Which MX-5 version is best?
Discussion
I used the website posted earlier when we bought our second mx5 to find the spec I wanted.
We bought a Phoenix special edition. For me it's the best in terms of spec.
15" wheels, the lightest standard wheels, enkei 5 spokes. I didn't like the way the 16" wheels effect the ride.
Has the LSD.
5 speed box, didn't think much of the 6 speed cars I drove.
And has the best sound system, seats, extras.
I'm not sure on the spec but the arctic was I think the most classy looking of the mk2's
We bought a Phoenix special edition. For me it's the best in terms of spec.
15" wheels, the lightest standard wheels, enkei 5 spokes. I didn't like the way the 16" wheels effect the ride.
Has the LSD.
5 speed box, didn't think much of the 6 speed cars I drove.
And has the best sound system, seats, extras.
I'm not sure on the spec but the arctic was I think the most classy looking of the mk2's
rufusgti said:
I used the website posted earlier when we bought our second mx5 to find the spec I wanted.
We bought a Phoenix special edition. For me it's the best in terms of spec.
15" wheels, the lightest standard wheels, enkei 5 spokes. I didn't like the way the 16" wheels effect the ride.
Has the LSD.
5 speed box, didn't think much of the 6 speed cars I drove.
And has the best sound system, seats, extras.
I'm not sure on the spec but the arctic was I think the most classy looking of the mk2's
14" BBS are actually the lightest standards.We bought a Phoenix special edition. For me it's the best in terms of spec.
15" wheels, the lightest standard wheels, enkei 5 spokes. I didn't like the way the 16" wheels effect the ride.
Has the LSD.
5 speed box, didn't think much of the 6 speed cars I drove.
And has the best sound system, seats, extras.
I'm not sure on the spec but the arctic was I think the most classy looking of the mk2's
Biccaroo said:
So it would seem! So, if I was to look for a Mk1 version, which should I consider? I get the feeling searching for a good Mk1 could be a bit of a ball-ache though...
1994 eunos has best torsen diffJust look for no rust. What are you after? Just a fun road car or are you planning on some track work? If so, you might want to look for one with appropriate mods.
GC8 said:
caraddict said:
What makes the Japanese version better?
Higher specification, better bits and all NBs had a six speed transmission and LSD. The later JDM NBs were rated at 160PS too.______
Hmm, I've had MX-5 NA before... My scratch for a roadster is getting huge, and I was thinking about getting myself MX-5 NB next spring!
But this thread & the fact that I was on the track first time ever yesterday, has me wanting MX-5 NA again (raw = better in terms of small roadsters, if not I'd get an SLK!)! I missed the car so much after selling it, that I'm thinking about spending a little bit extra this time to get a perfect base car, and then just focus on it to make a raw semi street/track car... These are really cars to be kept in the long run.
I really like the look of those first generation, all-out, beefed up, mental looking trackday MX-5s! Anyone wanna share pics?
Edited by caraddict on Sunday 29th July 14:55
ambuletz said:
Probably sounds abit silly saying it, but I much prefer the look of the import mk1 and mk2 MX-5s because they have the square shaped license plates front & back. Where as the UK ones get the ugly rectangular ones, ruins the curves of the front.
I just love with mk1 because of the basicness and pop up lights 
Alnassma said:
I really crave the abilities MX-5 seems to have, but the name on the door leaves me cold for some reason. It just doesnt have the same "WANT" over it as a porsche.
Can see myself looking at it on the parking lot but not because of how it looks sadly... bit generic
I don't think anyone buys the MX-5 because of the badge on the bonnet. If anything, you buy one in spite of the badge (with due respect to Mazda).Can see myself looking at it on the parking lot but not because of how it looks sadly... bit generic
Pints said:
Alnassma said:
I really crave the abilities MX-5 seems to have, but the name on the door leaves me cold for some reason. It just doesnt have the same "WANT" over it as a porsche.
Can see myself looking at it on the parking lot but not because of how it looks sadly... bit generic
I don't think anyone buys the MX-5 because of the badge on the bonnet. If anything, you buy one in spite of the badge (with due respect to Mazda).Can see myself looking at it on the parking lot but not because of how it looks sadly... bit generic
It's "just a good car".
rufusgti said:
I used the website posted earlier when we bought our second mx5 to find the spec I wanted.
We bought a Phoenix special edition. For me it's the best in terms of spec.
15" wheels, the lightest standard wheels, enkei 5 spokes. I didn't like the way the 16" wheels effect the ride.
Has the LSD.
