What next after an MX5?
Discussion
What car do you see yourself in next after the MX5?
Starting to get bored of the MX5, it's the only car I've really driven. Starting to think about where to go next, considering either a 350z or a hot hatch.
Has anyone else been in a similar position, changed from the '5 and then back into a '5 at a later date?
Starting to get bored of the MX5, it's the only car I've really driven. Starting to think about where to go next, considering either a 350z or a hot hatch.
Has anyone else been in a similar position, changed from the '5 and then back into a '5 at a later date?
Its good to try different cars so just try whatever tickles your fancy.
The 350z will feel like a lumbering beast after an MX5, they are big and heavy and more GT than sports car. Quick mind you and make a wonderful noise! Good to drive but in a different way. For me I never felt like it was a car I would ant to hustle down a B road and very illegal speeds are quickly found which for me isn't actually that fun.
A wisely chosen hot hatch will obviously again be a different proposition and likely FWD. Not an issue and can be hugely fun but in a different sort of way if you choose wisely.
A lot of people seem to change to bigger RWD options, BMW 3-series and the like.
Would of thought a Z4 would be a logical step in size and power?
The 350z will feel like a lumbering beast after an MX5, they are big and heavy and more GT than sports car. Quick mind you and make a wonderful noise! Good to drive but in a different way. For me I never felt like it was a car I would ant to hustle down a B road and very illegal speeds are quickly found which for me isn't actually that fun.
A wisely chosen hot hatch will obviously again be a different proposition and likely FWD. Not an issue and can be hugely fun but in a different sort of way if you choose wisely.
A lot of people seem to change to bigger RWD options, BMW 3-series and the like.
Would of thought a Z4 would be a logical step in size and power?
RussNC said:
What car do you see yourself in next after the MX5?
Starting to get bored of the MX5, it's the only car I've really driven. Starting to think about where to go next, considering either a 350z or a hot hatch.
Been asking myself the same question for the past few years. Ive owned the same mx5 as my sole car for the past 14+ years (and its only the 2nd car ive owned). I guess it comes down to whether the open-top aspect is important to you. Its never been *that* important to me, it was more about the handling and responsiveness of the car. In fact, my hardtop has stayed on all summer so far. Im into my road and mountain bike cycling now, so i really want something a bit more practical that can carry a bike either inside, or on a proper Thule bike rack. I'd also like a simple but classy interior, and a few mod-cons like ABS (thats right - i consider ABS a mod-con). I miss my supercharger and the low-RPM torque that gave, so would like my next car to have that effortless wafting feel.Starting to get bored of the MX5, it's the only car I've really driven. Starting to think about where to go next, considering either a 350z or a hot hatch.
My short list is:
- Z4 (or Z4M) Coupe: Pros: gorgeous looks, small physical dimensions, quick, should hold value. Cons: getting quite old now. Prices going crazy.
- GT86: Pros: Lovely driving position. Relatively cheap, feels nice to drive. Cons: not *fast*, no roof rack, fairly cheapy interior, needs thrashing to make progress.
- Cayman: Pros: Looks, performance, handling, Cons: not cheap, potentially eye-watering running costs
- Nissan 370Z; Pros: That big-ass 3.7l engine - a dying breed in todays market. Torque. More Torque. Cons: tiny boot considering the dimensions of the car. Dashboard a bit "special"... No roof rack
- Audi TTS: Pros: Glorious interior, plenty quick enough. 4WD. Practical boot. Takes roof bars. Cons: pricey 2nd hand. Not dramatic in terms of looks. A safe compromise.
After two Eunos I followed the well trodden route of moving on to a Honda S2000 which I've now owned (somewhat to my surprise) for more than three years. In many ways the Honda is the same concept as the Mazda: traditional front engine, rear drive, two seat convertible sports car. In terms of accommodation, you get no more space than with the Mazda but it's a larger, heavier car. The pluses are first, the engine - it's just so much more charismatic and, of course, it turns the Honda into a genuinely quick car, albeit you need to be willing to stir the gearbox for the full effect. Second, the whole structure of the car is much more solid and rigid compated to the Eunos. No rattles, no shakes, no need to think about adding bracing to stiffen it up. Were I ever to crash, I'd much sooner do it in the Honda than the Mazda! Third (at least in my case), no sign of rust. The Mazda's steering offers more feed back but the Honda's is accurate enough. The Honda's electric roof is neat and efficient but again, I never had a problem with having to lower the Mazda's by hand! With much bigger tyres the Honda will go around corners quicker and the handling is no where near as scary as some people say (mine's a 2006 facelift car) but the Mazda's handling was arguably more accessible and more fun on normal roads.
