MX5 ND 1.5 or 2.0?
Discussion
Hi Guys,
I’ve been pondering MX5 ownership for a while now. I see there is a limited edition (only 150) 1.5 R Sport the one with the Rays alloys are now on offer around the £23k with delivery mileage....
Or do I go for a low mileage 2.0 a year or so old, I have driven the 2.0 which I enjoyed, but not tried a 1.5 as finding the small engined one to test drive is proving difficult up here in Aberdeenshire.
The question is do limited run MX5’s hold there value and better than the others?
The 2.0 with it’s LSD is definitely a lot of fun, but It’s only one second or so quicker to sixty and at the end of the day.... dose it really matter.
It’s all about top down and country road fun.
I’ve been pondering MX5 ownership for a while now. I see there is a limited edition (only 150) 1.5 R Sport the one with the Rays alloys are now on offer around the £23k with delivery mileage....
Or do I go for a low mileage 2.0 a year or so old, I have driven the 2.0 which I enjoyed, but not tried a 1.5 as finding the small engined one to test drive is proving difficult up here in Aberdeenshire.
The question is do limited run MX5’s hold there value and better than the others?
The 2.0 with it’s LSD is definitely a lot of fun, but It’s only one second or so quicker to sixty and at the end of the day.... dose it really matter.
It’s all about top down and country road fun.
Ive driver a 1.5 soft too, and a 2.0 hard top , the 1.5 soft top was a much much much much better, more fun, more engaging drive. In terms of absolute performance theres barely anything in it (maybe a few tenths), so I would focus spec rather than engine.
Worst comes to worse take it to BBR for a starchip for £500z
Worst comes to worse take it to BBR for a starchip for £500z
I'd recommend the 2.0 litre ND2.. It has the revised (184) engine which has a similar character to the 1.5. Early 2.0 litre ND's were less free-revving and had around 25 bhp less, and occasional gearbox issues..
1.5's are a bit softer and have more comfortable ride, and 2.0 can come with dealer fit optional sports suspension package.
So all 1.5's are good, ND1 or 2, but for 2.0 get an ND2..!
1.5's are a bit softer and have more comfortable ride, and 2.0 can come with dealer fit optional sports suspension package.
So all 1.5's are good, ND1 or 2, but for 2.0 get an ND2..!
Edited by CeramicMX5ND2 on Thursday 6th May 11:36
CeramicMX5ND2 said:
I'd recommend the 2.0 litre ND2.. It has the revised (184) engine which has a similar character to the 1.5. Early 2.0 litre ND's were less free-revving and had around 25 bhp less, and occasional gearbox issues..
1.5's are a bit softer and have more comfortable ride, and 2.0 can come with dealer fit optional sports suspension package.
So all 1.5's are good, ND1 or 2, but for 2.0 get an ND2..!
I am aware of the gearbox issue with the ND1. If I did for the 2.0, so it would be a 19 onwards for the ND2.1.5's are a bit softer and have more comfortable ride, and 2.0 can come with dealer fit optional sports suspension package.
So all 1.5's are good, ND1 or 2, but for 2.0 get an ND2..!
Edited by CeramicMX5ND2 on Thursday 6th May 11:36
My local dealer is Arnold Clark and have failed twice to organise a test drive in a 1.5
ian2144 said:
I am aware of the gearbox issue with the ND1. If I did for the 2.0, so it would be a 19 onwards for the ND2.
My local dealer is Arnold Clark and have failed twice to organise a test drive in a 1.5
Not quite sure how early the 2019MY ND2 2 litre became available, but mine was registered in Sept 18! My local dealer is Arnold Clark and have failed twice to organise a test drive in a 1.5
davek_964 said:
Whenever I've browsed MX5s, the main difference is that 1.5s are 5 speed, 2.0s are 6 speed. I would want a 6 speed.
I'd assume the current model all have 6 speed though?
Yes, they are all 6 speed.I'd assume the current model all have 6 speed though?
I had a 1.5 for 3 years. Superb fun and would easily do 40mpg even when driven hard.
I changed it for a 500hp super saloon and slightly regret it - the MX-5 was far more fun. I'm firmly in the "less is more camp" now.
FamousPheasant said:
davek_964 said:
Whenever I've browsed MX5s, the main difference is that 1.5s are 5 speed, 2.0s are 6 speed. I would want a 6 speed.
I'd assume the current model all have 6 speed though?
Yes, they are all 6 speed.I'd assume the current model all have 6 speed though?
I had a 1.5 for 3 years. Superb fun and would easily do 40mpg even when driven hard.
I changed it for a 500hp super saloon and slightly regret it - the MX-5 was far more fun. I'm firmly in the "less is more camp" now.
I thought another Caterham would have been good, but the other half put her foot down and was completely against it.
So MX5 it will be..... as to what size, I’m still not sure as yet.
But we will get there.
fido said:
Why would you want less power?! Okay granted, it might be a factor for someone who wants to daily it and is happy with the softer ride, but as a weekend proposition .. 184PS please!
Yes, power is a good thing, but not the be all and end all having done the quick and the big power.I had made the mental decision that i would go for the 2.0 184ps, but now not so sure, a test drive in a 1.5 will confirm this one way or the other.
I finally got a test drive in a 1.5. A fun little engine for sure and eager to rev . I think it suits the car well and don’t think it lacking in any way, but you do need to work it hard to get the best from it , but that’s all part of the fun.
The only thing it lacks is an LSD which I thought was compulsory on a sporty rear wheel drive car...... the fact is I’m unlikely ever to take it on a track or do doughnuts with it, does it really matter.. no I don’t think so.
It’s now down to new or demo and spec, colour and availability.
The only thing it lacks is an LSD which I thought was compulsory on a sporty rear wheel drive car...... the fact is I’m unlikely ever to take it on a track or do doughnuts with it, does it really matter.. no I don’t think so.
It’s now down to new or demo and spec, colour and availability.
ian2144 said:
The question is do limited run MX5’s hold there value and better than the others?
Just picking up on this point specifically, very rarely if at all really do limited run MX-5's hold value better than any other, the reason being that Mazda have a habit of almost releasing another limited edition every couple of months so other than (maybe) the anniversary editions I wouldn't expect any increased value come resale from their limited run versionsJamescrs said:
ian2144 said:
The question is do limited run MX5’s hold there value and better than the others?
Just picking up on this point specifically, very rarely if at all really do limited run MX-5's hold value better than any other, the reason being that Mazda have a habit of almost releasing another limited edition every couple of months so other than (maybe) the anniversary editions I wouldn't expect any increased value come resale from their limited run versionsI had the Limited run of (150) R - Sport's in mind, the one they released last year with the Rays alloy wheels and ruby interior..at the end of the day it will be worth what ever the trade say, if and when the time comes to part with it.
If its kept standard and unmolested, I'm sure it will be of interest to an MX5 enthusiast in the future.
Joey Deacon said:
I remember getting a 205 1.6 GTi back in the day instead of the 1.9. All the magazines said the 1.6 had sweeter handling, but deep down I knew I had made the wrong choice.
.
Did you? We had one of each on our company fleet back in the day and all the guys always opted for the 1.6 if it was free. It was just so much nicer to drive..
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