Mazda MX-5 (Eunos) for the girlfriend ?
21 March 2003, 01:33 PM
#1
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Are these cars a good buy ?
Looking to pay in the region of 10k for one.
Would be good to hear advice from owners / past owners. Seems hard to track down a good example (in the North East)
Looking to pay in the region of 10k for one.
Would be good to hear advice from owners / past owners. Seems hard to track down a good example (in the North East)
21 March 2003, 01:39 PM
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I had a 1.6 new shape one for a hire car for a while while i was working away, loads of fun, very easy to get sideways i found when provoked, my only grip was with the view you got when the roof was up or the lack of it.
You cannot look over your shoulder to see, you need to use just mirrors
My mate works at a mazda garage as a mechanic, aparantley the main thing they watch for is the bottom pulley, someting goes down there which means you need a new crank or something like that on the older ones but other than that he seems to think they are quite good overall
Overall though i like them and for 10k you should get a reasonably new one
You cannot look over your shoulder to see, you need to use just mirrors
My mate works at a mazda garage as a mechanic, aparantley the main thing they watch for is the bottom pulley, someting goes down there which means you need a new crank or something like that on the older ones but other than that he seems to think they are quite good overall
Overall though i like them and for 10k you should get a reasonably new one
21 March 2003, 02:58 PM
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At the risk of being abused 
I drove a mates around for a lot of last weekend.
Newsflash: It's bloody good fun. I'd quite seriously consider one for me. Despite the image
Two words: Go-Kart
I drove a mates around for a lot of last weekend. Newsflash: It's bloody good fun. I'd quite seriously consider one for me. Despite the image
Two words: Go-Kart
21 March 2003, 02:59 PM
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My sis has a 98 S plater - they are superb cars, handle very well and are defo a drivers car etc. Looks great, bullet proof mazda engine. 10k will get you a 2-3 year old one. Get the 1.8iS like she has, it has a few bits over the 1.8i that are well worth paying a little extra for, such as LSD
21 March 2003, 03:28 PM
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they have 6 speed boxes as well now don't they? and some nice alloys.
Drivers car i'd say yeah, it's just the image of being a bit girly but who cares if your having loads of fun in it
Drivers car i'd say yeah, it's just the image of being a bit girly but who cares if your having loads of fun in it
21 March 2003, 03:45 PM
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I rented one for a long weekend a couple of years ago and it makes you realise that steering feel is not one of the Scoob's strengths and you also realise what it's like to drive a car that does not naturally understeer. To summarise: they are FUN!
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21 March 2003, 11:21 PM
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Wife's presently got a 2002 1.8i, before that a 1991 1.6i.
For your 10K you will get a MK2, a lot different to the MK1. Much better quality of trim and finish, quieter, generally a much more refined car to drive.
However, the MK1 is a better drivers car by far, even sharper steering, more nimble and much more fun. Up to 60 ish I would also say its faster. Our MK2.5 with 140 BHP and VVT seems dreadfully slow.
So, what would I spend £10K on, probably a late 1.8i MK1 possibly a special edition and slap on some nice lightweight 16" alloys. Either way you will not regret buying a MX5.
Allan
For your 10K you will get a MK2, a lot different to the MK1. Much better quality of trim and finish, quieter, generally a much more refined car to drive.
However, the MK1 is a better drivers car by far, even sharper steering, more nimble and much more fun. Up to 60 ish I would also say its faster. Our MK2.5 with 140 BHP and VVT seems dreadfully slow.
So, what would I spend £10K on, probably a late 1.8i MK1 possibly a special edition and slap on some nice lightweight 16" alloys. Either way you will not regret buying a MX5.
Allan
21 March 2003, 11:24 PM
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Thanks for that - really appreciate it.
Been looking at some import versions today - any opinions on that ? Parts easy to come by ? They seem fully loaded with aircon, cd, pas, etc...
Been looking at some import versions today - any opinions on that ? Parts easy to come by ? They seem fully loaded with aircon, cd, pas, etc...
22 March 2003, 07:46 AM
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Keep an eye out for an S-spec Eunos....
Bilstein suspension (lower/firmer) and more importantly an LSD for those "sideways moments"
It was the wife nagged me into getting one...she never gets to drive it now.
