JTaylor

Good evening,

I've toyed with the idea of a sports car for far too long now. First is was a S2 Elise, but I decided it was impractical, then an S2000 - Porsche Boxster - S2000 - Porsche Boxster - S2000......and then I had an insurance quote. Like a dumb **** I managed to write-off a car and pick up a totting-up ban a couple of years back and I'm still suffering.

https://www.scoobynet.com/other-marq...ster+insurance

Anyway, after a process of elimination, I'm strongly considering a Mk 2 MX-5 Sport in either black, razor blue of graphite grey.

Will men look in and expect to see a women driving? Will they point and laugh or will they simply consider me a man so overtly heterosexual that I can drive an MX-5 unflinchingly?

What's ownership like? Pluses/minuses? Hope you can help.

James

Edcase

I have only heard and seen fantastic things about them. Indeed I am considering one for summer fun / teaching the other half how to drive over summer.

However my knowledge is all second-hand therefore probably best to wait for owners or ex-owners to comment.

HTH

Jamescsti

I've no experience of the Mk2, but we have had 2 Mk1's in our household at one point or another, the Mk2 is not massively different.
As long as you are not too tall you will be fine with them, i'm 6ft4 and I can get in and drive them, but would hate to drive it a long distance.
They are great handling cars and plenty of power for what they are.
Ignore the jokes etc about them being hairdressers car's, anyone who has driven one knows different.

Brendan Hughes

From years on here, I'd say the vast majority think they're one of the most fun driver's cars ever. The minority who've driven one say they're underpowered and therefore effeminate. Those who haven't driven one probably aren't worth listening to.





I haven't driven one

Roojai

My wife has one and I drive it every now and then.

Steering is very precise and they are fun to drive but even my wife thinks its a bit under powered. Not cheap on the petrol either considering the low power output.

They do drive well though

Tricky1978

I own a Mk2 MX5 at the moment. Can't speak highly enough about them.
You have selected the best model, the sport has the 6 speed gearbox and the LSD.
Not as powerful as a scoob by any means but great fun to drive and painless to own.
Handling is excellent, as direct and communicative as you could wish. Back end is completely controllable should you fancy some tail out action.
I have an exhaust Racing Beat dual exhaust fitted which I love but if insurance is an issue this may not be an option.
It has been completely reliable in the last 35K. Just oil changes and tyres!

Drop in on the MX5 owners club forums at mx5ocforum.co.uk or mx5nutz.com for all the info you will ever need!

RB5SCOTT

I had an 05 MX5 sport mk 2.5 and only sold last year (after 12 months of happy ownership) because of 2 kids but i can honestly say that i had more fun and it was more a pleasure to drive than a 400bhp scoob. It was one of the best cars i've owned. I just now have a bigger version of it with an M3 cab

ScoobyJawa

I driven one and its a great drive!

JTaylor

Cracking feedback, lads. The one above's on my list; grey with a hardtop doesn't look too bent.

ETA: what do people think of 'razor blue'?


Mazda : Mazda MX5 S VT Sport *REDUCED*

Additionally, what's the 'VT' variant?

Tricky1978

I am sure it is mazda's version of variable valve timing. All mk2.5 models have it.

Deacon

Just to throw another thought in, at this price range you could consider a mk3 MR2?

This was minewhich I had for just over a year:-





Deacon

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

Bought wifey an MX-5 Mk2.5 1.8 Sport on an 03 plate. It as the six speed box and LSD's. Leather heated seats, fogs etc etc.

Bought it from a dealer with a warranty. Paid abit OTT but...............................................

it's a fantastic car, I enjoy driving it as much as the Scoob. The six speed box is a revelation, the action is superb. The only change we'll probably make is to the springs, just like Scoobs Eibach seem to be the prefred choice.



The heated seats are a real bonus at the moment. The boot is big enough for a weeks shopping for me and wifey. There is also loads of room on the rear shelf. The roof does not intrude into the boot either.

Parts are cheap. MX5parts, MX-5 Parts and Accessories for the Mazda MX-5 and Eunos Roadster

MX-5 Owners Club

The driving experience is great, low down wind in the hair stuff. Until I had driven it about I was very sceptical but it really is a top car. Insurance is only £280 with PNCD etc with A-Plan.I would recommend one.

Dog days and sunny days

Allan

iTrader: (1)

Disagree with comments about the MK1 being similar to the MK2, but that's not the subject of the thread.

Wifies present 5 is a 2002 MK2.5 which we have owned from new. Reliability has been absolutely faultless, only an airbag sensor in the seat has been changed under warranty. Servicing is reasonable, haven’t checked fuel consumption, but imagine it's around the 30mpg mark.

They don't leak and the roof is very easy to put up/down. The roof cover is a pain to put on, but is recommended to protect the inside from UV damage.

Gearbox can be notchy when cold especially 2nd.

My only recommendations are don't buy a car with heavy aftermarket wheels, it will trash the ride. If you do change them fit the lightest you can find, and resist the temptation to go large. Don’t fit Yokohama A309’s as there rubbish for road use on the 5.

