Age old question - Clio 182 or MX5?
Discussion
Hi all,
Been looking for a new car for a while. I have no idea what I want, and I've really been thinking about everything. And I mean everything from a JDM 80s Hilux pick-up to a Vx220, a Caterham to a Supra. I awoke on the sensible side of my bed this morning however and would like peoples opinions on the 182 vs Mx5 NC? I have been looking at a few 182s - cups mostly, and a nice BBR Super 200 NC MX5. Has anyone had previous experience with a 182 and NC MX5? I've had a 1.8 NA MX5 with the lsd. A lot of handling fun with a beautiful box. I've also had the 180hp Abarth Comp which was absolutely mental and full of character. I pine over my memories with the abarth I think 🤔.
Been looking for a new car for a while. I have no idea what I want, and I've really been thinking about everything. And I mean everything from a JDM 80s Hilux pick-up to a Vx220, a Caterham to a Supra. I awoke on the sensible side of my bed this morning however and would like peoples opinions on the 182 vs Mx5 NC? I have been looking at a few 182s - cups mostly, and a nice BBR Super 200 NC MX5. Has anyone had previous experience with a 182 and NC MX5? I've had a 1.8 NA MX5 with the lsd. A lot of handling fun with a beautiful box. I've also had the 180hp Abarth Comp which was absolutely mental and full of character. I pine over my memories with the abarth I think 🤔.
10k max really. Only car, about 10k per annum. Ideally cheapish to run, i.e. I am changing in my v6 beacsue of tax and fuel. I'm quite crazy and will put up with anything. I went to see a Caterham, the only thing that put me off were the carbs. I have also thought about an older celica gtfour but they aren't that pretty imo.
ChrisH72 said:
10k seems a large budget for either of those and I'm not sure they could be recommended for 10k miles a year daily driving.
How about a GT86?
I have thought about a GT86. Not sure if they are really that fun though? I won't get any more fun out of it than I did with my MK1 MX5?How about a GT86?
DoubleD said:
I would think that a Megane RS265 would fit the brief nicely.
I didn't think the reviews were that good?The Toyota is meant to be about the most fun in its class but yes, I agree it will be fun in a similar way to your old mx5. But then you are considering a newer mx5.
I thought reviews of the meg were very positive? Again, best in class really.
10k is about where I'm at for my next car too. And I've concluded that it's either a fun but affordable sports car like the GT86/MX5 or a faster, turbo hot hatch. Only other option is a more luxury type coupe but that's what I already have with my E92. All shelved due to covid-19 now so I have a while to decide!
I thought reviews of the meg were very positive? Again, best in class really.
10k is about where I'm at for my next car too. And I've concluded that it's either a fun but affordable sports car like the GT86/MX5 or a faster, turbo hot hatch. Only other option is a more luxury type coupe but that's what I already have with my E92. All shelved due to covid-19 now so I have a while to decide!
I’ve got a MX5 1.8 NC and previously had a 182 and I’d find it difficult to choose between them.
Once the MX5 has been setup correctly they are great. Steering, pedal feel and gearbox IMO are better than the 182. The engine, however lets down the overall package but that may not be a concern if you are looking at a BBR.
The MX5 has also been faultless over 110,000 miles. Just a service each year. Build quality and by that I mean durability and reliability of parts (not shutlines and interior luxury) have been outstanding. Mine is solid but rot can be an issue.
I really liked the 182 as well. Far more controlled and polished over bumpy roads and much quicker. It’s only fun though when you are pushing it, otherwise it feels a bit ordinary. That can be good though as it makes it more versatile. Fuel economy was also great with an average of 40mpg and I’d easily get 45mpg if I drove it sedately.
Not sure if others have had similar experience but my 182 was by far the most expensive vehicle I have had to run. It went through consumables at a shocking rate. Shock absorbers at 25,000 miles, discs and calipers at 30,000 miles, fuel injectors, the list goes on. The buyer of mine probably got a great deal as many of the parts were brand new when they bought it.
