2015 MX5

[snowandrocks]

My girlfriend has decided she would like an MX5. In particular, the 2015 on model in red.

We're in the North of Scotland so will have to travel to see one so any tips?

Is the 2.0 worth the extra? Any particular weak spots to look out for?

[CeramicMX5ND2]

If I was buying a 2015 example (ND1), I'd go for the 1.5. Some have reported gearbox issues on the 2.0, and Mazda significantly upgraded the 2.0 engine which became available in about September 2018 2019MY ND2) Mazda increased the power by about 26hp and brought many of the characteristics of the 1.5 over to the 2.0. Always worth a look underneath for rust, though shouldn't be anything too serious on a 2015 example..

[snowandrocks]

CeramicMX5ND2 said:

If I was buying a 2015 example (ND1), I'd go for the 1.5. Some have reported gearbox issues on the 2.0, and Mazda significantly upgraded the 2.0 engine which became available in about September 2018 2019MY ND2) Mazda increased the power by about 26hp and brought many of the characteristics of the 1.5 over to the 2.0. Always worth a look underneath for rust, though shouldn't be anything too serious on a 2015 example..

Ah, that was badly worded. She's not set on any one car or year in particular, just likes the model that was introduced in 2015.

That's interesting about the upgrades, will keep an eye out for the later model in that case.

Out of interest, how are they for taller drivers? I'm 6ft 2 and might want to drive it from time to time.

[CeramicMX5ND2]

Ah OK.. I understand.. What budget do you have?
As for you being 6ft 2, I'd strongly recommend you driving one, or at least sitting in one to see if you can get comfortable. The 2015 models onwards are a little more compact than the previous model...!

[snowandrocks]

I started off with about £13k in mind but that's pretty flexible. We generally keep cars for a long time so happy to spend more for the right car.

That's interesting about interior space, I fit comfortably in a 986 Boxster so fingers crossed this works out haha.

[drgoatboy]

snowandrocks said:

Ah, that was badly worded. She's not set on any one car or year in particular, just likes the model that was introduced in 2015.

That's interesting about the upgrades, will keep an eye out for the later model in that case.

Out of interest, how are they for taller drivers? I'm 6ft 2 and might want to drive it from time to time.

I'm 6ft5 and it was undrivable for me. But only just so you might be ok. Expect it to be tight though, more about headroom than anything else. Def need to sit in one if you can.

[Summit_Detailing]

Nothing to add re the mechanicals to what has already been said above but it would be 100% worth a small expenditure to have the underside undersealed as you live in Scotland and plan on keeping the car long-term.

At 6'2" you will fit but may not be comfortable over a longer drive.

Happy shopping!

Cheers,

Chris

[pb8g09]

On the height, how tall is your other half?

When I test drove one, my then partner was/is 5 ft 2 and she couldn't see over the steering wheel without having to sit on her coat.

[snowandrocks]

She's 5ft 6 so hopefully should fit but it does sound like we should sit in/drive one before we go any further!

Good point about the rust, 8 months a year of salt on the roads means almost everything rusts so will definitely get it treated.

[MK1RS Bruce]

Sure you wouldn't prefer a snowplough?

I take full responsibility for the snow, I taxed the RS on the 1st

[snowandrocks]

Haha, it will be staying locked up in the shed on days like this!

Nearly got the Hilux stuck first thing this morning so a snow plough might be a better idea!