after some guidance ......mk2 or mk3

[Sir Snaz]

Hi all, recently just got rid of our second car ...as we just didnt use it ........but it leaves me a space in the garage for a bit of a cheap and cheerful 'fun sunday' car. I have thought of loads of different marques ....but think the mx5 offers the fun (RWD), practicality and cheapness that I am looking for.
I have obv read about certain pitfalls (rust, sills yadda yadda yadda) and will be going in with eyes open.

now my question is ...... I have a budget of about 3.5k ...do I go for a decent mk2 and 'upgrade' it ...or stretch and get a mk3 ? ........which is going to give me less headaches .......and is going to be happy sat in a garage not being used all the time?

look forward to your thoughts .....

[drgoatboy]

Not driven either but for me I would looking at the NC. Arguably the NB would be the more driver focused car, but by all accounts an NC with maybe a little tweak here and there would be equal to the job.

But honestly just get an NA. Pop-up lights - enough said

[scrwright]

Get a mk1, and use the money saved for good bits / and maintenance/sill work. Mk2s seem more prone to rot, and seen some cheap mk3's that are rotten as well. As with all 5's buy on condition, mechanicals are easy fixes, rot is less so.

[Munter]

scrwright said:

Get a mk1, and use the money saved for good bits / and maintenance/sill work. Mk2s seem more prone to rot, and seen some cheap mk3's that are rotten as well. As with all 5's buy on condition, mechanicals are easy fixes, rot is less so.

What he said. Either £1000 on a MK1 and spend the rest "restoring" it to a level you are happy with (if you feel the need), or the MK3.

That said my NC 2.0 Sport is getting a bit tatty and I'd still want at least 4k for it, and getting anything but the top of the range is...well...who'd want that

[kuro]

I’ve had a lightly modified 2.0lt mk3 for a couple of years and also two mk1s I picked up last year as winter projects. I did think about keeping the better of the mk1s as they are good fun but imo the way the mk3 drives is not that far removed from the original and they are significantly more refined. As far as I am aware rust is not as big an issue as with the previous models although still not perfect. The added problem of rusty chassis rails put me off looking at mk2s.

Given the choice I would go for the mk3. I’ve noticed a few of the earlier cars dipping as low as £3k now although it’s hard to tell from classified add photos what the true condition of the cheaper ones are like.

[roddo]

Mk3 every time, most mk2's are rot boxes especially around front chassis legs

[lilwashu]

I found the Mk3 horrible to drive compared to all other models of MX-5. I would get a non-rusty Mk2 if you can find one.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Ive had a gorgeous Mk2.5 (2001 facelift Mk2) for 13 years and absolutely love it. However, if you are planning to spend £3500 on an MX5 these days I would be looking for a spotless Mk1 and add some upgrades. I don't think it's enough to get a decent quality Mk3. Mk2s are too much of a lottery.
Having said that, the best MX5 is the one with the least issues, regardless of Mk so maybe you are better off not thinking about the age at all and just getting the best you can find for your money.

What cars are you used to driving?