Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Elite Pete on 24 July 2008, 15:16:55
-
Has anyone driven one, if so what are they like. Which is the best one to go for the 1.6 or the 1.8 and is the much room for for a fatty in them ::)
-
You do know next time you see Mark and family, his 4 year old son will (correctly) tell you that is a hairdressers car ;D
-
You do know next time you see Mark and family, his 4 year old son will (correctly) tell you that is a hairdressers car ;D
Thats just as well because I have just started doing blue rinses and perms :D
-
I want a summer (ha) plaything and Im undecided as to what to buy. Do I go for a modernish car MX5, MGF or go for a TR7 convertable. My daughter had an MGF so I know quite a bit about them and I have had many TR7, TR7 Sprints and TR7 V8s over the years, I was just wondering about the MX5, Aunus ::)
-
Yep, I've driven the 1.8 MX-5. I actually quite liked it as it was good fun to drive, quite nippy and superb road handling. :y
Don't know that you'll fit in one though Pete!! ::) :D
-
Yep, I've driven the 1.8 MX-5. I actually quite liked it as it was good fun to drive, quite nippy and superb road handling. :y
Don't know that you'll fit in one though Pete!! ::) :D
Why's that Bob, is there not much room between the steering wheel and groin area. :D
-
Doesnt Kevin W`s other half drive one :-/
-
Not bad cars, lacking in the engine department really (could do with about 50bhp more!).
Bit cramped I would say an dthe image is not the best.....
Forget the MGF, they are crocks of shite although they will most likely be cheaper than the MX5 second hand!
Remember though that neither of these are sports cars...
-
I am considering this
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/TRIUMPH/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294967206/advert.action?R=200828314249566&distance=71&postcode=CW9+7EN&channel=CARS&make=TRIUMPH&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=
I know its going to need work, but its got all the right bits and I can still sit on the drive an rev it ;D
-
Certainly more interesting, sadly, I have just bought it for myself so no longer available. Ta Pete :y
-
Certainly more interesting, sadly, I have just bought it for myself so no longer available. Ta Pete :y
You'll have to go tonight with the money because im going to see it tomorrow. Now do I trailer it or insure it and chance the tax and MOT ::)
-
Certainly more interesting, sadly, I have just bought it for myself so no longer available. Ta Pete :y
You'll have to go tonight with the money because im going to see it tomorrow. Now do I trailer it or insure it and chance the tax and MOT ::)
I am currently in Coventry and have family in Warwick....Redditch is not far!
-
Certainly more interesting, sadly, I have just bought it for myself so no longer available. Ta Pete :y
You'll have to go tonight with the money because im going to see it tomorrow. Now do I trailer it or insure it and chance the tax and MOT ::)
I am currently in Coventry and have family in Warwick....Redditch is not far!
The race is on ;)
-
I'd trailer it .... if it's SORN then it's not been driven much .. wouldn't want to risk it without a decent service/check over
and it don't look owt like an mx5 !!!!
:(
-
Have not driven an MX-5 .
Sorry to tell you this but they are without doubt a hairdressesrs car.
Driven mainly by women and John Barrowman and Dale winton types.
If you must drive one ,do it at night in a disguise.............or better still let your wife or girlfriend drive it.
It is a shame really because I have heard that they are a great drivers car.......(for women.) :y :y :y :y
-
i think they are one car that definetely does,nt deserve its image.i think they are a cracking little car and would buy one much sooner than any of the crap british sports cars of the 60s/early 70s.
-
Trailer it
too many ANPR systems in operation now which would put a big risk on the money spent, especially when it ends up being crushed...
-
Didn't Mazda er "borrow" dimensions from the Lotus Elan when designing this?. Might explain the good handling!
Ken
-
Hello Pete. Capris were uncool for years look what they fetch now so ignore all the hairdresser comments made by folks jumping on the bandwagon to take an easy pop. MX5's are cracking little motors & as with the Mig you get alot of bang for your buck. 1800's are quicker on paper but the 1600's feel faster, tighter & are more fun as a plaything. Do'nt be put off by Eunos roadster imports, ins. companies have caught up now, (you may have to sort the stereo out) but never listened to mine, when that little twin cam engine picks up & the back end skips out that's all you need. Let folk take a cheap pop but an early 1600 is a real drivers car.
