MX5 Mk 2, had it a week, don't think I like it !
Discussion
I know it sometimes takes few days to get used to different car. But after a week, I'm really not sure. I have read the go-kart forum. The steering seems ultra sensitive - if I turn steering wheel 1mm to left or right I think I'm going into verge or across into middle of road ! When accelerating fast on motorway, I feel like I don't have control! (No woman driver remarks please!!) It's actually easier to drive my TVR with no PAS. Generally seems a good car in immaculate condition. Are all Mk 2s like this ? 
MX5's are very sensitive to wheel alignment so i suggest getting that checked out. I had my car adjusted to 'Lanny's Alignment' spec which really improved the car. Read more about it here: http://www.hummingbirds.net/alignment.html It's well worth spending some money to get it done correctly (Ie. not at Kwik Fit) I think it will definitely help with the dartiness of the steering, i certainly dont feel that in my MK2.
Also when getting the alignment done, ensure (As it mentions in the guide) that ballast is added to simulate your weight in the car (or just sit in the car), it does make quite a difference to the alignment numbers.
Also when getting the alignment done, ensure (As it mentions in the guide) that ballast is added to simulate your weight in the car (or just sit in the car), it does make quite a difference to the alignment numbers.
Edited by paul99 on Friday 1st February 13:49
err no.
The MX-5 is one of the most responsive, neutral handling cars you can buy. It might take a bit of getting used to the PAS if you're coming from a TVR with manual steering. Stick with it - but get the suspension alignment checked out - mis-alignment can make the front end twitchy.
The MX-5 is one of the most responsive, neutral handling cars you can buy. It might take a bit of getting used to the PAS if you're coming from a TVR with manual steering. Stick with it - but get the suspension alignment checked out - mis-alignment can make the front end twitchy.
Get the alignment sorted. This alignment issue is a PITA, i'd almost go so far as to say that it should be illegal, because there have been loads of great handling cars made that didn't have adjustable suspension. But if your cars alignment isn't right, it can be lethal. Basically, any car that has adjustable alignment should have to have it checked as part of the MOT imo, and certainly if you buy such a car, even a brand new Mk 3, the alignment should be checked before you do anything else.
IMO you need to spend about £100 to get it done right. Don't trust the places that advertise doing it for £30 or so, it won't be done properly. Try the forum at MX5oc to try to get a place recommended near you, and personally, i'd just ask for the factory settings rather than any others.
The point about after market wheels is valid also. They can completely ruin the handling of an MX5.
Sorry that this is not great news, i had this experience myself. It took me 3 attempts to get it done properly, because this is rip-off Britain where getting good service is nigh on impossible. But once it was done, and i'd ditched my aftermarket wheels, the car was transformed, totally and completely different and great fun.
IMO you need to spend about £100 to get it done right. Don't trust the places that advertise doing it for £30 or so, it won't be done properly. Try the forum at MX5oc to try to get a place recommended near you, and personally, i'd just ask for the factory settings rather than any others.
The point about after market wheels is valid also. They can completely ruin the handling of an MX5.
Sorry that this is not great news, i had this experience myself. It took me 3 attempts to get it done properly, because this is rip-off Britain where getting good service is nigh on impossible. But once it was done, and i'd ditched my aftermarket wheels, the car was transformed, totally and completely different and great fun.
Thank you all for that. I wondered about alignment - steering wheel doesn't sit exactly level. I was told they are very sensitive (just like me!) but it is very twitchy.
No, its not just cos Im used to TVR - I hardly drive that. My daily car I've just had was Renault Megane with PAS - and although underpowered, I could always fling it around no problem.
4-wheel alignment? I thought you just did front?
Yes I knew tyre pressures 26 as its written on front of service book.
Maybe I should try main dealer I bought from - would this be covered by warranty??
I'm actually missing the Megane
Thanks - Purrfect x
No, its not just cos Im used to TVR - I hardly drive that. My daily car I've just had was Renault Megane with PAS - and although underpowered, I could always fling it around no problem.
4-wheel alignment? I thought you just did front?
Yes I knew tyre pressures 26 as its written on front of service book.
Maybe I should try main dealer I bought from - would this be covered by warranty??
I'm actually missing the Megane
Thanks - Purrfect x
purrfect said:
Thank you all for that. I wondered about alignment - steering wheel doesn't sit exactly level. I was told they are very sensitive (just like me!) but it is very twitchy.
No, its not just cos Im used to TVR - I hardly drive that. My daily car I've just had was Renault Megane with PAS - and although underpowered, I could always fling it around no problem.
4-wheel alignment? I thought you just did front?
Yes I knew tyre pressures 26 as its written on front of service book.
Maybe I should try main dealer I bought from - would this be covered by warranty??
I'm actually missing the Megane
Thanks - Purrfect x
Yep all 4 wheels on teh MX-5 can be adjusted. Which means the rears might both be pointing left or right by a few degrees. So when you put your foot down the back of the car starts to veer off line, you then have to correct with some steering lock and the whole thing is a bit weird! No, its not just cos Im used to TVR - I hardly drive that. My daily car I've just had was Renault Megane with PAS - and although underpowered, I could always fling it around no problem.
