not owned one, but I'd suggest...

1. Get a Mk3.5, as you've suggested. Some subtle changes on the inside I believe, but the main changes are on the outside. Far nicer looking than the original Mk3 (which was good looking anyway).
2. Get BOSE. You'll need it for any top down driving, I'd suggest.
3. Get a Roadster Coupe; especially as it's for your other half (but I'd choose an RC every time too, budget permitting).

That's about all you'll need to know I think. They're comfortable cars, but also great fun in the right hands (I've been out in rfn's Mk3, and it was hilarious).
I'm trading mine in next week but would be happy to sell to a PHer smile

Its minty mcmint but I've put terrible photos in my ad in the classifieds. Car has been on some PH runs around Bristol and South Wales too...



Drop me a PM for the ad link if you're interested, I won't post here smile

rfn

4,601 posts

230 months

Saturday 5th January 2013
quotequote all
I had a Mk3 for three years, and have had my Mk3.5 for 7 months.
They're both excellent cars and the newer car has a variety of changes which make it a better place to be inside and easier to drive. Do it, you won't regret it!