2nd Generation MX5's
Discussion
I am after a car for my birthday in January, will probably have about 4-5k to spend.
I have heard nohing but good things about MX5's in general and the more I look the more I WANT!!
How good is the 2nd generation MX5 compared to say the 1st Gen. I know the 1st gen is lauded on here but what is the general PH consensus on the 2nd Generation?
Cheers
I have heard nohing but good things about MX5's in general and the more I look the more I WANT!!
How good is the 2nd generation MX5 compared to say the 1st Gen. I know the 1st gen is lauded on here but what is the general PH consensus on the 2nd Generation?
Cheers
Second is even better.. Not biased or anything 
No, seriously.. Mazda spend quite abit more on chassis stiffening, and the interior is nicer on the MK2. You have to get a 1.8 in either version.
The MK1 has more options available to it, everyone does stuff to the MK1 rather than the MK2. Some say the MK2 is a better cruiser vehicle rather than the MK1.. This is probably due to the interior being nicer in the MK2. The MK1 is more raw.
But really, either.. They both drive very well, I've only driven the MK2 in anger. MK1 I've only driven on normal type roads.
No, seriously.. Mazda spend quite abit more on chassis stiffening, and the interior is nicer on the MK2. You have to get a 1.8 in either version.
The MK1 has more options available to it, everyone does stuff to the MK1 rather than the MK2. Some say the MK2 is a better cruiser vehicle rather than the MK1.. This is probably due to the interior being nicer in the MK2. The MK1 is more raw.
But really, either.. They both drive very well, I've only driven the MK2 in anger. MK1 I've only driven on normal type roads.
Used to absolutely love mine.
Never driven a Mk1, but a friend had one and the boot on the Mk2 was a slightly different shape inside, and a bit more usable - I could fit things in mine that they couldn't. Also I just preferred the look of the Mk2.
Not checked prices lately, but you might even be able to get a Mk2.5 for that sort of money, I wasn't so keen on the facelifted bumper though - adding the front fogs (or slats if they weren't fitted) made it look a bit fussy.
Never driven a Mk1, but a friend had one and the boot on the Mk2 was a slightly different shape inside, and a bit more usable - I could fit things in mine that they couldn't. Also I just preferred the look of the Mk2.
Not checked prices lately, but you might even be able to get a Mk2.5 for that sort of money, I wasn't so keen on the facelifted bumper though - adding the front fogs (or slats if they weren't fitted) made it look a bit fussy.
What are you looking for with the Mx5? I know people really love them on here and don't like a bad word said against them. But i'll give you my opinion on them as we are on our 2nd now.
They are a very nice drive. Very precise, great feedback, nice seating position. Unlike a lot of cabrio's where they take a saloon or hatchback and cut the roof off leaving an odd looking and fairly compromised drive. You always get the feeling the MX5 is how it should be, and that it was built to a good standard. It has what a roadster needs in terms of spec (very little). But you do grow to love that. It somehow adds to the charm and sets it apart from other cars in its class. I always feel like i'm using a precision tool when im driving ours.
Obviously precision tools are excellent at what they're intended for. Which is why I asked what you were looking for. As soon as you take an mx5 out of its intended environment, you do start to notice certain things. The first thing your going to notice is the road noise. I drive an old 172 cup and the first thing i notice in the mx5 is the road noise. Its fine if your pootling around, but it's not really fine on the motorway. Tiresome is how i'd describe it actually. The next thing your going to notice. And this is a big problem for me. They're rather asthmatic to say the least. They have very little grunt, power, ooomph whatever you call it, it aint there. You can make progress if your willing to screw the redline in every gear but it really isn't that rewarding and takes for ever to pull through the gears. Add to this the fact that they use too much fuel for the size, weight, speed of the thing. Its not un-economical (low 30's) but it should be better. For example the clio on a run will get 10mpg more than the MX5. Then you have the fact it is only a 2 seater but you know wether that would be a problem.
What i'm saying is you need to look at what you want out of the car. If its what an mx5 is great at, You will absolutely adore the thing. Infact it will be the best car bang for buck you will ever own. If however you intend stretching its use to mileage munch or city slug, their are better options out there.
Our first was a mk2 sport in silver. We now have a mk2.5 phoenix which is the best allrounder in terms of spec levels.