Unlimited grin factor, Mazda reliability, & yes i've owned one & would have another! :y
-
Cheers Guy :y
-
Cheers Guy :y
Remember to unzip the rear plastic screen before dropping the hood, all of which you can do fom the drivers seat. I suggest you take a test drive, see for yourself. Got me thinking now you tinker!!!!!!!! ::)
-
Cheers Guy :y
Remember to unzip the rear plastic screen before dropping the hood, all of which you can do fom the drivers seat. I suggest you take a test drive, see for yourself. Got me thinking now you tinker!!!!!!!! ::)
;D
-
Hello Pete. Capris were uncool for years look what they fetch now so ignore all the hairdresser comments made by folks jumping on the bandwagon to take an easy pop. MX5's are cracking little motors & as with the Mig you get alot of bang for your buck. 1800's are quicker on paper but the 1600's feel faster, tighter & are more fun as a plaything. Do'nt be put off by Eunos roadster imports, ins. companies have caught up now, (you may have to sort the stereo out) but never listened to mine, when that little twin cam engine picks up & the back end skips out that's all you need. Let folk take a cheap pop but an early 1600 is a real drivers car.
Unlimited grin factor, Mazda reliability, & yes i've owned one & would have another! :y
Owned my second Capri 2.8 Injection for 3 and half years. Probably most reliable car I have ever owned, spent next to nothing on it and sold it for only £50 less than I paid for it. All the p#ss taking at the time never bothered me!
8-)
-
You do know next time you see Mark and family, his 4 year old son will (correctly) tell you that is a hairdressers car ;D
It's also classed as a drivers car.
My mate, an ex race car driver has one, says they are smart.
-
Any V6 Mig will beat an MX5 in a straight line easy, they're not that quick but on the twisties the MX5 is a real blast, so keep slagging them, keeps the prices down! 8-)
-
a litle bit of engine tuning for some more grunt and i dont think you can fault them.i am actually thinking of getting one (or possibly an mr2) that will need a bit of work as my next anti boredom project.
-
Mrs. KW does indeed have an MX 5. I think they're a cracking little car. The "hairdresser's car" label doesn't stick with those who've driven one, IME.
Very nice handling. Not a huge amount of out and out grip but they are so communicative you can jump in and drive them to their potential without worrying about them biting because they have very few vices IMHO.
Power is not great. Certainly steer clear of the 1.6. They are faster than they feel but the chassis handles the power available so well you'll be wishing for a little more so you can make it misbehave. [smiley=evil.gif]
Plenty of mods to both suspension and engine available so it's quite a good choice for something to play with.
Mechanicals are all pretty bomb proof. Rust proofing can be a little sparse, especially on imports, apparently.
Good owner's forum here: http://www.mx5ocforum.co.uk/
.. and an MX-5 is a lot bigger and heavier than an Elan, unfortunately. Now, one of those would be a really great summer car. :-*
Kevin
-
Trouble is there are better cars out there once you are confined to the 2 seater setup which are much better still for only a bit more cash!
Still a very feminine car though........and yes I have driven about 5 of them!
Need to get me a kit car, VX220 or an elise.....
-
Trouble is there are better cars out there once you are confined to the 2 seater setup which are much better still for only a bit more cash!
Still a very feminine car though........and yes I have driven about 5 of them!
Need to get me a kit car, VX220 or an elise.....
Yep, these are in a different class entirely when it comes to driving. However, the MX5 is a viable everyday car with decent boot space that can cope will all extremes of weather, etc. I'm not sure I could say the same about the VX220 and the elise and kit cars are better regarded as bikes in bad weather and driven with waterproofs on IME.
Kevin
-
Trouble is there are better cars out there once you are confined to the 2 seater setup which are much better still for only a bit more cash!
Still a very feminine car though........and yes I have driven about 5 of them!
Need to get me a kit car, VX220 or an elise.....
Yep, these are in a different class entirely when it comes to driving. However, the MX5 is a viable everyday car with decent boot space that can cope will all extremes of weather, etc. I'm not sure I could say the same about the VX220 and the elise and kit cars are better regarded as bikes in bad weather and driven with waterproofs on IME.
Kevin
And you wont get a VX220 or an Elise for a couple of grand either.
-
Trouble is there are better cars out there once you are confined to the 2 seater setup which are much better still for only a bit more cash!
Still a very feminine car though........and yes I have driven about 5 of them!
Need to get me a kit car, VX220 or an elise.....
Yep, these are in a different class entirely when it comes to driving. However, the MX5 is a viable everyday car with decent boot space that can cope will all extremes of weather, etc. I'm not sure I could say the same about the VX220 and the elise and kit cars are better regarded as bikes in bad weather and driven with waterproofs on IME.
Kevin
But sadly, I could NOT live with an MX5 as an every day car, to cramped, to firm and no where near enough boot space ....hence your back to real sports cars again.
And probably why they are liked by the females!
-
Trouble is there are better cars out there once you are confined to the 2 seater setup which are much better still for only a bit more cash!
Still a very feminine car though........and yes I have driven about 5 of them!
Need to get me a kit car, VX220 or an elise.....
Yep, these are in a different class entirely when it comes to driving. However, the MX5 is a viable everyday car with decent boot space that can cope will all extremes of weather, etc. I'm not sure I could say the same about the VX220 and the elise and kit cars are better regarded as bikes in bad weather and driven with waterproofs on IME.