5 speed box, didn't think much of the 6 speed cars I drove.
And has the best sound system, seats, extras.
I'm not sure on the spec but the arctic was I think the most classy looking of the mk2's
If we were buying again, then we wouldn't get a Mk 2.5 Sport again ('box not terribly good, overwheeled with 16s), I'd adopt the approach outlined above.We bought a Phoenix special edition. For me it's the best in terms of spec.
15" wheels, the lightest standard wheels, enkei 5 spokes. I didn't like the way the 16" wheels effect the ride.
Has the LSD.
5 speed box, didn't think much of the 6 speed cars I drove.
And has the best sound system, seats, extras.
I'm not sure on the spec but the arctic was I think the most classy looking of the mk2's
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
For me, the accessibility of a cracking fun car, that can be cheaply tinkered to gain a 1% or 2% here and there, for as little as a Bag of Sand is what the MX5 is about. YET is not a necessity.
You would s
t yourself running a Porker bought for 5 grand for the fear of bills (I am talking of Boxster's / 911's not the front engined stuff).
I was recalling the day I bought mine just yesterday. I have had it 14 yrs.
I knew within 2 miles I had to have one.
Couldn't afford it, but bought it.
It is now a little like triggers broom due to 'rust correction' but still goes great.
Rust is what kills Jap cars (my previous Trooper is another example).
I currently own an MR2 Mk3. I cannot fault it in any way other than the lack of storage space which makes it completely impractical. I therefore want to replace it with a slightly more practical vehicle without sacrificing the fantastic driving experience the Toyota provides. Hence, I've considered many, many options but PHer's always tend to suggest the MX-5 as the ultimate, affordable solution.You would s
t yourself running a Porker bought for 5 grand for the fear of bills (I am talking of Boxster's / 911's not the front engined stuff).I was recalling the day I bought mine just yesterday. I have had it 14 yrs.
I knew within 2 miles I had to have one.
Couldn't afford it, but bought it.
It is now a little like triggers broom due to 'rust correction' but still goes great.
Rust is what kills Jap cars (my previous Trooper is another example).
The relevance to this post is that I (obviously) considered a Boxster as the ideal replacement, but I've been scared off by the high running costs (fuel, tyres, maintenance, brakes, etc...). I can afford to run a Boxster but do I really, consciously WANT to foot those bills for a car that doesn't provide a great deal more than the cheaper more accessible MX-5 or MR2?
Bonefish Blues said:
rufusgti said:
I used the website posted earlier when we bought our second mx5 to find the spec I wanted.
We bought a Phoenix special edition. For me it's the best in terms of spec.
15" wheels, the lightest standard wheels, enkei 5 spokes. I didn't like the way the 16" wheels effect the ride.
Has the LSD.
5 speed box, didn't think much of the 6 speed cars I drove.
And has the best sound system, seats, extras.
I'm not sure on the spec but the arctic was I think the most classy looking of the mk2's
If we were buying again, then we wouldn't get a Mk 2.5 Sport again ('box not terribly good, overwheeled with 16s), I'd adopt the approach outlined above.We bought a Phoenix special edition. For me it's the best in terms of spec.
15" wheels, the lightest standard wheels, enkei 5 spokes. I didn't like the way the 16" wheels effect the ride.
Has the LSD.
5 speed box, didn't think much of the 6 speed cars I drove.
And has the best sound system, seats, extras.
I'm not sure on the spec but the arctic was I think the most classy looking of the mk2's
When we decided to view some newer mk2.5's we headed straight for the sports with the 16" wheels and six speeders. It was only due to our previous ownership that we found these not to be worthwhile extras. I'd imagine without previously having one we would have been more than happy with them.
I think the beauty of the mx5 is the sheer amount of different specs available. I would advise anyone going into mx5 ownershipe to have a look at the spec list deciding on exactly what they need from it. Then just match up using the link provided to select the appropriate model.
For me it had to be the Phoenix but everyone wants something different. I'd say as long as it has the LSD you won't go too far wrong, but you may aswell spec your exact needs. There's no shortage of them.
Pints said:
Alnassma said:
I really crave the abilities MX-5 seems to have, but the name on the door leaves me cold for some reason. It just doesnt have the same "WANT" over it as a porsche.
Can see myself looking at it on the parking lot but not because of how it looks sadly... bit generic
I don't think anyone buys the MX-5 because of the badge on the bonnet. If anything, you buy one in spite of the badge (with due respect to Mazda).Can see myself looking at it on the parking lot but not because of how it looks sadly... bit generic
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