RE: Mazda MX-5: Market Watch
Discussion
Well, I'm happy to admit that I love a good MX5 . . . but then at 39 my hair is greying and thinning so perhaps I just got in early?! :-p
It all started as Mrs PB's idea - who, somewhat ironically perhaps, does have a BTEC in Beauty Therapy - when were young and childless. 2 x Mk1 V-Specs followed - the first one was a badly modified heap that lasted a week with us before getting part-chopped for a lovely standard, apart from stainless exhaust, version.
Having mocked the idea initially, I became the car's biggest fan as Mrs PB never quite recovered from discovering how interesting RWD gets in the wet when you're half-asleep on the morning commute and notice at the last minute you're about to miss your left turn. :-p She reverted to the relative safety of our other car, an Alfa 156 - how PH were we back then?! - and the MX5 became my daily.
That NA went in 2006 when Little Miss PB arrived but I managed to justify an NC 2.0 in 2013 when I had a car allowance and realised it was only me going to work and back. Alas, that got sold in 2015 when Mrs PB came to work in our business meaning we only needed one car. We were only saying the other day that it's probably the best car we ever had. So far . . . ;-)
Scary to think rust is affecting NCs already.
It all started as Mrs PB's idea - who, somewhat ironically perhaps, does have a BTEC in Beauty Therapy - when were young and childless. 2 x Mk1 V-Specs followed - the first one was a badly modified heap that lasted a week with us before getting part-chopped for a lovely standard, apart from stainless exhaust, version.
Having mocked the idea initially, I became the car's biggest fan as Mrs PB never quite recovered from discovering how interesting RWD gets in the wet when you're half-asleep on the morning commute and notice at the last minute you're about to miss your left turn. :-p She reverted to the relative safety of our other car, an Alfa 156 - how PH were we back then?! - and the MX5 became my daily.
That NA went in 2006 when Little Miss PB arrived but I managed to justify an NC 2.0 in 2013 when I had a car allowance and realised it was only me going to work and back. Alas, that got sold in 2015 when Mrs PB came to work in our business meaning we only needed one car. We were only saying the other day that it's probably the best car we ever had. So far . . . ;-)
Scary to think rust is affecting NCs already.
My first car was a 2000 Mk.2 1.8iS, which I bought in 2006. Loved it and never had a single breakdown or issue (well, apart from the time I drove it 50 miles with no engine coolant). Begrudgingly sold it earlier this year as I bought an Abarth 124 Spider and couldn't justify keeping the Mazda.
As long as you're not looking at a rusty beast, I can't recommend the Mk.2 enough. Sure, it's not the quickest off the line but it handles beautifully and on a sunny day it's guaranteed to plaster a grin on your face.
As long as you're not looking at a rusty beast, I can't recommend the Mk.2 enough. Sure, it's not the quickest off the line but it handles beautifully and on a sunny day it's guaranteed to plaster a grin on your face.
lj04 said:
Had a mk1 Eunos V special back in 2001. You can't beat pop up headlights and the ease of putting the roof up and down. Had 3 Elise's and a Cayman since, and it was the Porsche that I miss the least.
My wife has a Boxster S. There are occasions when I choose to take my Mk1 rather than her Porsche.fido said:
Even the Mash doesn't rate the NB highly. http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/car-app...
Top job. Never had one but like the idea and would have had one by now if I hadn't have gone done the Westfield kitcar route.Daniel
culpz said:
ash73 said:
Jesus. I stand corrected. That's seriously poor.JMF894 said:
ambuletz said:
err yes really.
- a real person doesn't give a crap what others think, if they like something they'll buy it. its a proper manly trait.
- the hairdresser thing is about 10+ years old. many of those types tend to buy 'cc' versions of hatchbacks now, or they'll get a MINI cabrio.
- MX-5 isn't about being quick, in the 25+ years it's been out it never has been. cheap, affordable RWD, reliable, easy to run
- TVR's are more expensive, higher costs to maintain, older, less reliable, big biills when they go wrong
- 'man up' comment, see first point.
going back to TVR.. for similar price what kind of TVR are you getting? something called a 'wedge' (before my time), that's only going to 'appeal' to those with grey hair.
Look, son, not everyone likes these horrible, parasitic little cars ok? Who buys them and why is not something I lose sleep over. I suggest you do the same and get over it before you give yersen an aneurysm.- a real person doesn't give a crap what others think, if they like something they'll buy it. its a proper manly trait.
- the hairdresser thing is about 10+ years old. many of those types tend to buy 'cc' versions of hatchbacks now, or they'll get a MINI cabrio.
