Thinking of an MX5

[warren182]

Currently running a Clio 172 with some track/fast road modifications. Thinking of changing for a Mk1 MX5/Eunos. Will be used for commuting, track days. So would start standard, with one eye on a turbo conversion in the future.

With that in mind am I better of looking at a Uk car, or an import? 1.6 or 1.8?

All advice appreciated.

Warren

[Combover]

Most (but not all) import 1.8s have the Torsen diff. I like it, others aren't that bothered.
Most UK 1.8s didn't have them.

Try and get an early 1.8 (1994 I think?) and you won't go wrong really.

Check all the usual stuff, which has been mentioned to death on here (rusting arches, sills etc) and go for it.

Good tryes and a quick geo set-up and you'll be fine.

Only other thing I can offer is that they aren't as bad to drive on motorways as some on here say. Just watch the fuel consumption, I once drained the tank on mine in 106 miles on a drift day

[pbirkett]

Only other thing I can offer is that they aren't as bad to drive on motorways as some on here say.

Hmm! Cramped, noisy, uncomfortable, lack torque, and with fairly poor fuel economy unless you drive with the lorries. Doesn't bother me, but let's face it, they ARE poor motorway cars to say the least!

[Gizmo!]

pbirkett said:

Only other thing I can offer is that they aren't as bad to drive on motorways as some on here say.

Hmm! Cramped, noisy, uncomfortable, lack torque, and with fairly poor fuel economy unless you drive with the lorries. Doesn't bother me, but let's face it, they ARE poor motorway cars to say the least!

What? Piffle. I drove mine back from Bournemouth to London on Sunday evening. Cruising at 0.9, 30mpg.

Actually, come to think of it - the stereo's st.

[pbirkett]

Gizmo! said:

pbirkett said:

Only other thing I can offer is that they aren't as bad to drive on motorways as some on here say.

Hmm! Cramped, noisy, uncomfortable, lack torque, and with fairly poor fuel economy unless you drive with the lorries. Doesn't bother me, but let's face it, they ARE poor motorway cars to say the least!

What? Piffle. I drove mine back from Bournemouth to London on Sunday evening. Cruising at 0.9, 30mpg.

Actually, come to think of it - the stereo's st.

30 mpg is st MPG for motorway driving, especially for a car of its weight and power

I've done long distances in mine too. Yes it can do it. No it isn't very pleasant. Each to their own though, obviously.

[snotrag]

pbirkett said:

Only other thing I can offer is that they aren't as bad to drive on motorways as some on here say.

Hmm! Cramped, noisy, uncomfortable, lack torque, and with fairly poor fuel economy unless you drive with the lorries. Doesn't bother me, but let's face it, they ARE poor motorway cars to say the least!

Its no worse than something like an older hatch, Peugeot 106, old 205, or any other old, small buzz-box.

Its not ideal, im well aware thats why I (mistakenly) bought a second car. But its perfectly do-able - I've done all sorts of trips, Leeds to Glasgow, Leeds to WIM near London, all fine.

although its noisy and stiffly, I actually find it very comfortable due to the excellent ergonomicss and driving position.

[MG Mark]

3,000 miles round France and Spain last summer. Motorway, A road, B road and country road driving. Roof down all the way. Smiled all the way. Outstanding fun. MPG - haven't got a clue, right foot enjoyed life, but was over 30.

5,000 miles since then commuting weekly and local driving in UK. Motorway, A road, B road and country road driving. Roof down, excpet when raining lots. Smiled all the way. Outstanding fun. MPG - haven't got a clue, right foot enjoyed life, but has been over 30.

Get one

MG Mark