Matteeboy

Mk3 MR2: brilliant handling cars, selling for naff all. Well made too.

sovietspybob

iTrader: (3)

I'm thinking of spending a similar amount next year and i kept coming back to MX5 or an MR2, both fun out of the box but with lots of upgrade paths. i'm currently leaning towards and MR2 and do the 2ZZ swap from the Celica T-Sport, 190bhp in a 1 ton mid engined car, some call them the Japanese Elise after the conversion!

Benji554

iTrader: (18)

I'd agree with the Clio/306/205/106 options. They may well be fun cars but I would never own an MX5 (unless I bought it for the wife)!

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

Mk1 MX-5 Eunos 1.6. If you have not driven one in anger then you will never understand how epic they are.

Benji554

iTrader: (18)

That may be but a very gay car IMO!

WRXrowdy

iTrader: (2)

Yes, I get that, but the missus has got an mx5 and they are more fun to drive than the impreza. And most people that know a thing or two about cars dismiss the gayness of them because they are such good drivers cars.

gary77

iTrader: (1)

And for a couple thousand more you can turn it into this



The easiest kit car to build , very basically unbolt the shell of the mx5 and drop the new exoskeleton onto the mx5 running gear ,

pflowers

You'll get a very good RX8 for that sort of money. Perfect track car.

dpb

Till it blows up

For 2k you couldn't do better than Mk 1 or 2. Xsara vts ( race ready )

pflowers

You clearly know nothing about the rotary engine

gary77

iTrader: (1)

The rotary engine is well known for needing replaced after just 60000 miles , much like needing to replace the timing belt on other engine types the rotary has seals that need replacing , also very reguler oil changes as often as 3000 miles , if you are thinking about buying a rotary engined car get it compression tested , or at least try starting it from warm ,

On the up side , if you find a good one they like , actually have to be revved high to stop carbon build up , so that's good for a track car ,

I'd still go for an mx5 turbo it and aim for buying the mev exo kit in time

But saying that all performance cars in that price range come with a risk , especially French crap in my opinion .

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

This.

As for the "gayness" comment, get a grip Seriously anyone that's worried about being thought of as gay because of the car they drive probably has some un-resolved sexuality issues.

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

I like that a lot, Very Macho, perfect for those that are unsure about their sexuality.

gary77

iTrader: (1)

as well as sorting the gayness it also reduces the weight by almost half ,it weighs around 600kgs, giving awsome power to weight ratio but keeping the handling characteristics of the mx5.

the mev rocket is the one though, motorbike engine, in the rear, unless you can afford an ariel atom

dpb

That's not really going to be under 5 k sitting there

Baskey

I have a 1.6 imported mx5 I use for a few trackdays / hill climbs and I love it

It's pritty slow but it dosnt matter as it's such fun to drive. It's also indestructible and brakes and tyres are the cheapest of any car I have owned.

Clio isn't a bad shout, I owned a 172 for 7 years but they aren't as fun / reliable as an mx5

gary77

iTrader: (1)

the mev exocet ? definitly well within a 5k budget, could be done for much less , depends how much of the mx5 you would reuse. seats ,petrol tank, wheels, brakes , etc. there is a video on you tube where a guy tried to make one for as cheap as possable, he even used the mx5 wing mirrors, did it for well under 5k

of coarse you could spend thousands more like with any car

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

Define gay. Is that homophobic gay or just fun and frivilous?

lozgti1

Mx5 gay.I am sure on every single thread re mx5's it it is only gay or closet gays that say they are gay
Makes me smile.It's a proper sports car

My god,how gay are the non believers.Definitely not lovers of cars.Men perhaps,but not cars.lol.Embarrassing every time I see a gay post.Perhaps grow up? cant see that happening.Embarrassing excuses for car lovers

Benji554

iTrader: (18)

Think some of you need to get out a bit more or learn to relax a little. It was a tongue in check comment (maybe you didn't notice the wink icon!).

In my opinion, MX5's are slow and underwhelming and I don't like the hair dresser styling! Maybe I haven't been in the right one? A pug sport or renaut sport is a far better option! OUT!

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

For that choice of purely a track car then I'd definitely suggest at jdm mx5 1.8 RS.
Bolt a turbo on it and pure mental fun with huge capabilities against the big stuff
All this was short of is the turbo conversation but was still capable without. Higher rpm, short ratio 6 speed box, Torsen lsd, look at it like a RA against a UK 2000.

lozgti1

lol

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

Tongue in cheek is deeply offensive to some. Perhaps you need to relax and be more accepting. OVER!

WRXrowdy

iTrader: (2)

Or, if you like your car to look a little more masculine but the Exocet is a little too exposed to the elements

http://www.widowsportscars.co.uk

Early days for this company though.

Benji554

iTrader: (18)

Yawn! Were you offended or are you the Political Correct SN police?

To the original poster apologies for the diversion from your thread.

jayallen

iTrader: (31)

So what if an MX5 is RWD and "may" offer a little more fun if you want to drift a bit, they are still sh*t slow!

rossyboy

iTrader: (8)

10 years ago maybe. All of those are practically extinct now!

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

You havnt driven a RS. Agree the usual mx5s lack power as the ratios and diff set up is different so slow on pick up.

WRXrowdy

iTrader: (2)

They are light, missus mx5 is 140bhp per tonne, the WRX is 163 bhp per tonne.
Besides, I said turbo it.

jayallen

iTrader: (31)

I'd take an RS Clio over an MX5 all day every day!

This MX5 was at a trackday I was on a few years ago.....Two lucky boys.