- MX-5 isn't about being quick, in the 25+ years it's been out it never has been. cheap, affordable RWD, reliable, easy to run
- TVR's are more expensive, higher costs to maintain, older, less reliable, big biills when they go wrong
- 'man up' comment, see first point.
going back to TVR.. for similar price what kind of TVR are you getting? something called a 'wedge' (before my time), that's only going to 'appeal' to those with grey hair.
And of course I don't expect a reply because you don't care about the opinion of others. And that makes you a man right?
I have never owned one but can see the appeal of an MX5, my thinking is it might not be my first preference, but there must be something in it if so many speak so highly of them, Mazda have made so many of them, they must have done something right.
As others have said a good original Mk1 is a very special thing that has matured remarkably well over the years. It just puts a smile on your face and has a soul that is missing in many faster cars and certainly most new cars.
It's very difficult to explain and certainly non-car people don't understand at all but those who are lucky enough to have a few cars in their "fleet" often find they use the Mk1 the most despite the fact it is relatively slow, noisy and not very economical.
My Eunos Mk1 is mostly standard, as I'm 6ft 2 I did a "foamectomy" - carve some foam out of the seat base with an electric carving knife - not as difficult as it sounds, can't tell by just looking at the seat - but now much more comfortable for legroom and headroom. A smaller steering wheel also helps - Momo of course.
Not sure about the values, they are all over the place, but really nice Mk1s do now sell at 10K plus. Yes the number made means they are never going to be worth a fortune (although what has happened to Escort Mk1 prices partly counters that) but a lot have been scrapped and the supply of Eunos's from Japan is apparently coming to an end. Interesting Mazda themselves just announced they are going to "remake" the Mk1 in limited numbers from next year.
I hope the values don't go up much, it's nice not to have to worry about it when parked and to be able to drive it hard without worrying about anything breaking, parts costs are pennies. The downside is many have been badly maintained and drive like dogs. The Mk1 is very sensitive to tyres and it's shocking how many owners ruin them with cheap and often mismatched budget YingYang ditch finders.
The later ones don't appeal as much for me but the Mk1 as a package is I reckon still under rated not over rated.
It's very difficult to explain and certainly non-car people don't understand at all but those who are lucky enough to have a few cars in their "fleet" often find they use the Mk1 the most despite the fact it is relatively slow, noisy and not very economical.
My Eunos Mk1 is mostly standard, as I'm 6ft 2 I did a "foamectomy" - carve some foam out of the seat base with an electric carving knife - not as difficult as it sounds, can't tell by just looking at the seat - but now much more comfortable for legroom and headroom. A smaller steering wheel also helps - Momo of course.
Not sure about the values, they are all over the place, but really nice Mk1s do now sell at 10K plus. Yes the number made means they are never going to be worth a fortune (although what has happened to Escort Mk1 prices partly counters that) but a lot have been scrapped and the supply of Eunos's from Japan is apparently coming to an end. Interesting Mazda themselves just announced they are going to "remake" the Mk1 in limited numbers from next year.
I hope the values don't go up much, it's nice not to have to worry about it when parked and to be able to drive it hard without worrying about anything breaking, parts costs are pennies. The downside is many have been badly maintained and drive like dogs. The Mk1 is very sensitive to tyres and it's shocking how many owners ruin them with cheap and often mismatched budget YingYang ditch finders.
The later ones don't appeal as much for me but the Mk1 as a package is I reckon still under rated not over rated.
I guess with my user name I should probably chime in with my opinion.
I’ve owned MK1s, MK2s and MK3s.
MK1
They’re the best because they’re the original. A good MK1 just feels right. Pick of thre bunch is the late 1.8 Imports. They will have better options, the shorter ratio TorSen LSD and hopefully less rust. I had a VR Limited that was tatty and abused, it was however the best driving standard MK1 I’ve driven.
MK2
Same underpinnings as MK1 so in essence a brilliant car. Pick of this bunch is the UK sold 10th Annivesary or the JDM import RS. 6 speed box, TorSen LSD rev year 1.8 and Bilstien suspension. I owned a 10AE for a short while and that was the best out of the box MX5 of them all. RUST is the issue, the MK2 is terrible for it. To that end i would never consider buying another. If you’re thinking of going boosted then don’t by a MK2.5 VVT car, the rods are made of chocolate and it’s a case of when, not if, they go banana shaped.
MK3
Avoid the 1.8, it’s terrible. 2.0 Sport is the one to have. 6 speed box is the best of all the MX5 gearboxes thus far in the Sport and you get an LSD and lots of interior toys. Brakes on the MK3 are astonishingly good in terms of both stopping power and feel, ABS cut in is also very late. TC is terrible, but easy to switch off. RUST, yes that old chestnut. Just had my 2006 car welded for the MOT in the rear wheel arch. I have another 2006 car I’m breaking as it’s totally rotten. Time will tell if they’re as bad as the earlier cars, but it’s not looking good.
