Hoping to be a new 5 owner

Author
Discussion

Spooks

Original Poster:

91 posts

198 months

Friday 23rd May 2008
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Looking to getting myself a wee 5 once I sell my 07 plate Subaru WRX (im down sizing and saving for a wedding)but know little about them. Looking to try and spend about 6K so should be looking at MK2 or MK2.5. Question is whats the differnces between the MK2 and 2.5?
I really want to be using the car all the time, back and forward to work(60 mile round trip) and weekend runs, have a little fun and with the roof down as often as the scottish weather will allow.
Any info on theses little gems would be great as in what goes wrong with them, what to look for.

mx5 Addict

39 posts

200 months

Saturday 24th May 2008
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Hi, i have a mk1 but my girlfreinds mum has a mk2.5, i much prefer the mk1 to drive. go for a late 1.8 mk1. what to watch out for is, rust on rear arches and sills. Roof, rear window and roof seals. Engine wise they are strong and not much to repair if needed. Jap imports tend to be better than English models, higher spec and less rust, slightly dearer to insure but don't think that will matter after an impreza. good luck and enjoy.

Combover

3,009 posts

234 months

Saturday 24th May 2008
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Mk2.5 was essentially a facelifted Mk2.

The engine was changed to an SVT (Sequential Valve Timing) setup, a sort of VVT if you like, different exhaust system etc so you get a little bit more power. It was given a sharper nose, slightly changed arse and different seats (which are rubbish). It was a chance to update the car without spending loads of money. I prefer the looks of the 2.5 to any other 5 though.

Spooks

Original Poster:

91 posts

198 months

Sunday 25th May 2008
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Cheers for the replies, had a quick play in a 04plate 1.8 Euphonic today and was actually quite impressed, aint quick but great fun car so my search has been intensified now LOL
Was a bit confussed as I thought they came with a 6speed box and AC but hey ho, the garage was looking for relatively monopoly money for it and now they reckon its sold so will be looking for another one.

Combover

3,009 posts

234 months

Sunday 25th May 2008
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Only some limited editions and the Sport versions got the 6 speed 'box. There's little wrong with the 5 speeder though, but both are amazingly tough gearboxes.

If you can, get a car with the TorSen diff in it. It gives a little extra sparkle to an already fun-loving car and is well worth the extra outlay.

Good luck searching! thumbup

MX-5 Lazza

7,954 posts

226 months

Sunday 25th May 2008
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As Combover said, only the Sport (top standard model) and some special editions came with the 6-speed. The same applies to the Torsen LSD.
Some UK cars did come with AC too (mine has it) - a lot more than previous models as AC has become more and more popular in this country as the years have gone on.