MX5 is the answer - but which one?

[CeramicMX5ND2]

NeoVR said:

.
I would be interested to know if anyone has an opinion of an ND 2.0 with BBR vs an ND2 184.

I bought a 2018 ND2 (184) last July and really like it - The engine was purposely modified to suit the MX-5ND's characteristics. The unrevised 2.0 litre engine was only fitted to satisfy the US market who weren't happy with it just being a 1.5...!, so was then offered to the wider market place. Was surprised at the length Mazda went in the changes it made to the engine, but am glad they did..!
Am sure BBR can get some more out of it, but I'm happy with what it's got because the MX-5 was never all about power..

[xcentric]

NeoVR said:

I’m watching this thread with interest as I’m looking at getting (another) MX5.. or maybe a Boxster as I’m missing that roof-down driving feeling and funnily enough a Volvo T5 or Kia e-Niro doesn’t quite hit the spot.

I’ve had a NA 1.8, supercharged NB (that I really really regret selling) and also an Abarth 124.. which i did enjoy but I wasn’t a huge fan of the engine when “on it” probably because it wasn’t rewarding to Rev out.

So far in my head I’m considering an NC/3.5 or maybe a early ND 2.0(or possibly even a 1.5)
Some light modifications are not out of the question too.
I would be interested to know if anyone has an opinion of an ND 2.0 with BBR vs an ND2 184.

I'll have a Boxster S coming up for sale shortly, 105k miles, rebuilt by Hartech so that the IMS won't fail, and with strengthened engine internals etc. FSH, recent service and MOT. Currently SORN'd. Message me if interested.....

[Luke.]

xcentric said:

I'll have a Boxster S coming up for sale shortly, 105k miles, rebuilt by Hartech so that the IMS won't fail, and with strengthened engine internals etc. FSH, recent service and MOT. Currently SORN'd. Message me if interested.....

Why not keep the Boxster? Sounds like a cracking option. Especially given the rebuild.

[xcentric]

Ir's a good question - my wife will be doing most of the commuting, and she's never really gelled with the Boxster. We've had it a fair few years (since 30k miles). It's more costly to insure, maintain, fuel and tax than an MX5 will be. It's odd to realise that I'll get nothing like the performance for the money, but it'd be a different experience and one she's more likely to get on with. But each time I drive it I find reasons to keep it - it was for sale on PH a couple of years ago and I changed my mind then too 😁

[Luke.]

xcentric said:

Ir's a good question - my wife will be doing most of the commuting, and she's never really gelled with the Boxster. We've had it a fair few years (since 30k miles). It's more costly to insure, maintain, fuel and tax than an MX5 will be. It's odd to realise that I'll get nothing like the performance for the money, but it'd be a different experience and one she's more likely to get on with. But each time I drive it I find reasons to keep it - it was for sale on PH a couple of years ago and I changed my mind then too ??

Have you got an ad anywhere for it?

[Glug69]

[quote=xcentric]

I've found replying too soon means people don't post any other ideas. Been looking at the later mk 3's and early mk 4's. Think I prefer the look of the 4's and the slightly more modern interior, and assume that the NVH is better too as it tends to improve model to model. But the 3's are good value, though not much difference at model changeover.

It'll be the larger engine version, and maybe BBR'd, but it doesn't need to be our quick car - but people say it handles off bends better with slightly more oomph.....


Which of the mk 4's have the LSD? it's not always obvious - could be all, could be noise, could be just some packs but I've not cracked the code yet.....

All 2.0 cars in the UK have lsd.

[xcentric]

Luke. said:

Have you got an ad anywhere for it?

not written it yet, sorry - can email me for more info if needed. Probably getting this sorted first, then selling the Boxster.....

[PushedDover]

Rocketeer

ETA - NA Rocketeer

[Lily the Pink]

Luke. said:

Abarth 124. Far more interesting. Much rarer. Lovely exhaust. Much punchier engine. Better value for money. Don't dismiss it. Ours was fantastic.

This is the right answer, though the cheaper Fiat is somewhat more civilised and less lairy.

[Evoluzione]

Lily the Pink said:

Luke. said:

Abarth 124. Far more interesting. Much rarer. Lovely exhaust. Much punchier engine. Better value for money. Don't dismiss it. Ours was fantastic.

This is the right answer, though the cheaper Fiat is somewhat more civilised and less lairy.

Certainly rare - due to it being one of the most ill proportioned and ugly cars built in recent years.
Like a modern equivalent to the Alfa Arna.

[NeoVR]

The 124’s are a nice car for sure, but the Fiat parts would be worrying for me as a long term ownership prospect out of warranty.
Things like collapsed seat bases, seized exhaust valves and failing multi-air units - and these are all year 1-2 issues and likely to reoccur.

With my Abarth I had the exhaust valve seize within a few weeks of getting the car.. managed to get it seized “open” with some pliers which sounds ace when your in the mood.. but not so good for keeping the neighbours happy

Also the manual gearbox ones are quite rare for some reason.. mine was a manual.. and IMHO the engine felt a bit of a letdown when making decent progress on flowy country roads... so maybe the auto box suits the torque-rich personality of the car better.
If the Abarth had the MX5’s 184 engine - i would likely still have it.

