Which Mk1?

[rfn]

After selling my Mk2.5 Sport 9 weeks ago to buy a Clio 182 I've decided I made a mistake .

The 182 is an excellent car, and I really love driving it - but it doesn't have quite the same "roof-down" fun that the '5 gave me!

I'm trying to be sensible and restrict my budget, (mainly because prices seem to have gone up!), I'm looking at Mk1's. It'd need to be a 1.8, and as I'm only 21 a UK car. It needs to have leather and be in a "nice" colour - any recommendations for any special editions or choices I should look at?

Budget is capped at about £3k, which should get me a really nice Mk1 without too many miles I think?

[Planet Claire]

If I was to buy a mk1 then I would go for the R-Limited in Chaste White (with red leather)

But that's an import so doesn't help you. How about a Merlot or Berkeley, both were 1.8. I think the Harvard is quite nice too, silver with burgundy interior.

[A2Z]

I am assuming you know the "buy on condition" routine and all the usual weak spots on UK cars.

You're prbably looking at

Dakar
Merlot
Harvard
Berkley
Gleneagles

http://www.dandycars.com/Frequently_Asked_Question...

as late model Mk1 1.8's in good colours and leather. £3k got my low ish miles Dakar with a proper matching hard top last year.

[maz8062]

Not a 1.8, but this is worth a look

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mazda-Mx5-BBR-TURBO-Converti...

They're classed as UK, factory cars so insurance shouldn't be an issue.

[Fruitcake]

Contact a bloke called 'rodders' on MX5Nutz. He's got a good un up at the moment for about £2000. Not a bad car either as far as I can tell and it's a UK car.

[OnlyMX5ives]

I have a nice UK '96 Harvard, FSH, 89k, silver with red leather in the classifieds for £3250 with 3 month warrenty.

I'd take £3000.