Opportunity presents itself (an MX5 dilemma)
Discussion
Bear with me, if you will...
Earlier this weekend Mrs Pints made the surprise announcement that she doesn't want her Focus estate, or the Zafira I recently offered as a replacement (two half-Pints under the age of three make both of these very sensible options).
No, what Mrs Pints has decided she wants is a Golf GTI. With her track record, there's a snowball's hope in hell of that. "Fine", was her response. She'll keep my Golf TDI and I can get that MX5 I've been blathering on about.
So, there it is. The Pints' household's minister of finance has approved an MX5 for the transport minister. But this is where reality kicks in: I'll be doing 20,000 miles a year in it. That's 80 miles a day, 70 of which are on the M4 motorway.
Apart from the extra £1000-odd a year in fuel it'll be costing me, is the MX5 a sensible and viable option? Or, after the initial novelty has worn off, am I going to wish I had something more comfortable for the daily commute. (The Golf's not a barge but I'm guessing it's more comfortable than the MX5 on the motorway.) I had been been hoping that the occasional B-road blast would compensate.
I realise it's probably a daft question, considering who the audience of this question is, but should I do it? Can I realistically use a Mk2 MX5 for a 20,000 mile a year daily hack?
Earlier this weekend Mrs Pints made the surprise announcement that she doesn't want her Focus estate, or the Zafira I recently offered as a replacement (two half-Pints under the age of three make both of these very sensible options).
No, what Mrs Pints has decided she wants is a Golf GTI. With her track record, there's a snowball's hope in hell of that. "Fine", was her response. She'll keep my Golf TDI and I can get that MX5 I've been blathering on about.
So, there it is. The Pints' household's minister of finance has approved an MX5 for the transport minister. But this is where reality kicks in: I'll be doing 20,000 miles a year in it. That's 80 miles a day, 70 of which are on the M4 motorway.
Apart from the extra £1000-odd a year in fuel it'll be costing me, is the MX5 a sensible and viable option? Or, after the initial novelty has worn off, am I going to wish I had something more comfortable for the daily commute. (The Golf's not a barge but I'm guessing it's more comfortable than the MX5 on the motorway.) I had been been hoping that the occasional B-road blast would compensate.
I realise it's probably a daft question, considering who the audience of this question is, but should I do it? Can I realistically use a Mk2 MX5 for a 20,000 mile a year daily hack?
Pints said:
Can I realistically use a Mk2 MX5 for a 20,000 mile a year daily hack?
I've done 36,000 miles in my 1996 Mk1 since May '09. I'm a big lad (and that's being kind 
) but find it perfectly comfortable. If you can live with 30mpg, 5000 mile oil changes, scraping the inside of the windscreen on a frosty day, and having to choose two of road noise/conversation/radio, then sure, go for it! For what it's worth, I have no plans to change cars.
BonzoG said:
Pints said:
Can I realistically use a Mk2 MX5 for a 20,000 mile a year daily hack?
I've done 36,000 miles in my 1996 Mk1 since May '09. I'm a big lad (and that's being kind ) but find it perfectly comfortable. If you can live with 30mpg, 5000 mile oil changes, scraping the inside of the windscreen on a frosty day, and having to choose two of road noise/conversation/radio, then sure, go for it! For what it's worth, I have no plans to change cars.
Must admit mine was rather modded though which made it great on track but too noisy for long distance travel.My biggest concern would be getting a numb bum! Not sure about the mk2, but the std seats in the mk1 were not great.
Pints said:
My rubber arm has been twisted. I'll be taking tomorrow off to get a couple of test drives in.
Presumably a 6-speed 'box would be preferable for the motorway. Are the 1.6 engines as underpowered in the mk2 as some say?
Do it, do it! Presumably a 6-speed 'box would be preferable for the motorway. Are the 1.6 engines as underpowered in the mk2 as some say?
If the finance minister approves further funding (or funding can be stretched) get a Mk2.5 they have a few more niceties available (mine has heated leather) that would make it more comfortable and more pleasant to have the roof down (I've had the roof down on the way to work when it was -10!).
When I borrowed my dad's standard UK Mk.2 I was amazed at how much more comfortable it was on the motorway than my Bilstein-equipped Mk.1. It feels a much bigger more grown up car. Of course it does lose the charm of a Mk.1 IMHO.
Having said that, did a touring holiday of Yorkshire in my Mk.1, driving there and back in one go from Kent, and practically living in the car for 6 days or so - it was fine.
A Mk.1 with standard suspension might be nicer, and a Mk.2 would probably be quite civilised, but do get one with air con if you can. People might not agree, but if you are stuck in a traffic jam on the motorway on a hot summer's day, or constantly misting up in the winter, you may begin to agree with me
If your budget allows, go for a Mk.2.5 1.8 if it is a daily driver with a lot of motorway miles. Mk.1 for a budget blaster.
Having said that, did a touring holiday of Yorkshire in my Mk.1, driving there and back in one go from Kent, and practically living in the car for 6 days or so - it was fine.