They are a very nice drive. Very precise, great feedback, nice seating position. Unlike a lot of cabrio's where they take a saloon or hatchback and cut the roof off leaving an odd looking and fairly compromised drive. You always get the feeling the MX5 is how it should be, and that it was built to a good standard. It has what a roadster needs in terms of spec (very little). But you do grow to love that. It somehow adds to the charm and sets it apart from other cars in its class. I always feel like i'm using a precision tool when im driving ours.
Obviously precision tools are excellent at what they're intended for. Which is why I asked what you were looking for. As soon as you take an mx5 out of its intended environment, you do start to notice certain things. The first thing your going to notice is the road noise. I drive an old 172 cup and the first thing i notice in the mx5 is the road noise. Its fine if your pootling around, but it's not really fine on the motorway. Tiresome is how i'd describe it actually. The next thing your going to notice. And this is a big problem for me. They're rather asthmatic to say the least. They have very little grunt, power, ooomph whatever you call it, it aint there. You can make progress if your willing to screw the redline in every gear but it really isn't that rewarding and takes for ever to pull through the gears. Add to this the fact that they use too much fuel for the size, weight, speed of the thing. Its not un-economical (low 30's) but it should be better. For example the clio on a run will get 10mpg more than the MX5. Then you have the fact it is only a 2 seater but you know wether that would be a problem.
What i'm saying is you need to look at what you want out of the car. If its what an mx5 is great at, You will absolutely adore the thing. Infact it will be the best car bang for buck you will ever own. If however you intend stretching its use to mileage munch or city slug, their are better options out there.
Our first was a mk2 sport in silver. We now have a mk2.5 phoenix which is the best allrounder in terms of spec levels.
rufusgti said:
They're rather asthmatic to say the least. They have very little grunt, power, ooomph whatever you call it, it aint there. You can make progress if your willing to screw the redline in every gear but it really isn't that rewarding and takes for ever to pull through the gears. Add to this the fact that they use too much fuel for the size, weight, speed of the thing. Its not un-economical (low 30's) but it should be better. For example the clio on a run will get 10mpg more than the MX5.
That's an interesting view, I would disagree completely on that. I have never really found my car lacking pace wise (but I am happy to fling it at the rev limiter because it's so revable). A guy on the last PH meet I was on asked if my car was modified as he couldn't really use much more pace in his Exige. It wasn't an ideal bit of road for the Exige and he was two up whereas I was on my own, but that has to tell you something!I also find my car thirstier than you mentioned (no doubt because I thrash it!
) and always average over a tank 25-27MPG.OP do it, you will love it. If I were you I would try and get a Mk2.5 Sport if daily use is important to you. They are identifiable by their projector headlamps, fog lights in the lower grilles (on Sport models, blanking plates on non-Sport cars) and 16" wheels (again on Sport models). They have some nice options not available on earlier cars (heated seats) and have a slightly more pleasant interior and the most potent engines (although not by much compared to earlier cars); off the top of my head, 130bhp in the Mk1, 140bhp in the Mk2 and 146bhp in the Mk2.5 VVT. All 1.8 engines.
Fire away if you have more questions, there are plenty of knowledgeable people on here! Check out the Eunos/Miata/MX-5 forum on here as well!
I recently bought a billy bargain low mileage Mk2 1.8iS, and it really is a fun car.
It now has some coilovers on it, and I think its perfect. I came from many modified cars, and I'm actually enjoying being able to listen to myself think while I drive.
For the cost of them, I dont think there is much out there that can compete with the fun factor.
I'm not even missing the power I used to have with my olther cars.
Do it
It now has some coilovers on it, and I think its perfect. I came from many modified cars, and I'm actually enjoying being able to listen to myself think while I drive.
For the cost of them, I dont think there is much out there that can compete with the fun factor.
I'm not even missing the power I used to have with my olther cars.
Do it
Supercharged MK2 over on Nutz, OP..
£4500, priced to sell, no offers.
Mk2 1998 1.8iS model. (Comes as standard with TorSen differential, lightweight sport alloys, Nardi steering wheel)
Currently on 59k miles and sailed through all MOTs without advisory.
It's just passed it's MOT a month ago and comes with 6 months tax for the buyer.
6-rib BRP MP62 Supercharger running ~7.5psi of boost. One of the latest designs with extra long adjustment brackets and also comes with a water injection port (never used as of yet so has the bung fitted) The charger also comes with an auto-tensioner which 100% eliminates ALL belt slip. The charger also has a large Performance-5 dual throttle body set-up and associated linkage, throttle cabling. It also has a TDR exhaust manifold blanket.
