MX5 Mk3 / Mk3.5

[tazzatime]

Hi

I am considering buying an MX5, no garage facilities so would favour the folding hard top over the soft top. Does the hard top compromise the car much in terms of weight?

I understand the folding hard top was only available from Mk3, but that the original Mk3s did not handle as well as previous models, and that this was corrected with the Mk3.5. Is this true? and if so, when was the Mk3 introduced.

Also how easy is it to spot a Mk3.5 from a Mk3 in a picture e.g. in the classifieds.

Thanks for you help.

Tazzatime

[DannyGi11]

Hi,

I believe the mk3.5 was supposed to be better handling but im sure someone with more knowledge will come along and offer more info.

The 3.5 has a smiley face and more sweeping headlights, the 3 has an oval grill and more oval like lights. Also the folding had top has a chrome grill surround on the 3.5 not sure about the 3.

My 3.5



A mk3



HTH

Dan

[hornetrider]

There were minor changes to the front suspension on the 3.5 but basically there's nothing wrong with the 3 that Eibachs and a geo won't sort out. The extra weight (it's only 37kgs) makes precisely naff-all difference to the handling of the car on the road. If you were measuring hundredths of a second on the track - then maybe.

Edited by hornetrider on Tuesday 18th January 10:47

[DannyGi11]

I think I put 37kg on over xmas Good to know it makes no difference!

Im not sure SWMBO would agree though...

[tazzatime]

Thanks for the info so far guys

Any idea of the timing of the introduction of Mk3 and 3.5.

Also if I went for the 3, any idea of the cost of Eibachs and a geo

Cheers

[DannyGi11]

AFAIK the 3 was available from 55 plate (i think) and 3.5 was new for the 09 plates so March(ish) 2009

A geo should be somewhere in the region of £50

No idea about the Eibachs sorry

Edited by DannyGi11 on Tuesday 18th January 11:52

[hornetrider]

Eibachs and geo are 300 all in from WIM, however other fitting places are available. AFAIK its about 120 for the springs on their own, give or take.

[Shaw Tarse]

Lots of MK 3s will already have had Eibachs fitted by previous owners.

[roddo]

If set up correctly the mk3 is just as good as any mk3.5 obviously lowering or full suspension set ups are worth their weight in gold.........

Where are you from?

[tazzatime]

roddo said:

Where are you from?

South Leicestershire

[roddo]

Feel free to give me a call on 07770 566599

Not only do I supply cars but I can sort out any suspension issues......

Advise is free and always available.......

Paul

[g40steve]

tazzatime said:

roddo said:

Where are you from?

South Leicestershire

I'm not far from you feel free to look over mine.
Roddo did lots of work on mine.

[Mannginger]

Just to further muddle your mind. My Mk3 lives outside all the time (has done for 2 years now) and there are no issues at all with the soft top. It's also quicker put down and up than a hard top as well!

[hornetrider]

Mannginger said:

Just to further muddle your mind. My Mk3 lives outside all the time (has done for 2 years now) and there are no issues at all with the soft top. It's also quicker put down and up than a hard top as well!

Is it as cool as the fastest powered hard top (Clarkson)in the worrrrrld though?

[DannyGi11]

hornetrider said:

Mannginger said:

Just to further muddle your mind. My Mk3 lives outside all the time (has done for 2 years now) and there are no issues at all with the soft top. It's also quicker put down and up than a hard top as well!

Is it as cool as the fastest powered hard top (Clarkson)in the worrrrrld though?

No

Also when I was lowering the roof the other day a passing kid said "Wow cool car mister!". Made me laugh as I could imagine me saying the same thing when I was young.

[Roadster25]

DannyGi11 said:

hornetrider said:

Mannginger said:

Just to further muddle your mind. My Mk3 lives outside all the time (has done for 2 years now) and there are no issues at all with the soft top. It's also quicker put down and up than a hard top as well!

Is it as cool as the fastest powered hard top (Clarkson)in the worrrrrld though?

No

Also when I was lowering the roof the other day a passing kid said "Wow cool car mister!". Made me laugh as I could imagine me saying the same thing when I was young.

True, but IMO the soft top looks better up than the hard top, which looks too short somehow.

[DannyGi11]

I know what you mean, I think that the back window on the RC is steeper than that of the soft top.

Makes it look a little more hunched?

[Roadster25]

Think that describes it well. Also I love being able to put the soft top up or down at traffic lights etc, it is so fast and easy.

[DannyGi11]

I've yet to get caught mid roof at the lights. But the look on some peoples faces when when you do raise/lower the roof is priceless

Did once have to pull over to put the roof up once, when an overcast day decided to become a wet day. It is a little annoying that you have to come to a complete halt to get the roof up. Thats the only disadvantage to the RC IMHO

[hornetrider]

The rear deck on the RC is slightly higher to accomodate the folding roof without compromising boot space. No problems with traffic light up/down here