what do i get for £5.5k
Discussion
Hi all,
I went to the local MX5 place today and sat in a few cars.
I started the day off looking for a MK2, after having sat in one I found that the seats don't quite go back as far as I would be comfortable with. I then tried a MK1 this felt more comfortable.
I am 6'2" and 18.5st (with large legs) so its going to be a squeeze.
Is it me or are the MK1 cars marginally bigger?
Should I just spend less and get a MK1 and have some money for upgrades?
Is there any adjustment to the steering wheel (up/down) so I can get my legs in?
What would make the better track day car MK1 or MK2?
Finally
I understand that a LSD is preferable for track days, which model MK1 comes with this?
Sorry to ramble on
Dave
I went to the local MX5 place today and sat in a few cars.
I started the day off looking for a MK2, after having sat in one I found that the seats don't quite go back as far as I would be comfortable with. I then tried a MK1 this felt more comfortable.
I am 6'2" and 18.5st (with large legs) so its going to be a squeeze.
Is it me or are the MK1 cars marginally bigger?
Should I just spend less and get a MK1 and have some money for upgrades?
Is there any adjustment to the steering wheel (up/down) so I can get my legs in?
What would make the better track day car MK1 or MK2?
Finally
I understand that a LSD is preferable for track days, which model MK1 comes with this?
Sorry to ramble on
Dave
- mk1 with torsen.You can have mine for £5.5k 
But seriously, that buys you a lot of MX5 these days.
If you want a seriously fun/sharp handling MX5 you have a couple of routes:
1. Buy one of the special edition Mk1 - S-Special Type II, RS-Limited in particular have LSD and the Bilstein suspension and 15" BBS wheel set up that drives and lasts very well. The RS has Kevlar Recaro Seats as standard as well. I am biased towards this route. A reasonable one of theses should not cost you more than £3-3.5k, and £3.5-4k for a good one. Spend the rest on upgrades if you wish. Brakes first, exhaust, air intake - maybe refresh the bushes. Personally I like the way the car drives without a 'charger - You still have plenty of fun, and can keep your license for work! I have just bought a Flyin' Miata chassis rail and butterfly brace to add even greater stiffness
2. Buy as cheap a 1.8 Mk1, in good mechanical order, as possible (£1-1.5k) - and build the car you want with the spare cash. P5 suspension, brake upgrades, mohair/glass roof - and maybe even some light charging.
3. Buy a mk2 1.8 for 3k ish, and upgrade the suspension. This is the safer option, as you will have ABS and Aibags with a Mk2 - I just find the driving experience a little 'numb' compared to the RS-Limited. A suspension upgrade should fix that. There are a few models that have 6 speed box and Bilstein suspension from the factory, they would be worth hunting down. An imported RS, the 'Icon' special edition, and the 10th Anniversary edition. All are good, the 10AE tends to sell at about a 20% premium.
4. Buy a mk2.5 sport/ VT model which again has the firmer suspension.
But seriously, that buys you a lot of MX5 these days.
If you want a seriously fun/sharp handling MX5 you have a couple of routes:
1. Buy one of the special edition Mk1 - S-Special Type II, RS-Limited in particular have LSD and the Bilstein suspension and 15" BBS wheel set up that drives and lasts very well. The RS has Kevlar Recaro Seats as standard as well. I am biased towards this route. A reasonable one of theses should not cost you more than £3-3.5k, and £3.5-4k for a good one. Spend the rest on upgrades if you wish. Brakes first, exhaust, air intake - maybe refresh the bushes. Personally I like the way the car drives without a 'charger - You still have plenty of fun, and can keep your license for work! I have just bought a Flyin' Miata chassis rail and butterfly brace to add even greater stiffness
2. Buy as cheap a 1.8 Mk1, in good mechanical order, as possible (£1-1.5k) - and build the car you want with the spare cash. P5 suspension, brake upgrades, mohair/glass roof - and maybe even some light charging.
3. Buy a mk2 1.8 for 3k ish, and upgrade the suspension. This is the safer option, as you will have ABS and Aibags with a Mk2 - I just find the driving experience a little 'numb' compared to the RS-Limited. A suspension upgrade should fix that. There are a few models that have 6 speed box and Bilstein suspension from the factory, they would be worth hunting down. An imported RS, the 'Icon' special edition, and the 10th Anniversary edition. All are good, the 10AE tends to sell at about a 20% premium.
4. Buy a mk2.5 sport/ VT model which again has the firmer suspension.
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