Bilstein suspension (lower/firmer) and more importantly an LSD for those "sideways moments"
It was the wife nagged me into getting one...she never gets to drive it now.
22 March 2003, 05:26 PM
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Went to look at a Mk1 "Merlot" Limited Edition UK car today. Having never driven one before its safe to say I enjoyed the experience. The close ratio box is a pleasure!
Just got in from the match. Half expecting the girlfriend to have bought the bugger, although she's been testing a fully loaded import car today.
I'll keep you posted.
-DV
Just got in from the match. Half expecting the girlfriend to have bought the bugger, although she's been testing a fully loaded import car today.
I'll keep you posted.
-DV
22 March 2003, 05:46 PM
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I was going to buy one. I had a test drive of a 1.6 Eunos on Wednesday and I have to say I though the thing was incredibly slow. My wife's 1.4 Ibiza feels marginally quicker. I've decided against it.
Fen
Fen
22 March 2003, 07:34 PM
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Yes, would you believe it - she's gone and agreed on the Merlot Limited Edition Mk1 for bloody 8k while I was at the match.
Its a 1.8litre engine so it definitely shifts along nicely.
Will have to spend some money on extra toys for it tho' like chrome roll bar, hard top, better wheels etc...
Gonna start to search for MX-5 related sites that sell all the bits to tart them up.
Looks like I'm going to be having some sideways fun from now on!
-DV
Its a 1.8litre engine so it definitely shifts along nicely.
Will have to spend some money on extra toys for it tho' like chrome roll bar, hard top, better wheels etc...
Gonna start to search for MX-5 related sites that sell all the bits to tart them up.
Looks like I'm going to be having some sideways fun from now on!
-DV
22 March 2003, 07:58 PM
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Just looked at that MX5PARTS site mentioned above - looks like I'll be like a kid in a sweetshop doing it up!
Can't wait.
Can you believe I took delivery of my 325Ci Sport today but I'm totally excited by the little MX-5!!!
Can't wait.
Can you believe I took delivery of my 325Ci Sport today but I'm totally excited by the little MX-5!!!
22 March 2003, 08:36 PM
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I just drove a Trilogy special edition MX5 with 250 miles on it from my local dealer.
Just have to find the 16k now I loved it, but Nic prefers the MG TF...
Just have to find the 16k now
I loved it, but Nic prefers the MG TF...
22 March 2003, 08:51 PM
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I thought the MG wasn't anywhere near as good as the MX-5.
MGF:
You sit too high
The hydrogas suspension sucks
It understeers
The build quality is terrible in comparison.
MGF:
You sit too high
The hydrogas suspension sucks
It understeers
The build quality is terrible in comparison.
22 March 2003, 09:13 PM
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do you want to tart up an MX5?
they look like a cool, simple little car- almost classics even though they are not old!
if you tart it up you move away from that and its just a cheap tarted car.
mod wisely i would say!
T
they look like a cool, simple little car- almost classics even though they are not old!
if you tart it up you move away from that and its just a cheap tarted car.
mod wisely i would say!
T
22 March 2003, 10:18 PM
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Daz - I thought similar things. Build quality on the MX5 was superb, & the MG rattled like my 6 year old Scoob!
However, I found that as a passenger, there wasn't enough leg room in the MX5 and it could get uncomfortable (for me) on a long journey. Driving the MX5 was something else though. It was much more responsive than the MG from lower down the rev range and the car seemed to inspire confidence that it would handle well - and it delivered on that promise.
That said, I don't think the MG is a bad car. The suspension suits the roads where I live quite well, and it didn't wallow about and it did handle quite well round the twisty back roads. There is also more luggage storage (a necessary consideration unfortunately
) space in the MG.
I still prefer the MX5!
However, I found that as a passenger, there wasn't enough leg room in the MX5 and it could get uncomfortable (for me) on a long journey. Driving the MX5 was something else though. It was much more responsive than the MG from lower down the rev range and the car seemed to inspire confidence that it would handle well - and it delivered on that promise.
That said, I don't think the MG is a bad car. The suspension suits the roads where I live quite well, and it didn't wallow about and it did handle quite well round the twisty back roads. There is also more luggage storage (a necessary consideration unfortunately
) space in the MG. I still prefer the MX5!
