Which MX-5 version is best?
Discussion
cheddar said:
The Crack Fox said:
Less is more with the MX-5, I've driven the lot, but a grand spent on an early 1.6 NA car is the way to go IMO. Look for rust.
+1Another good video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM3aOddsLKg&fea...
Edited by Tyrewrecker on Saturday 28th July 16:51
Grodecki said:
I may be biased but I feel the NA mk1 1.6 SE is the best model available. It lacks aircon but has a nice leather interior (if you like tan!), ABS, power steering, but is still a mk1. Lovely thing. Only considering replacing it because I want something with 4 seats...
How can it be the best if it is significantly lower spec than lots of other models? 
Tyrewrecker said:
Grodecki said:
I may be biased but I feel the NA mk1 1.6 SE is the best model available. It lacks aircon but has a nice leather interior (if you like tan!), ABS, power steering, but is still a mk1. Lovely thing. Only considering replacing it because I want something with 4 seats...
How can it be the best if it is significantly lower spec than lots of other models? Often the opposite
Biccaroo said:
In terms of looks I only really like the face-lifted MX-5 NB/Second Generation/Mk2 versions. This at least has some aggressive styling. The others are far too curvy/bubbly for my liking.
Compared to the MR2 Mk3, how are they on space and practicality? Any better? My MR2 is a fantastic little car, but the lack of storage space is starting to become a problem.
MX5 is more practical but no where near as sharp as a mk3 MR2, have a look at my garage - I've not been bothered to finish the MX5 since getting the MR2.Compared to the MR2 Mk3, how are they on space and practicality? Any better? My MR2 is a fantastic little car, but the lack of storage space is starting to become a problem.
Please note i'm not talking about the mk2 MR2, the MX5 is a way better drivers car than those.
Oh and in my opinion the best would be a mk2 sport, good looking body kit, LSD, bigger brakes and really under the skin the MK2 is the same chassis as the mk1. It was a revision to improve flaws in the original car not a complete new car. My current MX5 is a mish mash of mk1/mk2 bits.
Biccaroo said:
PHer's seem to love the MX-5 but which version (e.g. 1.8 Nevada) is considered to be the best and offers the greatest VFM? I'd like to focus mainly on the second generation as the first generation is getting on a bit and the latest incarnation isn't quite so good (Is it?). Cheers!
Sorry but you've got that 100% wrong.Generally:
Mk2 rust more than Mk1
Mk3 (although I personally don't like the looks and to me they aren't really an MX5 as nothing is carried over from the earlier cars) are much better cars in every way except character / fun.
Personally I'd buy the latest Mk1 import I could find (to reduce chance of rust) then supercharge it.
The actual model is fairly irrelevant as they are all similar and everything swaps over but it's silly not to start with a 1.8 as they have better bracing, diff and brakes.
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
OP, we will all recommend what we own. You DO know that.
So.
The best is a 1.8i NA. No nancy PAS, pure driving fun. Buy without Rust though.
Genuine response is the NB I have been in are no faster, don't drive any better, but have a more cossetting feel and such.
I felt you sat 'on it' not 'in it'....
The NB is stiffer. Not strictly true that we all propose what we own though. I picked an NB as NAs didn't impress me, but I have a UK Mk2, not the JDM Mk2.5 that I've suggested here.So.
The best is a 1.8i NA. No nancy PAS, pure driving fun. Buy without Rust though.
Genuine response is the NB I have been in are no faster, don't drive any better, but have a more cossetting feel and such.
I felt you sat 'on it' not 'in it'....
Chris Harris said:
For anyone who accuses me - or has accused me - of being a troll, please note that my lips are sealed!
AFAIK you've never driven a well set up supercharged / turbo MX5 so you aren't aware how great they can be.I've owned literally hundreds of cars and I never kept one over 6 months but I've owned an MX5 for probably 15 years now.
Just about to sell my Chim - as it's inferior to my MX5 as was my Monaro.
redgriff500 said:
Sorry but you've got that 100% wrong.
Generally:
Mk2 rust more than Mk1
Mk3 (although I personally don't like the looks and to me they aren't really an MX5 as nothing is carried over from the earlier cars) are much better cars in every way except character / fun.
Personally I'd buy the latest Mk1 import I could find (to reduce chance of rust) then supercharge it.
The actual model is fairly irrelevant as they are all similar and everything swaps over but it's silly not to start with a 1.8 as they have better bracing, diff and brakes.
The Mk2 rusts MORE than the Mk1??? Really? Surely not? I'd have thought the treatment of metal only got better, not worse, as the manufacturing techniques progressed!Generally:
Mk2 rust more than Mk1
Mk3 (although I personally don't like the looks and to me they aren't really an MX5 as nothing is carried over from the earlier cars) are much better cars in every way except character / fun.
Personally I'd buy the latest Mk1 import I could find (to reduce chance of rust) then supercharge it.
The actual model is fairly irrelevant as they are all similar and everything swaps over but it's silly not to start with a 1.8 as they have better bracing, diff and brakes.
Biccaroo said:
redgriff500 said:
Sorry but you've got that 100% wrong.
Generally:
Mk2 rust more than Mk1
Mk3 (although I personally don't like the looks and to me they aren't really an MX5 as nothing is carried over from the earlier cars) are much better cars in every way except character / fun.
Personally I'd buy the latest Mk1 import I could find (to reduce chance of rust) then supercharge it.
The actual model is fairly irrelevant as they are all similar and everything swaps over but it's silly not to start with a 1.8 as they have better bracing, diff and brakes.
The Mk2 rusts MORE than the Mk1??? Really? Surely not? I'd have thought the treatment of metal only got better, not worse, as the manufacturing techniques progressed!Generally:
Mk2 rust more than Mk1
Mk3 (although I personally don't like the looks and to me they aren't really an MX5 as nothing is carried over from the earlier cars) are much better cars in every way except character / fun.
Personally I'd buy the latest Mk1 import I could find (to reduce chance of rust) then supercharge it.
The actual model is fairly irrelevant as they are all similar and everything swaps over but it's silly not to start with a 1.8 as they have better bracing, diff and brakes.
The Mk2 bolts corrode more and are an inferior metal - the chassis brace bolts usually snap on the Mk2 - never snapped any on a MK1. Same for the small 10mm bolts on the front of the engine.
Also Mk2 corrode on the front chassis legs around the front ARB mounts - Mk1 s don't.
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
OP, we will all recommend what we own.
I didn't - I've had 1989 1.6 JDM car standard. Standard 1997 1.8 S spec JDM and then modified that and ran at 265bhp for about 4 years before getting board and wanting more power so takin the 1989 car back to the shell and rebuilding.Looking at stock cars - mk2 sport every time. Or whatever the mk2 JDM one with carbon seats, big brakes etc is, RS?
Edited by Herman Toothrot on Sunday 29th July 12:00
JDMDrifter said:
One question I have , I'm 6"2 with fairly long legs , would I fit in a mk1/2 mx5 ?
It depends on your proportions. I'm 6'3" and I fit in an NB without any problem, but it can be a squeeze for some. The only real issue is that I feel that Im looking under the sun visors, but a foamectomy would soon sort that out.Rob287 said:
I'm 6"1 and fit in fine. Although I have to say the sun visor is useless to me and I wouldn't be able to see where I'm going.
My seat is 2 notches off max, so plenty of room left. If anything, the issue is with the headroom.
I don't know how people of 6"4+ get on with them.
They are too tall.My seat is 2 notches off max, so plenty of room left. If anything, the issue is with the headroom.
I don't know how people of 6"4+ get on with them.
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