MX5 is the answer - but which one?
Discussion
On PH, the MX5 is almost always the answer. Which is fine, and I can see why, having driven a few.
So we're about to buy one, mostly to make the commute along B roads, motorway and into the city a bit more fun, but still be comfortable. It only has to be done a couple of times a week, and we have other cars we can use (Transporter on winter tyres, GTI) and a Caterham and Vantage for some faster fun.
So it doesn't have to be the fastest, but it should be comfortable and great to drive. So which version, engine size (or price point) is a good place to look? Budget is flexible from cheap and cheerful to expensive and reliable and full of gadgets - but remember the aim is the fun commute (50 miles each way, typically an hour to 75 mins).
Please do say why your preferred suggestion is the way to go - the insights will be helpful to us!
So we're about to buy one, mostly to make the commute along B roads, motorway and into the city a bit more fun, but still be comfortable. It only has to be done a couple of times a week, and we have other cars we can use (Transporter on winter tyres, GTI) and a Caterham and Vantage for some faster fun.
So it doesn't have to be the fastest, but it should be comfortable and great to drive. So which version, engine size (or price point) is a good place to look? Budget is flexible from cheap and cheerful to expensive and reliable and full of gadgets - but remember the aim is the fun commute (50 miles each way, typically an hour to 75 mins).
Please do say why your preferred suggestion is the way to go - the insights will be helpful to us!
As much as I would love to wholeheartedly recommend my old NA8 1.8 with the pop up headlights and devilishly fantastic noise for an old 4 cyl... I think the NC is a better car to live with having once dabbled with a friend's. It might need some lowering springs when you get it to stop it looking a bit like a boat, but it'll be more comfortable and practical than an NA or NB if you want to daily drive it out of the box. The ND likely isn't a bad shout either. I would try and back to back both to see what suits you more. Strong recommendation for the 2 litre out of that I preferred the torque delivery for the get go on a 1.8 to the 1.6 in the NA/NB world.
I used to rag my NA8 for an hour on a commute and it was fantastic fun - but certainly not that comfortable even with Eunos seats! I used to do a run from Newcastle to Kent to visit my parents and the resulting 5 hour drive would be pretty tiring in that car, although fun. It would probably be unfair to compare it to what I do the run in now but I normally don't need a nap afterwards!
In terms of pricing, I only really follow NA/NB prices. £3-5k will get you something very good that's well maintained and looked after usually. Some might say it's expensive, but they're some of the best examples. Would highly recommend importing from Japan and getting the usual cavity wax and Dinitrol treatments - it's one of the only ways to be sure that the sills are going to last you a decent while for resale value on these cars.
I used to rag my NA8 for an hour on a commute and it was fantastic fun - but certainly not that comfortable even with Eunos seats! I used to do a run from Newcastle to Kent to visit my parents and the resulting 5 hour drive would be pretty tiring in that car, although fun. It would probably be unfair to compare it to what I do the run in now but I normally don't need a nap afterwards!
In terms of pricing, I only really follow NA/NB prices. £3-5k will get you something very good that's well maintained and looked after usually. Some might say it's expensive, but they're some of the best examples. Would highly recommend importing from Japan and getting the usual cavity wax and Dinitrol treatments - it's one of the only ways to be sure that the sills are going to last you a decent while for resale value on these cars.
ND2 if you have the budget, though some have said the NC is a better "fit" for those who are taller?
I drove alot of NB's and NC's when working for a Mazda dealership about 12 years ago.. Is largely a personal thing and down to your budget, but this is my 2018 ND2 SportNav +. With the revised 2.0 litre (184) engine. Needless to say I love it..!
I drove alot of NB's and NC's when working for a Mazda dealership about 12 years ago.. Is largely a personal thing and down to your budget, but this is my 2018 ND2 SportNav +. With the revised 2.0 litre (184) engine. Needless to say I love it..!
Abarth 124. Far more interesting. Much rarer. Lovely exhaust. Much punchier engine. Better value for money. Don't dismiss it. Ours was fantastic.
Like so:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010094...
And if you're not up on Abarths, they're made by Mazda and share the same interior/roof as the ND and a lot of other parts. Ours had Mazda logos and stickers dotted on parts all over the place.
Like so:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010094...
And if you're not up on Abarths, they're made by Mazda and share the same interior/roof as the ND and a lot of other parts. Ours had Mazda logos and stickers dotted on parts all over the place.
Edited by Luke. on Saturday 2nd January 20:00
My daily is an ND 2.0 Sport Nav.
While I drive to a lot of different places for work, my most regular commute is 50 miles. The first and last 10 miles are dual carriageway, the middle bit is A and B roads. The MX5 is perfect. I can cruise on the dual carriageway and have fun, if I want it, in between. In summer, I normally get off the dual carriageway and drop the roof for the final 40 miles home.
For longer drives its fine. Yes it can get tiring sitting on the motorway but it's bearable if you stick around 70mph. What I have found is that, time permitting, I prefer to seek out routes off the motorway where I can.
I've used it for what I'd call long drives away. .. It's a squeeze but I've taken it away for a week for work with my rucksack and overnight bag(s) and done 500+ miles and two or three hotels on a few occasions.
It helps that Mrs J drives a BMW X2. We use that for "proper" journeys.
While I drive to a lot of different places for work, my most regular commute is 50 miles. The first and last 10 miles are dual carriageway, the middle bit is A and B roads. The MX5 is perfect. I can cruise on the dual carriageway and have fun, if I want it, in between. In summer, I normally get off the dual carriageway and drop the roof for the final 40 miles home.
For longer drives its fine. Yes it can get tiring sitting on the motorway but it's bearable if you stick around 70mph. What I have found is that, time permitting, I prefer to seek out routes off the motorway where I can.
I've used it for what I'd call long drives away. .. It's a squeeze but I've taken it away for a week for work with my rucksack and overnight bag(s) and done 500+ miles and two or three hotels on a few occasions.
It helps that Mrs J drives a BMW X2. We use that for "proper" journeys.
Hi, I am a big fan of the MX5 and am also lucky enough to have a V12 Vantage and a few other toys. I had Mark 1 Eunos (NA) bought in 2006, which I loved driving. Unfortunately I have just sold it, due the dreaded ULEZ and the speed bumps etc in North London.
A few years ago I also had a 2006 mark 3 (NC), which I really didn't find anywhere near as engaging as my wonderful Mark 1.
Anyway, as I always need an MX5 in my life, I have just bought a 2014 25th Anniversary (NC). I don't know why, but it feels very different to how I remember the 2006 car - maybe I am just getting old, but I now love the way it drives. It is 2ltr, 6 speed in soul red with a black roof. It has enough toys, full leather, heated seats, sat nav and handles well on all the varied road surfaces I encounter. I also find the retractable hard top very practical with no discernible impact on handling.
I took it for a run today, top down and was super warm with great heating and heated seats
I did look at the most recent ND cars, but felt I was getting far more for my money and the practicality of the retractable hard top.
So my only advice is - buy an MX5, try an NC and an ND if possible and check them both for rust - they do need rust protection - even the latest cars!
A few years ago I also had a 2006 mark 3 (NC), which I really didn't find anywhere near as engaging as my wonderful Mark 1.
Anyway, as I always need an MX5 in my life, I have just bought a 2014 25th Anniversary (NC). I don't know why, but it feels very different to how I remember the 2006 car - maybe I am just getting old, but I now love the way it drives. It is 2ltr, 6 speed in soul red with a black roof. It has enough toys, full leather, heated seats, sat nav and handles well on all the varied road surfaces I encounter. I also find the retractable hard top very practical with no discernible impact on handling.
I took it for a run today, top down and was super warm with great heating and heated seats
I did look at the most recent ND cars, but felt I was getting far more for my money and the practicality of the retractable hard top.
So my only advice is - buy an MX5, try an NC and an ND if possible and check them both for rust - they do need rust protection - even the latest cars!
I'm a huge convert to the Mk1, I've had my for 7 years now and I've used it for holidays, competiton (hillclimbs and sprints) and even commuting. However, even I have to concede that Mk1's feel more like a classic car - even a heavily modified one like mine.
For your needs a late Mk3 (NC) would be spot on I reckon, maybe a BBR 200 for something very special.
Good luck, I hope you find the car for you. I went from a naysayer to a devotee...
For your needs a late Mk3 (NC) would be spot on I reckon, maybe a BBR 200 for something very special.
Good luck, I hope you find the car for you. I went from a naysayer to a devotee...
I purchased a 2005 launch edition NC a couple of months ago. 2.0 litre engine with lots of launch edition extras - Bilstein, Bose, Leather etc. Absolutely immaculate - 2 previous owners and only 30,000 miles. FSH and all receipts.
Punchy and comfortable. Purchased from Prestige Vehicle Consultants in Hertfordshire. They only sell MX5's and usually have a large stock of low mileage NC's and ND's. Worth a look at their website (and no I am not employed by them!!!)
Punchy and comfortable. Purchased from Prestige Vehicle Consultants in Hertfordshire. They only sell MX5's and usually have a large stock of low mileage NC's and ND's. Worth a look at their website (and no I am not employed by them!!!)
The facelift version of any model is the one to try.
Mk1 with the 1.8
MK2FL 1.8 with 6speed, LSD, big brakes & chassis bracing
MK3(3.75) 2.0 with stronger engine internals
ND2 2.0
All versions respond very well to upgraded suspension & geo.
Look out for rust! Although nothing is unfixable.....
Mk1 with the 1.8
MK2FL 1.8 with 6speed, LSD, big brakes & chassis bracing
MK3(3.75) 2.0 with stronger engine internals
ND2 2.0
All versions respond very well to upgraded suspension & geo.
Look out for rust! Although nothing is unfixable.....
I commuted for a bit in an na 1.6 eunos and an na 1.6bbr turbo.
