Discussion
I had a go in a 1.5 SE yesterday as I don't really want any of the extra stuff you get in the SE-L or above, and I think the screen stuck on the dash and painted door tops look daft. The painted door tops and "leather" door panels have been replaced with black plastic of such staggeringly low quality the 800-mile car I drove was in a terrible state in this area, and the ICE controller has been replaced with a little tray of similar type and also scratched to hell and back. I know it's the basic model but it was pretty disappointing for a car at nearly 18K list.
The one I drove was also all over the place in terms of handling compared to the others I have driven so I think there was some kind of alignment issue with it.
The one I drove was also all over the place in terms of handling compared to the others I have driven so I think there was some kind of alignment issue with it.
cymro said:
Has anybody moved from a 2.0 litre Mk 3 Sport to a 1.5 litre Mk 4? I'd like to know if you miss the extra bhp?
Think I've answered my own question. Been recently for a test drive in a 2.0 Sport which I liked but also looked at a couple of 1.5s the dealer had in. For me the car looks much better with 17" wheels and so any purchase would need to have these wheels which aren't available as an option on a 1.5. Would not wish to fit aftermarket wheels. I did not have time on the day to test a 1.5 but will go back to do that and also to see if the boot will take my battery powered golf trolley which my Mk 3 will do.
I spoke with BBR last week (2 hours before I ordered my new Mk4 Recaro!) and asked when they will be bringing out the upgrades to the new MX-5. They reckon launching in August and from the start they will have the 190 package and 200-210bhp package upgrade with exhaust etc.
£5k Phil? Really? The Mk3.5 was £6k inc VAT from memory which was more than half the value of my current Mk3.5! That was the nail in the coffin for keeping the Mk3. I think the Mk4 will be supercharged again didn't I read? Maybe that's why it's cheaper.
100% going for the 210bhp u/g and hopefully they will have the bigger brakes to go with it. Guess they will be offering a suspension upgrade as well but it's a pity the standard Bilstin's can't just be lowered so it doesn't look like a 4x4 off-roader....
Will the suspension be good enough? Any comments?
Also - anyone else think Mazda are being a little short sticking blanking plates on the front and rear side lights used in the USA? It looks pretty naff and a pity Mazda just didn't have different front and rear bumpers for the rest of the world - without cheap looking covers in the cut-outs. I've asked my dealer to get prices to supply the lenses and holders so I can remove the blanking plates. Rather have that than four plastic stick-in blanks imo.
£5k Phil? Really? The Mk3.5 was £6k inc VAT from memory which was more than half the value of my current Mk3.5! That was the nail in the coffin for keeping the Mk3. I think the Mk4 will be supercharged again didn't I read? Maybe that's why it's cheaper.
100% going for the 210bhp u/g and hopefully they will have the bigger brakes to go with it. Guess they will be offering a suspension upgrade as well but it's a pity the standard Bilstin's can't just be lowered so it doesn't look like a 4x4 off-roader....
Will the suspension be good enough? Any comments?
Also - anyone else think Mazda are being a little short sticking blanking plates on the front and rear side lights used in the USA? It looks pretty naff and a pity Mazda just didn't have different front and rear bumpers for the rest of the world - without cheap looking covers in the cut-outs. I've asked my dealer to get prices to supply the lenses and holders so I can remove the blanking plates. Rather have that than four plastic stick-in blanks imo.
The turbo's not out yet but after a brief chat with Peter I think it'll be around £4.5-£5k fitted plus VAT when released, probably around 240-250 BHP for longevity. That's pretty compelling but will mean reducing the house deposit fund further which may not go down well with SWMBO!
Mine's on 193bhp and 170 ftlbs and the build includes the manifold and full exhaust so it is ready to "drop" the turbo in. Not seen anything around a 210 hp stage tune though. What's in that do you know?
Cheers
Phil
Mine's on 193bhp and 170 ftlbs and the build includes the manifold and full exhaust so it is ready to "drop" the turbo in. Not seen anything around a 210 hp stage tune though. What's in that do you know?
Cheers
Phil
Hi Phil, Ah! already had it "fiddled with" have you? At BBR no doubt. I don't think it was Peter I spoke with but he did say 190bhp is ready, (you know that I guess), but he was hoping to have the 205-210bhp by August confirmed.
Would I be right in thinking that if I go for either I can at a later date, get BBR to drop a turbo straight in to their already fitted 190-210 (what ever it is!) BHP conversion? That would be a great way of doing in stages, eases the pain. Then there's the brakes etc...
Still got my minto Mk3.5 here to sell but every time I look/drive it I think, wish I had more garage space.
Any chance we could compare cars when I finally pick mine up in August?
Would I be right in thinking that if I go for either I can at a later date, get BBR to drop a turbo straight in to their already fitted 190-210 (what ever it is!) BHP conversion? That would be a great way of doing in stages, eases the pain. Then there's the brakes etc...
Still got my minto Mk3.5 here to sell but every time I look/drive it I think, wish I had more garage space.
Any chance we could compare cars when I finally pick mine up in August?
Very happy to compare cars, just drop me a line.
Yes I went for the works including brakes (pads) and suspension (springs at least) but I think the one must-have for the turbo is the manifold (it also looks lovely) so if you do go for the 190 make sure you include that as well. then theoretically it's an easy upgrade to the turbo.
Phil
Yes I went for the works including brakes (pads) and suspension (springs at least) but I think the one must-have for the turbo is the manifold (it also looks lovely) so if you do go for the 190 make sure you include that as well. then theoretically it's an easy upgrade to the turbo.
Phil
K2MDL said:
I'm so attached to my 3.5 and they aren't releasing the mk4 in True Red +MAD+ I am going to wait until I have driven the new model. I usually jump in feet first and buy without driving for a new model but this time I am going to wait. At least that's the plan..... 
I was in the same boat. Wouldn't buy until they released it in True Red, like my current Mk3.5. Gave up of course and bought one in Ceramic White. Off to the wrappers to get it wrapped - in True Red!! ^^ Pics of the wrap?
Anyway, my car is booked into the local dealer for a third time due to the dropping of the interior roof lining. Starting to get really annoyed with it now. Has anyone else suffered this? Also to have a courtesy car the dealer want to charge me - is it worth me contesting this?
Anyway, my car is booked into the local dealer for a third time due to the dropping of the interior roof lining. Starting to get really annoyed with it now. Has anyone else suffered this? Also to have a courtesy car the dealer want to charge me - is it worth me contesting this?
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