Kevin
But sadly, I could NOT live with an MX5 as an every day car, to cramped, to firm and no where near enough boot space ....hence your back to real sports cars again.
And probably why they are liked by the females!
Markie, if you regard an MX5 as 'firm' you certainly don't want an elise! :o
-
http://www.vimeo.com/1393130
;D
Better than F1.
He needs a better microphone though.
Kevin
-
If I was going to get a Lotus, it would have to be the Exige...
the Elise is just too damned small ;D
-
I had the use of one for about a year. They do have a certain "Hairdresser mobile" stigma attached, but I have to admit that it's a fun car. It handles quite well but definately go for the bigger motor as they are not too rapid in a straight line. Can be a bit tail happy if given a bit too much of the loud pedal on roundabouts.
Too small for everyday use but if you want a cheap good handling soft top for the odd sunny day blast then you won't go far wrong.
-
Has anyone driven one, if so what are they like. Which is the best one to go for the 1.6 or the 1.8 and is the much room for for a fatty in them Roll Eyes
the wifes had her mx5 for over 5 years - and she loves it - I drive it a lot too - great car - handling is fantastic - i'm a 6'3" salad dodger and i can squeeze in fine!!
definitely go for a basic 1.8i Mk1(pop up lights) the mk2 got a bit heavier
can be nicely tail happy - just enough power to have fun - but not enough to get you in serious bother :y
-
Has anyone driven one, if so what are they like. Which is the best one to go for the 1.6 or the 1.8 and is the much room for for a fatty in them ::)
My mate will be selling his if anyone is interested I will get details and pictures. Is in the Oldham area, price will be realistic.
-
If I was going to get a Lotus, it would have to be the Exige...
the Elise is just too darned small ;D
Thought the Exige was smaller and lower
-
Here we go again but i'm not having this. Everyone's suddenly an expert. Most people calling MX5's hairdressers cars have probably never driven let alone owned one (i have)
"They could be quicker" yeah they could but that's why they can cover Omega mileages 'cos they're not too highly tuned.
"Not much room" For crying out loud, buy a people carrier or a Mig estate if you want room.
"Back end can skip out" Well that's the whole idea, it's meant to. Mx5's are perfectly balanced & easy to enjoy steering on the throttle.
You can pick a good'n up for not much more than a grand so if you want a road legal go cart what's not like?
-
Here we go again but i'm not having this. Everyone's suddenly an expert. Most people calling MX5's hairdressers cars have probably never driven let alone owned one (i have)
"They could be quicker" yeah they could but that's why they can cover Omega mileages 'cos they're not too highly tuned.
"Not much room" For crying out loud, buy a people carrier or a Mig estate if you want room.
"Back end can skip out" Well that's the whole idea, it's meant to. Mx5's are perfectly balanced & easy to enjoy steering on the throttle.
You can pick a good'n up for not much more than a grand so if you want a road legal go cart what's not like?
my thoughts exactly, 2 seater rear wheel drive open top fun ;D
-
Has anyone driven one, if so what are they like. Which is the best one to go for the 1.6 or the 1.8 and is the much room for for a fatty in them ::)
I test drove one in Feb, the 2lt turbo one. Went like stink, stuck like glue, im 6'1 and of large stature ::) and I fitted in ok. Would have bought it if there was more boot space.
-
Trouble is there are better cars out there once you are confined to the 2 seater setup which are much better still for only a bit more cash!
Still a very feminine car though........and yes I have driven about 5 of them!
Need to get me a kit car, VX220 or an elise.....
Yep, these are in a different class entirely when it comes to driving. However, the MX5 is a viable everyday car with decent boot space that can cope will all extremes of weather, etc. I'm not sure I could say the same about the VX220 and the elise and kit cars are better regarded as bikes in bad weather and driven with waterproofs on IME.
Kevin
But sadly, I could NOT live with an MX5 as an every day car, to cramped, to firm and no where near enough boot space ....hence your back to real sports cars again.
And probably why they are liked by the females!
Markie, if you regard an MX5 as 'firm' you certainly don't want an elise! :o
Why does nobody read the post...... ;D
My point is:
That they are to cramped, to firm and no where near enough boot space
Which makes them unsuitable as an everyday car (certainly for me and probably most others who drive more than 10 miles a day) and hence, why bother with a half cocked hairdressers car as a fun car for weekend use!
Go all out and get a kit car or proper sprorts car which you only drive for enjoyment!
-
Even I think the MX5 is a bit "Girlie" (Jaime would surely say: 'Gay') ;D
....but, an RX8; that`s a proper "grown-up woman`s" car! :y
-
Even I think the MX5 is a bit "Girlie" (Jaime would surely say: 'Gay') ;D
....but, an RX8; that`s a proper "grown-up woman`s" car! :y
The later RX7 is a lot more raucous....
