Discussion
Being the indecisive soul that I am, I've been mulling over the pros and cons of all manner of RWD 2 seaters like S2000s, Boxsters/Caymans, Z4Ms, MR2s, Elises, TVRs, and of course MX5s. I've finally whittled it down to an MX5, being something that I've wanted to experience for a while (PH legend that it is) and keeping costs sensible compared to some of the other options.
Next problem: which mark? There is a nice-looking (from the adverts) example of each not far from me. It's the usual trade offs: the earlier it is the lighter it is, the later models make up for that with more power, but costs are on a sliding scale with age. Looks are subjective and I like the looks of each. Power isn't necessarily much of an issue as there are plenty of mods to choose from to up it, if needed.
What I want out of this is driving fun - what are your experiences of who the different marks drive? Is lighter better in this case, or does the additional power give it the extra zing?
Next problem: which mark? There is a nice-looking (from the adverts) example of each not far from me. It's the usual trade offs: the earlier it is the lighter it is, the later models make up for that with more power, but costs are on a sliding scale with age. Looks are subjective and I like the looks of each. Power isn't necessarily much of an issue as there are plenty of mods to choose from to up it, if needed.
What I want out of this is driving fun - what are your experiences of who the different marks drive? Is lighter better in this case, or does the additional power give it the extra zing?
Power isn't an issue, which is why you were looking at Z4Ms and TVRs.
To my mind (and this won't be popular), as good as the MX5 is, it's a step below everything else mentioned there. The S2000 stands alone as a screaming nutter, while the TVR is the enthusiasts choice. The Porsche and the Beemer are vastly more sensible, grown up cars.
The advantage of the 5 is that it will be cheap in all aspects. Cheap to buy, cheap to run, cheap to repair and maintain.
It'll also be a lot of fun, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it as a car, just don't expect it to attract attention like a TVR or go like a Z4M and you'll do just fine.
If it was me, I'd get a 1.8 Toyota engined version, but I'm about as far from an MX5 expert as it's possible to get. Someone will be along shortly to give actual advice, rather than opinion.
Simon.
To my mind (and this won't be popular), as good as the MX5 is, it's a step below everything else mentioned there. The S2000 stands alone as a screaming nutter, while the TVR is the enthusiasts choice. The Porsche and the Beemer are vastly more sensible, grown up cars.
The advantage of the 5 is that it will be cheap in all aspects. Cheap to buy, cheap to run, cheap to repair and maintain.
It'll also be a lot of fun, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it as a car, just don't expect it to attract attention like a TVR or go like a Z4M and you'll do just fine.
If it was me, I'd get a 1.8 Toyota engined version, but I'm about as far from an MX5 expert as it's possible to get. Someone will be along shortly to give actual advice, rather than opinion.
Simon.
A Toyota-engined version? Was there an official model with a Toyota engine, or do you mean a later swap?
To be honest, attention is the last thing on my list for any car, I usually only go on how I feel about it rather how other people may or may not feel about it.
The power thing, well, I love the noise of a V/flat/straight 6 or a V8 and the feel of a powerful engine as much as the next petrolhead, but I'm keeping my WRX so that should still satisfy that craving for the present time; I want something with a reputation for good handling and feel.
To be honest, I want to try all the cars on that list and hopefully this is just the start of ticking them all off.
To be honest, attention is the last thing on my list for any car, I usually only go on how I feel about it rather how other people may or may not feel about it.
The power thing, well, I love the noise of a V/flat/straight 6 or a V8 and the feel of a powerful engine as much as the next petrolhead, but I'm keeping my WRX so that should still satisfy that craving for the present time; I want something with a reputation for good handling and feel.
To be honest, I want to try all the cars on that list and hopefully this is just the start of ticking them all off.
I've recently got a 1.6 mk2.5 (I think - 2003 model).
Never test drove any of the others.
Absolutely love it, for the road (to me) it's the absolutely perfect level of performance. Roof down, floor it don't back off for corners you normally would (depending what you normally drive), think you're flying and look at the speedo to see 65.
Last few quick cars have been a Jag S-type R which only got interesting at very high speeds and a 2.5 turbo Forester which only got fun throwing it round rough B roads at fair speeds. The MX5 is the opposite and puts a smile on my face on pretty much any road - unless I have to overtake!!!
Never test drove any of the others.
Absolutely love it, for the road (to me) it's the absolutely perfect level of performance. Roof down, floor it don't back off for corners you normally would (depending what you normally drive), think you're flying and look at the speedo to see 65.
Last few quick cars have been a Jag S-type R which only got interesting at very high speeds and a 2.5 turbo Forester which only got fun throwing it round rough B roads at fair speeds. The MX5 is the opposite and puts a smile on my face on pretty much any road - unless I have to overtake!!!
For fun I'd go MX5. Everything is cheap and you can have a laugh, as long as you're not expecting big acceleration and high top speeds as standard, then you can't go wrong. If you test drive a Mk1, you probably find that you feel like you're sitting on the car rather than in it. Don't worry, there is an easy fix.
I've had a mk1, a mk3.5 and currently drive an MR2 Roadster.
Of the 3 the mk3.5 was the best car, it had the handling and character of the mk1, but was a lot more refined for longer journies. The MR2 sits somewhere between the MX-5s, the handling characteristics are different, it isn't as playful, but I prefer it.
Personally I wouldn't get another mk1 MX-5 (or a mk2 for that matter), but I would get a mk3/3.5 again, ideally a 2.0, with a soft top and treat it to a good wheel alignment.
