Best Mk1??

[clarki]

So, I sold my MX5 last summer and have missed it every day since.

Going to get another, but a Mk1 this time (last was a 3.5) to keep, tinker with, cherish, etc

Few questions though, which is the best mk1 to go for, best engine, uk or import car, private sale or from a specialist, special editions worth looking for, common faults (i've just watched the clip on spotting good/bad rear arches, very informative). My misses will probably drive the car too, so a few mod cons prefered.

Any advice, pointers much appreciated.

[AmiableChimp]

Some people regard the Mk1 RS as the "best" mk1.

A lot of special editions came with added bracing, upgraded interior, etc.

Best buy on body condition - everything else is relatively cheap to fix.

What colour do you want? This may govern which versions you can go for.

I bought a 1991 V-Special fresh import last March, I am the first UK owner and bought from an importer.

I have since spent a small fortune on upgrades to make the car into what I personally want - coilovers, new alloys, fully undersealed and loads of wee trim bits. I have now ripped the old aircon out as it never worked and who needs it TBH - weight saving

Some people like the basic, no frills, wind up windows version.

There is something for everyone out there, you just need to take your time and decide what you want.

[Contigo]

As said buy on condition really is the best advice.

I had one back in the day and just recently bought a Eunos in standard trim and the previous owner put some leather seats in an Nardi steering wheel etc and it looks very nice. It's only done 46k miles and is in mint condition so a keeper for me as really good ones are getting very hard to find these days.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I wouldn't worry at all about age, special edition, engine, spec etc. The most important thing is to get one that has a clean rust-free body & chassis. Everything else can be sorted easily and most things cheaply but rust kills them.

[Digby]

A turbo one.

They don't need a turbo, granted, but it's like adding the most amazing icing imaginable to an already amazing cake.

[WJNB]

The Eunos/import does appeal as the budget route but for many they are not quite right. The clumsy square back number plate is horrid, as are the weird logoed wheel & bonnet badges.

[Digby]

WJNB said:

The Eunos/import does appeal as the budget route but for many they are not quite right. The clumsy square back number plate is horrid, as are the weird logoed wheel & bonnet badges.

All of which can be changed in minutes and for probably under £30.

[Drums]

Digby said:

WJNB said:

The Eunos/import does appeal as the budget route but for many they are not quite right. The clumsy square back number plate is horrid, as are the weird logoed wheel & bonnet badges.

All of which can be changed in minutes and for probably under £30.

I like the square plate recess!

I have owned both UK and import cars. Both black, both Mk1's, both 1800s and built within 6 months of each other.

I would echo what others have said, buying on condition should be the number one priority. If you can find an S-special, or an edition based on it, you'll gain an LSD, thicker anti-roll bars, better sound system (crossover tweeters and headrest speakers) and Bilstein suspension.

My UK mk1 was great, my Eunos S-Special is light years ahead as a drivers car.

[clarki]

Thanks folks - the search continues.

My brother is umming and ahhing about doing the same thing so we are thinking maybe a trip to Japan may be in order to search out a pair. The ones i've seen in the uk so far ain't all that tbh. I don't mind a bit of work but would rather a rolling project than a full on restoration.