£5k for an MX5 - what spec should I look for?
Discussion
If I had around £5k for a MX5 for everyday road use, what spec should I aim to buy it with? I've driven a 2.0 Mk3 and found it distinctly lacking in poke, so I'm guessing a Mk1 or 2 1.8 with a few tweaks would be an idea?
It's for everyday B-road use. So, can't be lowered to the point it'll ground out or stiffened to the point where a bumpy back road throws it around like a bead of sweet in an aerobic teaches buttock cleavage.
Power isn't massively important - I'm not after bragging rights, but it would be nice that has something that could dispatch dawdling rover drivers a bit more effectively than the Mk3 does.
So - £5k to spend either on a well specced factory variant (I don't know much about the range - ie special editions and so on...) or indeed a basic one, plus a few mods. Not worried about air con, electric windows, stability control etc. Would like ABS I suppose - other than than, just a big grin on my face
It's for everyday B-road use. So, can't be lowered to the point it'll ground out or stiffened to the point where a bumpy back road throws it around like a bead of sweet in an aerobic teaches buttock cleavage.
Power isn't massively important - I'm not after bragging rights, but it would be nice that has something that could dispatch dawdling rover drivers a bit more effectively than the Mk3 does.
So - £5k to spend either on a well specced factory variant (I don't know much about the range - ie special editions and so on...) or indeed a basic one, plus a few mods. Not worried about air con, electric windows, stability control etc. Would like ABS I suppose - other than than, just a big grin on my face
Some reading for you:
Miata.net FAQ with a few links to pages that explain all the different model numbers + special editions
MX5 Owners club forum With plenty of information available.
For that much, it looks like a fantastic Mk1, or a cheap Mk2. I've recently got a Mk1 and I'm loving it. Before finding my track-ready Mk1, I was thinking of either V-Spec or R-Spec imports as they had more toys for not much more money.
Miata.net FAQ with a few links to pages that explain all the different model numbers + special editions
MX5 Owners club forum With plenty of information available.
For that much, it looks like a fantastic Mk1, or a cheap Mk2. I've recently got a Mk1 and I'm loving it. Before finding my track-ready Mk1, I was thinking of either V-Spec or R-Spec imports as they had more toys for not much more money.
Edited by Raify on Friday 10th November 16:24
As I understand it the MX5 did the same thing as most cars and got heavier and soggier as it went on? (Not that any of them are heavy or indeed soggy, but you know what I mean?)
So, I'm guessing a well looked after Mk1 1.8?
Buying must be difficult, as a quick search for owner reviews revealed and endless number of numptys who began with "this is my first sportscar" (or worse 'convertible'!!) So, I suppose you'd have to buy one off the right sort of person (on here perhaps). I think I'd be looking for new shocks and bushes on a Mk1, plus perhaps a few engine tweaks.
......Like a supercharger maybe
Although that could cause me a few insurance issues as I'm 23.
So, I'm guessing a well looked after Mk1 1.8?
Buying must be difficult, as a quick search for owner reviews revealed and endless number of numptys who began with "this is my first sportscar" (or worse 'convertible'!!) So, I suppose you'd have to buy one off the right sort of person (on here perhaps). I think I'd be looking for new shocks and bushes on a Mk1, plus perhaps a few engine tweaks.
......Like a supercharger maybe
Although that could cause me a few insurance issues as I'm 23.
I'd buy this, that'll dispatch everything including Rovers and much much more!! It's also the UK's most powerful MK2 MX5.
www.mx5ocforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=41649
If you're after a MK1, you'd could go for Mazda Eunos S-Special or VR-Limited, both fantastic additions, the S-Special has a bit more bracing and runs Bilstein shocks.
Have a look here (www.performance5.com) and you can get extra bracing which will stiffen up the car and make it more fun, popular conversion is the AGX/FM Spring combo, although the GAZ Coilovers are gaining popularity.
I'd also recommend getting a full geometry checkup done by www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk who works closely with MX5 owners to dial in the best handling, this makes a world of difference, also they are fussy about tyres and tyre pressures.
