2006 (ish). Mx5, 1.8 or 2.0

[Roboticarm]

A friend is considering and 2006, - 2008 mx5 as a toy, we got talking and I'd thought they were all same engine size but appears there is a 1.8 and 2.0, as he's more concerned about longevity than performance which of these would be the best choice or are they basically same engine?

Thanks

[e21Keith]

I think you're looking at the MX5 NC (mk3) I've had 3 of them.

The 1.8 and 2.0 are the same engine, built by Ford, the Duratec engine, different cylinder head and without balancing shafts from what I can see. The engines are not that robust, they can start to use oil at a fairly low mileage (60k) which nobody checks and then the bearings get starved of oil. Check the oil regularly though and I think you should be OK.

I'm a comparative newcomer to Jap cars (more of a BMW/VAG man) and I've been shocked by how badly these can rust.

Pick of the crop is the 2.0 Sport with electric hardtop. The MX5 is a great fun little car to have some fun in and I would really recommend one. I wouldn't want one as a daily driver though as I'm really old and find it cramped, noisy and uncomfortable on longer runs.