An MX-5 novice with some questions

[RobbieB]

Hey guys,

I was wondering if I could call upon you experienced MX-5 owners for a little advice.

I currently have an Ep3 Honda Civic Type R. It is beautiful and in amazing condition however due to new financial obligations I need to sell it and pay off one of my loans. After this has been completed, I estimate I will have around £5000 to play with and am seriously looking into this cult classic. However, I have a few questions:

1) Driving conservatively around town, what MPG am I looking at in either a 1.6 or preferably a 1.8? Is it likely to be better than me driving my CTR conservatively?
2) Similar question, but swap around town with motorway driving.
3) Import MX-5s are obviously cheaper, but what are the possible problems with imports? I am never sure. Is insurance more? Are they more prone to faults? Is tax higher? I really am clueless.
4) Dandycars is quite close to me and I noticed it on the recognised suppliers. There are no horror storries surrounding these guys right?
5)What are the running costs like? I hear they are reliable and tax isn't too bad. How true is this?

I really hope the MX-5 is a good drivers car. I will finally be able to afford to drive just for fun again and I need a fairly cheap car to enjoy with out bleeding me dry on repairs etc.

Sorry for asking so many questions, but if you don't ask you'll never know!

Thanks in advance

Rob

[Herman Toothrot]

They are the old tax grouping so £195 a year.

The mpg is poor for the power.

It'll be loads slower than your type R as standard.

Dandy cars have nice cars but are very expensive, you could probably find just as good a car for 2/3rds of the price.

I'd not spend more than £2300 on a mk1 1.8 and doing that I'd want an Eunos, they are better than UK cars - this isn't debatable.

If I had £5K to burn I'd by an FM turbo car or another well sorted turbo or supercharger (that'd kick type R arse )

An Eunos will cost you more to insure.

[Pete Franklin]

Hi there

To answer your questions based on my Mk1 1.8is uk spec

1. I get around 26-28mpg around town driving conservativley
2. Between 29-33 on long runs at just under 80MPH
3. Generally imports are considered to be good options due to spec and condition i.e no rust due to japan not salting their roads. note that service history may not be available on JDM cars. however they are more on insurance from most mainstream insureres, although not with direct line who treat it rightly the same as a UK car, the components are the same so there is no problem sourcing parts.
4. Dandy cars are abit expensive but i'm sure the cars are OK.
5. Running costs on these are comparable to any standard reliable car. the engines are pretty bombproof and most things on the car are easy to fix, they are considered to have typical japanease reliability. Nothing major has gone rong with mine. tyres are cheap in standard sizes (especially 15") serviceing is pretty standard.

Hope that helps a bit

Pete

[pbirkett]

RobbieB said:

Hey guys,

I was wondering if I could call upon you experienced MX-5 owners for a little advice.

I currently have an Ep3 Honda Civic Type R. It is beautiful and in amazing condition however due to new financial obligations I need to sell it and pay off one of my loans. After this has been completed, I estimate I will have around £5000 to play with and am seriously looking into this cult classic. However, I have a few questions:

1) Driving conservatively around town, what MPG am I looking at in either a 1.6 or preferably a 1.8? Is it likely to be better than me driving my CTR conservatively?
2) Similar question, but swap around town with motorway driving.
3) Import MX-5s are obviously cheaper, but what are the possible problems with imports? I am never sure. Is insurance more? Are they more prone to faults? Is tax higher? I really am clueless.
4) Dandycars is quite close to me and I noticed it on the recognised suppliers. There are no horror storries surrounding these guys right?
5)What are the running costs like? I hear they are reliable and tax isn't too bad. How true is this?

I really hope the MX-5 is a good drivers car. I will finally be able to afford to drive just for fun again and I need a fairly cheap car to enjoy with out bleeding me dry on repairs etc.

Sorry for asking so many questions, but if you don't ask you'll never know!

Thanks in advance

Rob

1. MPG around town is poor. Think 25 MPG. NA models only require regular unleaded though which might save you a few pennies.

2. MPG on the motorway is poor. They are too short geared and not especially aerodynamic (particularly with the roof down), so you'll be revving high and working hard. Think around 35 MPG on a run. Your CTR will probably do better here.