Overall, the Honda feels like the more expensive car with better fit and finish and an overall air of engineering quality. The grin factor when the engine passes the 6,000 mark with another 3,000 to go is definitely its usp. A Boxster was the other option I considered and it might be better on paper but for me the Honda has been a great buy. Plus, it now appears to be worth considerably more than I paid for it, which is nice!
Overall, the Honda feels like the more expensive car with better fit and finish and an overall air of engineering quality. The grin factor when the engine passes the 6,000 mark with another 3,000 to go is definitely its usp. A Boxster was the other option I considered and it might be better on paper but for me the Honda has been a great buy. Plus, it now appears to be worth considerably more than I paid for it, which is nice!
Some great responses!
@drgoatboy - That is my concern with the 350Z, apparently they hide the weight well so I'm told? Plus there is the drinking habbit, but that's to be expected. Hot hatch wise, I'm more so interested in the slightly older hatches, the Civic EP3 and the Clio 172, something about naturally aspirated engines
Maybe either of my propositions will just be short term cars, think I just need to get a few more cars out my system and then come back to the MX5 world Do the BMW's have much character? They look like they'd be a little too grown up, but in the right colour they look great!
@daddycool - Wow 14 years! She's doing well then! I can't say I've really ever experienced that effortless power, but it sounds fun! Your list of cars have all gone through my head also; the GT86 just looks as though it wouldn't really offer much different from an MX5, well apart from a roof and half a rear seat. The Nissan's and Cayman/Boxster do look very promising though; have you had the opportunity to drive either?
@hobobaggins - I wish I wasn't starting to get bored! or is it I just don't realise how sweet the '5 really is!
@gdaybruce - I'm glad you mentioned the S2000; After reading all the stories of the snappy handling I kind of got put off, but after hearing this maybe they're a possibility for me, although my insurers don't seem to think so! Although not for everyone I do like the idea of winding out a high revving engine. The electric steering really isn't as bad as people make out then?
@drgoatboy - That is my concern with the 350Z, apparently they hide the weight well so I'm told? Plus there is the drinking habbit, but that's to be expected. Hot hatch wise, I'm more so interested in the slightly older hatches, the Civic EP3 and the Clio 172, something about naturally aspirated engines
Maybe either of my propositions will just be short term cars, think I just need to get a few more cars out my system and then come back to the MX5 world Do the BMW's have much character? They look like they'd be a little too grown up, but in the right colour they look great!@daddycool - Wow 14 years! She's doing well then! I can't say I've really ever experienced that effortless power, but it sounds fun! Your list of cars have all gone through my head also; the GT86 just looks as though it wouldn't really offer much different from an MX5, well apart from a roof and half a rear seat. The Nissan's and Cayman/Boxster do look very promising though; have you had the opportunity to drive either?
@hobobaggins - I wish I wasn't starting to get bored! or is it I just don't realise how sweet the '5 really is!
@gdaybruce - I'm glad you mentioned the S2000; After reading all the stories of the snappy handling I kind of got put off, but after hearing this maybe they're a possibility for me, although my insurers don't seem to think so! Although not for everyone I do like the idea of winding out a high revving engine. The electric steering really isn't as bad as people make out then?
RussNC said:
The Nissan's and Cayman/Boxster do look very promising though; have you had the opportunity to drive either?
I must get a test drive in a 370Z organised. Had a very sideways passenger ride in a 350Z and the power is plenty to overcome the weight of the car. Im sure it would feel big to drive coming from an mx5 though.Boxster & Cayman - short drives of both. Boxster just felt like a grown-up mx5 really, super solid with no rattles and so smooth to drive.
RussNC said:
@gdaybruce - I'm glad you mentioned the S2000; After reading all the stories of the snappy handling I kind of got put off, but after hearing this maybe they're a possibility for me, although my insurers don't seem to think so! Although not for everyone I do like the idea of winding out a high revving engine. The electric steering really isn't as bad as people make out then?
I took mine on a Car Limits day where, under instruction, you drive through the cornering limits to learn what happens when you push it too far and how to avoid doing the same thing by mistake. Also, how best to sort out the resulting drama! Great fun if a bit expensive on tyres! I came away though with a lot more confidence in the Honda. It really didn't bite at all and in fact I found it an easier car to avoid spinning when compared to a Lotus Elise in which I also had a go. I suspect most of the S2000 horror stories come from people attacking greasy roundabouts in 2nd gear and hitting the VTEC point at the wrong moment.The steering is just a bit numb compared to the MX5's. It's direct and accurate with good weighting but around the straight ahead it feels a bit artificial with no feedback. However, it improves under load in corners and you do get used to it.
I think I've kept the Honda because I like 2 seat convertibles, I don't care for the Boxster's looks and I wanted the practicality of something with a proper boot that always starts on the button. Such cars are getting hard to find at affordable prices!
I've got a complete supercharger kit to fit a MK2 MX5 that I'm about to sell. Just bolt on and add the ECU of your choice.
That will give you (in my case) 225bhp and a load of fun
(actually, I think you'd need a wide band o2 sensor and MAP sensor too as I'm keeping those for the V8 I'm installing, but apart from that it's complete)
That will give you (in my case) 225bhp and a load of fun
(actually, I think you'd need a wide band o2 sensor and MAP sensor too as I'm keeping those for the V8 I'm installing, but apart from that it's complete)
I've had 3 MX-5s, including a fast turbo one.
In between and afterwards I've had various stuff, and considered lots more like the S2000 and Z4 being the most obvious.
I would avoid the Z4 as it simply feels like a convertible 3 series, a bit numb. With ironically a caveat being the Z4 coupe does actually have much more character and is a car I would consider in the future.
At the cheaper end of the market a late, 2.8 or 3.0 z3 actually has more character and fun, although it is a bit of an old fashioned wobbly hot-rod to drive. More like a classic car.
S2000 I found was brilliant but flawed and actually if you buy a Mk3 MX5 and get it tuned up to 200bhp you have a much more rounded package. S2000s are also getting quite expensive. I think they are a better buy for a Sunday best car, where the flaws are not so important and you can really appreciate its qualities.
I ended up with a Boxster, a 2002 2.7.
There are many to choose from, they are way undervalued currently. I absolutely love it. Lots to like, its lovely to work on, mine is a dirt cheap one with very basic spec, its simple, pretty, not that heavy, sounds wonderful, magnificent engine, very practical, tonnes of aftermarket/custom stuff available.
Parts are more than Mazda but not bad - only in line with running a BMW, Merc etc. Insurance lots lower than S2000.
Would recommend test driving/viewing to see if you like it.
In between and afterwards I've had various stuff, and considered lots more like the S2000 and Z4 being the most obvious.
I would avoid the Z4 as it simply feels like a convertible 3 series, a bit numb. With ironically a caveat being the Z4 coupe does actually have much more character and is a car I would consider in the future.
At the cheaper end of the market a late, 2.8 or 3.0 z3 actually has more character and fun, although it is a bit of an old fashioned wobbly hot-rod to drive. More like a classic car.
S2000 I found was brilliant but flawed and actually if you buy a Mk3 MX5 and get it tuned up to 200bhp you have a much more rounded package. S2000s are also getting quite expensive. I think they are a better buy for a Sunday best car, where the flaws are not so important and you can really appreciate its qualities.
I ended up with a Boxster, a 2002 2.7.
There are many to choose from, they are way undervalued currently. I absolutely love it. Lots to like, its lovely to work on, mine is a dirt cheap one with very basic spec, its simple, pretty, not that heavy, sounds wonderful, magnificent engine, very practical, tonnes of aftermarket/custom stuff available.
Parts are more than Mazda but not bad - only in line with running a BMW, Merc etc. Insurance lots lower than S2000.
Would recommend test driving/viewing to see if you like it.
I'd second the Boxster, though it does feel much more grown up than a MX5. My Boxster has nearly three times the power of my Eunos, but I still love my Eunos never the less. Having said that, I am planning on adding more power to the Eunos once my new garage has been built. 
The only downside to the Boxster for me is the badge. I'm an understated sort of bloke and I bought it because it's a great car, but some people will always assume that you're just trying to be flash and are in fact a bit of a social climbing t
t. Of course, if that doesn't bother you, then that's fine. It didn't bother me enough to stop me buying one.
The only downside to the Boxster for me is the badge. I'm an understated sort of bloke and I bought it because it's a great car, but some people will always assume that you're just trying to be flash and are in fact a bit of a social climbing t
t. Of course, if that doesn't bother you, then that's fine. It didn't bother me enough to stop me buying one.I've had a Mk3.5 MX5, which the missus took on to replace her Mk3. Last winter I sold the Caterham on, and have a GT86 for a daily drive, the missus now has a Fiesta ST. With an empty garage for a fun car, I'm now looking for a Mk1 MX5 as it's relatively simple and has the basics to enjoy motoring.
Interestingly I find the 86 fast enough but I don't track it, I just enjoy the bends and corners a lot more than I used to. It's a decent enough car, but it's not got a shove you in the seat characteristic for speed, it's more akin to the MX5 with a more linear delivery apart from the torque dip, which is noticeable when pushing on through the range of a gear.
I'd just say think about what you really want to get from the car and try it. Worst case if you don't like it is that you cross it off the list and move on to something else.
Interestingly I find the 86 fast enough but I don't track it, I just enjoy the bends and corners a lot more than I used to. It's a decent enough car, but it's not got a shove you in the seat characteristic for speed, it's more akin to the MX5 with a more linear delivery apart from the torque dip, which is noticeable when pushing on through the range of a gear.
I'd just say think about what you really want to get from the car and try it. Worst case if you don't like it is that you cross it off the list and move on to something else.
I'm not trying to talk you out of changing the MX5, particularly as you are well aware that something else with serious performance will probably cost an arm and a leg for purchase/servicing/insurance etc., but thought I'd comment anyway on my story. I've gone the other way, given up high performance cars and moved to the MX5. The cost difference has been enormous, going from my last serious performer, a Mitsubishi GTO twin turbo, I've spent a total (purchase price/tax/ins/repairs) of around £2300 over the last 3 years on my MX5 compared to £7000 or so previously for the Mitsubishi over the same time frame. While I can't out drag just about every one else any more it's just as much fun to leave them behind on B-roads and through roundabouts. When they blast past me on the straight I just smile for the speed cameras.
Still we are all different, so I wish you luck. I'd recommend going for quality like a Porsche, buy carefully, and pray it doesn't break down.
Still we are all different, so I wish you luck. I'd recommend going for quality like a Porsche, buy carefully, and pray it doesn't break down.
Thanks for all the replies, this threads busier than I expected!
I probably should have mentioned this earlier, but I do a few trackdays a year, around 6-7. My biggest issue with the '5 is the lack of grunt to overtake when people don't want to lift, no fun being stuck behind slow stuff in corners! Oh and I've currently got a MK3 MX5 with a few track oriented mods.
- I'd love an RX-7 and all the reliability issues probably are just internet horror stories, but I'm not sure I could risk it financially - brilliant cars though!
@gdaybruce - Glad you've spoken about your experience with the S2000, I'd practically written them off from a few other people saying they're were sketchy in the corners! Annoying how they've gone up in price though! Are higher mileage engines still fine?
@snotrag - I think I just need to get a fast-ish car out of my system before I end up tied down with responsibilities. Early Boxster isn't something I'd really considered, but I probably should have, is the bigger engine not all that?
@VladD - The badge would be a concern for me also haha! Okay looks like I need to do some more research into Boxsters!
@Hanslow - I love the way the GT86 looks just wish they had more power, would be a no brainer for me then! I just feel it would be too similar to an MX5 for me right now. Can I just ask how'd you find the Fiesta? I would like to give fwd a go at some point.
@hobobaggins - I have thought this, my MX5 has been super reliable!
@johneast - I've loved the fact the '5 is fun at the slower speeds, but think I just need to get a faster car out of my system first, I completely agree that straight line speed isn't everything! Man maths
I think the S2000, 350z and the Boxster I need to get a test drive in.
I probably should have mentioned this earlier, but I do a few trackdays a year, around 6-7. My biggest issue with the '5 is the lack of grunt to overtake when people don't want to lift, no fun being stuck behind slow stuff in corners! Oh and I've currently got a MK3 MX5 with a few track oriented mods.
- I'd love an RX-7 and all the reliability issues probably are just internet horror stories, but I'm not sure I could risk it financially - brilliant cars though!
@gdaybruce - Glad you've spoken about your experience with the S2000, I'd practically written them off from a few other people saying they're were sketchy in the corners! Annoying how they've gone up in price though! Are higher mileage engines still fine?
@snotrag - I think I just need to get a fast-ish car out of my system before I end up tied down with responsibilities. Early Boxster isn't something I'd really considered, but I probably should have, is the bigger engine not all that?
@VladD - The badge would be a concern for me also haha! Okay looks like I need to do some more research into Boxsters!
@Hanslow - I love the way the GT86 looks just wish they had more power, would be a no brainer for me then! I just feel it would be too similar to an MX5 for me right now. Can I just ask how'd you find the Fiesta? I would like to give fwd a go at some point.
@hobobaggins - I have thought this, my MX5 has been super reliable!
@johneast - I've loved the fact the '5 is fun at the slower speeds, but think I just need to get a faster car out of my system first, I completely agree that straight line speed isn't everything! Man maths
I think the S2000, 350z and the Boxster I need to get a test drive in.
RussNC said:
@gdaybruce - Glad you've spoken about your experience with the S2000, I'd practically written them off from a few other people saying they're were sketchy in the corners! Annoying how they've gone up in price though! Are higher mileage engines still fine?
Well, I bought mine because the price reflected a comparatively high mileage for the year. However, the car had a good documented service history and I reasoned I'd sooner have a car that had been used regularly and maintained than one that had been left to moulder for long periods or only done shopping trips. I'm now on around 95K and have had no reliability issues at all, aside from a seized aircon compressor. The engine uses no oil in everyday driving and a little on track days when you're obviously holding prolonged high revs. There are plenty of tales of high milers on the forums and I truly think that I'd go on history and condition, far more than on the mileage.Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff