Mk 4 lowdown

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After twenty years of Caterham ownership I am going for the more civilised option and a pre owned current MX 5 ticks more boxes than anything else.

Any advice on Mk 4 welcomed - my model choice will be 2 litre with lsd etc - sport nav I think ? Convertible rather than RF

Colour - love the red and blue . All leather I assume?

Probably go for dealer purchase - how are Mazda dealers?

Too early for faults I hope but anything to look for?

Any options to look for or avoid ?

Insurance - my 220bhp Seven costs £250 pa to insure but I bet the MX 5 will be lots more. I'm old , full ncb etc - any insurers recommended ?

Any other thoughts welcomed .Thanks

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AmiableChimp said:

I wouldn't say too early for faults.

I have heard rumours of potential gearbox issues with the 2.0 versions.

I have also seen photographic evidence that Mazda have still not got on top of their undersealing with their cars - I would advise going for a full Dinitrol underseal if/when you do eventually purchase one for peace of mind.

Really ? I didn't think any 'normal' new car went rusty any more . Gearbox woes too- the box is used in Caterhams now (5 speed ) and not heard of any issues . Just a 6 speed thing?

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Yes, I like the red too. Not the black (except the one with red bits on too ) , nor the white but I do like the dark metallic blue . Not tan leather though - I am a scruffy sod and mucky jeans soon spoil pale seats, as I found out with another car .

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Trouble is I don't like the earlier one - I far prefer the size, weight , and looks of the mk 4.

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Things are moving apace so next week may see me buying a MX5- have my eye on a lovely looking car- MK4 Sport Nav with leather etc.

I have always insured my Caterhams via small specialist brokers and even for a lairy 220bhp Seven it has only been about £200. Any advice and wisdom on best insurers for a MX 5 ? Any specialists recommended?

Also- as a keen Silverstone Classic etc attendee I have always exploited my Seven Club membership to get infield passes. There is a MX 5 Club which does the same - is there just one club ?

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Well - after 200 miles some first impressions -

- they aren't big are they , but that's a good thing . If I were taller than I am- 5-11 with 32 leg (oor err missus) it would be a squeeze.
- some road testers say you sit too high . You don't - and it is a terrific view out , especially down the 'twin peaks' bonnet
- engine gutsy but noise it makes is very bland
- brilliant gearchange and very good choice of ratios
- ride spot on
- brakes terrific - and you sense how light the car is
- a hoot to push round corners and so forgiving
- steering . Hmm... I thought it was bloody terrible coming up M-way - light , disconnected feel and unsporty. But it does wake up when you press on so there's hope yet
- very very light on gas compared to a thirsty Seven
- good cruiser but two niggles, Bloody steering wheel is slightly off centre which is very rritating .In a Mazda owned car how the hell did nobody notice this ? And some very audible chirrups and creaks from trim on bumps . Both will be referred to dealer.

Overall - yes , I like it and think we will have some adventures

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He will be in trouble if he can't.....
Something else wrong- did 250 miles yesterday and it averaged nearly 42mpg. Despite making brisk progress. WTF - not used to this at all...

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Hmm - my biased retort is awful styling which is an overhang heavy parody of the lovely original; awful parping exhaust note , fussy detailing , a turbo engine which may have poke but c'mon , it's another generic 4 pot turbo ..Not that my ND's 16 valve 2 litre is exactly original- how much better that little V6 would have been .

Brakes - No complaints about mine, it stops just fine - but I am notoriously light on brakes anyway

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renmure said:

It's great we have so much choice, even tho it does lead to some folk making the wrong choice

Anyhow, I see from photos online that it also has the same huge radio mast sticking out the back as the ND. It would be good to find a replacement that was a bit shorter.

I did - a snappy little sharks fin for 20 quid from Mx5 Parts was it ? No risk of eye being poked out now .

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Perfect - no discernible difference at all . And I still have binocular vision too,