3. Insurance may be higher on an import, but not neccesarily. Specialist insurance will not penalise for having an import. Imports are generally a better spec and/or in better condition.

4. Good cars, overpriced.

5. Tax as said is ~ £190 a year. Running costs are good. They are a bit thirsty for what they are. However, they are EXTREMELY reliable. Many parts are very cheap too. For example, a pair of brake discs for £28ish. A tyre for £28 (Toyo T1R from camskill).

The MX-5 is an excellent drivers car, and if you value handling more than speed, you will enjoy it more than a CTR. That said, as standard, you wont get the performance of a CTR. However, £5k can buy a lovely FI'd MX-5 which will give you at least the same sort of performance; Mine has a basic supercharger kit on it, producing 40% more power than stock and its performance from 0-80 is comparable to my old ITR, only with a lot more midrange torque, making road driving much more effortless and pleasurable, in general. The main drawback with a super or turbo charger is you'll then have to use super unleaded, but there are no other real drawbacks.

Have a look on mx5nutz, there are some lovely cars on there for under your budget. Wish I'd done that first instead of buying one for just under £4k and then spending £1.5k putting it right

[paul99]

MX5's are not all that great on fuel considering the weight and engine size, the engine is old tech but solid and very reliable if cared for, there are many cars around with big mileage. You should see around 27mpg on average, a little better for the 1.6.

Import cars are generally higher spec'd (Air con etc..) and have less rust, they were all made in the same factory so getting parts for imports is a non issue. If i was looking for a MK1, i would look for a nice spec'd 94> 1.8 import. Insurance is typically a bit higher for imports.

Dandycars have a pretty good reputation but i gather they are expensive, I would look for a private sale and buy one off an enthusiast (mx5oc/mx5nutz forums), I care for my car meticulously and so do many owners.

Running costs are good, obviously they could be better on fuel but insurance is not bad (Group 12 for 1.8 i think), parts are easy to find and relatively cheap. They make a lot of sense really and if you find a good well maintained one, look after it and it will keep chugging along for ages.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Herman Toothrot said:

I'd not spend more than £2300 on a mk1 1.8 and doing that I'd want an Eunos, they are better than UK cars - this isn't debatable.

As a general rule that's true but you also have to remember that JDM cars have been imported for the last 15 years or so so many of them have been in this country for a long time and could be suffering from rust as badly as a UK car. The spec of JDM cars is generally higher than UK cars but again this isn't an absolute as things like LSD & AC were options over there the same they were here but Jap buyers tended to take these options. There are still a fair number of poverty spec JDM cars in this country with no AC/LSD/EW etc.

So yes, I agree as a general rule but don't rule a car in or out because it is or isn't JDM. It's always best to buy according to condition & spec rather than just picking a model.

[snotrag]

MX-5 Lazza said:

So yes, I agree as a general rule but don't rule a car in or out because it is or isn't JDM. It's always best to buy according to condition & spec rather than just picking a model.

From experience - this is the way to go. It took me ages to find mine (well documented on this forum!). You soon learn that its not really the colour, or the special edition that matter. the VAST majority of cars have been modified from the factory in one way or another, whether it be simply some alloy wheels and leather seats, or complete mechanical changes.

You just have to look at a good amount - you will soon see the difference between the good ones and the bad ones. Mileages is not really an issue, so long as the history and servicing has been done and its been well kept.


Regarding MPG - some say it is 'poor'. I personally find an average of between 28-33mpg quite acceptable really, given the age of the car, and the fact its a proper sports car.

[Gizmo!]

Miles per gallon is controlled by your right foot.
So is smiles per gallon.

[RobbieB]

Firstly thank you so much for the replies guys, it's greatly appreciated.

Ok so from what I gather, everything is good asides the MPG. Does anyone know what the 1.8 is combined? My CTR is 31.7 I want to see how it measures up.

Performance isn't a massive issue. If I could afford to keep my CTR I woud as it is very nippy. However my outgoings are so high, I need to sell my car, pay off a loan, get cheaper insurance (as I pay it monthly) and then save money on petrol. All of this would make my life alot easier. CTR is group 17 (not a convertible though obviously which will affect it), so it comes down mainly to petrol.

