20i vs 1.8i

[moonshadow]

Looking for a MX5 wanted a 20i sport, but all the 20i I go to see are high mileage and crap totally shot alloys (corrosion) mold and mildew inside soft top soggy boot carpets and the list go's on.

But the 1.8i's I have seen are medium to low mileage and in better condition, what is the performance difference
between these cars obviously the 20i will have more torque and a quicker 0-60, SO the question is am I wrong in dismissing the 1.8i

David

[Bat28]

I would honestly look only for a 2.0 Sport.

It already doesn't feel that fast.

My GF is selling hers if you are interested ... PM me

[g40steve]

^^^

You need to drive it harder

2.0 sport is the one to go for.

A proper geo/align & decent 'set' of tyres is a good starting point.

[Emley]

Keep looking around, and wait for a nice 2.0i Sport to come along.
Definitely worth it.

I looked at loads of over-priced, un-loved tat, but was patient.

Okay mine had a soggy carpet in the boot, but otherwise ace, low mileage, good alloys and perfect roof for £5k
There are plenty about, so a good one will come about at the right price before too long.

Now Just waiting for the right moment to work the man-maths on the wife, so Rodders can make it even better.

[moonshadow]

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&...

Any of you guys worried re the corrosion problem on chassis rails?

[Emley]

Er yes...

Mazda claim they have improved the corrosion resistance of the Mk3, but not convinced.
Some of the ones I looked at we're shocking.

The one I got does have some surface corrosion on the sub frames, but nothing too serious.
The chassis rails are okay. Well on the outside at least, the problem is the sandwich construction, and rotting from the inside out. Disappointingly it is to be expected on these I think.
Obviously the value ones are now over 7 years old, but My Mk2 and Mk3 MR2's never had a speck of rust on them.

Mine is up on the stands as we speak.
Thorough Rubdown of the sub frames, coated in Dinitrol Converust, then coated in clear wax
Dinitrol 3125 Wax in all the cavities, chassis rails and under wings.
Dinitrol under body wax "only" where the underside is already unmarked.

Should be good for a few years, fingers crossed.

Edited by Emley on Tuesday 17th December 21:15

[moonshadow]

It's always a shame when a great car is flawed by a manufacturing issue which I so bloody basic, like the head gasket on the K series MG TF, as a qualified engineer I despair at the penny pinching some car makers adopt.

Corrosion problems should have gone out with the kipper tie and platform shoes

[elephantstone]

Wait for the right 2.0 sport. I got one for 5300 with 44,000miles on a 55 plate. Yes I could've got the 1.8 but I had a mk2 1.6 and always wondered how the "quicker one" would've felt.

[sbird]

Either get a sport, or get the highest spec model you can and add sport/aftermarket suspension. I wouldn't buy a 1.8 - these have an open diff and (up to a certain age) no traction control.

IMHO the BOSE stereo isn't worth having, and I still prefer the 5-speed gearbox to the 6-speed, but I've driven less than 500 miles in 6-speed manuals.

Shop around. There are plenty of good cars out there, and some are priced very well. I wouldn't worry about high mileage - the only real downside is the condition of the seats and carpets.

[MX-5 Lazza]

moonshadow said:

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&...

Any of you guys worried re the corrosion problem on chassis rails?

This relates to the Mk2.5 MX5. I don't think anyone has found a similar problem on Mk3+. Yet.

[mmcd87]

Agree with the above go for the 2.0L cars. But definitely do not discount a well priced non sport 2.0L - they still have an LSD, etc and the 5 speed is meant to be a nicer gearbox!

[SmilerFTM]

I agree looking around for a 2.0 and being patient is the way to go. I got one for 6800 and crashed it a year later only to get paid out 7100 by the insurers. I then found another the same age with less miles and good tyres on all four corners for 6300. Think I might go crashing cars more often

[Riknos]

Sold my 2.0 Sport earlier this year for £5200. Less than 60k, mint condition, full history etc and had WIM springs and geo set up down.

I wouldn't bother with a 1.8 personally, the 2.0 isn't exactly fast itself, and the extra toys on the sport are worth the extra cash.

[b4bby]

Sorry to hijack the thread but SmilerFTM Can you get in touch please, I did email you through here about the service history of the mk3 mx5 2.0 sport you previously had but didnt get a reply.

If you have any history or bills left im happy to pay for them.

Here's your old car now, currently running approx 180bhp after a Il motorsports manifold, mazdaspeed induction kit and remap, I love It!

[Petrolhead]

b4bby said:

Here's your old car now, currently running approx 180bhp after a Il motorsports manifold, mazdaspeed induction kit and remap, I love It!

Out of interest what's your view about this, approx cost and who did the work?

Thanks

[g40steve]

This is my car 18 months ago doing the research for all at followed

http://www.mx5-racing.co.uk/mx5-mk3-power-upgrade/

The difference is night & day, car really comes to life & on track can embarrass cars it should not.

Rodders looks after my car.