MX5 or Spitfire
Discussion
My father has asked me to post this, as he has no idea about computers.
He is looking for a 2 seater open top, as he had a Spitfire in the 70s, and has never stopped missing it.
If you had the choice, would you have the classic good lines of the Spitfire or the more modern but reliable MK1 MX5, has to be a mk1, it's the only one he likes the look of.
I know the MX5 is more reliable, and understand that both are prone to rust, but don't know what else to recommend or to watch out for on either car
He is looking for a 2 seater open top, as he had a Spitfire in the 70s, and has never stopped missing it.
If you had the choice, would you have the classic good lines of the Spitfire or the more modern but reliable MK1 MX5, has to be a mk1, it's the only one he likes the look of.
I know the MX5 is more reliable, and understand that both are prone to rust, but don't know what else to recommend or to watch out for on either car
Put your hands together my friend 
Not quite a Spitfire, but close... http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=138&i=248...
Not quite a Spitfire, but close... http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=138&i=248...
that depends on if you can fix cars or not. Chances are an old spitfire will need plenty of recomissioning as classics tend to get sold when are not used for a while. Every classic I have ever bought has needed a lot of work before it is reliable. I am not sure if mx5's have this sort of problem or not. I had one that was 10 years old and that never missed a beat.
I take it this will just be a fun car.
If so Why not look at TVR 350i's.
I was in the same boat as your Dad 6 years ago. I'd had MG's and Triumphs, and I was looking at getting on open top 2 seater. Drove a few MX5's and MGF's and although they were OK there was no real drama. Then drove a TVR Wedge...
that noise.
I'd been getting insurance quotes of around £250 for an MGF / MX5, so my jaw sropped to the floor when I was quoted £105 for the TVR...
Just one tip, if he does go to look at one check the chassis before starting the engine. Then check the chassis again (particularly the outriggers). Then check the chassis again. I repeat don't start it before checking the chassis as the sound of that V8 will force his wallet open.
If so Why not look at TVR 350i's.
I was in the same boat as your Dad 6 years ago. I'd had MG's and Triumphs, and I was looking at getting on open top 2 seater. Drove a few MX5's and MGF's and although they were OK there was no real drama. Then drove a TVR Wedge...
that noise. I'd been getting insurance quotes of around £250 for an MGF / MX5, so my jaw sropped to the floor when I was quoted £105 for the TVR...
Just one tip, if he does go to look at one check the chassis before starting the engine. Then check the chassis again (particularly the outriggers). Then check the chassis again. I repeat don't start it before checking the chassis as the sound of that V8 will force his wallet open.
It it was me choosing between a Spitfire and an MX5, I'd choose the MX5. On the other hand, if I had owned a Spitfire in the past and was thinking that I'd like another one, I'd buy a Spitfire, because it doesn't matter if the MX5 is better, it still won't be a Spitfire, so won't be what I wanted.
Graebob said:
Put your hands together my friend
Not quite a Spitfire, but close... http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=138&i=248...
Not quite a Spitfire, but close... http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=138&i=248...
Frontline Developments Website said:
£50,000 for a MGB
As above - it depends what he wants. If he wants a two seat convertible to drive then it'd have to be the MX5 every time.
But, fun - and vastly better in almost every quantifiable way - as the MX5 is, it doesn't have quite the same charm as the classic Brits it's trying to emulate. If that's what he's looking for the Spitfire would be a better bet.
Coincidentally, Rimmer Brothers does just about every type of spare and upgrade you can think of for the Spitfire. Modern tyres help too. You should be able to make one that doesn't handle peculiarly or break if you try hard enough.
Personally I'd be tempted to up the budget a bit more for a Healey Sprite. A Frogeye in Old English White...
But, fun - and vastly better in almost every quantifiable way - as the MX5 is, it doesn't have quite the same charm as the classic Brits it's trying to emulate. If that's what he's looking for the Spitfire would be a better bet.
Coincidentally, Rimmer Brothers does just about every type of spare and upgrade you can think of for the Spitfire. Modern tyres help too. You should be able to make one that doesn't handle peculiarly or break if you try hard enough.
Personally I'd be tempted to up the budget a bit more for a Healey Sprite. A Frogeye in Old English White...
I suppose it depends on whether it's a second car or not.
I mean, I had an MX5, as I thought I needed something a bit more reliable. And it was very enjoyable. I liked it a lot.
But it's predecessor was an MG Midget rwa Mk4 which despite being a bit tatty round the edges, far slower, and more unreliable, when it was going, I "loved". It was far more engaging to drive, even for a potter round the countryside, and you make friends wherever you go in one.
Second car, own a garage, can afford one in good condition? The midget every time. Probably prefer one to a spit.
I mean, I had an MX5, as I thought I needed something a bit more reliable. And it was very enjoyable. I liked it a lot.
But it's predecessor was an MG Midget rwa Mk4 which despite being a bit tatty round the edges, far slower, and more unreliable, when it was going, I "loved". It was far more engaging to drive, even for a potter round the countryside, and you make friends wherever you go in one.
Second car, own a garage, can afford one in good condition? The midget every time. Probably prefer one to a spit.
It will be a second car just for fun, I will be servicing and doing basic repairs on it.
My worry is that if he gets an mx5, he will still want a spitfire, but it also works the other way, does he remember his spitfire through rose tinted glasses and would be disappointed with one
I think we need to get him in both, and let him try them.
I also like the TVR idea, I will put that too him.
My worry is that if he gets an mx5, he will still want a spitfire, but it also works the other way, does he remember his spitfire through rose tinted glasses and would be disappointed with one
I think we need to get him in both, and let him try them.
I also like the TVR idea, I will put that too him.
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