Drive one and you will forget all about the hairdresser comments, you just won’t care

Allan

CrisPDuk

MrsD has owned a Mk1 1.8iS for two years and we both love it When it goes this summer, there is a shortlist of one as far as replacement goes
It has all the good points of a typical '60s british sports car, and, being Japanese, none of the downsides The roof never leaks, the interior is well made (albeit typically japanese in style) and comfortable, scuttle shake is minimal, and best of all, it just works, all the time

The handling is sublime, on a different level to my scoob, and the ride is a lot better too.
So long as you don't go putting big stupid wheels and tyres on, there's more than enough power to keep you entertained, and at sensible (i,e: legal) speeds too

As far as the hairdresser thing goes, I agree with Allan, when you're behind that little Momo with a big daft grin on your face, WGAS what the rest of the world thinks

As far as mods go, my only recommendation would be to get a quality aftermarket exhaust fitted, the factory one (Mk1 or Mk2) sounds sh!te
Oh yeah, try and get one with the Bose stereo too, the standard one is useless over 60, roof up or down

As for tyres, never tried the Yoko's, but ours came with Goodyears on, great in the dry, downright lethal in the wet Now it's on Firestones which are great wet or dry

CrisPDuk

BTW, where's Pete, has he been banned again

He's usually amongst the first to pop his head over the barricade when a '5 thread gets started

overboostUK

I have a mk1 1.8i '97 which Ive owned for two and half years used only in summer, but its awesome! Responsive handling, ultra reliable, quick as well if driven correctly and you use your gears as it was designed to.

The main reason the mx5 engine seems underpowered is because the block itself is the 323 turbo engine, without the turbo - so compression is the problem, but is also the reason why no internal work is required to fit a turbo kit to the mx5 engine and its just as reliable.

Everyone slates them, til they drive or own one then their oppinion usually changes, even if they dont tell you so...lol.

Mines up for sale now as I am saving for a house so need the spare cash and cant afford to keep the mx5 and the scooby.

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

There is a lot of Ford DNA in the later 1.8's too.

As a quote I think this sums it up: "Best British sports car not made in Britain".

JTaylor

They're all owned by your wives!

As far as mods go I'm going to do my best to keep it standard. The only thing that may get changed are the wheels (dependant on which ones come with the chosen car), as AllanP says, clearly lightweight with OE dimensions are the way forward. I may also consider a cat back (recommendations for something OE looking and a bit fruity rather than loud please), possibly a cold air induction kit, a set of Eibachs.......

With regards to the Eibachs, I have to admit that my fitting them would be a partly aesthetic exercise. How do they affect the dynamics? Pumas ride very high but having driven standard (my Mothers) and lowered (lad at a Coombe trackday) the standard set-up was much more nimble and involving. Does the same apply to the Mazda?

As it happens, the Mazda will be going to my GF once my ban comes off my license; the FI option is very tempting though.

Again, thanks for all your feedback so far.

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

They're all owned by your wives!



True but we have the most fun driving them

CrisPDuk

Look at the wheels on the 5 (MrsD's) in the background on this photo.



they are the stock ones from the 16V and as well as looking they killed some of the roll without upsetting the ride, because the tyres were the same width (185) it's balance wasn't upset either

Don't ask what the Borbets with 205s on did to the Golf's handling It looked good though

Olly

I owned a Jap import Mk2 1.8is 6 years ago. Superb little car.

Despite being an early motor, mine came with the very late UK "Sport" spec, including Bilsteins, 6 speed, air con, Bose and limited slip diff. Wasn't the quickest car I have ever owned (although it was never shabby), but boy did it handle. Not as capable or grippy as my later VX220, but probably more fun.

Chuck in trickling depreciation, impeccable build and bulletproof reliability and you have a winner.

Would buy another tomorrow. Ignore the gay jibes: those who knock 'em are the ones that would probably cry like a girl if a car flicked sideways. I'm fine with my sexuality thanks. And my bird is well fit.

JTaylor

Made up my mind now. I'm going to buy from a dealer as I've got an MG ZR160 runabout at the moment and can't be arsed trying to sell it, I also like the full pre-sale service and 1 year warranty. I really wanted razor blue but apparently this was only available on the 'Arctic' edition and not the 'Sport'.

On the mailing list with three main dealers and a specialist, so quite confident about having one fairly soon. Insurance is less then the Rover.

Onan The Barbarian

I had an MX-5 Mk 2 before I got my Scoob. It was really really great fun to drive but in the end, the lack of practicality and the lack of oomph made me want to change.

I did get a lot of hairdresser jokes from my mates and my girlfriend would never let me put the roof down when she was in it so if you're the self-conscious type you might want to look elsewhere.

Reliability was beyond reproach and the running costs were cheap.

All in all, an enjoyable ownership experience but I don't think I'd buy another one.

HTH

Allan

iTrader: (1)

Very true

Allan

iTrader: (1)

Ours (sorry wifies) is Crystal Blue, quite a popular colour for the sport as well.

CrisPDuk

That particular example was never standard in the go department in a million years though was it Oll

My Scoob could never catch it in a straight line until you were well into licence losing territory

IIRC it was still on early spec 15" wheels too? Which suited the car far more than the later 16"s

JTaylor

Look, no disrespect, but I'm already concious of the car's femininity.

delcbr

i agree i have a mk1 1.6 and its nippy with good handling and good reliability.

Allan

iTrader: (1)

Yes wouldn't be my choice either, but all the fancy colours only come as a Ltd Edition.

Allan

JTaylor

You're right of course, I'm disappointed I can't have razor blue.