[Trevor555]

NeoVR said:

The 124’s are a nice car for sure, but the Fiat parts would be worrying for me as a long term ownership prospect out of warranty.
Things like collapsed seat bases, seized exhaust valves and failing multi-air units - and these are all year 1-2 issues and likely to reoccur.

With my Abarth I had the exhaust valve seize within a few weeks of getting the car.. managed to get it seized “open” with some pliers which sounds ace when your in the mood.. but not so good for keeping the neighbours happy

Also the manual gearbox ones are quite rare for some reason.. mine was a manual.. and IMHO the engine felt a bit of a letdown when making decent progress on flowy country roads... so maybe the auto box suits the torque-rich personality of the car better.
If the Abarth had the MX5’s 184 engine - i would likely still have it.

I've spoken to two owners that had a remap, taking the car close to 200bhp.

They both said it transformed the car.

Perhaps an early Xmas present for yourself?

I didn't have my one for very long, but it gave me more smiles than some previous, rather more expensive, cars.

[xcentric]

This is to be a pretty standard car for us, easy to buy and sell on - market for MX5 is much larger..... Also want a manual and as noted they are harder to find in the 124. And the answer is MX5, not Arbath

[leonardfell]

30th Anniversary
Rays Alloys
Recaro Seats
Brembo Fronts
Nissin Rears
Colour ??

[xcentric]

leonardfell said:

30th Anniversary
Rays Alloys
Recaro Seats
Brembo Fronts
Nissin Rears
Colour ??

Been looking at these - I love the colour - but it's too much ££ - we have too many cars and need a cheaper one that is new enough to be clean air zone compliant (i.e. >2006, so most are ok!) and reliable enough to do a hack to town a couple of times a week..... but it's not a main car. Then again, maybe it should be and I'll reconsider this - partly because of the colour.....

[clarki]

I had a 2010 Mk3.5 Roadster. Fabulous car and the roof mechanism is a work of art.

Recently purchased a 2017 mk4 rf, my thoughts;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAssq1B58EQ

[Furyblade_Lee]

Luke. said:

Abarth 124. Far more interesting. Much rarer. Lovely exhaust. Much punchier engine. Better value for money. Don't dismiss it. Ours was fantastic.

Like so:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010094...

And if you're not up on Abarths, they're made by Mazda and share the same interior/roof as the ND and a lot of other parts. Ours had Mazda logos and stickers dotted on parts all over the place.

Edited by Luke. on Saturday 2nd January 20:00

Hilarious!

[Furyblade_Lee]

xcentric said:

Ir's a good question - my wife will be doing most of the commuting, and she's never really gelled with the Boxster. We've had it a fair few years (since 30k miles). It's more costly to insure, maintain, fuel and tax than an MX5 will be. It's odd to realise that I'll get nothing like the performance for the money, but it'd be a different experience and one she's more likely to get on with. But each time I drive it I find reasons to keep it - it was for sale on PH a couple of years ago and I changed my mind then too ??

I had the same, the Boxster thing I never understood, most disappointing car I have ever owned ( although certainly not the worst.... )

[Furyblade_Lee]

I have owned far too many MX5s, and still do....

As a rough guide, if you want a raw experience, almost classic car, the MK1 is king. A poor one is ropey, good one is sublime. My pick would be an mint early 1.6 Eunos for the classic feel, or a late 1.8 Eunos with torsen LSD for a slightly more refined drive.,

The MK2 is the cheapest and most unloved MX5 at the mo, as rust of the front chassis rails is a killer of them. ( along with rear sills on MK1 & Mk2 )
BUT considering so many parts are interchangeable with a MK1, the MK2 is completely different to drive. More grown up, refined, smoother. But a torsen diff equipped car is a hoot to drive flat out.

But MK1 & Mk2 are so different to drive and so direct in the detail, personal choice is key. But a budget of 3k on each should buy you a minter, so try and get a go in both before you buy! Good luck.

[clarki]

Furyblade_Lee said:

xcentric said:

Ir's a good question - my wife will be doing most of the commuting, and she's never really gelled with the Boxster. We've had it a fair few years (since 30k miles). It's more costly to insure, maintain, fuel and tax than an MX5 will be. It's odd to realise that I'll get nothing like the performance for the money, but it'd be a different experience and one she's more likely to get on with. But each time I drive it I find reasons to keep it - it was for sale on PH a couple of years ago and I changed my mind then too ??

I had the same, the Boxster thing I never understood, most disappointing car I have ever owned ( although certainly not the worst.... )

I'm with you guys on the Boxster. We had a 981S, didn't even last a year. Just dull. Held it's money though, which was good.

Was swapped for an slk55 (crazy car), 5 years ago, it's still here??!! Yet read all the press and believe the hype and you'd never choose an slk over a boxster