I would absolutely love an FI'd MX-5, but being 21 I think my insurance company would close their office and retire if I went ahead with it. Or am I wrong?

Everyone has told me to get a little diesel run around, but driving is far too important to me to do that.

I did think Dandycars looked a little expensive so I will go on the owners club and report back to see what you lot think.

Again thank you for the help, and it's nice to get such a host of information.

[Planet Claire]

I find mpg pretty good for a small roadster. I average about 34mpg in my 1.8 mk2, on long runs it has been as high as 39mpg.

[snotrag]

As I said above - I really dont think the economy is an issue. normal driving seems me at 30+ without fail - its only when im bombing around at WOT on country roads that it drops.

If you've been putting Super Unleaded in your civic - the cost will probably go down.

If you have a bit of mechanical knowledge, buy private. They are simple cars. You can get a cracker for 2 grand. dont worry about power. You will love it.

[RobbieB]

Ok well I have to shift my beautiful Civic before I can start seriously looking into it.

I would like to spend around £3k if possible so I have a little money to customise it a bit, as I feel (and this is going to go down like a lead balloon) they can look at bit girly sometimes. Sorry!

[snotrag]

Black ones never look girly.

[RobbieB]

I had a black Fiesta ST and it was the hardest thing to keep clean and hide and tiny scratches or door dents. I do love black cars though!

When looking for an MX-5 (I particularly like mk2s but mk1 is cool too)is there anything I should look out for? Anything to avoid?

[300bhp/ton]

RobbieB said:

1) Driving conservatively around town, what MPG am I looking at in either a 1.6 or preferably a 1.8? Is it likely to be better than me driving my CTR conservatively?

I would think it would be quite similar. They are smaller engines but arguably older cars are not as fuel efficient.

Most of it will depend on your driving style, if you are hard on the throttle and/or labour the engine then it won't be good. If you drive more sensible, then its capable of much better.

RobbieB said:

2) Similar question, but swap around town with motorway driving.

Same as above really. Don't drive too quick (65-70mph) and it'll probably be pretty good. Keep the revs and speed up however and it'll soon drop.

RobbieB said:

3) Import MX-5s are obviously cheaper, but what are the possible problems with imports? I am never sure. Is insurance more? Are they more prone to faults? Is tax higher? I really am clueless.

I would check out some insurance quotes.

imports should be the same tax as any pre 2001 registered car.

RobbieB said:

I really hope the MX-5 is a good drivers car. I will finally be able to afford to drive just for fun again and I need a fairly cheap car to enjoy with out bleeding me dry on repairs etc.

A couple of points.

1. I don't honestly believe running such a car will really be much cheaper than a CTR. Neither should be pricey to maintain or run and in fuel terms probably pretty equal, even with an advantage to the CTR if driven right.

Having said that, short of a diesel, I can't see you really getting anything much cheaper to run if you plan to drive hard and for fun.

2. The MX5 is known for its handling and not its speed. If you think a nimble rwd sports car you can throw about and get the tail out on is fun, then you will like this.

However, it won't give you the straight line sensation nor the VTEC kick in the back. If you grave for speed you might be dissappointed.

I also know some who have claimed the MX5 to be a little to dull to drive.

The only way you can tell is to drive one and see

Of course you could mod one or buy one that's been modded. But mpg will be worse, running costs are likely to be more and it may still not float your boat.

But do go drive one!!!



The only car I can think of that can generate similar smiles and driving fun but better economy is a SMART Roadster. I used to turn my nose up at these, but no longer! I think they are funky fab little cars.

Ok even slower than an MX5, but every road test report will say it doesn't matter because they are so much fun. A Brabus would be nice but probably out of budget so a regular Roadster or Roadster Coupe would be my advice.

99% the same ability of an MX5 but with 45-55mpg capability.

[pbirkett]

300bhp/ton said:

1. I don't honestly believe running such a car will really be much cheaper than a CTR. Neither should be pricey to maintain or run and in fuel terms probably pretty equal, even with an advantage to the CTR if driven right.

Having said that, short of a diesel, I can't see you really getting anything much cheaper to run if you plan to drive hard and for fun.

