£2k Budget for a Mark 1
Discussion
Damn this forum, the MX5 plans are starting to form in my head already! Budget will be around £2k so I can save some cash!
I'm coming from a Clio 182 so used to some decent pace and I'd be driving the MX5 mainly for fun with some motorway driving, but unlikely to be any track days
I'm 23 and the car will be parked outside so insurance might be a bit of an issue too.
I'm looking at the Mark 1 and thinking maybe a 1.8 Merlot or RS Limited. Is there any noticeable difference between an early better-powered 1.6 versus a 1.8 and smilarly a UK car vs a Eunos? Also have younger drivers found any significant price difference between a UK car versus a Eunos?
What would you go for if it was your £2k?
I'm coming from a Clio 182 so used to some decent pace and I'd be driving the MX5 mainly for fun with some motorway driving, but unlikely to be any track days
I'm 23 and the car will be parked outside so insurance might be a bit of an issue too.I'm looking at the Mark 1 and thinking maybe a 1.8 Merlot or RS Limited. Is there any noticeable difference between an early better-powered 1.6 versus a 1.8 and smilarly a UK car vs a Eunos? Also have younger drivers found any significant price difference between a UK car versus a Eunos?
What would you go for if it was your £2k?
Edited by v15ben on Sunday 6th December 18:24
v15ben said:
What would you go for if it was your £2k?
My 2k just bought me this 1.6 S-Special on Wednesday 
Currently my friend is driving it til end of March when i'll be able to insure it as my daily driver and get rid of the practical car i have for family reasons at the moment. I am also 23, its the 2nd import ive owned, 1st one was a 1.8, the quotes were around the same for both.
Im 24, was 23 when I bought mine last year, and it lives outside. I pay £600-ish with flux, with modifications (wheels, dampers, etc etc).
I found there was little difference between 1.6 and 1.8, but a bit of a jump between UK car and import. But cost was cheaper than my old GTi-6 was, for reference.
Mine is a 1.8 S-Special Eunos, bought it at about 88k miles, now on 100kish. I paid £1650 in November-ish last year.
There are a multitude of Special editions. Personally, the Merlots are a lovely colour but have horrid plastic wood and grey interiors. RS-ltd command a (possibly exaggerated IMO) premium, I doubt you'll find one for £1650.
I personally think the best thing you can do is just go see a few. Rather than look for certain models, you need to look for a good example, be it UK or import, whatever edition.
You will also find that they have an almost kit-car like quality in that pretty much every single one is different. A great percentage of the cars have non-stock parts.
Basically, treat each car you view on its individual merits.
I'm sure you've now found the Classifieds on Mx5nutz now, always lots of interesting cars on there.
Also - for an only car I'd go for a 1.8. I did drive a few 1.6's, but they ARE slower, and the 1.8 has lots of upgrades fitted as standard (bigger brakes, etc).
I think similar to the old Golf GTi 8valve/16Valve debate... The people who try and preach that 1.6's are just as good are the people... bought 1.6's...!
I freely admit that theres not a huge amount it it and a really good nick 1.6 at a good price would be a smart buy.
I found there was little difference between 1.6 and 1.8, but a bit of a jump between UK car and import. But cost was cheaper than my old GTi-6 was, for reference.
Mine is a 1.8 S-Special Eunos, bought it at about 88k miles, now on 100kish. I paid £1650 in November-ish last year.
There are a multitude of Special editions. Personally, the Merlots are a lovely colour but have horrid plastic wood and grey interiors. RS-ltd command a (possibly exaggerated IMO) premium, I doubt you'll find one for £1650.
I personally think the best thing you can do is just go see a few. Rather than look for certain models, you need to look for a good example, be it UK or import, whatever edition.
You will also find that they have an almost kit-car like quality in that pretty much every single one is different. A great percentage of the cars have non-stock parts.
Basically, treat each car you view on its individual merits.
I'm sure you've now found the Classifieds on Mx5nutz now, always lots of interesting cars on there.
Also - for an only car I'd go for a 1.8. I did drive a few 1.6's, but they ARE slower, and the 1.8 has lots of upgrades fitted as standard (bigger brakes, etc).
I think similar to the old Golf GTi 8valve/16Valve debate... The people who try and preach that 1.6's are just as good are the people... bought 1.6's...!
I freely admit that theres not a huge amount it it and a really good nick 1.6 at a good price would be a smart buy.
Edited by snotrag on Sunday 6th December 19:29
snotrag said:
Also - for an only car I'd go for a 1.8. I did drive a few 1.6's, but they ARE slower, and the 1.8 has lots of upgrades fitted as standard (bigger brakes, etc).
Not that theres anything wrong with the 1.6 brakes anyway 
never had the slightest hint of fade from mine even on track. The underbody chassis braces which early Mk1's don't have are a cheap aftermarket bolt-on.That said if I was replacing mine I would go for a 1.8, but if the choice is between a good 1.6 and a bad 1.8 then the 1.6 would be a better option.
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