Buying an MK3

[Real Rayzor]

Hello all. I'm thinking about upgrading to an mk3.. my mk1 is just crating on me at the moment and i want to go back to a more modern car. what should I look out for on these. Do they have any particular issues... thanks Ray

[Pops]

Can’t say that I know much about the mk3 but have heard about the middle seal of the retractable hardtop giving trouble, leaks etc. if you’re looking on donedeal I’m pretty sure this is the one that was returned by someone on here, hidden history or something https://www.donedeal.ie/view/16651277

[Real Rayzor]

Yeah I know feck all about them. Never even been in one. I'm suffering with my back all the time these days so I need something more comfortable and I want to stick to the convertible

[Steve]

Which seats have you Ray? Feel free to borrow one of mine (mk2.5 foamectomy'd highback) if you'd like to see if it makes a difference.

[Real Rayzor]

Hi Steve. Mine has the leather tombstone seats. The seats are fine to be honest. It's the harshness of the ride that's killing me TBH. My car is poly bushed and the shocks ain't the best either. Long journeys kill me and I feel terible after a while. I have no problems driving the family car so I've decided it's either an mk3 or something ordinary. I won't be getting rid of my mk1 just setting it aside for a while. I've to change out the engine anyway so it's probably a good time to get something else.

[Len]

Ray, how are you?. I had a Mk3 for a while and was doing Dublin once a week. Only did it once or twice in any Mk2. The MK3 was WAY easier to live with for that. I loved it but have a company car and didnt end up using it enough along with a couple of Mk2's that I was hiding !!. It was parked outside that garage for ages. a member here has it now - bought off DD and I dont think its given any bother. I keep looking at a very small mileage - i think 2010 - for sale in Blackrock in Dublin. I think its worth going for new as possible. Easier to put miles on and sell easier after. There are plenty of total dirt box Mk3 for sale at silly money but for more comfortable day to day I think its a great choice.

[Real Rayzor]

Thanks for that Len.. did you have a 1.8 or 2 ltr?

[mrges]

Hi Ray, not sure if this is the kind of thing you are looking for, but coincidently I happened to be looking through an old copy of Total MX-5 and found this:

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I had a MK3 before - with the retractable hardtop. I loved the roof - never got tired of watching it do it's thang. As others have said, it's nice to be in, and is definitely a more comfortable and well appointed car than the MK1......... can you sense a but coming on here......... but, for me anyway, it lacked the charm and "basic-ness" of the MK1. I had the 1.8 (130bhp?) version, but (there's another but!), given the extra weight of the car I felt it was a bit gutless. Maybe it needs the 2litre engine to have that bit of pep. (now, having said that, I've had 2 MK1 1.6's (114bhp... well, they had before I owned them), and they are not "fast" cars..... but they feel (I think) quicker than they are. I never had that feeling in the MK3 - I felt it I was always just a tad more removed than when in a MK1). I kept the car just over a year. It's a pity you're having trouble using your MK 1...... it looks fecking cracker!

Graham.

[Real Rayzor]

Hi Graham. That's exactly the information I need. Thank you.
I'm going to take a look at a couple and see what I think of them anyway.. I love my mk1 but I'm fighting a loosing battle with my back...

[Steve]

would you consider a set of koni adjustable shocks instead?

[Real Rayzor]

My wife suggested that aswell.. it is an option.

[Len]

Hi, had the 1.8. really it was fine. I drove the retractable hard top and I thought that could do with a 2.0. Really after it did feel a bit removed but its full of safety kit and criteria for meeting regulations so although it felt 'detached' it was considerably more 'modern' to drive??. I keep going back to the Mk2. I dont know why. i keep looking at MK3 and had a drive in my buddies Mk4 - its a company car (demo). 1.5. You sit nice and low in it and was very impressed.

[Merlot man]

Hello Ray
I've the Meisterr adjustable suspension in the mk2 , you are welcome to a test drive if you wish , nice and connected feel yet can be set for real comfort
Brian

[93 Mk1]

Hello Ray
I've the Meisterr adjustable suspension in the mk2 , you are welcome to a test drive if you wish , nice and connected feel yet can be set for real comfort
Brian

Is the Meister R setup worth the money in your opinion Brian ? I've read great things about those coilovers.

[Real Rayzor]

Hello Ray
I've the Meisterr adjustable suspension in the mk2 , you are welcome to a test drive if you wish , nice and connected feel yet can be set for real comfort
Brian

Hi Brian..
Thanks for the offer., I've actually contacted Meisterr on pricing. Currently out of stock for 5-6 weeks. I've a bit of time to mull over it. Snapped a front drop link at the weekend, this car is really starting to throw some curve balls at me. If anyone has an old one in there shed and willing to sell. All mine are poly bushed so i want to get an old one and replace the bushes.