MK4
Great engines, chocolate gearbox. There’s a reason the Fiata uses the MK3 box and that Mazda USA supply the Spec Miata racers (and anyone else with a failed box) with a revised gearbox. I won’t say anything further other than Mazda UK are not covering themselves in glory.
I could write tons more, you’ll all probably fall asleep.
I’ve owned MK1s, MK2s and MK3s.
MK1
They’re the best because they’re the original. A good MK1 just feels right. Pick of thre bunch is the late 1.8 Imports. They will have better options, the shorter ratio TorSen LSD and hopefully less rust. I had a VR Limited that was tatty and abused, it was however the best driving standard MK1 I’ve driven.
MK2
Same underpinnings as MK1 so in essence a brilliant car. Pick of this bunch is the UK sold 10th Annivesary or the JDM import RS. 6 speed box, TorSen LSD rev year 1.8 and Bilstien suspension. I owned a 10AE for a short while and that was the best out of the box MX5 of them all. RUST is the issue, the MK2 is terrible for it. To that end i would never consider buying another. If you’re thinking of going boosted then don’t by a MK2.5 VVT car, the rods are made of chocolate and it’s a case of when, not if, they go banana shaped.
MK3
Avoid the 1.8, it’s terrible. 2.0 Sport is the one to have. 6 speed box is the best of all the MX5 gearboxes thus far in the Sport and you get an LSD and lots of interior toys. Brakes on the MK3 are astonishingly good in terms of both stopping power and feel, ABS cut in is also very late. TC is terrible, but easy to switch off. RUST, yes that old chestnut. Just had my 2006 car welded for the MOT in the rear wheel arch. I have another 2006 car I’m breaking as it’s totally rotten. Time will tell if they’re as bad as the earlier cars, but it’s not looking good.
MK4
Great engines, chocolate gearbox. There’s a reason the Fiata uses the MK3 box and that Mazda USA supply the Spec Miata racers (and anyone else with a failed box) with a revised gearbox. I won’t say anything further other than Mazda UK are not covering themselves in glory.
I could write tons more, you’ll all probably fall asleep.
Here's my baby. 95 import 1.8 v-spec. A bit scabby in places (don't look too close!) and original bilstein suspension that will rock your world - but not in a good way. Still love it though. I've had a few real driver's cars but these things are right up there for basic out and out fun. Particularly enjoyable on a damp twisty road.
For decades, classic British sports cars have had a really strong following in this country. MGB, Spridget, Triumph, Sunbeam etc. And they're all known for rusting quite a bit, even in their day. Maybe, just maybe, other countries look at British enthusiasts and deduce that we actually quite like the rust. Maybe they think we find it all part of the charm, and we're all keen amateur welders on our precious days off. Maybe some of today's sports cars rust by design. Maybe they think they're doing us a favour. Least we could do is be a bit more grateful, eh! A 2006 car broken due to rust? We should count ourselves lucky! Imagine if the car just sat there on the drive, year after year, never rusting. We'd have nothing to do with our spare time and be bored out of our minds! Ungrateful is what we are!
TristPerrin said:
I've had two NA and just bought my first NC. All were and will be daily drivers throughout the year.
Both NA were purchased before I'd had 'proper' fast cars, but I loved them both. Rust killed the first one and a house purchase forced the sale of the other for somethign more practical. Both were late 1997 models.
The NC feel just like the NAs, but better built and more comfortable (it even smells the same!). I remember test driving an NC for the first time and it was a revolution how big and heavy and dull my 130i felt in comparison. It did however take me 5 car to find the right NC, there's a lot of real rotters out there that haven't been looked after, so be careful.
I wouldn't touch a mk2 with a 10 foot barge poll, the rust i've seen on some is scary. I would hoever love an ND, but said house purchase and renovation prevents that for a few years, so maybe the inevitable facelift model.
I bought a couple of mk1s this time last year. Sold one on in April for a good profit but couldn't bring myself to sell the other which is a fairly rare s-ltd. I ended up selling my mk3 instead. It was a very nice example but I just fell out of love with it after discovering mk1s. The MK3 is a much more modern design and significantly quicker and safer but theres something special about mk1s. Both NA were purchased before I'd had 'proper' fast cars, but I loved them both. Rust killed the first one and a house purchase forced the sale of the other for somethign more practical. Both were late 1997 models.
The NC feel just like the NAs, but better built and more comfortable (it even smells the same!). I remember test driving an NC for the first time and it was a revolution how big and heavy and dull my 130i felt in comparison. It did however take me 5 car to find the right NC, there's a lot of real rotters out there that haven't been looked after, so be careful.