Track Dog Racing front mount IC with intake air temp bung professionally aluminium welded into the end tank and also a blow off valve at the intake.
Full standalone PnP MS2 ECU with custom enhancements such as VICs control, ability to regulate a 14.2volt alternator output, control fan temp ranges and also low battery indicator etc... A truly fantastic PnP ECU!
I'll also throw in the deleted MAF, OEM IAT sensor, stock ECU, stock exhaust and stock fuel injectors so the car can be returned to stock without too much hassle if ever required.
RX-8 PnP 425cc fuel injectors.
LC-1 with interior AFR guage mounted in a 3 pod single DIN housing above the CD player.
MOCAL oil filter relocation kit with oil temp sensor linked to auto-meter interior mounted single DIN 3 pod guage.
auto-meter boost guage (reads in PSI) is in the final pod of the single DIN.
Flyin Miata single exit NA exhaust.
OEM front shock tower brace.
Matt black cam-cover.
Matt black sport alloys.
KONI lowering springs/stock shocks.
Toyo Proxes T1Rs all with lots of tread left. (less than 12 months/6000 miles old)
Vinyl hood with heated rear glass.
Sony face-off CD-Radio.
Recently serviced with Mobil 1, new filter, K&N filter clean and oil, brand new coolant and flush, new cam-cover gasket and basically well looked after.
Reason for sale is that I can't justify the costs to run it any more. It only now gets used for a short work commute as my family takes up all my spare time and I don't get to drive it as intended.
It'll also come with a few boxes of spares too.
The bad bits:
The rear arches have some usual minor rust which could do with sorting.
The hood has some minor cracks appearing at the edges where the hood folds. It's water tight though. I have also yet to find out the source of a niggle I have (because I've not yet tried) but after 6.5krpm boost builds up a fair bit to 7krpm. It could be a blocked CAT or a sticky valve or VICs control but I don't have the time to look further into it. I'm rarely in that region though on the road so it's on the back burner and I've limited the revs to 6.5krpm on the MS2.
Pics can be emailed to anyone who is interested but you all know what these cars look like.
£4500, priced to sell, no offers.
Mk2 1998 1.8iS model. (Comes as standard with TorSen differential, lightweight sport alloys, Nardi steering wheel)
Currently on 59k miles and sailed through all MOTs without advisory.
It's just passed it's MOT a month ago and comes with 6 months tax for the buyer.
6-rib BRP MP62 Supercharger running ~7.5psi of boost. One of the latest designs with extra long adjustment brackets and also comes with a water injection port (never used as of yet so has the bung fitted) The charger also comes with an auto-tensioner which 100% eliminates ALL belt slip. The charger also has a large Performance-5 dual throttle body set-up and associated linkage, throttle cabling. It also has a TDR exhaust manifold blanket.
Track Dog Racing front mount IC with intake air temp bung professionally aluminium welded into the end tank and also a blow off valve at the intake.
Full standalone PnP MS2 ECU with custom enhancements such as VICs control, ability to regulate a 14.2volt alternator output, control fan temp ranges and also low battery indicator etc... A truly fantastic PnP ECU!
I'll also throw in the deleted MAF, OEM IAT sensor, stock ECU, stock exhaust and stock fuel injectors so the car can be returned to stock without too much hassle if ever required.
RX-8 PnP 425cc fuel injectors.
LC-1 with interior AFR guage mounted in a 3 pod single DIN housing above the CD player.
MOCAL oil filter relocation kit with oil temp sensor linked to auto-meter interior mounted single DIN 3 pod guage.
auto-meter boost guage (reads in PSI) is in the final pod of the single DIN.
Flyin Miata single exit NA exhaust.
OEM front shock tower brace.
Matt black cam-cover.
Matt black sport alloys.
KONI lowering springs/stock shocks.
Toyo Proxes T1Rs all with lots of tread left. (less than 12 months/6000 miles old)
Vinyl hood with heated rear glass.
Sony face-off CD-Radio.
Recently serviced with Mobil 1, new filter, K&N filter clean and oil, brand new coolant and flush, new cam-cover gasket and basically well looked after.
Reason for sale is that I can't justify the costs to run it any more. It only now gets used for a short work commute as my family takes up all my spare time and I don't get to drive it as intended.
It'll also come with a few boxes of spares too.
The bad bits:
The rear arches have some usual minor rust which could do with sorting.
