MX-5?

[...Mole...]

Im looking at getting an MX-5, once i sell my Polo(which is in being fixed now).
im looking at mk1's got a budget of about #2500, looking at both the 1.6 and the 1.8 models, any reccomendations on these, am i going to lose out on buying the 1.6 model over the 1.8?


thanks

[Fruitcake]

...Mole... said:

Im looking at getting an MX-5, once i sell my Polo(which is in being fixed now).
im looking at mk1's got a budget of about #2500, looking at both the 1.6 and the 1.8 models, any reccomendations on these, am i going to lose out on buying the 1.6 model over the 1.8?


thanks

Look in the MX-5/Eunos/Miata section - there's loads of these kind of threads in there.

The 1.6 is the sweeter car (apparently), the 1.8 the more powerful.

[Planet Claire]

The one to be aware of is the post '94 (I think) 1.6, which has the lower bhp to the earlier editions. If you search in the MX5 section you'll find lots of stuff on the various models, but a budget of £2500 will buy you something decent.

Pay a visit to Nutz or The Owners Club for lots of info and possible 'for sales'.

[huytonman]

Watch out for early 1.6's up to around 1992, there is a design fault that can easily lead to a problem with the engine (pin in the crankshaft) if its serviced by people who dont appreciate the issue. Otherwise, rust can be an issue around the sills and as pointed out earlier the 1.6 when re-introduced had a power drop comnpared to when it was launched. I prefer UK cars to imports, just my preference although I've read that rust prevention on the Japan imports isnt as good but dont know how true that is. I initially ran a 1993 1.6 without any problems that had 90k miles on the clock. That was replaced with a 1990 car with around 19k miles on the clock and it runs beautifully. These arent "fast" cars but the enjoyment that they offer is excellent, you should get a decent one for 2.5k. Go for condition and be less concerned about engine size, the 1.6 is sweeter than the 1.8 and as this isnt a performance car you will rarely need the extra few BHP. Oh and these are great cars for DIY work, every job I've done has been easy thanks to the design and availability of spares.