2. The MX5 is known for its handling and not its speed. If you think a nimble rwd sports car you can throw about and get the tail out on is fun, then you will like this.

However, it won't give you the straight line sensation nor the VTEC kick in the back. If you grave for speed you might be dissappointed.

I also know some who have claimed the MX5 to be a little to dull to drive.

The only way you can tell is to drive one and see

Of course you could mod one or buy one that's been modded. But mpg will be worse, running costs are likely to be more and it may still not float your boat.

But do go drive one!!!



The only car I can think of that can generate similar smiles and driving fun but better economy is a SMART Roadster. I used to turn my nose up at these, but no longer! I think they are funky fab little cars.

Ok even slower than an MX5, but every road test report will say it doesn't matter because they are so much fun. A Brabus would be nice but probably out of budget so a regular Roadster or Roadster Coupe would be my advice.

99% the same ability of an MX5 but with 45-55mpg capability.

1. Thinking about it, you're probably right. The main areas where I see savings are with fuel - mainly the difference between super unleaded (CTR) and normal unleaded (MX5), and also the cost of parts. For example, a decent tyre for a CTR will be £80+, MX5 will be < £35. Also insurance costs. The OP asked about insurance on a FI'd MX5. I honestly believe any FI MX5 up to 200 bhp will be no more and possibly less than the Civic. Above that, yes it'll probably go up. Leave it NA, and it will be a lot cheaper.

I'd estimate then that an MX-5 (NA) could save about 20% in running costs over a CTR. Of course, if the OP buys a cheap Mk1, he'll also lose a lot less in depreciation. However, if like me, he inadvertently buys one that needs a lot of work, then it'll cost you initially.

2. The first MX-5 I drove at the time was a Mk2 1.8, with standard suspension and wheels. My car at the time was a Clio 182. Yes, I did feel it was a bit slow. Yes, I also felt it was a little dull / bland. I ended up keeping my Clio.

When I got my current car, I had the ITR which I regarded as a step up from the Clio. Mine is a 1.8 RS-Ltd, which has uprated suspension, lightweight wheels, lighter flywheel, shorter gearing, bucket seats, and is a lot lighter. This is definitely not dull or bland at all - very raw and fun. Thats without even getting to the added power from the supercharger. Not all MX-5s are equal. It was enough to make me change from the ITR as it is huge fun. I'm still not sure I could live with less power though.

I would agree though that FI is not the way to go for reducing running costs really. Economy can be the same if you dont drive fast everywhere, but you just will! And it'll need super unleaded. And higher insurance. And they are bespoke projects so potentially many unknowns. And higher wear and tear. There can be no doubt that the running costs of an FI '5 will be higher than an NA. But then it is a lot more fun.

[RobbieB]

This is really helping me, so keep it up lads.

Ok, the thing I really have to think of is how much I will save. I basically have 2 loans with settlement figures of 6k and 4k. The 6k is costing me a bomb a month, and I'd like to sell my car for as close to £10,000 as possible and then settle that. That will save me around £200 p/m. Insurance quote on an MX-5 (only done a 1.8i S UK mk2 1998) at the moment and it is roughly £250-300 cheaper per annum which will save me roughly £25-30 per month. Then in the long term I will save on tax, tyres and parts.

I want as fun a car as I can get / afford to run after paying off a loan. If I can lower monthly outgoings by around £300 I will be golden, but driving is such an important part of my life, I don't want to lower it by £500 and get some st 1.2 fiesta flight.

I've got to say though, I'm a little concerned about the quality of the MX-5 I can get for £3000-4000 as realistically that is what I will have now.

Edited by RobbieB on Wednesday 9th September 15:10

[MX-5 Lazza]

Don't bother modding the looks because of a perceived "girly" image. An hour behind the wheel on a hoon and you'll forget about all that 130lox

[RobbieB]

I always thought a red mk2 MX-5 would be the girliest of them all. I just clicked your profile and I would like to apologise to you, despite the fact you were unaware I thought this.

[MX-5 Lazza]

RobbieB said:

I always thought a red mk2 MX-5 would be the girliest of them all. I just clicked your profile and I would like to apologise to you, despite the fact you were unaware I thought this.

www.youtube.com/lazholmes