Mk3 vs Mk3.5

[DaveMcC1967]

We're going to have a bit of a change round of cars in our household in the next month or 2. As part of that, we're getting rid of our Mk2.5 sport (which at the moment is a weekend / summer car my wife and I share), and I'm going to get a newer MX5 as my everyday car.

However, I'm struggling to find decent details on the differences between a Mk3 and a Mk3.5 - is there a post / site somewhere that sets out the differences, and also what extras the various models / special editions came with?

Also, it seems to be a common view that the Mk3 didn't handle very well, something which was sorted for the Mk3.5. But can the Mk3's handling be sorted out for sensible money?

I'm also undecided whether to go soft top or roadster coupe yet.

Ideally I'd like to spend less than £9k ish, bit I could stretch that if the Mk3.5 is so much better.

Thanks
Dave

[roddo]

9k will get you a mk3.5 sport with all the bits

[flyer0]

Have a look at this then the rest of this site, it should answer a lot of your questions.

http://www.roadster-nc.com/2013/08/the-2009-roadst...

[blprice1]

I spent around £9.5k on an immaculate (no, really!) soft top 2010 MK3.5 2.0 Sport Tech about 3 months ago from a fantastic dealer in Clevedon.

I went for the later model because I much preferred the look of the newer model and, being relatively young, the insurance implications of any modifications to improve the handling are pretty brutal (suprisingly, the additional cost of insuring with the Eibach lowering springs is minimal - the only plans I have to modify the car)

I chose the soft-top model because it's really fast and easy to put up/down and it's my first convertible and I felt it was 'right'. Also, I prefer the look of the soft-top with the roof up and down. I don't find the noise particularly intrusive, including motorway driving, but having said that I came from a MK1 Suzuki Swift Sport which isn't famed for refinement on motorways.

The MK3.5 also has a higher redline which is thanks to a stronger bottom end (good news if you're after performance mods). It also has a system that pumps the engine sound into the cabin which is nice.

Having said all that, I haven't driven a MK3 so it may be worth taking one of each for a spin to decide for yourself.

There are a couple of things that most people recommend doing which I have done/planning to do:
Boring..
1. the variable intermittent wiper stalk from the RX-8 fits the MX5 and can be bought off ebay relatively cheaply and makes the rain more bareable.

2. many choose to fit a smaller aerial, I bought one from MX5parts.co.uk, the reception is good and it looks much better.

Fun..
1. A good Geo set up appears to make a large difference to the handling and feel of the car so check out Wheels In Motion or Roddisons Motorsport (just to name a couple) - I'll be booking mine in later in the year.

2. Many people choose to lower their cars to reduce the '4x4' look and improve the handling slightly. Mazda do a set of lowering springs, which don't affect your warranty, and there are many other 3rd party options out there to suit most needs.

The most important modification of all though is a PH sticker.....

Ben

Edited by blprice1 on Friday 4th July 12:37

[DaveMcC1967]

Thanks all - some very useful information there. That link in particular includes exactly what I was looking for.

Good to know I should be able to bag a Mk3.5 for my budget - time to get looking! Just need to sell my RS4 first.....

Dave

[MX-5 Lazza]

Off topic but... 1967 - a very good year

[buzzer]

flyer0 said:

Have a look at this then the rest of this site, it should answer a lot of your questions.

http://www.roadster-nc.com/2013/08/the-2009-roadst...

Thanks for the link

I too am contemplating swapping my MK1 for a MK3. I will probably go for an early car as the seat is a bit lower if it does not have the height adjustment, pre 2008 I think. this is a must have for me as I am long in the body and the seats with the height adjustment on them don't go down far enough for me to be comfortable.

I guess if a True Red MK3 2ltr sport came up local, I might be tempted :-)

[wuckfitracing]

Id adivse looking for a Niseko. Holding their money really well, especially blue roadsters.

[Beati Dogu]

As an Mk2.5 sport owner myself I really don't like the look of the Mk3.0. My neighbour opposite has one and its stubby front makes it looks more like an amphicar. I half expect to see a propeller at the rear. His still has the stupid jacked up suspension that the MK3 originally came with in the UK.

The Mk3.5 on the other hand looks really nice with it's happy smiley face front end. That's the one I'd go for.

[skinny]

I didn't realise the 3.5 plays engine noises... Puts me right off. I have an engine to do that for me
Shame cos they look nice and I like the folding roof

[Gandahar]

Does it really "pump the noise into the cabin" ? I can't believe it is an active thing through the speakers, is it just a pipe?

The engine sounds no louder than a car which doesn't have this .... ???

Are you sure?

[blprice1]

Gandahar said:

Does it really "pump the noise into the cabin" ? I can't believe it is an active thing through the speakers, is it just a pipe?

As far as I'm aware, it's only a pipe - no use of the speakers whatsoever. I've never once thought it to be artificial or intrusive.

B

[hornetrider]

It's not through the speakers and it's not something you'd notice whatsoever. If you didn't know you'd never know, made absolutely no difference to me.

[Gandahar]

Thanks guys, to be perfectly honest they would be better cutting it out and making the exhaust have a bit more burble.

Neither is exactly spine tingling at stock.

I really think a light weight 1.8l 3 pot for the MX 4 would have been a real left wing choice. Would have given it some real character and be lighter than a 4 cyl 2.0