MX5

[Drago]

Just spec'd a new MX5 on Mazda's website. Chose the 1.5 as its supposed to be the nicer feeling motor, metallic red paint, tan leather, a shade under 20 grand. Tempting, although I suspect the new model is no more spacious than the old.

 

[mustang1]

Just noticed that car for the first time in my life about an hour when taking my mum's dog for a walk. It was a 55 plate, the black roof got my attention. I like the early TT's the more "normal" later models don't do it for me.

I think the Fiat is lardy and ugly compared to the MX5, they are running a media ad with a pic of the new one with the old 124 Spider in the background, it's a daft idea as the old car is so beautiful that it makes the new one look daft.

The leather in the Fiat is kinda nice but not 8 grand over an MX5 (idk what the leather is like in an MX5 but you can get a cool custom interior for that 8k).

That fiat is to MX5 what a jaguar X type is to a ford Mondeo. The only difference is I wouldn't have Mondeo either.

 

[mustang1]

I am surprised nobody has mentioned the SLK.

That's because this is a fun thread.

 

[mustang1]

So what do we know about MX5 folding hoods ?
Are they manual or electric ? How reliable are the powered ones ?

(Folding metal roofs are hopeless due to the lack of boot space)

Will need to replace our aging BMW Z3 next year and the (manual) hood has been no bother in over 10yrs of ownership

Manual folding hood in the earlier models was a complete doddle to use. I guess it's the same with newer cars. Dunno about the electric ones or metal ones.

 

[keithmac]

This is my weekend toy, Japanese can make some good quality cars, it's had a bit of work at 550hp.

 

[mustang1]

Calibra turbos didn't seem to get the same following as the Sierra Cosworths, but there was potential for same sort of power. Or you could just go get the Lotus carlton


My Alfa is from the eighties

I saw a Carlton just the other day. Looked wicked good compared to all the modern stuff around these days.

 

[mustang1]

Because not a fast Ford, which just seem to have some inexplicable cachet

I don't think Vauxhalls, any vauxhall, handles too great. Ford's in those days had harsh engines compared to smooth Vauxhalls. I have soft spot for the old XR3 and Sierra sapphire cosworth (what a wicked car to drive). And and don't forget the old ford puma 1.7.

 

[mustang1]

This is my weekend toy, Japanese can make some good quality cars, it's had a bit of work at 550hp.

View attachment 363204

Damnit I know this car but can't recall the name. I don't think it's a Mitsubishi GTO is it?

 

[mustang1]

Back to OP relevancy, small 2 seater convertibles I like:
MX5 without a doubt
S2000, I want to like it but no torque and the bonnet is too long plus the interior not special enough. And weird size wheels. Lovely gearbox and I know the engine revs and revs but I don't think it sounds too good either and making the engine go on and on while also not sounding good doesn't do much for me.
Z4, long bonnet but far better interior materials than s2000 and more driveable too.
Booster, the latest two models are nice, the previous ones are a tad frisby looking.
SLK: the new ones feel better on the road than the old ones, but really, look elsewhere if your primary goal is fun.
Fiat 124: glad it exists but I'm more into MX5.

I'd either get a newish booster followed by MX5 followed by Z4.

 

[screenman]

I do a lot of work for a Porsche dealer, the bills they give out for Boxter servicing is eye watering. Not knocking the car though, I used to enjoy driving them.

 

[Drago]

Porkers prices are ironic, considering how easy they Poxster is to work on.

 

[keithmac]

Damnit I know this car but can't recall the name. I don't think it's a Mitsubishi GTO is it?

Yep, spot on!.

 

[keithmac]

I do a lot of work for a Porsche dealer, the bills they give out for Boxter servicing is eye watering. Not knocking the car though, I used to enjoy driving them.

I do my own servicing, Ford wanted £300 for a gearbox oil and filter service (Powershift dual clutch box) on the Kuga, did it myself with Ford oil and filter for £140.

Plus it was described as "Full service history" but the oil that came out of it was deffinitely not 6000 miles old..

Just did the engine oil and filter, took longer to find the ramps in the shed than to do the work.

Filter was in an awkward place though, thank god I bought the special spanner!.

 

[sheddy]

OK, If we were to buy an MX5 automatic (wife now has knee problems) with manual folding roof and curvy bodywork, what is the most recent model (and engine) that we would be looking at ?

 

[Piemaster]

Passed a mk1 this afternoon (was driving so no picture) but it had some sort of frogeye type light conversion like this. Very odd.