Once the MX5 has been setup correctly they are great. Steering, pedal feel and gearbox IMO are better than the 182. The engine, however lets down the overall package but that may not be a concern if you are looking at a BBR.
The MX5 has also been faultless over 110,000 miles. Just a service each year. Build quality and by that I mean durability and reliability of parts (not shutlines and interior luxury) have been outstanding. Mine is solid but rot can be an issue.
I really liked the 182 as well. Far more controlled and polished over bumpy roads and much quicker. It’s only fun though when you are pushing it, otherwise it feels a bit ordinary. That can be good though as it makes it more versatile. Fuel economy was also great with an average of 40mpg and I’d easily get 45mpg if I drove it sedately.
Not sure if others have had similar experience but my 182 was by far the most expensive vehicle I have had to run. It went through consumables at a shocking rate. Shock absorbers at 25,000 miles, discs and calipers at 30,000 miles, fuel injectors, the list goes on. The buyer of mine probably got a great deal as many of the parts were brand new when they bought it.
I test drove an MX5 NC Sport with the 2.0 engine and hardtop. It was the 160bhp version with the LSD. I thought the car was fantastic in terms of handling but was let down by the lack of oomph. Funnily enough, I thought 200bhp would be the making of it - perhaps putting it on a par with an S2000. The BBR would take care of that and would likely hold its value secondhand.It is also a soft top.
No experience of the 182.
No experience of the 182.
Hi,
As an owner of a 182 for four years, I think they were capable of excess 10,000 miles a year with little trouble until recently. They are now 15 years youngest, so beginning to succumb to old car problems (e.g. perishing rubbers and seals). Previously corrosion was not a problem, but again with age and use they are starting to deteriorate and will require proactive maintenance to keep in good condition.
In my opinion if you want one, now is the time to get one before it becomes harder to source a relatively trouble free example.
Thanks,
As an owner of a 182 for four years, I think they were capable of excess 10,000 miles a year with little trouble until recently. They are now 15 years youngest, so beginning to succumb to old car problems (e.g. perishing rubbers and seals). Previously corrosion was not a problem, but again with age and use they are starting to deteriorate and will require proactive maintenance to keep in good condition.
In my opinion if you want one, now is the time to get one before it becomes harder to source a relatively trouble free example.
Thanks,
maz8062 said:
I test drove an MX5 NC Sport with the 2.0 engine and hardtop. It was the 160bhp version with the LSD. I thought the car was fantastic in terms of handling but was let down by the lack of oomph. Funnily enough, I thought 200bhp would be the making of it - perhaps putting it on a par with an S2000. The BBR would take care of that and would likely hold its value secondhand.It is also a soft top.
Yep, the original car had a bit of torque hole in first/second gear. The BBR upgrade fixes that and you get immediate response at low revs and 20/25bhp more at the top-end. I now have a turbo and that blows them both away. If you want the purist N/A route - then ITBs - not sure of the cost but you're looking at 220+bhp with high-lift cams.OP sounds all over, wouldn't be surprised if he bought a 130i in the end! (good call though)
you know the MX5 is transformed by the BBR 200 pack, add some Meisters and it competes with a lot of way more expensive cars for driving pleasure. You said in a later post that "I'm quite crazy and will put up with anything", so don't compromise with a hatchback.
Ginetta, VX220, MR2?
you know the MX5 is transformed by the BBR 200 pack, add some Meisters and it competes with a lot of way more expensive cars for driving pleasure. You said in a later post that "I'm quite crazy and will put up with anything", so don't compromise with a hatchback.
Ginetta, VX220, MR2?
ChrisH72 said:
The Toyota is meant to be about the most fun in its class but yes, I agree it will be fun in a similar way to your old mx5. But then you are considering a newer mx5.
