Are Special Editions Just Colour and Trim?

[pjpip]

Thinking of buying a new 5 at the end of this year, but see a UK SE is due early next year.

http://www.vicky.in/international/2009/08/01/mazda...

The only thing that would probably make me regret buying earlier is if the SE came with some extra, factory fitted horses, but from what I can see, that's very unlikely.

Does anyone have any clues as to what next year's SE might include? I've had it's arrival confirmed by a dealer, just no detail yet

[OnlyMX5ives]

I have no knowledge of the new one but every limited edition I can think of has just had a few bits and bobs without any extra power.

With one exception which was the LeMans which was based on the BBR Turbo.

[Oldandslow]

I think the M1 and M2 had a few more horses but still NA, also there was the BBR turbo.

V, R, S specials had things like LSD's, Bilstien suspension, racing seat, strut braces. Not exactly go faster stuff but more track focused.

There are loads of limited editions which are mostly special paint and interior styling.

[snotrag]

I would be surprised (but pleased) if the SE had more power - althought there is the question still in the air about why they have added a strengthened crank/rods to the updated model.


Regards buying oen brand new - Is there a particular reason?

I'm not sure how many of the Mk3.5's are available in the used network yet - but perhaps you could get one a year old, and put the healthy discount towards a few trinkets to make it a bit more 'special' abd customised?

A 1yr old car is still going to be mint really, just nicely broken in.

[pjpip]

Couple of reasons why I might get one brand new. Firstly I can get a reasonable corporate discount through an employee scheme at work (~20%) and secondly, you can never be sure how "nicely" they've been run-in unless you do it yourself. I know many will argue that running in doesn't really make a difference on modern cars, but I would disagree. If nothing else, it's amazing how many engines have never been near the red line and I think that's essential in an engine's early life. Maybe placebo and bluff, but it's fun getting there!!

[swannynhb]

pjpip said:

Couple of reasons why I might get one brand new. Firstly I can get a reasonable corporate discount through an employee scheme at work (~20%) and secondly, you can never be sure how "nicely" they've been run-in unless you do it yourself. I know many will argue that running in doesn't really make a difference on modern cars, but I would disagree. If nothing else, it's amazing how many engines have never been near the red line and I think that's essential in an engine's early life. Maybe placebo and bluff, but it's fun getting there!!

you are so right......people are kidding themselves if they think a 1 owner car with low miles = a nice example. i work for a main dealer and would never pay good money for a used car....and dont get me started on ex demos....my company car which is one of our demostrators has had such a hard life its untrue....everyday its in the redline seconds after start up, i change gear when the limiter forces me to and the clutch is dropped at every opportunity....but judging by some of the people on here because its only 6months old and only covered 8k miles it must be in good condition? the car looks like new but id love to see what damage ive done internally....cars like this will never see 100k miles IMO.

[MX-5 Lazza]

That's a bit of an extreme example though. When I bought my car it was just under 3 years old and had done only 10412 miles. The previous owner used it for work 3 days a week and the occasional weekend drive. In fact it had so little real use I drove it carefully for the first 1k miles not quite running it in but something approaching it.

With the Mk1, Mk2/2.5 though miles aren't really a problem so seeking a low mileage car isn't really required. Mk3 2.0 however is more of an unknown quantity though. Who knows how well they will handle high miles and a bit of abuse? I guess some might be knocking on a bit now but there won't be enough to get a good idea of them in general.