22 March 2003, 10:19 PM
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Tiigs, I understand your point - its just that I saw a BR Green limited edition version from Mazda with a set up of multispoke alloys (like BBS) on it and looked soooo good. Besides the alloys that come with this are cheap and nasty if you know what I mean. Plus they're tiny. The car needs 17" wheels to fill the arches, but something tasteful and stylish.
-DV
-DV
23 March 2003, 01:20 AM
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BTW - MGF = Hydrogas suspension, MGTF = no hydrogas
They removed it on the new car, and its suposed to handle much better as a result Still, the MX is better
They removed it on the new car, and its suposed to handle much better as a result
Still, the MX is better
23 March 2003, 10:18 AM
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I bought a 92 j plate 1.6 mx5 for about 4k ran it for 9 months, didnt check the oil, change the plugs, nothing.
It came with deep dish alloys and a hks induction kit (funny noise that was!!)
sold it for 5200 9 months later, only car that ive made money on (im not a trader) and its not cost a penny.
Mine had a push button start that was quite fun as well
It came with deep dish alloys and a hks induction kit (funny noise that was!!)
sold it for 5200 9 months later, only car that ive made money on (im not a trader) and its not cost a penny.
Mine had a push button start that was quite fun as well
23 March 2003, 10:05 PM
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Update:
I pulled the plug on the Merlot MX5 after speaking to the company that sold it to my girlfriend. I called them up this morning to go over a few things - I asked for their warranty to be sent to me, which they declined. They also got stroppy on a couple of bits that needed replacing / fixing before we would've taken delivery.
Their attitude sucked and I got a major bad vibe from them as a company. Suffice to say I pulled the plug on it and her deposit is being returned.
Now looking for another MX-5 from a main dealer, preferrably new shape, so if anyone has seen a good'un, email me.
-DV
[Edited by DazV - 3/23/2003 10:05:41 PM]
I pulled the plug on the Merlot MX5 after speaking to the company that sold it to my girlfriend. I called them up this morning to go over a few things - I asked for their warranty to be sent to me, which they declined. They also got stroppy on a couple of bits that needed replacing / fixing before we would've taken delivery.
Their attitude sucked and I got a major bad vibe from them as a company. Suffice to say I pulled the plug on it and her deposit is being returned.
Now looking for another MX-5 from a main dealer, preferrably new shape, so if anyone has seen a good'un, email me.
-DV
[Edited by DazV - 3/23/2003 10:05:41 PM]
23 March 2003, 10:10 PM
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ScoobyJawa - yeah, I meant the MGF.
I did see Tiff test driving the new one with the supposed 'sorted' suspension but he says it still sucks. He reckons the new shape MR2 is the daddy!
-DV
I did see Tiff test driving the new one with the supposed 'sorted' suspension but he says it still sucks. He reckons the new shape MR2 is the daddy!
-DV
24 March 2003, 08:45 AM
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I used to have a Mk2 shape MX5 Roadster, the equivalent of a 1.8iS with the LSD, 6 speed box, Bilsteins and Bose system. I loved the car to bits, although I may have prefered one without the Bilsteins, as it did make the ride a little firm and encouraged some scuttle shake over rough roads. Also the 6 speed is a novelty, and sounds great when you rifle up the box, but the shift on a 5 speeder is very slightly better, and makes the car less frantic. LSD is a must. Sideways is an absolute hoot.
Overall a superb, well built and engineered little motor. I used to clean the hood with a pressure washer, and could not make it leak for love nor money. Try that in an Elise or MGF.
Overall a superb, well built and engineered little motor. I used to clean the hood with a pressure washer, and could not make it leak for love nor money. Try that in an Elise or MGF.
24 March 2003, 11:06 AM
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These cars are so much fun, I had a 1990 mk1 and upgraded to the mk2 last september (got the 1.8iS on my bro's recommendation - ta Neil!
) They certainly move if you drive them properly
Just a word of warning though - I don't get to see it too much in the summer, it disappears off for hours at a time as the husband 'borrows' it for some roof down sideways fun!
[Edited by Mx Tart - 3/24/2003 11:08:43 AM]
) They certainly move if you drive them properly Just a word of warning though - I don't get to see it too much in the summer, it disappears off for hours at a time as the husband 'borrows' it for some roof down sideways fun!
[Edited by Mx Tart - 3/24/2003 11:08:43 AM]