Mk 2.5 6 speed gearbox.

[Deerfoot]

Gents,

After borrowing the FiL`s MX-5 for a weekend and 400 miles I`m looking for a 2.5 1.8 car to replace my Polo diesel as my commuter. My commute has dropped from 50 miles each way to 11.

I`m also after a 6 speed car.

Which cars had a 6 speed gearbox as standard, is it just Sport cars?

Thanks in advance.

[Planet Claire]

Yep, for the Mk2.5 the 1.8i Sport has a 6-speed box as standard. Don't confuse this with the Mk2 Sport which was a limited edition and had only the 5-speed box.

There are various editions in the Mk2 range that have them too, so the 10AE, for example, has a 6-speed.

[Deerfoot]

Cheers for that.

I`ve found a couple of possibles, one a Nevada and one a Euphoric. Would either of these have a 6 speeder?

[Planet Claire]

Here you go, you can check out all the UK limited editions here
http://www.mx5-3rdgenerationlimited.com/mx5limited...

[Deerfoot]

Excllent, that`s just what I was looking for.

Many thanks.

[Bonefish Blues]

...but bear in mind that the 5 speed's widely held to be a better box. Wasn't impressed with the 6 on our old Mk2.5 Sport, tbh, nor is 6th an overdrive ratio, if that was a factor influencing your preference.

[MX-5 Lazza]

6 speed is pretty much as good as the 5 speed. All gearboxes are variable though and some are better than others. The 5 speed on my old Mk1 was very notchy and really didn't like going from 1st to 2nd (and that is a very common problem with the 5 speed). The 5 speed can also suffer from a lot of noise in 4th gear, especially around 4k rpm. The 6 speed doesn't have those problems but doesn't feel quite as "tight" as the 5 speed.

You are right that 6th gear isn't an overdrive, it's a close-ratio gearbox, but it is a higher overall ratio so is a more relaxing drive for longer distances.

[Deerfoot]

^ That's a very valid point. I think I should widen my search to include 5 speed cars. I only considered 6 speeders as the car I borrowed was fitted with that box. The Euphoric has an LSD as standard so I might have a look for one of those even though the interior is a bit colourful for my middle aged eyes.

[seany87]

The 'Euphonic' also has the extra under body bracing and big brake set up as the Sport. Just doesn't have the 6 speed box which as you have found out, is no big deal. Also comes with upgraded speakers and 6 CD changer too. The LSD is the super fuji diff however not a 'proper' torsen.

[devnull]

I have a Mk2 with a 6 speed box. Pretty versatile box really. Fun for flinging the car about as you are continuously stirring the gears and gives you a good sense of involvement. The car is usually comfortable with 6th at 40mph+ But on a long run you can just dump it in 6th and get on with your driving. Just did 1100 miles around Scotland and the car impressed with its crushing abilities.