MX-5 Mk1 & 850-R
Discussion
After running several new cars over the last few years I decided last October that the cost of depreciation & monthly finance costs far outweighted the benefit of new cars. I decided to revert back to older, more distinguished models! 
Due to a 2yr old & a dog I needed something with space & a large boot. Whilst looking at Mondeo V6's etc. I stumbled across an 850-R in my local independent Volvo garage. After a short test drive it was mine! The car is in very good condition & has performed faultlessly throughout winter & over 7k miles.
Fast forward to March this year when I started to develop an itch for an MX-5 purely for travelling to & from the office. The route is mainly fast & twisty B roads which, whilst very entertaining isn't the Volvo's strongest area. After a short search I found a candidate in the Pistonheads classifieds & whilst almost not going to look at it due to the colour I decided to arrange a viewing as it was fairly local. As soon as I saw the car in the flesh I fell in love! I have had it nearly 2 weeks now and haven't stopped grinning at any point.
The two cars match each other perfectly in that each of them have almost the exact opposite strengths & weaknesses. Both are very clean bodywork & mechanically and I've had very good responses to both from friends & strangers alike, although the MX-5 being called "cute" by the babysitter wasn't one of the better ones, admittedly.
Having spent £4,300 in total on both cars I am fairly confident I can enjoy depreciation proof motoring for as long as I would like & with a huge grin on my face, whichever car I happen to be in
Whilst I don't plan on any changes to the Volvo I have a few plans for the MX-5 & intend to post any updates as & when they occur.
The only pics I have at the moment are ones that I managed to snap on Sunday before a late afternoon blast to the coast. I will try & get some better ones ASAP.
Due to a 2yr old & a dog I needed something with space & a large boot. Whilst looking at Mondeo V6's etc. I stumbled across an 850-R in my local independent Volvo garage. After a short test drive it was mine! The car is in very good condition & has performed faultlessly throughout winter & over 7k miles.
Fast forward to March this year when I started to develop an itch for an MX-5 purely for travelling to & from the office. The route is mainly fast & twisty B roads which, whilst very entertaining isn't the Volvo's strongest area. After a short search I found a candidate in the Pistonheads classifieds & whilst almost not going to look at it due to the colour I decided to arrange a viewing as it was fairly local. As soon as I saw the car in the flesh I fell in love! I have had it nearly 2 weeks now and haven't stopped grinning at any point.
The two cars match each other perfectly in that each of them have almost the exact opposite strengths & weaknesses. Both are very clean bodywork & mechanically and I've had very good responses to both from friends & strangers alike, although the MX-5 being called "cute" by the babysitter wasn't one of the better ones, admittedly.
Having spent £4,300 in total on both cars I am fairly confident I can enjoy depreciation proof motoring for as long as I would like & with a huge grin on my face, whichever car I happen to be in
Whilst I don't plan on any changes to the Volvo I have a few plans for the MX-5 & intend to post any updates as & when they occur.
The only pics I have at the moment are ones that I managed to snap on Sunday before a late afternoon blast to the coast. I will try & get some better ones ASAP.
robsco said:
I recognised the reg of your MX5 straight away, and you're from East Yorkshire, so I'm guessing I've seen you around on my travels...
I only bought the car on 3rd of April but it was bought from a guy in Hull. I live in Driffield so not a million miles away HereBeMonsters said:
Very nice, I've always loved that colour of MX-5 actually. If I ever get another it will be that blue. Is it called Mariner Blue?
It is Mariner blue & the car has had a recent respray so is looking suitably fine 
55allgold said:
Just about a perfect duo.
Nice early MX5. Short-nose crank model?
I hardly think the Short nose crank would be an issue after this length of time?Nice early MX5. Short-nose crank model?
I've owned both a T5 and a MX-5 at the same time and although the Volvo was substantially quicker it always felt a bit cumbersome after the Mazda.
Great cars
Thanks for the comments guys 
I assume the MX-5 is a short nose but as Will says I doubt it will show itself after 20 years! Will be keeping an eye on it just in case though.
The clocks past 100,000 miles on the way home from work in the Mazda tonight too
The Volvo does feel like a heavy lump in comparison, have had to correct my line into a few corners last time I took it out!
I assume the MX-5 is a short nose but as Will says I doubt it will show itself after 20 years! Will be keeping an eye on it just in case though.
The clocks past 100,000 miles on the way home from work in the Mazda tonight too
The Volvo does feel like a heavy lump in comparison, have had to correct my line into a few corners last time I took it out!
Absolutely love t5's.
Must resist going to see this....:scratchin:
http://www.usedcarsni.com/70257555
Must resist going to see this....:scratchin:
http://www.usedcarsni.com/70257555
irish boy said:
Absolutely love t5's.
Must resist going to see this....:scratchin:
http://www.usedcarsni.com/70257555
The urge is strong but the missus says no! Great cars but you can spend a wedge keeping them tip top.Must resist going to see this....:scratchin:
http://www.usedcarsni.com/70257555
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