MK3 MR2 or MK3 MX5

[Rustybits]

With about 4k to spend, which would be the better option?

Basically I'm looking for a bit of a weekend toy, absolutely no need for practicality and something fairly cheap to run. Mrs won't let me get a motorbike (I've had a previous accident on one, and she is really not keen for me to get another) so this is the compromise.

I've had a MK2 mx5 before and whilst I absolutely adored the car it was tough fighting an unending battle against rust.

I'd be up for another MK2 mx5 but the risk of it rusting away again puts me off.

My dream 'attainable' car is probably a VX220, I'm not quite there yet but maybe in a few years! I think the MR2 is probably closer to this than any of the 5's?

[Stuckinthe80s]

Like you I had a mk2 MX5 that I loved but advancing rust was an ever present threat and I sold it on before that expense arrived. I had a test drive in a mk3 MX5 as I think the rust issue although not solved was meant to be improved. However having also owned a mk3 MR2 before the MR2 for me gave me more of the feel of back to basics driving and go kart handling without needing excessive speed. I have therefore just purchased an early Mk3 MR2 and have no regrets. Storage space of course isn’t great but there is a surprisingly reasonable sized cubby behind the seats and space inside is comfortable enough for me at 6’2. I found the gear selection on the Mk2 mx5 more precise but the MR2’s action is still solid and good to use and it could have just been variation in the cars I drove. Standard exhaust on my current MR2 is quiet but you can always upgrade to something louder if that is your thing.

For me if you really don’t need the added benefit of the boot on the MX5 I would go with the MR2. Research on the web suggests you need to make sure rust isn’t an issue on the rear cross member and I had the ceramic pre cats removed to prevent the risk of degraded ceramic parts seeing off the engine. The engine can apparently use a fair bit of oil but so far so good on mine. I am hoping for a relatively cheap, reliable fun car that whilst not fast for today it still handles like nothing else for the price at non licence losing speeds. Prices also still seem to be relatively cheap for the most part for MR2s compared to MX5s locally but they do seem to be starting to go up no doubt thanks to COVID and progression to our EV future.

[Rustybits]

Thanks for the response, confirms what I have been thinking, that the MR2 is just a little bit more raw than the MX-5 which would be ideal for what I want it for.

Not sure about tuning potential though, I know the standard response is to 'drop' the 2ZZ engine in it, but not sure how practical this actually is in practice, I wouldn't mind a bit of a project to work on though.

[TameRacingDriver]

I've not driven the NC MX5 but was considering buying one, but I have had a couple of Mk1 MX5s as well as an MR2 Roadster.

Purely for driving I'd say the MR2 was a bit of a no-brainer over the NC, which is still a great car I'm sure, but probably a bit more civilised and less raw as you've alluded to. The MR2 is sort of a poor mans Lotus.

[Q Car]

Coming at this from a different angle, I used to own a VX220. Had it for about 4 years and gradually got to the point where it was such a pain (literal and metaphorical as I'm 6'3") to get in and out of that I just didn't use it enough to justify keeping it - had to take the bloody roof off in the garage to get in it! I tracked it a couple of times, which was a stunning experience, but it kind of took the edge off using it more day to day - if I know it can do that round Bruntingthorpe, what's the point in six tenths on the public road.

I'm now looking for a Mk3 MR2....

[Ash_]

Rustybits said:

Thanks for the response, confirms what I have been thinking, that the MR2 is just a little bit more raw than the MX-5 which would be ideal for what I want it for.

Not sure about tuning potential though, I know the standard response is to 'drop' the 2ZZ engine in it, but not sure how practical this actually is in practice, I wouldn't mind a bit of a project to work on though.

If you're considering the expense of dropping a 2zz in, then maybe considering up your budget a little bit and get one that's already been done, they do pop occasionally.
Also, keep aiming for that VX, I had mine for 10.5 years and absolutely loved everything about it (and it was completely standard), I only sold it as I moved abroad.

[Rustybits]

Q Car said:

Coming at this from a different angle, I used to own a VX220. Had it for about 4 years and gradually got to the point where it was such a pain (literal and metaphorical as I'm 6'3") to get in and out of that I just didn't use it enough to justify keeping it - had to take the bloody roof off in the garage to get in it! I tracked it a couple of times, which was a stunning experience, but it kind of took the edge off using it more day to day - if I know it can do that round Bruntingthorpe, what's the point in six tenths on the public road.

I'm now looking for a Mk3 MR2....

That's interesting that you're looking at coming from a VX to an MR2! Still I think it will be an itch I have to scratch at some point!

[Rustybits]

Ash_ said:

If you're considering the expense of dropping a 2zz in, then maybe considering up your budget a little bit and get one that's already been done, they do pop occasionally

Yes good idea and I'll keep an eye out, I might even wait until the autumn to see if a few pop on the market after the summer is done.

Ash_ said:

Also, keep aiming for that VX, I had mine for 10.5 years and absolutely loved everything about it (and it was completely standard), I only sold it as I moved abroad.

Thanks, will do. It's not outside the realm of possibility, but I couldn't justify the outlay at this point. Hopefully prices won't rise so much they go out of reach!

[Jasandjules]

I would get a MK2 MR2 instead (I think they are much nicer than the MK3...).... Plus the T-Bar and pop up lights.......

[Rustybits]

Jasandjules said:

I would get a MK2 MR2 instead (I think they are much nicer than the MK3...).... Plus the T-Bar and pop up lights.......

I agree they look much nicer, but they are more of a GT car rather than a lightweight B-road toy?

[stargazer30]

Quite different to drive these two. The MX5 is all arse out fun and the MR2 will put you in a hedge if you try those shinanigans. MR2s are all about balance. Personally I'd go for the mk3 MR3 but then again I've had 3 of them

If you do get the MR2 watch out for aftermarket wheels on used ones. The MR2 has a staggered setup with wider wheels rear to front and check the tyre pressures regular.

[Halo in reverse]

Another vote for the MR2 Roadster.

Having owned both early MR2 models and a few Boxsters to boot I am now very happy with my MR2 Roadster - £ for £ the best car available at the OP's budget.

[PistonRings]

Another vote for MR2, engaging feedback and a rewarding experience at not over the limit speeds.

[SCEtoAUX]

MR2 - I've had two, both flawless and just brilliant fun to drive.