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Is an MX5 right for me

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Is an MX5 right for me

Postby garythesign » Fri, 27 May 2016 6:48 +0000

Moving to Clare from the UK in the spring.

Have tried a Mk1 but found it very jittery. Owner said it was set up for track use, which may explain it.

I am 62, pear shaped, and looking for a fun car to enjoy in my retirement. I will also have an every day car.

I will not be looking to drive the nuts of it. More of a cruiser.

Do you think an MX 5 fits the bill?
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby 93 Mk1 » Fri, 27 May 2016 7:28 +0000

If you already have an everyday car then I don't see why not. The Mk2 (NB) is a bit more comfortable as regards suspension and will probably
feel less "jarring" than a Mk1 (NA). Having said that, a Mk1 with standard suspension is not back breaker once it's suspension components
are in good condition.
They are not the most frugal cars as regards fuel consumption (the Mk1 at least) but I guess we don't buy them for fuel efficiency but more
for the driving spirit/fun. Mine averages around 30 mpg. Perhaps a little more on the long steady run.
Spares availability is fantastic for these cars so obtaining any parts required should be a very easy. Robert (Autocheck) on here is great for
used spares. For the "flashy bits" (!), there's the like of MX-5 Parts in the UK.
Reliability is generally very good if you buy a good one. The engines give very few problems. Things like electric window mechanisms can
give out and check for rust issues (sills/arches on Mk1's), especially if the car has come via the UK. The original vinyl on the roofs are prone
to shrinkage but a lot of these cars have had their original hoods replaced by now.
If you do decide to go looking for one, avoid the 1.6 vs 1.8 debate and just buy on condition and buy the best you can. Both engine sizes
are perfectly fine.
Overall, they are great cars and for smiles per €€€ they are unbeatable ! Especially at current prices. I'm on my third MX5 and I've owned
my current 1.6 Mk1 for many years now. I don't think I could be without one !! :D
Last edited by 93 Mk1 on Fri, 27 May 2016 10:16 +0000, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby Real Rayzor » Fri, 27 May 2016 9:09 +0000

Welcome to the forum. What part of clare are you moving to? There is a few of us around the Clare area. I'm sure we can let you have a spin in our cars to help you decide. I drive a 2002 mk2.5 which I find to be more refined than the mk1. With the extra bracing and upgrades like airbags make the mk2.5 that bit more of an everyday car.
2002 MK2.5 Sunlight Silver (sold)

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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby donegalgeordie » Fri, 27 May 2016 9:54 +0000

Hi, I'm 69 heading towards 70. I drove a mk2.5 in England before retiring, I am now retired and living in Donegal with a Mk3 as my second car. What is there not to like, retirement, Irish roads and an Mx5 of any sort. Just right.
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby garythesign » Fri, 27 May 2016 11:21 +0000

Thanks for the replies. Very helpful.

Talking to various people in the UK I think a late 2.5 is my best bet. If I had heated seats I would be more likely to use it on a colder day.

Moving to Poulnagun, just outside Lidoon. Expect to move in February. Should be making another visit before then so may take up the offer of a ride out.

I could afford a Mk3 but is it significantly 'better' than a 2.5.

I have been 'lurking' on this site ever since we decided to move. Finally registered this morning. Must say you sound a great bunch.
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby aquarian5 » Fri, 27 May 2016 2:32 +0000

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/ ... 601338?v=c

Hi Gary
Welcome to the forum.
Perhaps you might consider the mk3. This model wouldn't be quite as low as earlier models and would have better supporting heated seats that you were looking for.
I know you didn't specify your budget. If you see the link above you can see what you can get for perhaps 6-8K...albeit sterling I know.

It also has the electric folding roof for extra security. This type of car would be quite easy in source in the UK, but very difficult to find here in Ireland.
Not sure if you were planning to buy now or wait til you were in situ here.?

Just a few thoughts. That site Pistonhead Classifieds is very good to see the quality out there.

Best of luck and no doubt we shall meet via this group anon.

Regards
John.
1991 BRG V spec

One fella said to another.. 'I don't drink anymore'..........other fella said... 'ya but you don't drink any less either'.....
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby MX5Spares » Fri, 27 May 2016 6:50 +0000

Custmer of mine has mint ,really mint 2003 mk2.5 1.6 in Limerick for sale.I have his number if your interested
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me?

Postby garythesign » Mon, 30 May 2016 12:14 +0000

John From Limerick - Thanks for the advice. I have spent (wasted?) many an hour on PistonHeads. Excellent site. There seem to be very few Mk3s for sale in Ireland, so if I go down this route, I may end up buying in the UK.

Robert at Autocheck - Don't expect to be back in Ireland for another few months. I expect it will have gone by then.

One of my neighbours has just bought a Mk2.5. I will see if I can blag a drive/ride.

If I opt fro Mk2.5 would it be best to buy in Ireland?
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby Merlot man » Mon, 30 May 2016 7:15 +0000

Hello Gary, Brian here living in Lahinch , welcome to the site !
I have and had a mk1 and on standard suspension they are quite comfortable , I also have a mk2 ,an ex Autocheck car ,and I must say it is superior in terms of comfort , I even have an adjustable coil over suspension fitted !
Mk2.5 even better BUT BEWARE OF FRONT CHASSIS ROT in the English mk2-2.5 cars , this seems not to be as big an issue on the Irish cars but get the car very well inspected before you buy here or there as its really is a car killer !
Needless to say you car take a spin in mine any time your here and drive a few before you buy yours
Mk2's are worth less than mk1's so even better value for money !
As for mk3's I know very little but I've heard of engine issues relating to oil starvation and rust on English versions , might be Worth Googling mk3 and nutz as there are a few treads there in relation to them
As for 1.6/1.8 I would say not to get caught up in this as neither have any power :lol: :lol: for that you need forced induction :wink:
Go on condition first of all and then extras that YOU would want and as far as the heated seats go the heated seats from a 2.5 will readily fit a mk1-2-2.5 and a decent mechanic / auto electrician will get them to work
Enjoy the search !
Brian
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99 nb 10th anniversary
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby garythesign » Tue, 31 May 2016 6:52 +0000

Hello Brian.

Thanks for your welcome & advice. From what I have read, chassis rot is not unheard of in Mk3s either.

There doesn't seem to be any pattern to which will suffer from it.

I think I will be best buying in Ireland.

I hope to take you up on your offer of a spin in yours. Think I am going to be a regular visitor to Lahinch. My dogs love a good run along the beach
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby quinnster » Wed, 01 Jun 2016 10:25 +0000

Welcome to the forum. I am based in Limerick and have a 93 MK1 which I am very fond of. Other car is a Landrover so something for every season... You are welcome to take mine for a spin when your over and no doubt we'll meet on a run in Summer '17!
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby garythesign » Fri, 03 Jun 2016 9:19 +0000

Hi Quinnster

Thanks for your offer. look forward to meeting up
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby garythesign » Sat, 17 Sep 2016 1:43 +0000

Coming over for a few days at the end of October

Arriving some time on Friday 28th Oct and leaving Thursday 3rd Nov.

Having read more on mk3, I do not think one of those is for me.

Are offers of taster sessions still valid?


Gary
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby garythesign » Wed, 21 Sep 2016 11:56 +0000

Hello Brian

Thanks for your PM. My first ever.

Please let me know if you received my reply.

Regards




Gary
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Re: Is an MX5 right for me

Postby Merlot man » Thu, 22 Sep 2016 5:54 +0000

Hello Gary
I'm afraid I didn't get any pm , sorry but my offer still stands
Brian
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