The hood has some minor cracks appearing at the edges where the hood folds. It's water tight though. I have also yet to find out the source of a niggle I have (because I've not yet tried) but after 6.5krpm boost builds up a fair bit to 7krpm. It could be a blocked CAT or a sticky valve or VICs control but I don't have the time to look further into it. I'm rarely in that region though on the road so it's on the back burner and I've limited the revs to 6.5krpm on the MS2.
Pics can be emailed to anyone who is interested but you all know what these cars look like.
rufusgti said:
They're rather asthmatic to say the least. They have very little grunt, power, ooomph whatever you call it, it aint there. You can make progress if your willing to screw the redline in every gear but it really isn't that rewarding and takes for ever to pull through the gears. Add to this the fact that they use too much fuel for the size, weight, speed of the thing. Its not un-economical (low 30's) but it should be better. For example the clio on a run will get 10mpg more than the MX5. Then you have the fact it is only a 2 seater but you know wether that would be a problem.
I do agree its a bit low on shove but after everything i'd read before i purchased mine about how slow they are, i'm still pleasantly surprised about how well it goes when i rev the tits off it.Fuel economy is OK, not great, it's a bit noisy on the motorway and feels a bit clunky pottering in stop start traffic. But they've got some serious Umami
Jonny671 said:
Supercharged MK2 over on Nutz, OP..
£4500, priced to sell, no offers.
Mk2 1998 1.8iS model. (Comes as standard with TorSen differential, lightweight sport alloys, Nardi steering wheel)
Currently on 59k miles and sailed through all MOTs without advisory.
It's just passed it's MOT a month ago and comes with 6 months tax for the buyer.
6-rib BRP MP62 Supercharger running ~7.5psi of boost. One of the latest designs with extra long adjustment brackets and also comes with a water injection port (never used as of yet so has the bung fitted) The charger also comes with an auto-tensioner which 100% eliminates ALL belt slip. The charger also has a large Performance-5 dual throttle body set-up and associated linkage, throttle cabling. It also has a TDR exhaust manifold blanket.
Track Dog Racing front mount IC with intake air temp bung professionally aluminium welded into the end tank and also a blow off valve at the intake.
Full standalone PnP MS2 ECU with custom enhancements such as VICs control, ability to regulate a 14.2volt alternator output, control fan temp ranges and also low battery indicator etc... A truly fantastic PnP ECU!
I'll also throw in the deleted MAF, OEM IAT sensor, stock ECU, stock exhaust and stock fuel injectors so the car can be returned to stock without too much hassle if ever required.
RX-8 PnP 425cc fuel injectors.
LC-1 with interior AFR guage mounted in a 3 pod single DIN housing above the CD player.
MOCAL oil filter relocation kit with oil temp sensor linked to auto-meter interior mounted single DIN 3 pod guage.
auto-meter boost guage (reads in PSI) is in the final pod of the single DIN.
Flyin Miata single exit NA exhaust.
OEM front shock tower brace.
Matt black cam-cover.
Matt black sport alloys.
KONI lowering springs/stock shocks.
Toyo Proxes T1Rs all with lots of tread left. (less than 12 months/6000 miles old)
Vinyl hood with heated rear glass.
Sony face-off CD-Radio.
Recently serviced with Mobil 1, new filter, K&N filter clean and oil, brand new coolant and flush, new cam-cover gasket and basically well looked after.
Reason for sale is that I can't justify the costs to run it any more. It only now gets used for a short work commute as my family takes up all my spare time and I don't get to drive it as intended.
It'll also come with a few boxes of spares too.
The bad bits:
The rear arches have some usual minor rust which could do with sorting.
The hood has some minor cracks appearing at the edges where the hood folds. It's water tight though. I have also yet to find out the source of a niggle I have (because I've not yet tried) but after 6.5krpm boost builds up a fair bit to 7krpm. It could be a blocked CAT or a sticky valve or VICs control but I don't have the time to look further into it. I'm rarely in that region though on the road so it's on the back burner and I've limited the revs to 6.5krpm on the MS2.
Pics can be emailed to anyone who is interested but you all know what these cars look like.
Superchargers are ghey! £4500, priced to sell, no offers.
Mk2 1998 1.8iS model. (Comes as standard with TorSen differential, lightweight sport alloys, Nardi steering wheel)
Currently on 59k miles and sailed through all MOTs without advisory.
It's just passed it's MOT a month ago and comes with 6 months tax for the buyer.
