Buying my 1st MX5 / Eunos

[Benjamonk]

Hello All

I am look to buy my first 5 - I want a Mk1, which is mecnahically sound. I don't mind if it's generally less than immacualte because I'd enjoy one I can 'do up' to be honest.

I've had a search of the forum but couldn't find a 'checklist' of things to look for / look our for when buying a 5? If there are any experienced 5 owners out there that could point me in the right direction I would be REALLY grateful.

Also, I live in Devon not far from Exeter. Does anyone know of any MX5 specialists in the area?

One last thing - I've seen a wonderful thing on the internet called a 'Zoom Engineering Bodykit'. Looks great! I've searched extensively but can't find out how I could hold of such a thing. Any ideas?

Look forward to talking to you all soon when I find the right car. (Looking at a few this wk end).

Many thanks,

Ben.

[Don Phil]

These are the 2 recent topics i can remember, im sure there are others, one with a great write up, but i cant rememeber where and I should really do some work! hope these links help (and work) to get you started.

P.S. Welcome!

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[quadrifoglio]

The Zoom engineering kit is indeed a goodlooking kit...but you'll have to import them from Japan. I can only imagine the shipping costs...

http://zoom-eng.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=260_49...

[Benjamonk]

Don Phil said:

These are the 2 recent topics i can remember, im sure there are others, one with a great write up, but i cant rememeber where and I should really do some work! hope these links help (and work) to get you started.

P.S. Welcome!

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Thanks for the links and the Welcome - Both very useful.

[Benjamonk]

quadrifoglio said:

The Zoom engineering kit is indeed a goodlooking kit...but you'll have to import them from Japan. I can only imagine the shipping costs...

http://zoom-eng.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=260_49...

Hmmmm, Prettyyy....... I think it may have to stay a pipe-dream. I bet the full kit and with shipping would be Mucho Yen!!

PS - Do I assume from your 'quadrifoglio' reference you are, like me, also a fan of Alfa Romeo?

[quadrifoglio]

[quote=Benjamonk
Hmmmm, Prettyyy....... I think it may have to stay a pipe-dream. I bet the full kit and with shipping would be Mucho Yen!!

PS - Do I assume from your 'quadrifoglio' reference you are, like me, also a fan of Alfa Romeo?
[/quote]

Yup, an Alfa-fan with (since 2 weeks) a Mazda

[Benjamonk]

Has anyone driven both 1.6's and 1.8's - Is there much of a difference in performance?

[snotrag]

Benjamonk said:

Has anyone driven both 1.6's and 1.8's - Is there much of a difference in performance?

Yes. A bit, not much.

1.6 Engine revs a bit nicer. At 10/10ths maximum banzai attack mode on a track there wont be a massive amount in it.

However the 1.8 feels a bit stronger, pulls better low down, easier to drive in real world.

Also comes with bigger brakes, better braces etc, and tend to be the nicer specced or posher cars. Also have much stronger diff, and a better LSD on some (torsen, not viscous).

For people who think they might go on to use the car on track, or hard on the road, then some of the first mods there gonna want to make are the ones you get as standard on a 1.8. So you may aswell just buy one in the first place.


When I bought mine I held out for a 1.8 - the prices are not really more like-for-like, there jsut harder to find.

If a really, really awesome condition 1.6 had come up I would have bought it, but it would had to have been a too good to let it pass type car.

[Benjamonk]

snotrag said:

Benjamonk said:

Has anyone driven both 1.6's and 1.8's - Is there much of a difference in performance?

If a really, really awesome condition 1.6 had come up I would have bought it, but it would had to have been a too good to let it pass type car.

Yeah, that all makes perfect logical sense to me. I think a 1.8 would suit me better, trouble is I haven't really found one a good one. I'm going to see a 1.6 V-Spec in a couple of days from a dealer I know who has no rubbish on his forecourt. It sounds in really, really good condition and is very low mileage. ! guess a really good 1.6 is better than a tatty 1.8. If only it wasn't green..... Not really my colour.

[snotrag]

Benjamonk said:

guess a really good 1.6 is better than a tatty 1.8.

Absolutely.


FYI Green is good on cars - but not the Green that Mazda chose in my opinon! Needs more 'zing'!

Edited by snotrag on Saturday 20th February 20:34

[Benjamonk]

snotrag said:

Benjamonk said:

guess a really good 1.6 is better than a tatty 1.8. If only it wasn't green..... Not really my colour.

Absolutely.

Absolutely a good 1600 is better than a bad 1800?
Or absolutely it's a shame it's Mazda green? ;-) I know exactly what you mean about 'Zing'.

Edited by Benjamonk on Sunday 21st February 10:19