Want to buy myself an MX5 MK 2.5 1.8 NEED HELP

[Ropes1990]

Hi guys I am new to the site.

I am currently planning on buying myself an MX5 MK2.5 1.8 but not sure what model to get. I have looked at the Euphonic and like it a lot but what are the best models and what features can I expect from different models.

My budget is up to £4,000 and I am intending on doing a few mods to make the new car look and drive its best.

Any help would be really appreciated and I look forward to becoming a member of the community.

[VladD]

Read this

[S7Paul]

Surprisingly, that article doesn't mention the later Mk 2.5 Sport (aka S-VT), which I think is one of the best. 146bhp motor, 6-speed box, LSD, leather, 16" wheels, etc.

[Ropes1990]

yeah I was going to say there seems to be a lot of models missed in the article such as the S-VT Euphonic and a few more is there a site that offers the specs of all MK2 and 2.5 models?

[MX-5 Lazza]

All 2001+ Mk2.5 1.8s have the same VVT engine with 146bhp, not just the Sport/S-VT

[atlex]

the MK2/2.5s rust like hell because mazda started using ford's less-than-good steel - so be careful - look very hard around the front chassis legs and rear arches before you offer.

the euphonics are great though (I have one.. and it is rusty too) - they and all the late-model mk2.5s represent the final evolution of that chassis and the handling is "perfectly balanced" IMO.

remember a rusty one is harder to fix than an unrusty one. buy on condition not mileage !

ignore the hardtops because they are almost entirely unnecessary.

check nutz for sale, too (tho there are no mk2.5s there for sale at the time of writing)

[atlex]

the one thing holding the euphonics back is their sexy yet massively overweight 16" rims. drop that to 15"s and you get better ride, lighter wheel, cheaper tyres.. :-)

[BEN99W]

I wouldn't worry too much about which edition you get, especially if you're gonna modify it, as none really change the mazda's proposition enough to warrant the effort of looking IMHO. Instead look for one that has been a garaged, fair weather toy, because as indicated by others, they can be susceptible to rust. They're out there, plenty of people seemed to keep one tucked away for high days and holidays.

Mileage isn't an issue, what you want is someone who kept it in the garage each winter and preferably whenever it rained. The fewer previous owners the better for knowing history and that you've found a cherished car.

Then once you have it, get it treated with dinitrol or some such to ensure it stays tidy.

I was in the same boat as you last year, wanting a mk2.5 as I feel it is the ultimate evolution of the model and best looking. I picked up a turbocharged Arizona with 18k on the clock, and at the time I actually had a choice of 2 sub 20k miles with turbos to choose from.

Ben

[yellowstreak]

I've just been offered a 2003 1.8 for very little money. My friend's sister ran it for 11 years and 135k miles from new before being appalled at the tiny part-ex value and putting it in a garage where it has since remained.

Its never been abused and always serviced, but it does have some rust emerging on the arches. I was thinking that it would be an interesting turbo project and make a great little track day car.

Of course being tall I will have to fit a smaller wheel in order to be able to actually drive it... and possibly remove the driver's door card.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Arch & sill rust isn't great but can be fixed cheapish. The thing to check most is the chassis rails in the engine bay. If it's been used in all weathers I'll pretty much guarantee that they have rusted and MoT stations are starting to become aware of the problem. You can get repair panels for it now so it's a more economical fix than it used to be but it's still quite a big job to do.

[Digby]

BEN99W said:

I wouldn't worry too much about which edition you get, especially if you're gonna modify it, as none really change the mazda's proposition enough to warrant the effort of looking IMHO. Instead look for one that has been a garaged, fair weather toy, because as indicated by others, they can be susceptible to rust. They're out there, plenty of people seemed to keep one tucked away for high days and holidays.



Ben

I'm glad someone else has said what I always thought. I have never understood why anyone wants a specific model. They all look much the same and all do the same thing. I didn't give a moments thought to the specs of the car during all my Mk1 purchases. Even the 90 bhp basic model I had ripped through the lanes like the S-specials an V-specials I owned. I really couldn't care less about specific suspension, chrome speaker covers and different diff types etc

One of my best cars came from the exact situation you describe. An old couple, heated garage, sunny days only. It was near mint with 60k on it and I got it for a grand.