6-rib BRP MP62 Supercharger running ~7.5psi of boost. One of the latest designs with extra long adjustment brackets and also comes with a water injection port (never used as of yet so has the bung fitted) The charger also comes with an auto-tensioner which 100% eliminates ALL belt slip. The charger also has a large Performance-5 dual throttle body set-up and associated linkage, throttle cabling. It also has a TDR exhaust manifold blanket.
Track Dog Racing front mount IC with intake air temp bung professionally aluminium welded into the end tank and also a blow off valve at the intake.
Full standalone PnP MS2 ECU with custom enhancements such as VICs control, ability to regulate a 14.2volt alternator output, control fan temp ranges and also low battery indicator etc... A truly fantastic PnP ECU!
I'll also throw in the deleted MAF, OEM IAT sensor, stock ECU, stock exhaust and stock fuel injectors so the car can be returned to stock without too much hassle if ever required.
RX-8 PnP 425cc fuel injectors.
LC-1 with interior AFR guage mounted in a 3 pod single DIN housing above the CD player.
MOCAL oil filter relocation kit with oil temp sensor linked to auto-meter interior mounted single DIN 3 pod guage.
auto-meter boost guage (reads in PSI) is in the final pod of the single DIN.
Flyin Miata single exit NA exhaust.
OEM front shock tower brace.
Matt black cam-cover.
Matt black sport alloys.
KONI lowering springs/stock shocks.
Toyo Proxes T1Rs all with lots of tread left. (less than 12 months/6000 miles old)
Vinyl hood with heated rear glass.
Sony face-off CD-Radio.
Recently serviced with Mobil 1, new filter, K&N filter clean and oil, brand new coolant and flush, new cam-cover gasket and basically well looked after.
Reason for sale is that I can't justify the costs to run it any more. It only now gets used for a short work commute as my family takes up all my spare time and I don't get to drive it as intended.
It'll also come with a few boxes of spares too.
The bad bits:
The rear arches have some usual minor rust which could do with sorting.
The hood has some minor cracks appearing at the edges where the hood folds. It's water tight though. I have also yet to find out the source of a niggle I have (because I've not yet tried) but after 6.5krpm boost builds up a fair bit to 7krpm. It could be a blocked CAT or a sticky valve or VICs control but I don't have the time to look further into it. I'm rarely in that region though on the road so it's on the back burner and I've limited the revs to 6.5krpm on the MS2.
Pics can be emailed to anyone who is interested but you all know what these cars look like.
LukeBird said:
That's an interesting view, I would disagree completely on that. I have never really found my car lacking pace wise (but I am happy to fling it at the rev limiter because it's so revable). A guy on the last PH meet I was on asked if my car was modified as he couldn't really use much more pace in his Exige. It wasn't an ideal bit of road for the Exige and he was two up whereas I was on my own, but that has to tell you something!
I also find my car thirstier than you mentioned (no doubt because I thrash it!) and always average over a tank 25-27MPG.
Hmmm, Sounds like your car has been modified maybe? I've certainly never heard of an mx5 keeping up with an Exige. I'd imagine you were just a better driver than him. 25 mpg! ye i guess ours would get that with a heavy foot. It just doesnt seem to reward that kind of driving. It's nothing short of wonderfull at cruising along A or B roads at a good pace. How do you find it when you want to overtake on an A road? Thats where i think it really loses out. Its so slow between 60 and 100.I also find my car thirstier than you mentioned (no doubt because I thrash it!
) and always average over a tank 25-27MPG.Jonny671 said:
Mr MXT said:
Superchargers are ghey!
How far ahead did you get of me on the Brecon Tour, Russ? 
Nah, I do prefer the turbo.. If I come into abit more money soon, I will turbo mine
Edited by Jonny671 on Tuesday 14th December 17:19
In fairness I struggled to keep up with the guy in the stripped mk1 but I think that was down to my lame driving "skillz".
Mr MXT said:
Jonny671 said:
Mr MXT said:
Superchargers are ghey!
How far ahead did you get of me on the Brecon Tour, Russ? Nah, I do prefer the turbo.. If I come into abit more money soon, I will turbo mine
Edited by Jonny671 on Tuesday 14th December 17:19
In fairness I struggled to keep up with the guy in the stripped mk1 but I think that was down to my lame driving "skillz".
He was abit of a wiz behind the wheel so easily pissed all over nearly all of us
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