This is exactly why I ended up in an NC 2.0.
95% of the raw fun, 200% of the comfort and safety.
The na just felt too fragile and the non turbo was borderline too slow once in any sort of traffic.
Bbr upgrades are nice for a bit more poke...
This is exactly why I ended up in an NC 2.0.
95% of the raw fun, 200% of the comfort and safety.
The na just felt too fragile and the non turbo was borderline too slow once in any sort of traffic.
Bbr upgrades are nice for a bit more poke...
I've just recently bought a 1.8 NB 2.5 (2003) not the 6 speed but just base 5 speed cloth interior no lsd model by accident and love it. Family friend rang me, was moving house losing drive space and going down to one car and knows i like mx5's i bought it without even driving it.
I've had a few NA and i also still own an ND 2.0 184 bhp but i do love this cheap NB for what it does.
Price wise if you're going to use it i think the NB is a great combination of price and usability. Don't get me wrong my new ND is a better car, but i always grab the cheap £1500 NB keys its quite liberating driving something cheap and fun. When rust gets this one (which it will) i'll prob look for another late NB.
I've had a few NA and i also still own an ND 2.0 184 bhp but i do love this cheap NB for what it does.
Price wise if you're going to use it i think the NB is a great combination of price and usability. Don't get me wrong my new ND is a better car, but i always grab the cheap £1500 NB keys its quite liberating driving something cheap and fun. When rust gets this one (which it will) i'll prob look for another late NB.
I've found replying too soon means people don't post any other ideas. Been looking at the later mk 3's and early mk 4's. Think I prefer the look of the 4's and the slightly more modern interior, and assume that the NVH is better too as it tends to improve model to model. But the 3's are good value, though not much difference at model changeover.
It'll be the larger engine version, and maybe BBR'd, but it doesn't need to be our quick car - but people say it handles off bends better with slightly more oomph.....
Which of the mk 4's have the LSD? it's not always obvious - could be all, could be noise, could be just some packs but I've not cracked the code yet.....
Hi,
I have a 2018 ND 2.0 i think that's the year there will be some 160 bhp and some 184 bhp models.
I know mine has the LSD it maybe the 2.0 litre models have them if you think an ND is for you my personal choice was either an early 1.5 with no options as basic and light as possible and enjoy the fun that kind of car gives or a 184 2.0 model.
The new prices of these is silly mazda have been quite open i think about the fact the 2.0 emisions are higher than they want as company average so have bumped up the spec you need to order to get the 184bhp model and the cost is too much imo for an mx5, however i found a crossover year the new engine but from when you could order it with something other than top spec GT Trim.
i think mine is an SE-L Nav+ model so heated seats, sat nav etc etc but cloth seats (i really wanted cloth, i like them for this car and found them a tiny bit lower and softer)
oh and you have the decision to go RF or not. i did but just because i already have two other fabric convertibles.
I have a 2018 ND 2.0 i think that's the year there will be some 160 bhp and some 184 bhp models.
I know mine has the LSD it maybe the 2.0 litre models have them if you think an ND is for you my personal choice was either an early 1.5 with no options as basic and light as possible and enjoy the fun that kind of car gives or a 184 2.0 model.
The new prices of these is silly mazda have been quite open i think about the fact the 2.0 emisions are higher than they want as company average so have bumped up the spec you need to order to get the 184bhp model and the cost is too much imo for an mx5, however i found a crossover year the new engine but from when you could order it with something other than top spec GT Trim.
i think mine is an SE-L Nav+ model so heated seats, sat nav etc etc but cloth seats (i really wanted cloth, i like them for this car and found them a tiny bit lower and softer)
oh and you have the decision to go RF or not. i did but just because i already have two other fabric convertibles.
Edited by Lastmin on Saturday 9th January 15:20
I’m watching this thread with interest as I’m looking at getting (another) MX5.. or maybe a Boxster as I’m missing that roof-down driving feeling and funnily enough a Volvo T5 or Kia e-Niro doesn’t quite hit the spot.
I’ve had a NA 1.8, supercharged NB (that I really really regret selling) and also an Abarth 124.. which i did enjoy but I wasn’t a huge fan of the engine when “on it” probably because it wasn’t rewarding to Rev out.
So far in my head I’m considering an NC/3.5 or maybe a early ND 2.0(or possibly even a 1.5)
Some light modifications are not out of the question too.
I would be interested to know if anyone has an opinion of an ND 2.0 with BBR vs an ND2 184.
I’ve had a NA 1.8, supercharged NB (that I really really regret selling) and also an Abarth 124.. which i did enjoy but I wasn’t a huge fan of the engine when “on it” probably because it wasn’t rewarding to Rev out.
So far in my head I’m considering an NC/3.5 or maybe a early ND 2.0(or possibly even a 1.5)
Some light modifications are not out of the question too.
I would be interested to know if anyone has an opinion of an ND 2.0 with BBR vs an ND2 184.
Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff