Which MX5 for Road and Track ?
Discussion
I am considering an MX5 that I can drive on the road and also do a few mods (track roll bar, suspension, brakes etc) so I can use it on track days.
Looking through loads of info, I am a little confused as to which model is the best option.
It seems I can pick up either a Mk 1, 2 or 3 within my budget of up to £3k, but ideally nearer £2k
As mentioned earlier, I want to use it as a daily (third car) and for trackdays.
Don't want to spend too much and want one that is also cheap to maintain, particularly with the maintenance required for tracking.
Which would be the best model considering:
1) It not rusting away beneath me, at least if undersealed etc ?
2) Be the most fun to drive and track ?
3) Be the best for everyday road driving ?
4) Cheapest to run and maintain - unless all three are roughly the same ?
I like the classic look of the Mk 1 but they are going up in price and finding one that has not suffered from rust is difficult within budget.
Looking at 1.8 import cars but would an import 1.6 make an equally good track car or too underpowered ?
The Mk 2 seems to be the vest value from a purchase perspective but the rust worries me on these which seems to be the worst of the three.
If I find a Mk 2 without any rust, it it just inevitable that eventually it will rust even if Dinitroled etc ?
Early Mk 3 models are coming down in price now and there are a few within reach.
Would a Mk 3 make a good track car though ?
Is it as nimble and agile (despite being heavier) as the Mk1 and 2 and can you switch off the DSC on a first gen 2.0 Sport Mk 3, which is what my budget gets me ?
As you can see from the above, what is the best option for fun and long term ownership ?
Looking through loads of info, I am a little confused as to which model is the best option.
It seems I can pick up either a Mk 1, 2 or 3 within my budget of up to £3k, but ideally nearer £2k
As mentioned earlier, I want to use it as a daily (third car) and for trackdays.
Don't want to spend too much and want one that is also cheap to maintain, particularly with the maintenance required for tracking.
Which would be the best model considering:
1) It not rusting away beneath me, at least if undersealed etc ?
2) Be the most fun to drive and track ?
3) Be the best for everyday road driving ?
4) Cheapest to run and maintain - unless all three are roughly the same ?
I like the classic look of the Mk 1 but they are going up in price and finding one that has not suffered from rust is difficult within budget.
Looking at 1.8 import cars but would an import 1.6 make an equally good track car or too underpowered ?
The Mk 2 seems to be the vest value from a purchase perspective but the rust worries me on these which seems to be the worst of the three.
If I find a Mk 2 without any rust, it it just inevitable that eventually it will rust even if Dinitroled etc ?
Early Mk 3 models are coming down in price now and there are a few within reach.
Would a Mk 3 make a good track car though ?
Is it as nimble and agile (despite being heavier) as the Mk1 and 2 and can you switch off the DSC on a first gen 2.0 Sport Mk 3, which is what my budget gets me ?
As you can see from the above, what is the best option for fun and long term ownership ?
Edited by Spy on Tuesday 24th October 12:41
toastyhamster said:
Great advice on here, thanks. Pretty much waiting for dead of winter to pick a mk3 (which will be garaged if I can shift some kids/man toys).
Problem I find with buying cars like these in winter is that there is less choice.Most people keep them in the garage until spring arrives to get a better price
Talking of the Mk 4, cracking lease deal on its brother, the Abarth Spider, a touch over £5k for two years motoring including road tax: http://www.researchgarage.co.uk/abarth/new-car-off...
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