Pick an MX-5 for me

[Roan]

With an upcoming 4000 mile road trip through Europe this summer, I am opening up to the possibility that a convertible will enhance the experience. With funds as tight as they are after allowing for the expenditure on the trip, I have a budget for the car of £5k (although I would prefer to spend less). The MX-5 obviously ticks all the boxes, and I can see myself keeping it and using it for the daily 4 mile commute at least for a year. With this in mind, I'm tempted to spend a bit more and go for a Mk2 1.8 (with LSD) or even a Mk2.5 1.8 Sport with heated leather, 6-speed, air con etc. I have the following cars in mind:


1991 Mk1 1.6

Overpriced I know but comes with the territory over here in NI. I'm concerned the Mk1 would be a bit basic and raw for everyday use (especially in winter).




1994 Mk1 1.8is

Another Mk1 - this time 1.8is with low miles




1999 Mk2 1.8

This ticks all the boxes - original, nice colour, sensible miles, hard top, roll over hoops, wind deflector




2002 Mk2.5 1.8 Sport

Again, ticks all the boxes with the added bonus of heated leather, air con, 6-speed, facelift looks etc, but is it worth the extra over the Mk2 above?




2002 Mk2.5 1.8 Sport

As above but lower miles and original wheels.

[alephnull]

I would say the 1.6 mk1 and the silver mk2.5 are both overpriced. Mk1s seem to rattle a bit more than mk 2s, and personally that bothers me. So i guess id pick the mk 2.5 sport in black.

[Jonny671]

I'd go for the blue 1.8 MK2, lovely colour and good mileage.

I am slightly bias though

[ironictwist]

A well looked after mk1 will serve you well regardless...I bought mine in March @ 127,000. In nearly 3 months I've done 8000 miles. It hasn't asked for anything except for a bit of oil.

I've driven it very hard, it's used & abused constantly & regularly clocks up 350 miles a week just getting to work & back...Normally adding an extra 300-400 over the course of a weekend too!

Like I say, it will serve you well. If you're new to roof down, it's seductive, you'll learn to love it & it WILL enhance it big time.



Oh & I'd take the 2nd one

Edited by ironictwist on Thursday 27th May 13:33

[Jonny671]

Yes, agree about the roof!

It was raining this morning, so had to have the roof up.. Which considering each time I've been out in it I've had the roof down was no fun

[MX-5 Lazza]

As you want to use it for touring Europe then I'd say 1.8 rather than 1.6 and Mk2 rather than Mk1 for the added comfort and more usable boot space.
That Mk1 in your list has style-bars though, not roll-bars i.e. they are just there for looks, not to add any roll-protection.

[ironictwist]

Jonny671 said:

Yes, agree about the roof!

It was raining this morning, so had to have the roof up.. Which considering each time I've been out in it I've had the roof down was no fun

Didn't stop me & don't let it stop you

[Roan]

Thanks for the response so far gents. Now, is the Mk2.5 Sport worth an extra £1000 over the standard 1.8? I'm thinking it is for the reasons below but I'm open to advice either way...

1. Taller 6th gear for motorway economy on the trip
2. Air con
3. Heated leather (for the winter mornings)
4. Stiffer chassis/bracing
5. Looks slightly meaner

[bert11]

I heard 6th gear on those boxes is equivalent or shorter than the standard 5spd box

[skinny]

Roan said:

Thanks for the response so far gents. Now, is the Mk2.5 Sport worth an extra £1000 over the standard 1.8? I'm thinking it is for the reasons below but I'm open to advice either way...

1. Taller 6th gear for motorway economy on the trip
2. Air con
3. Heated leather (for the winter mornings)
4. Stiffer chassis/bracing
5. Looks slightly meaner

yes

[MX-5 Lazza]

bert11 said:

I heard 6th gear on those boxes is equivalent or shorter than the standard 5spd box

You heard wrong. 5 speed is usually geared for about 135mph in 5th, 6 speed is geared for about 160mph in 6th

[MX-5 Lazza]

skinny said:

Roan said:

1. Taller 6th gear for motorway economy on the trip

yes

though not really. The longer 6th gear means motorway cruising is more relaxing but it's actually no more economical.

[missdiane]

Second one, though I am biased- not a Mk2 fan

[skinny]

MX-5 Lazza said:

skinny said:

Roan said:

1. Taller 6th gear for motorway economy on the trip

yes

though not really. The longer 6th gear means motorway cruising is more relaxing but it's actually no more economical.

i was answering the first question - is it worth a grand more than the 1.8
having said that, if you were to get a mk1 1.8, 94 is the year to go for. but that one doesn't look anything special at all.

[audidoody]

4,000 mile jaunt to Europe. In the summer? Choose the car with the air-con (sitting in French traffic jam in 30C sun is not fun. even with the roof down. Plus the car gets incredibly hot anyway as the transmission tunnel heats up and acts like a storage heater.

[audidoody]

4,000 mile jaunt to Europe. In the summer? Choose the car with the air-con (sitting in French traffic jam in 30C sun is not fun. even with the roof down. Plus the car gets incredibly hot anyway as the transmission tunnel heats up and acts like a storage heater.

[NiceCupOfTea]

MX-5 Lazza said:

As you want to use it for touring Europe then I'd say 1.8 rather than 1.6 and Mk2 rather than Mk1 for the added comfort and more usable boot space.
That Mk1 in your list has style-bars though, not roll-bars i.e. they are just there for looks, not to add any roll-protection.

What he said. Mk.2 is much more civilised without losing the laugh a minute handling. Loses out in the looks though IMHO.