I think PH regs steve bowen and greg D (although both running FI) have had suspension done on their cars.
www.mx5ocforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=41649
If you're after a MK1, you'd could go for Mazda Eunos S-Special or VR-Limited, both fantastic additions, the S-Special has a bit more bracing and runs Bilstein shocks.
Have a look here (www.performance5.com) and you can get extra bracing which will stiffen up the car and make it more fun, popular conversion is the AGX/FM Spring combo, although the GAZ Coilovers are gaining popularity.
I'd also recommend getting a full geometry checkup done by www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk who works closely with MX5 owners to dial in the best handling, this makes a world of difference, also they are fussy about tyres and tyre pressures.
I think PH regs steve bowen and greg D (although both running FI) have had suspension done on their cars.
Edited by juzzyp on Saturday 11th November 18:00
juzzyp said:
I'd buy this, that'll dispatch everything including Rovers and much much more!! It's also the UK's most powerful MK2 MX5.
www.mx5ocforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=41649
If you're after a MK1, you'd could go for Mazda Eunos S-Special or VR-Limited, both fantastic additions, the S-Special has a bit more bracing and runs Bilstein shocks.
Have a look here (www.performance5.com) and you can get extra bracing which will stiffen up the car and make it more fun, popular conversion is the AGX/FM Spring combo, although the GAZ Coilovers are gaining popularity.
I'd also recommend getting a full geometry checkup done by www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk who works closely with MX5 owners to dial in the best handling, this makes a world of difference, also they are fussy about tyres and tyre pressures.
I think PH regs steve bowen and greg D (although both running FI) have had suspension done on their cars.
www.mx5ocforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=41649
If you're after a MK1, you'd could go for Mazda Eunos S-Special or VR-Limited, both fantastic additions, the S-Special has a bit more bracing and runs Bilstein shocks.
Have a look here (www.performance5.com) and you can get extra bracing which will stiffen up the car and make it more fun, popular conversion is the AGX/FM Spring combo, although the GAZ Coilovers are gaining popularity.
I'd also recommend getting a full geometry checkup done by www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk who works closely with MX5 owners to dial in the best handling, this makes a world of difference, also they are fussy about tyres and tyre pressures.
I think PH regs steve bowen and greg D (although both running FI) have had suspension done on their cars.
Edited by juzzyp on Saturday 11th November 18:00
That must be good fun!
As the bloke points out though, even if I didn't get anything for a few months (by which point another birthday will have passed) I'd stoll only be 24. I'm used to running quick-ish cars and know it's gonna cost me insurance wise, but I think a 300bhp turbo might be stretching the wallet a little too much
Thta said I was astounded to get a quote for a Fiat Coupe 20 VT substantially tweaked with all mods declared for £600 or so, I'm sure a few slight alteration would be ok with a specialist insurer.
Last car before moving into the car trade was a Mk1 MX5 Turbo, hilarious fun and great tunability if wanted...
Theres a couple on www.mx5nutz.com for sale atm, you should be able to get a well cared for example within your budget of 5k
Theres a couple on www.mx5nutz.com for sale atm, you should be able to get a well cared for example within your budget of 5k
rhaines said:
Last car before moving into the car trade was a Mk1 MX5 Turbo, hilarious fun and great tunability if wanted...
Theres a couple on www.mx5nutz.com for sale atm, you should be able to get a well cared for example within your budget of 5k
Theres a couple on www.mx5nutz.com for sale atm, you should be able to get a well cared for example within your budget of 5k
You don't wanna go to that ropey old forum -
load of dodgy characters in there!! chris71 said:
As the bloke points out though, even if I didn't get anything for a few months (by which point another birthday will have passed) I'd stoll only be 24. I'm used to running quick-ish cars and know it's gonna cost me insurance wise, but I think a 300bhp turbo might be stretching the wallet a little too much
Was only jesting but it's a nice to car to see what's possible when you have the budget.
As rahines said you'll find a good decent 5 for 5K, I'd also recommend www.dandycars.com although I'm not sure how good their prices or Select Imports or Autolink UK.
Edited by juzzyp on Monday 13th November 08:18
Another dealer is www.mxheaven.co.uk who i've never had any contact with but i've driven past a few times.
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