I thought reviews of the meg were very positive? Again, best in class really.
10k is about where I'm at for my next car too. And I've concluded that it's either a fun but affordable sports car like the GT86/MX5 or a faster, turbo hot hatch. Only other option is a more luxury type coupe but that's what I already have with my E92. All shelved due to covid-19 now so I have a while to decide!
Yeah very similar to me. Though looks and road feeling fun take priority over speed. My other option is to get a shed as a daily and something very loose for the weekend!I thought reviews of the meg were very positive? Again, best in class really.
10k is about where I'm at for my next car too. And I've concluded that it's either a fun but affordable sports car like the GT86/MX5 or a faster, turbo hot hatch. Only other option is a more luxury type coupe but that's what I already have with my E92. All shelved due to covid-19 now so I have a while to decide!
minipower said:
I’ve got a MX5 1.8 NC and previously had a 182 and I’d find it difficult to choose between them.
Once the MX5 has been setup correctly they are great. Steering, pedal feel and gearbox IMO are better than the 182. The engine, however lets down the overall package but that may not be a concern if you are looking at a BBR.
The MX5 has also been faultless over 110,000 miles. Just a service each year. Build quality and by that I mean durability and reliability of parts (not shutlines and interior luxury) have been outstanding. Mine is solid but rot can be an issue.
I really liked the 182 as well. Far more controlled and polished over bumpy roads and much quicker. It’s only fun though when you are pushing it, otherwise it feels a bit ordinary. That can be good though as it makes it more versatile. Fuel economy was also great with an average of 40mpg and I’d easily get 45mpg if I drove it sedately.
Not sure if others have had similar experience but my 182 was by far the most expensive vehicle I have had to run. It went through consumables at a shocking rate. Shock absorbers at 25,000 miles, discs and calipers at 30,000 miles, fuel injectors, the list goes on. The buyer of mine probably got a great deal as many of the parts were brand new when they bought it.
Hmm yeah that is very helpful, thank you! I’ve heard that the feel the 182 gives when you’re on it overcomes all of its short falls.Once the MX5 has been setup correctly they are great. Steering, pedal feel and gearbox IMO are better than the 182. The engine, however lets down the overall package but that may not be a concern if you are looking at a BBR.
The MX5 has also been faultless over 110,000 miles. Just a service each year. Build quality and by that I mean durability and reliability of parts (not shutlines and interior luxury) have been outstanding. Mine is solid but rot can be an issue.
I really liked the 182 as well. Far more controlled and polished over bumpy roads and much quicker. It’s only fun though when you are pushing it, otherwise it feels a bit ordinary. That can be good though as it makes it more versatile. Fuel economy was also great with an average of 40mpg and I’d easily get 45mpg if I drove it sedately.
Not sure if others have had similar experience but my 182 was by far the most expensive vehicle I have had to run. It went through consumables at a shocking rate. Shock absorbers at 25,000 miles, discs and calipers at 30,000 miles, fuel injectors, the list goes on. The buyer of mine probably got a great deal as many of the parts were brand new when they bought it.
DoubleD said:
Which reviews have you been looking at?
Maybe I was looking at the older rs250? I’ll do some looking into it.maz8062 said:
I test drove an MX5 NC Sport with the 2.0 engine and hardtop. It was the 160bhp version with the LSD. I thought the car was fantastic in terms of handling but was let down by the lack of oomph. Funnily enough, I thought 200bhp would be the making of it - perhaps putting it on a par with an S2000. The BBR would take care of that and would likely hold its value secondhand.It is also a soft top.
No experience of the 182.
I’ve been thinking similar. It would depend on insurance of a BBR for me as well. The one I’m looking at is a hard top. Does that make much difference?No experience of the 182.
DickP said:
Hi,
As an owner of a 182 for four years, I think they were capable of excess 10,000 miles a year with little trouble until recently. They are now 15 years youngest, so beginning to succumb to old car problems (e.g. perishing rubbers and seals). Previously corrosion was not a problem, but again with age and use they are starting to deteriorate and will require proactive maintenance to keep in good condition.