Of the 3 the mk3.5 was the best car, it had the handling and character of the mk1, but was a lot more refined for longer journies. The MR2 sits somewhere between the MX-5s, the handling characteristics are different, it isn't as playful, but I prefer it.
Personally I wouldn't get another mk1 MX-5 (or a mk2 for that matter), but I would get a mk3/3.5 again, ideally a 2.0, with a soft top and treat it to a good wheel alignment.
It
I think your getting mixed up with an Elise.
ferrariF50lover said:
If it was me, I'd get a 1.8 Toyota engined version, but I'm about as far from an MX5 expert as it's possible to get. Someone will be along shortly to give actual advice, rather than opinion.
Simon.
Toyota engined MX5....Good oneSimon.
I think your getting mixed up with an Elise.
You haven't given any indication of budget, so a bit hard to really offer advice, but speaking from experience if your budget stretches I would certainly look at the Mk 3. I would also then ignore the 1.8 and concentrate on the 2.0.
I am speaking from experience here, I have owned over the years:
6 x Mk1's
2 x Mk2's
6 x Mk3's (all 2 litre versions).
They are as you can tell from my list addictive little cars. With all of the Mk 3's I've never had any issues at all and I've always sold them for pretty much what I paid for them ( 3 of them made a bit of profit as well).
They are not particularly powerful, but they are also great fun. I personally would want one with the lowered springs as I think they look too high on standard springs (this was exactly what they were supposed to be but were adjusted for the UK market frustratingly).
I tended to buy mine at this time of year, then run until as late in the summer as possible and then look for another one after the weather has turned.
I have also owned Boxsters, Z4's and a good handful of M3's as well.
If your budget stretches and you're happy for increased running costs then my money would be in a Boxster, but it really is all about how much you want to spend on the car, then how many miles you intend to do and of course how much you're happy to spend each year on maintenance. Without a doubt the Mk3 MX5 will cost you peanuts in comparison to a Boxster.
I am speaking from experience here, I have owned over the years:
6 x Mk1's
2 x Mk2's
6 x Mk3's (all 2 litre versions).
They are as you can tell from my list addictive little cars. With all of the Mk 3's I've never had any issues at all and I've always sold them for pretty much what I paid for them ( 3 of them made a bit of profit as well).
They are not particularly powerful, but they are also great fun. I personally would want one with the lowered springs as I think they look too high on standard springs (this was exactly what they were supposed to be but were adjusted for the UK market frustratingly).
I tended to buy mine at this time of year, then run until as late in the summer as possible and then look for another one after the weather has turned.
I have also owned Boxsters, Z4's and a good handful of M3's as well.
If your budget stretches and you're happy for increased running costs then my money would be in a Boxster, but it really is all about how much you want to spend on the car, then how many miles you intend to do and of course how much you're happy to spend each year on maintenance. Without a doubt the Mk3 MX5 will cost you peanuts in comparison to a Boxster.
Steve_F said:
I've recently got a 1.6 mk2.5 (I think - 2003 model).
Never test drove any of the others.
Absolutely love it, for the road (to me) it's the absolutely perfect level of performance. Roof down, floor it don't back off for corners you normally would (depending what you normally drive), think you're flying and look at the speedo to see 65.
Some very good points here. I also have a 2003 MK2.5. Mine is the 1.8 and it has been a joy to own. No big bills or any issues in nearly a year of ownership. Never test drove any of the others.
Absolutely love it, for the road (to me) it's the absolutely perfect level of performance. Roof down, floor it don't back off for corners you normally would (depending what you normally drive), think you're flying and look at the speedo to see 65.
IMO there's enough power to get you along at a decent rate. Admittedly it lacks the grunt of much more powerful cars, but you have the ability to use all the power and grip it has to offer without being silly, and still have a smile on your face at the end
I know I won't be keeping my car forever, but it certainly won't be the last MX5 I own.
VladD said:
For fun I'd go MX5. Everything is cheap and you can have a laugh, as long as you're not expecting big acceleration and high top speeds as standard, then you can't go wrong. If you test drive a Mk1, you probably find that you feel like you're sitting on the car rather than in it. Don't worry, there is an easy fix.
Go on...MX5s, no matter what 'vintage', all have the fun factor. They are not particularly fast and the engines are coarse and thirsty. They are not enjoyable for long distances being far too noisy and are uncomfortable for tall, long legged drivers. What they do have though is lovely direct, quick steering with lots of feel, rifle bolt gear change, exploitable rear wheel drive with controllable oversteer on demand at modest speeds and, at least for the later models, bullet proof reliability so are pretty hassle free and cheap* to run overall.
* Apart from the spark plug costs for the Mk3 - couldn't believe the cost of them when they were changed at one service!
* Apart from the spark plug costs for the Mk3 - couldn't believe the cost of them when they were changed at one service!
xRIEx said:
Being the indecisive soul that I am, I've been mulling over the pros and cons of all manner of RWD 2 seaters like S2000s, Boxsters/Caymans, Z4Ms, MR2s, Elises, TVRs, and of course MX5s. I've finally whittled it down to an MX5, being something that I've wanted to experience for a while (PH legend that it is) and keeping costs sensible compared to some of the other options.
MX5 - NoS2000 - No
Boxster- No
Z4 - No
Mr2 - No
Elise - No
TVR - No
Clearly you haven't been on pistonheads that long or you'd know the answer so I'll thro it out to you......
MX5??
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