Too tall for an MX5? Alternatives?

[Rickyy]

Constantly changing my mind on cars and an MX5 is the latest car I fancy. My only concern being space. I'm 6ft 4in and I struggle to get my legs in some cars comfortably.

Am I going to struggle with an MX5?

What are peoples opinions on the MGF? Plenty of them around for 1-1.5k. On paper they should be ok. But I've heard they are not a very good steer.

Any other 2 seat, rear wheel drive convertibles I should consider? My budget is 1.5k and need to keep it to probably 1.8l max for insurance reasons. I'd consider a classic (don't hold out much hope for anything decent for that price though!).

[kazman]

Full foamectomy is your friend. I'm 6'3 and did this seat mod at the weekend. Makes a big difference.

[bigfatnick]

i'm very similar in height and cant fit in an mx5 (probably due to my girth as much as the height) however, if you are looking at the more expensive end of the market. If you can afford a Z4, you'll probably fit in that fine, i do (though i have to have the seat pushed back so it squeaks on the bulkhead)

Mk3 mx5's are better, though one of the sold parts of the roof is exactly where your head goes.

I'd be interested to see what the size situation is on Z3's.

[Rickyy]

I'd love a Z4, but my budget really is 1.5k. Its going to be a weekend "toy" for the 2 days of sunshine we get.

Forgot about the Z3. I'll have a gander in the classifieds now. Thanks both.

[OldSkoolRS]

One of the critisms I read about the Z3 was that it wasn't big enough for taller drivers...didn't bother me due to my small height, but might not suit the OP. I don't know if has more room than the MX5 though.

[Rickyy]

Z3s are a little out of my budget anyway. What are 3-Series convertibles like to drive? I know they won't be as nimble as an MX5, but are they a good drive or quite barge like?

[defblade]

I'm 6' 4" an used to drive my other half's MX5 just fine.

Don't panic, just go try one.

[dave_s13]

defblade said:

I'm 6' 4" an used to drive my other half's MX5 just fine.

Don't panic, just go try one.

I'm the same height and didn't. Knees/top of thighs pretty much touched bottom of steering wheel which meant dabs of oppo were difficult to apply.

Without modding the seat or fitting a square bottom wheel I couldn't drive one for long

[Superhoop]

MX-5 with Elise seats?

[Jag-D]

I'm 6'3" and had a series 1 MX5 with no foamectomy and was absolutely fine

[Regiment]

defblade said:

I'm 6' 4" an used to drive my other half's MX5 just fine.

Don't panic, just go try one.

I'm 6'5 and thought my head would be above the windscreen of such a little car?

[jonesy000]

Where are you OP?

I have a mk1, and am 6ft3. I fit in fine, but have changed to a smaller steering wheel, and gotten rid of the armrests on the door. Its now a lovely place to sit, and i don't have the seat fully back.

Whats the harm in trying?

[Bonefish Blues]

kazman said:

Full foamectomy is your friend. I'm 6'3 and did this seat mod at the weekend. Makes a big difference.

Correct answer - google is your friend - many who already fit the 5 do this mod anyway for a lower seating position

[Rickyy]

Thanks everyone! Seems there is hope for me Smaller wheel is a good idea, that is what I struggle with in cars, getting my lanky legs under the wheel!

[Ferg]

GTM Libra.

[beck1234567]

Have you looked at mk2 MR2's? Apparently a lot of legroom in them.

[Rickyy]

GTMs are a bit out of budget I think Ferg! I did consider an MR2, but I want to embrace my inner hairdresser and get a full convertible rather than a t-bar.

[Rickyy]

Double post!

Edited by Rickyy on Sunday 25th March 15:25

[defblade]

Regiment said:

I'm 6'5 and thought my head would be above the windscreen of such a little car?

Well, I'm quite long in the back rather than leg, which is perhaps why others have said they can't get their knees in, but I was fine roof up or down.

But I couldn't sit in a mk3 MR2 as the roof had a bar running where my head wanted to be when it was up.

Qite a lot of convertables, I can choose whether to look over or under the top rail by slouching or sitting up straight (Z4, for example) - no trouble for me with the MX5 (mk2 we had, BTW)

There's no substitute for just going and trying one yourself!

[Marc W]

I'm 6ft 4" with most of it being legs! I've driven one before with no issues.