In my opinion if you want one, now is the time to get one before it becomes harder to source a relatively trouble free example.
Thanks,
Cheers for the input. I certainly went through all that with my mk1 mx5. Though I don’t like dealing with rot much!As an owner of a 182 for four years, I think they were capable of excess 10,000 miles a year with little trouble until recently. They are now 15 years youngest, so beginning to succumb to old car problems (e.g. perishing rubbers and seals). Previously corrosion was not a problem, but again with age and use they are starting to deteriorate and will require proactive maintenance to keep in good condition.
In my opinion if you want one, now is the time to get one before it becomes harder to source a relatively trouble free example.
Thanks,
fido said:
Yep, the original car had a bit of torque hole in first/second gear. The BBR upgrade fixes that and you get immediate response at low revs and 20/25bhp more at the top-end. I now have a turbo and that blows them both away. If you want the purist N/A route - then ITBs - not sure of the cost but you're looking at 220+bhp with high-lift cams.
Sounds good. Do they do a supercharger for the NC? Would love a bit of a whine haha.CABC said:
OP sounds all over, wouldn't be surprised if he bought a 130i in the end! (good call though)
you know the MX5 is transformed by the BBR 200 pack, add some Meisters and it competes with a lot of way more expensive cars for driving pleasure. You said in a later post that "I'm quite crazy and will put up with anything", so don't compromise with a hatchback.
Ginetta, VX220, MR2?
Haha I am all over the place! I just really don’t like the idea of ending up in a vanilla saloon or Coupé while I’m young enough to still have some fun. My taste is very different to most. I’ve alsp seen an old JDM KE70 import with a newer Toyota motor. I’d love a supra as well if running costs weren’t so high!you know the MX5 is transformed by the BBR 200 pack, add some Meisters and it competes with a lot of way more expensive cars for driving pleasure. You said in a later post that "I'm quite crazy and will put up with anything", so don't compromise with a hatchback.
Ginetta, VX220, MR2?
It would be the Megane RS with the Cup Chassis for me it's the best drivers hot hatch full stop.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
if it has to be a sportscar then an S2000 is where I'd be looking:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
if it has to be a sportscar then an S2000 is where I'd be looking:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
You can get an ND 2ltr for 10k.
They are a big improvement on the NC and a return to form for me. I loved the NB I owned and also the NA. Stock NCs were a step back in terms of handling, no doubt great with some mods. NDs are also very tunable and just feel near perfect out of the box.
They are a big improvement on the NC and a return to form for me. I loved the NB I owned and also the NA. Stock NCs were a step back in terms of handling, no doubt great with some mods. NDs are also very tunable and just feel near perfect out of the box.
Late to this but have owned a 182 cup and three assorted Mx5’s. 182’s are moving towards the ‘modern classic’ camp now but superb little car, quick, fun and cheap to own provided belts don’t need doing, there will be regular bits and bobs of maintenance though; cheap to buy and should lose very little value if looked after.
The NC Mx5 never really grabbed me, less nimble and out and out fun than NA and NB. NA’s are wonderful cars but very much into the modern classic pool and prices going up. NB’s can be a bargain though, get a tidy sport model with the nicer body kit and 6 speed box, add some decent coil overs and they look great and handle brilliantly. I supercharged mine and it was 100% reliable but I think turbocharging now gives more bang per buck.
The NC Mx5 never really grabbed me, less nimble and out and out fun than NA and NB. NA’s are wonderful cars but very much into the modern classic pool and prices going up. NB’s can be a bargain though, get a tidy sport model with the nicer body kit and 6 speed box, add some decent coil overs and they look great and handle brilliantly. I supercharged mine and it was 100% reliable but I think turbocharging now gives more bang per buck.
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