The MX5 - what's the one to buy?

[anonymous-user]

I fancy an MX5 for summer blasts and fun.

I'm 6'2" and find the mk1 too cosy and uncomfortable.

So I guess that leaves the Mk2 onwards. I don't want a new one and something under 8k

With all the different engine sizes etc I just wondered if the PH massive can advise on 'the one to buy'? I'm sure there are versions/engines that are too slow or some that came with a slippy diff etc - drivers spec wanted.

[hornetrider]

Get a Mk3.5 2.0 Sport Tech.

Like this:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[200Plus Club]

the one with the least rust within your budget. be very wary, the later mk2 etc cars can be shot full of rust and MOT failures.

[GordonL]

I'm 6'1 and found some NBs and NCs were too snug for my legs. An NA with a slightly smaller steering wheel was about the comfiest I've ever been in a 5. My NB was ok but not as good as the NA with a 300mm Momo wheel.
1.8 engines are a bit more powerful but 1.6 is sweeter to rev. Same for the 1.8 and 2.0 of later cars.
Some special edition models had LSD, Bilstein dampers as standard. Later NA and NB have more underbody bracing but that's cheap to add latervanyway.

[GTIAlex]

hornetrider said:

Get a Mk3.5 2.0 Sport Tech.

Like this:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

This

[hornetrider]

GordonL said:

I'm 6'1 and found some NBs and NCs were too snug for my legs.

The Mk3 (NC) has bottle holders in the door pockets which intrude into the footwell a fair amount. The Mk3.5 (2010-) removed these and hence there is a bit more wiggle room down there.

[Mannginger]

This Mk2 RS looks like it could be quite nice, respectable price as well I think

http://www.goodwoodsportscars.co.uk/gallery_674692...

[hornetrider]

Mannginger said:

This Mk2 RS looks like it could be quite nice, respectable price as well I think

http://www.goodwoodsportscars.co.uk/gallery_674692...

Deposit taken.

[Mannginger]

hornetrider said:

Deposit taken.

stballs, I was always crap at reading the full question!

[drgoatboy]

Personally I found the mk1 the biggest of the lot, and without the fuss of airbags and electric gubbins the easiest to alter to make more roomy.

[Google [bot]]

I'm 6'1 and had no problem with my NA, surely if you can find an unrusty one you're fine with any NA/B?

[scrwright]

Mk1 with leather door pulls rather than the chunky standard pulls have more arm room than a Mk2 IMHO. I am 6ft4 and fit in a Mk1 fine with a few mod

[S2WYA]

Mk1 100% has the most legroom, I cant even drive a Mk2 as the seats are far too high.

[Evoluzione]

GTIAlex said:

hornetrider said:

Get a Mk3.5 2.0 Sport Tech.

Like this:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

This

Not this, it sold last week. That's the problem with Autotrader, still advertised when sold - that and the fact you've often only got a phone number and people don't answer their phones.

[Evoluzione]

S2WYA said:

Mk1 100% has the most legroom, I cant even drive a Mk2 as the seats are far too high.

Mk3 has lots more.

[MX-5 Lazza]

S2WYA said:

Mk1 100% has the most legroom, I cant even drive a Mk2 as the seats are far too high.

In seat height, Mk1 & Mk2 are pretty much the same. Mk2.5 does have higher seats.
Mk1 generally feels roomier due to the flat door cards. Mk2/2.5 door cards intrude into the cabin more.

[tonymor]

I'm 6' 2 and I've plenty of room In my mk1.
It's more roomy than my E89 BMW zed 4
And on a drive from Norfolk to Guildford
130 miles I have to say it was probably
More comfortable!!

[AndrewEH1]

Have a Google regarding doing a "foamectomy" on the seats, increases the legroom for those in need but getting your arse further down and back a little.

[anonymous-user]

Thanks for the thoughts.

Despite the legroom in the Mk1 the steering wheel height is an issue for me - way too low.

Given it's drivers car status the seating position is poor if you are anything but small haha

[drgoatboy]

I put a spacer between the wheel and boss to bring it closer towards the driver. Brings it off your legs and makes a massive difference.