I wouldn't touch a mk2 with a 10 foot barge poll, the rust i've seen on some is scary. I would hoever love an ND, but said house purchase and renovation prevents that for a few years, so maybe the inevitable facelift model.
HorneyMX5 said:
MK4
Great engines, chocolate gearbox. There’s a reason the Fiata uses the MK3 box and that Mazda USA supply the Spec Miata racers (and anyone else with a failed box) with a revised gearbox. I won’t say anything further other than Mazda UK are not covering themselves in glory.
I could write tons more, you’ll all probably fall asleep.
The issue isn't directly the gearbox's fault, rather Mazda in their infinite wisdom have fitted a tiny diff that has a 2.866 ratio vs. ~4.1 that is fitted to the earlier cars. This obviously puts more strain on the gearbox side of the transmission. There is a global service bulletin for this exact issue focusing on the October 2016 and earlier cars, so there is a fix for it. Mazda UK are being difficult about implementing the fix for UK cars, particularly if they have been tracked.Great engines, chocolate gearbox. There’s a reason the Fiata uses the MK3 box and that Mazda USA supply the Spec Miata racers (and anyone else with a failed box) with a revised gearbox. I won’t say anything further other than Mazda UK are not covering themselves in glory.
I could write tons more, you’ll all probably fall asleep.
I was most definitely a non-believer; I felt the Mk1 was a copy of an all-time great but with no inherent greatness itself.
Then I drove my brother in laws early UK Mk1.
I'm into my fourth year of owning a Eunos 1.6 that I got via Steve at Goodwood Sportscars. Its now lightly modded with exhaust and induction, which does make the engine more tolerable, but overall the car is a minor miracle in my eyes.
I had it after a series of Subaru's and hot SAAB's and currently sits alongside a Meg 275 Cup S and a Mountune Fiesta ST Mk7. I can honestly say that I can step out of either of my modern daily drivers and not feel disappointed in the slightest with the MX. Actually I find it more rewarding to drive in many ways and often wish I did less long distance business travel so I could use it more. Nevertheless, it still racks up 5-7k miles a year.
Mines garaged but driven hard, was totally rust free (I stripped body panels and trim to check after purchase) and I had it Dinitrol treated by Chassis Clean. I renew any areas of wear in the rustproofing each year and it looks great. Also, it's never let me down and uses less oil than the Meg or FiST.
Buy a good one, rustproof it, enjoy it. I hope the values don't rise too much - I doubt if they will as they are too numerous in my opinion - so they can be driven hard and enjoyed by the enlightened.
Then I drove my brother in laws early UK Mk1.
I'm into my fourth year of owning a Eunos 1.6 that I got via Steve at Goodwood Sportscars. Its now lightly modded with exhaust and induction, which does make the engine more tolerable, but overall the car is a minor miracle in my eyes.
I had it after a series of Subaru's and hot SAAB's and currently sits alongside a Meg 275 Cup S and a Mountune Fiesta ST Mk7. I can honestly say that I can step out of either of my modern daily drivers and not feel disappointed in the slightest with the MX. Actually I find it more rewarding to drive in many ways and often wish I did less long distance business travel so I could use it more. Nevertheless, it still racks up 5-7k miles a year.
Mines garaged but driven hard, was totally rust free (I stripped body panels and trim to check after purchase) and I had it Dinitrol treated by Chassis Clean. I renew any areas of wear in the rustproofing each year and it looks great. Also, it's never let me down and uses less oil than the Meg or FiST.
Buy a good one, rustproof it, enjoy it. I hope the values don't rise too much - I doubt if they will as they are too numerous in my opinion - so they can be driven hard and enjoyed by the enlightened.
Edited by GibsonSG on Tuesday 26th September 08:47
Freeform - the appeal for me is that it bridges the gap between classic and modern cars. I was massively into my classic cars but (maybe I was unlucky) they used to breakdown a reasonable amount and so I didn't feel that I enjoyed them as much as I should. My Mk1 feels quite old to drive, on standard suspension and good tyres i tend to drive it "well" rather than hoof it into corners like the Meg. Yet it's been 100% reliable and I'd have no qualms at all about doing a big road trip in it.
I don't know if it will give you what the S2000 possibly lacks, I find mine quite charming and a different experience to modern metal.
I don't know if it will give you what the S2000 possibly lacks, I find mine quite charming and a different experience to modern metal.
p4cks said:
Potentially the most overrated car in Britain
100% agree with this. Doesn't help that I don't even nearly fit in them at 6`4 (hardly a giant though really), but when I have driven them they always feel the same. Frustratingly slow, dated interior, unbelievably cramped. People rave about them because they're "correct" wheel drive but there are so many FWD cars that can be had for similar money across the price spectrum that just make so much more sense.A turbocharged one is a completely different kettle of worms though...
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