MX5 is the answer - but which one?

[xcentric]

On PH, the MX5 is almost always the answer. Which is fine, and I can see why, having driven a few.

So we're about to buy one, mostly to make the commute along B roads, motorway and into the city a bit more fun, but still be comfortable. It only has to be done a couple of times a week, and we have other cars we can use (Transporter on winter tyres, GTI) and a Caterham and Vantage for some faster fun.

So it doesn't have to be the fastest, but it should be comfortable and great to drive. So which version, engine size (or price point) is a good place to look? Budget is flexible from cheap and cheerful to expensive and reliable and full of gadgets - but remember the aim is the fun commute (50 miles each way, typically an hour to 75 mins).

Please do say why your preferred suggestion is the way to go - the insights will be helpful to us!

[xcentric]

I've found replying too soon means people don't post any other ideas. Been looking at the later mk 3's and early mk 4's. Think I prefer the look of the 4's and the slightly more modern interior, and assume that the NVH is better too as it tends to improve model to model. But the 3's are good value, though not much difference at model changeover.

It'll be the larger engine version, and maybe BBR'd, but it doesn't need to be our quick car - but people say it handles off bends better with slightly more oomph.....


Which of the mk 4's have the LSD? it's not always obvious - could be all, could be noise, could be just some packs but I've not cracked the code yet.....

[xcentric]

NeoVR said:

I’m watching this thread with interest as I’m looking at getting (another) MX5.. or maybe a Boxster as I’m missing that roof-down driving feeling and funnily enough a Volvo T5 or Kia e-Niro doesn’t quite hit the spot.

I’ve had a NA 1.8, supercharged NB (that I really really regret selling) and also an Abarth 124.. which i did enjoy but I wasn’t a huge fan of the engine when “on it” probably because it wasn’t rewarding to Rev out.

So far in my head I’m considering an NC/3.5 or maybe a early ND 2.0(or possibly even a 1.5)
Some light modifications are not out of the question too.
I would be interested to know if anyone has an opinion of an ND 2.0 with BBR vs an ND2 184.

I'll have a Boxster S coming up for sale shortly, 105k miles, rebuilt by Hartech so that the IMS won't fail, and with strengthened engine internals etc. FSH, recent service and MOT. Currently SORN'd. Message me if interested.....

[xcentric]

Ir's a good question - my wife will be doing most of the commuting, and she's never really gelled with the Boxster. We've had it a fair few years (since 30k miles). It's more costly to insure, maintain, fuel and tax than an MX5 will be. It's odd to realise that I'll get nothing like the performance for the money, but it'd be a different experience and one she's more likely to get on with. But each time I drive it I find reasons to keep it - it was for sale on PH a couple of years ago and I changed my mind then too 😁

[xcentric]

Luke. said:

Have you got an ad anywhere for it?

not written it yet, sorry - can email me for more info if needed. Probably getting this sorted first, then selling the Boxster.....

[xcentric]

This is to be a pretty standard car for us, easy to buy and sell on - market for MX5 is much larger..... Also want a manual and as noted they are harder to find in the 124. And the answer is MX5, not Arbath

[xcentric]

leonardfell said:

30th Anniversary
Rays Alloys
Recaro Seats
Brembo Fronts
Nissin Rears
Colour ??

Been looking at these - I love the colour - but it's too much ££ - we have too many cars and need a cheaper one that is new enough to be clean air zone compliant (i.e. >2006, so most are ok!) and reliable enough to do a hack to town a couple of times a week..... but it's not a main car. Then again, maybe it should be and I'll reconsider this - partly because of the colour.....

[xcentric]

I assume the mk2 winter one is to keep the ND in better condition for the decent weather? I mean, if the mk2 is fine for winter use, it's surely better in the summer so why have the ND too?

[xcentric]

tbh I've never found DAB any good in a car, at all. So not much loss, in my view!

Re versions, the NA is nice as a classic but am not so sure everyday, and it's not clean air zone compliant. NB/NC is good value - seems that the NC is more comfortable but slightly less sporty than the NB. ND is supposedly greta but the larger engined one is beyond what I want to spend.....