4-wheel alignment? I thought you just did front?
Yes I knew tyre pressures 26 as its written on front of service book.
Maybe I should try main dealer I bought from - would this be covered by warranty??
I'm actually missing the Megane
Thanks - Purrfect x
All 4 wheels can be adjusted for Camber and toe in. The fronts can also be adjusted for Caster.
Edit: Is it covered by warrenty?... Could be hard to argue that one. You could discuss it with the seller. If the alignment was VERY out you could argue the car was not fit for purpose at the time of sale, and they owe the money it cost to put right. Mention the sale of goods act.
But to be honest it's a maintainance thing that needs adjustment, it's not like a broken part. So it's probably far easier to get it done yourself. Then do it again every 2 or 3 years.
Edited by Munter on Friday 1st February 14:49
Munter said:
purrfect said:
4-wheel alignment?
Yep all 4 wheels on teh MX-5 can be adjusted. Which means the rears might both be pointing left or right by a few degrees. So when you put your foot down the back of the car starts to veer off line, you then have to correct with some steering lock and the whole thing is a bit weird!
Its pretty weird now - I'm sure people behind must think I'm weaving about in a drunken state. Have to get TVR out now tomorrow (even if they have gritted) to restore normality!! Yep all 4 wheels on teh MX-5 can be adjusted. Which means the rears might both be pointing left or right by a few degrees. So when you put your foot down the back of the car starts to veer off line, you then have to correct with some steering lock and the whole thing is a bit weird!
It's worth getting in touch with Tony Bones at Wheels-inMotion. Although he's based in Hemel Hempstead he might be able to recommend somewhere near you and has often phoned up local garages to talk them through the settings. Honest, the guy knows his stuff when it comes to MX-5s and alignments; some people drive hundreds of miles just to go and get their cars done at his place.
He's on the MX5 OC Forum so you could always drop him a line on there.
He's on the MX5 OC Forum so you could always drop him a line on there.
Planet Claire said:
It's worth getting in touch with Tony Bones at Wheels-inMotion. Although he's based in Hemel Hempstead he might be able to recommend somewhere near you and has often phoned up local garages to talk them through the settings. Honest, the guy knows his stuff when it comes to MX-5s and alignments; some people drive hundreds of miles just to go and get their cars done at his place.
He's on the MX5 OC Forum so you could always drop him a line on there.
+1He's on the MX5 OC Forum so you could always drop him a line on there.
I chose Powerstation for my alignment based on his recommendation.
hornetrider said:
Planet Claire said:
It's worth getting in touch with Tony Bones at Wheels-inMotion. Although he's based in Hemel Hempstead he might be able to recommend somewhere near you and has often phoned up local garages to talk them through the settings. Honest, the guy knows his stuff when it comes to MX-5s and alignments; some people drive hundreds of miles just to go and get their cars done at his place.
He's on the MX5 OC Forum so you could always drop him a line on there.
+1He's on the MX5 OC Forum so you could always drop him a line on there.
Thanks I rang Tony and he sounds really helpful. But does anyone know someone as good in Norfolk or Suffolk ?
I am so relieved, I have managed to return from a trip to the vet on wet & windy roads in the scary monster 
I hope if I do make a trip to Tony, it will be worth it and solve the problem otherwise I will really regret my purchase
I never imagined it would be such a struggle to keep the thing on the road !!! I'm trusting you all as you are all saying same thing, in which case it will be worth the journey (if I manage to make it that is !). And yes I will also try OC.
Thanks for all your help.
I hope if I do make a trip to Tony, it will be worth it and solve the problem otherwise I will really regret my purchase
I never imagined it would be such a struggle to keep the thing on the road !!! I'm trusting you all as you are all saying same thing, in which case it will be worth the journey (if I manage to make it that is !). And yes I will also try OC.
Thanks for all your help.
purrfect said:
I am so relieved, I have managed to return from a trip to the vet on wet & windy roads in the scary monster
I hope if I do make a trip to Tony, it will be worth it and solve the problem otherwise I will really regret my purchase
I never imagined it would be such a struggle to keep the thing on the road !!! I'm trusting you all as you are all saying same thing, in which case it will be worth the journey (if I manage to make it that is !). And yes I will also try OC.
Thanks for all your help.
I've just had a nice nip along a lane coated with a fine covering of virgin snow. I think possibly my 10 yr old Mk 1 might be the best car i've driven in such conditions. When you get your alignment done you'll have a completely different car underneath you I hope if I do make a trip to Tony, it will be worth it and solve the problem otherwise I will really regret my purchase
I never imagined it would be such a struggle to keep the thing on the road !!! I'm trusting you all as you are all saying same thing, in which case it will be worth the journey (if I manage to make it that is !). And yes I will also try OC.
Thanks for all your help.
. Its just a shame that you have to go through the hassle first.Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff