Mk1/Mk2 as a commuter?
Discussion
After many years commuting by bike/motorbike I think I've had enough and I'm looking for a second car to the sensible family one (Which is boring me to tears).
I've always liked the idea of an MX5 but not the impracticality as a single car. So now I've the chance to run one with a view to commuting, the odd drive out and maybe a track day or two.
The problem I've got is I've never had a car older than 5 years and never had any serious faults to deal with. I'm giving myself a budget of 2k max (Which is almost Suzuki Swift Sport money) and I want to know what are my chances of having a fairly head ache free ownership?
Any dealers with good reputations also?
I've always liked the idea of an MX5 but not the impracticality as a single car. So now I've the chance to run one with a view to commuting, the odd drive out and maybe a track day or two.
The problem I've got is I've never had a car older than 5 years and never had any serious faults to deal with. I'm giving myself a budget of 2k max (Which is almost Suzuki Swift Sport money) and I want to know what are my chances of having a fairly head ache free ownership?
Any dealers with good reputations also?
The mk1s and 2s are fairly simple cars so even if things go wrong it's not going to cost the earth to fix. I recently bought two 23 year old mk1s, one of them had no history at all but I bought it on general condition, they both feel bomb proof mechanically. The main thing is seeking out a rust free example.
How long is your commute? I occasionally take my mk3 to work which is more refined than the earlier cars but I couldn't live with it on a daily basis.
How long is your commute? I occasionally take my mk3 to work which is more refined than the earlier cars but I couldn't live with it on a daily basis.
If looked after they seem to be as reliable as any other car. yes things will go wrong, its potentially 25 years old but most won't stop the car running in my limited experience. Mechanically they are pretty simple compared to more modern stuff so less to go wrong in the first place.
Worth keeping an eye on things that go wrong on any ageing car like water hoses, HT leads, wiring etc.
Parts are cheap and plentiful too.
Whether I would want to drive one as a daily I'm not so sure, if you are only used to commuting on a bike then you are probably going to be fine. I've commuted in largish saloons for the last few years but had a 3 week gap between cars being sold and delivered recently and used the Mx5 instead. I'd had enough after 3 weeks and was glad to be back in some modern comfort! But I do having a boring motorway and urban commute....
Worth keeping an eye on things that go wrong on any ageing car like water hoses, HT leads, wiring etc.
Parts are cheap and plentiful too.
Whether I would want to drive one as a daily I'm not so sure, if you are only used to commuting on a bike then you are probably going to be fine. I've commuted in largish saloons for the last few years but had a 3 week gap between cars being sold and delivered recently and used the Mx5 instead. I'd had enough after 3 weeks and was glad to be back in some modern comfort! But I do having a boring motorway and urban commute....
I don't have a hard top for mine (most dealers sell them off separately - an easy £500) and I've never felt the need to buy one either. MX-5 heaters are fed right off the back of the engine, so they don't take long to warm up. I have heated seats too, but I usually forget to use them.
As above, they're pretty reliable, parts are not expensive and most things are accessible too. Also, unlike many German cars, you don't need a load of ridiculous special tools to work on them.
As above, they're pretty reliable, parts are not expensive and most things are accessible too. Also, unlike many German cars, you don't need a load of ridiculous special tools to work on them.
Early 1.8 MK3s are dropping into the £2K price bracket now. I'd be tempted to take a look at one of those and see what you think.
I love my MK1 and loved the MK2 I had for a bit but the MK3 is without a doubt a much better daily driver prospect. I've done 5,500 miles in mine in 2 months of ownership so far (06 2.0 Sport).
I love my MK1 and loved the MK2 I had for a bit but the MK3 is without a doubt a much better daily driver prospect. I've done 5,500 miles in mine in 2 months of ownership so far (06 2.0 Sport).
Had my 1.8 Mk2 for about 16 months now with no major issues. A few niggly bits that needed some money spending, but nothing that has kept it off the road.
As for the actual commute, it's not great but it's certainly liveable - seats are very comfortable and aftermarket stereo is good, and the heating often gets too hot after a few minutes. Don't notice the ride being much harsher than your average cheap hatchback personally.
Downsides are the MPG, getting blinded by Range Rovers in the winter and if you're in heavy traffic the clutch can get tiring. All worth enduring for the weekend B-road fun though!
As for the actual commute, it's not great but it's certainly liveable - seats are very comfortable and aftermarket stereo is good, and the heating often gets too hot after a few minutes. Don't notice the ride being much harsher than your average cheap hatchback personally.
Downsides are the MPG, getting blinded by Range Rovers in the winter and if you're in heavy traffic the clutch can get tiring. All worth enduring for the weekend B-road fun though!
My NA has 251,000km on the clock. I do a 30 mile commute daily. Absolute luxury compared to a motorbike. Costs me a few quid from time to time. Bit of bodywork. A 2nd hand ECU. Tyres. It is a bit thirsty for a small car. Perhaps due to the low gearing. It's a good car and I can't think of an alternative for £2000-£3000. I have a hardtop and will be putting it back on this weekend. Better security as the car lives in a side street.
My MkII was my daily driver/commute car for 12 yrs with absolutely no issues at all on a round trip of 50 miles. I loved it. The summer commutes were wonderful, but they were through glorious English countyside. In the winter I had the hard top on. In eventually didn't take it off.
Thoroughly recommended.
Peter
Thoroughly recommended.
Peter
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