Discussion
Hello mx5'ers,
I'm interested in joining the mx5 club but I'm after some advice before I do.
I think I have my heart and mind set on an Eunos 1.8 S Special as I know that if I went for a lesser model I would never be content. It is a must that the car has a LSD and I want a nice 3 spoke steering wheel along with the strut braces that come on this model as standard.
I am very fortunate that my dad is in a position to help me buy a car and he has suggested that I could maybe stretch the budget to find a decent mk2. However these seem a bit 'softer' than the Eunos and I'm not sure it would be as fun to drive. I am also attracted to the Eunos because when things go bang it should be an easyish fix with a few spanners and a haynes manual. Are the mk2's any more complicated to work on? And do they have any problems that I should be aware of? eg. I know the Eunos suffers from rust in the sills.
Unfortunately I can't really benefit from a bigger engine size in the mk2 because I have been covered on my dad's insurance for the last 5 years so don't have any NCB built up.
In short, I'm looking for a car that is cheap to run and will give me a blast every time I go out for a drive so of course the mx5 is an obvious choice. And of course rwd and a lsd help too.
I should add that I haven't been able to get a test drive in either car yet so I might hate them both
So what do the experts have to say? Eunos vs mk2...
I'm interested in joining the mx5 club but I'm after some advice before I do.
I think I have my heart and mind set on an Eunos 1.8 S Special as I know that if I went for a lesser model I would never be content. It is a must that the car has a LSD and I want a nice 3 spoke steering wheel along with the strut braces that come on this model as standard.
I am very fortunate that my dad is in a position to help me buy a car and he has suggested that I could maybe stretch the budget to find a decent mk2. However these seem a bit 'softer' than the Eunos and I'm not sure it would be as fun to drive. I am also attracted to the Eunos because when things go bang it should be an easyish fix with a few spanners and a haynes manual. Are the mk2's any more complicated to work on? And do they have any problems that I should be aware of? eg. I know the Eunos suffers from rust in the sills.
Unfortunately I can't really benefit from a bigger engine size in the mk2 because I have been covered on my dad's insurance for the last 5 years so don't have any NCB built up.
In short, I'm looking for a car that is cheap to run and will give me a blast every time I go out for a drive so of course the mx5 is an obvious choice. And of course rwd and a lsd help too.
I should add that I haven't been able to get a test drive in either car yet so I might hate them both
So what do the experts have to say? Eunos vs mk2...
I've never driven a eunos/mk1.
I own a facelift mk2 (2.5).
I was always under the impression the early cars are a bit firmer and raw. My Euphonic has all the extra bracing that comes with the later sport models. It is on non Bilstein suspension so not quite as firm as the sport.
What's your budget?
I own a facelift mk2 (2.5).
I was always under the impression the early cars are a bit firmer and raw. My Euphonic has all the extra bracing that comes with the later sport models. It is on non Bilstein suspension so not quite as firm as the sport.
What's your budget?
Mk2 is just a face-lifted Mk1. Mechanically they are almost the same car. Both have the same strengths & weaknesses i.e. both have great handling and both suffer from rust in the same places. The engine choices are pretty much the same too.
The Mk2 will feel slightly softer than the Mk1 but that doesn't mean worse handling or less fun, they just moved with the times and are just much easier cars to live with day to day handling rough roads much better while retaining the handling and improving overall grip. Mk2 interior is a big improvement over Mk1 too.
The head would suggest that a Mk2 would be the better car to buy but the choice of Mk1 or Mk2 is more of a heart decision i.e. do you want retro pop-up headlights?
The Mk2 will feel slightly softer than the Mk1 but that doesn't mean worse handling or less fun, they just moved with the times and are just much easier cars to live with day to day handling rough roads much better while retaining the handling and improving overall grip. Mk2 interior is a big improvement over Mk1 too.
The head would suggest that a Mk2 would be the better car to buy but the choice of Mk1 or Mk2 is more of a heart decision i.e. do you want retro pop-up headlights?
Having moved from a S-spec 1.8 to a mk2 1.8iS i can say this:
Its down to personal preference
The mk2 can ultimately be just as good to drive as the mk1. the chassis is stiffer as standard and minor revisions to various suspension components make it a tad more compliant over broken roads. mechanically the two models are pretty much identical.
Yes the mk1 is a bit more raw in that its noiser and rattles and shakes more. the billy suspension on a s-spec breaks spines on anything but the smoothest road.
I like my mk2 (mainly because its supercharged lol) - its more comfortable and nice to drive when driving normally, but still an absolute hoot when shown twisties.
Do i miss my Mk1? - Yes. but thats because its just a cool car, and generally the mk1's have got to the stage where if you come across one its more than likely owned by an enthusiast, where a MK2 is a bit more anonymous
All MX5/eunos are reliable cars, and the common faults are easily and cheaply fixed. just be aware that the mk1 is getting on a bit now, so its getting to the stage of things like coolant hoses/radiators letting go. - in the 18 months i had my 1994 mk1 i had to replace the rad and pretty much every coolant hose as they started to let go one by one.
Its down to personal preference
The mk2 can ultimately be just as good to drive as the mk1. the chassis is stiffer as standard and minor revisions to various suspension components make it a tad more compliant over broken roads. mechanically the two models are pretty much identical.
Yes the mk1 is a bit more raw in that its noiser and rattles and shakes more. the billy suspension on a s-spec breaks spines on anything but the smoothest road.
I like my mk2 (mainly because its supercharged lol) - its more comfortable and nice to drive when driving normally, but still an absolute hoot when shown twisties.
Do i miss my Mk1? - Yes. but thats because its just a cool car, and generally the mk1's have got to the stage where if you come across one its more than likely owned by an enthusiast, where a MK2 is a bit more anonymous
All MX5/eunos are reliable cars, and the common faults are easily and cheaply fixed. just be aware that the mk1 is getting on a bit now, so its getting to the stage of things like coolant hoses/radiators letting go. - in the 18 months i had my 1994 mk1 i had to replace the rad and pretty much every coolant hose as they started to let go one by one.
I honestly don't think I was expecting the answers I got from here but thanks. It's helpful to know that both models are almost identical but I think I prefer the retro look of the Eunos and everyone has got to own a car with pop up headlights at least once. I'm pretty sure I will fit into the enthusiast bracket of owners rather than 'old man who thinks he has a fast sports car'.
Those of you who moved from a mk1 to mk2, what were your reasons? Were you fed up with a rattly ride and the potential for bits to break or just fancy a change?
Those of you who moved from a mk1 to mk2, what were your reasons? Were you fed up with a rattly ride and the potential for bits to break or just fancy a change?
Jayyylo said:
I honestly don't think I was expecting the answers I got from here but thanks. It's helpful to know that both models are almost identical but I think I prefer the retro look of the Eunos and everyone has got to own a car with pop up headlights at least once. I'm pretty sure I will fit into the enthusiast bracket of owners rather than 'old man who thinks he has a fast sports car'.
Those of you who moved from a mk1 to mk2, what were your reasons? Were you fed up with a rattly ride and the potential for bits to break or just fancy a change?
I broke my MK1, though I still have it. the MK2 is a much nicer daily driver, and granted I've only tracked it once, but it was just as much fun - if a fair amount slower as it's completely stock engine wise.Those of you who moved from a mk1 to mk2, what were your reasons? Were you fed up with a rattly ride and the potential for bits to break or just fancy a change?
One thing I miss about the MK1 is the aftermarket, there are an awful lot more bits available for the MK1.
Jayyylo said:
Those of you who moved from a mk1 to mk2, what were your reasons? Were you fed up with a rattly ride and the potential for bits to break or just fancy a change?
I sold my Mk1 when I had kids as I was living in London and needed something with more than 2 seats. Now that I have moved out to the burbs, the kids are a bit older, and have a garage I bought a Mk2 as I had the cash to do soEighteeteewhy said:
MK2s are for the girls. 
This is the answer I was expecting to read.I know I want a 1.8S in either model because I believe that its always better to do things right the first time around. I need to book a few test drives and see just how far this budget can stretch and what insurance is going to be like. I'm only 21 and as already said, I have 0 NCB. It's a shame I don't qualify for classic insurance.
So anyone around Southampton fancy handing me their keys for a few hours?
I think in the end it all comes down to which look you prefer. I went for the Mk1 because I preferred the lines and the popup lights, where as other's prefer the curves of the Mk2. The other differences are relatively minor in comparision, in my opinion.
My suggestion would be to go for a Mk1 and then if you fancy a Mk2 later switch over. That may be easier than buying a Mk2 and then in a few years time trying to find a decent Mk1, just because of the age of the cars respectively.
Test drive both and see which you prefer.
My suggestion would be to go for a Mk1 and then if you fancy a Mk2 later switch over. That may be easier than buying a Mk2 and then in a few years time trying to find a decent Mk1, just because of the age of the cars respectively.
Test drive both and see which you prefer.
Jayyylo said:
I need to book a few test drives and see just how far this budget can stretch and what insurance is going to be like. I'm only 21 and as already said, I have 0 NCB. It's a shame I don't qualify for classic insurance.
I'm 21 and insured on an Import 1.6 Eunos, insurance is about £900 with 1 Year NCB.A UK car was going to cost me anywhere from £2500-4000 for Insurance.
Eighteeteewhy said:
MK2s are for the girls.
Technically all MX5's are girls cars...OP MK1's MK2's and MK3's are all great cars, just pick which everyone you prefer the look/drive of.
I personally prefer the look of the MK1, (despite not actually liking pop-ups - they get old after a few years), and the drive/refinement of the MK2.
The Mk2 is a far better car, but really you can buy any model as parts are easily transferable. By this I mean that the fundamentals, leather trim, Torsen diff, bigger brakes (Mk2.5 S only), Bilstein dampers etc, can all be bought reasonably and retro-fitted to any year car.
With this in mind Id buy the best car that I could, irrespective of model/spec and then Id add what I wanted later. Id certainly do this in preference to trying to by the exact mechanical spec that I wanted.
With this in mind Id buy the best car that I could, irrespective of model/spec and then Id add what I wanted later. Id certainly do this in preference to trying to by the exact mechanical spec that I wanted.
Mk2's are better screwed together, but in your shoes probably best to keep costs down at first.
Look hard and buy from an enthusiast and you'll be able to get a really good Mk1 1.6 with some choice mods done for less than £2k. Don't bother with anything that's still on it's original suspension, or at least factor in enough cash to get a new set-up, because by now it'll be shagged.
If you buy well, look after it and don't prang it, you probably won't lose much and will be able to move on to a Mk2.5 if you feel you want a little more luxe in time, and when you've caught up on NCB.
Look hard and buy from an enthusiast and you'll be able to get a really good Mk1 1.6 with some choice mods done for less than £2k. Don't bother with anything that's still on it's original suspension, or at least factor in enough cash to get a new set-up, because by now it'll be shagged.
If you buy well, look after it and don't prang it, you probably won't lose much and will be able to move on to a Mk2.5 if you feel you want a little more luxe in time, and when you've caught up on NCB.
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