A Mk.1 with standard suspension might be nicer, and a Mk.2 would probably be quite civilised, but do get one with air con if you can. People might not agree, but if you are stuck in a traffic jam on the motorway on a hot summer's day, or constantly misting up in the winter, you may begin to agree with me
If your budget allows, go for a Mk.2.5 1.8 if it is a daily driver with a lot of motorway miles. Mk.1 for a budget blaster.
Pints said:
Help me out here, when did they bring out the 2.5? Is there a glaringly obvious difference (looks wise) between 2 and 2.5?
Hello. Do it!!! You will love it, I can tell you that! Especially coming from your Golf!Speaking from experience, you will most likely miss the lazy torque (not sure which model yours is though), the ease of getting in and out, the nice stereo, the decent heaters, the visibility... But you'll be getting a car that on a rubbish day at work you drop the top and it just doesn't matter any more!
I'd personally not worry too much if it's a 1.6 or a 1.8, depending on the amount you're looking at spending. I'd rather have a well sorted, looked after 1.6 (which I had) than a rubbish condition, awful heap 1.8 (which I also had); both in Mk2 guise.
The Mk2.5 started on the 51 plate I believe. There is an obvious difference between the Mk2 and the Mk2.5, though they are not worlds apart as a car. It was more a subtle styling change. Overall though I'd say the Mk2.5 is a sharper package so I would try to get one of those if you can. It has a nicer look both outside and inside.
This link may help. As it says, the easiest way to tell is by the headlights. Most Mk2s didn't come with foglights (or even a hole for them) whereas the Mk2.5 did. The interior in a Mk2.5 is silver and more modern than the Mk2, which has a pretty similar interior to the Mk1.
http://www.mazda-mx5-shop.com/index.php?main_page=...
ETA: Get heated leather if you can! It will make convincing the other half that -5 outside but still dry is perfect for roof down motoring...!
Edited by Pulse on Monday 18th October 08:14
Hey Iain
If the 2.5 started on the 51 plate, I'll likely be looking at one of those. My Golf is the 2.0L TDI (140) so it's got a fair amount of torque. Since Mrs Pints will take over the Golf, at least it'll still be on the drive if I need the practicality.
Just doing the sums again for fuel. What were you getting in your 1.6 and 1.8 (especially motorway miles)? That might just be the deciding factor. Coming from a very real 50+ MPG in the Golf, doubling my fuel bill is likely to sting a little.
And Lukas, no thanks. I had the chance of buying an MGF a couple of months back but I walked away. The FiL has suggested a mk1 TT - you can guess my answer to that too.
If the 2.5 started on the 51 plate, I'll likely be looking at one of those. My Golf is the 2.0L TDI (140) so it's got a fair amount of torque. Since Mrs Pints will take over the Golf, at least it'll still be on the drive if I need the practicality.
Just doing the sums again for fuel. What were you getting in your 1.6 and 1.8 (especially motorway miles)? That might just be the deciding factor. Coming from a very real 50+ MPG in the Golf, doubling my fuel bill is likely to sting a little.
And Lukas, no thanks. I had the chance of buying an MGF a couple of months back but I walked away. The FiL has suggested a mk1 TT - you can guess my answer to that too.
Pints said:
Hey Iain
If the 2.5 started on the 51 plate, I'll likely be looking at one of those. My Golf is the 2.0L TDI (140) so it's got a fair amount of torque. Since Mrs Pints will take over the Golf, at least it'll still be on the drive if I need the practicality.
Just doing the sums again for fuel. What were you getting in your 1.6 and 1.8 (especially motorway miles)? That might just be the deciding factor. Coming from a very real 50+ MPG in the Golf, doubling my fuel bill is likely to sting a little.
And Lukas, no thanks. I had the chance of buying an MGF a couple of months back but I walked away. The FiL has suggested a mk1 TT - you can guess my answer to that too.
On the motorway you will see 30mpg, but don't expect any more. They were both worse on fuel than my Astra VXR! That's because it has very old engine technology carried over from the Mk1.If the 2.5 started on the 51 plate, I'll likely be looking at one of those. My Golf is the 2.0L TDI (140) so it's got a fair amount of torque. Since Mrs Pints will take over the Golf, at least it'll still be on the drive if I need the practicality.
Just doing the sums again for fuel. What were you getting in your 1.6 and 1.8 (especially motorway miles)? That might just be the deciding factor. Coming from a very real 50+ MPG in the Golf, doubling my fuel bill is likely to sting a little.
And Lukas, no thanks. I had the chance of buying an MGF a couple of months back but I walked away. The FiL has suggested a mk1 TT - you can guess my answer to that too.
I guarantee you will miss that lazy torque, but if you enjoy really working an engine, the MX5 will be rewarding.
You may also want to consider the MR2, as you probably won't need the practicality. It does limit you somewhat though as it doesn't have a boot, at all.
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