-
A lot of opinions flying around here, so clearly it's not a car for everybody. The answer is to go and drive one if you're interested and find out for yourself.
For what it's worth: We have had one in the "family" for 6 years. For a lot of that time Mrs. KW was doing 25k a year commuting and she loves it to this day. Mrs. KW is reluctant to even get into my kit car let alone do 25k a year in it!
I find it perfectly comfortable to drive. The only comfort down side, IMHO, is rather intrusive engine noise at motorway speeds with the hood / hard top in place. So, for motorway runs when the sun's not shining the Omega wins every time. For back lanes and B roads the MX5 would, if I didn't have a Westfield. ;)
Yes, it's not an out and out sports car but it's a lot perkier and more fun to drive than a larger saloon / hatchback and you can't get an out and out sports car on an MX5 budget. An out and out sports car will also be a lot less reliable (K series Elise, anyone?) and more expensive to run.
There's a sliding scale between the hardcore and the mundane with lots of compromises to be made along the way. You just have to find your place along it. It won't be the same as someone else's place ;)
.. after all, there are those who take the p*ss out of me for having carpet in my Westfield.
Kevin
-
A lot of opinions flying around here, so clearly it's not a car for everybody. The answer is to go and drive one if you're interested and find out for yourself.
For what it's worth: We have had one in the "family" for 6 years. For a lot of that time Mrs. KW was doing 25k a year commuting and she loves it to this day. Mrs. KW is reluctant to even get into my kit car let alone do 25k a year in it!
I find it perfectly comfortable to drive. The only comfort down side, IMHO, is rather intrusive engine noise at motorway speeds with the hood / hard top in place. So, for motorway runs when the sun's not shining the Omega wins every time. For back lanes and B roads the MX5 would, if I didn't have a Westfield. ;)
Yes, it's not an out and out sports car but it's a lot perkier and more fun to drive than a larger saloon / hatchback and you can't get an out and out sports car on an MX5 budget. An out and out sports car will also be a lot less reliable (K series Elise, anyone?) and more expensive to run.
There's a sliding scale between the hardcore and the mundane with lots of compromises to be made along the way. You just have to find your place along it. It won't be the same as someone else's place ;)
.. after all, there are those who take the p*ss out of me for having carpet in my Westfield.
Kevin
I was joking Kevin.....ABSOLUTELY no personal offense meant! :-*
....BTW: Shag-pile or Berber? ;D
-
Carpet in a Westfield....how do you keep it dry ;)
-
a friend of mine had one - early model - pop-up lights, only 1.6, but the most fun I ever had driving anything on 4 wheels. obviously not that fast but thats missing the point.
i regularly drive (almost own)imaculate GTI Golf cabrio (1984) only 75000miles. Also great fun, also reputation as hairdressers car but is more likely to be body builders car considering the steering weight.
-
Trouble is there are better cars out there once you are confined to the 2 seater setup which are much better still for only a bit more cash!
Still a very feminine car though........and yes I have driven about 5 of them!
Need to get me a kit car, VX220 or an elise.....
Yep, these are in a different class entirely when it comes to driving. However, the MX5 is a viable everyday car with decent boot space that can cope will all extremes of weather, etc. I'm not sure I could say the same about the VX220 and the elise and kit cars are better regarded as bikes in bad weather and driven with waterproofs on IME.
Kevin
But sadly, I could NOT live with an MX5 as an every day car, to cramped, to firm and no where near enough boot space ....hence your back to real sports cars again.
And probably why they are liked by the females!
Markie, if you regard an MX5 as 'firm' you certainly don't want an elise! :o
Why does nobody read the post...... ;D
My point is:
That they are to cramped, to firm and no where near enough boot space
Which makes them unsuitable as an everyday car (certainly for me and probably most others who drive more than 10 miles a day) and hence, why bother with a half cocked hairdressers car as a fun car for weekend use!
Go all out and get a kit car or proper sprorts car which you only drive for enjoyment!
HAVE read your post. Was never meant to be an everyday car. Pete wanted one as a plaything (original post) He's already got an elite est for boot space which isn't too cramped or too firm. No luggage space on a bike either but people still enjoy them. I think we need to differentiate between practical & fun. Running a group 14 v6 Mig with all it's fussy sensors etc is'nt practical but we put up with it 'cos we love 'em. Sorry but i love MX5's. They do what they were designed to do very well. 8-)
-
Well, ive got one.
Pick it up on Saturday, nice 1995, UK spec 1.8 in a lovely Metallic Blue :y
Thanks for all the input lads and lasses ;)
-
Nice one Pete. Some will take a cheap pop at you coz it's easy to take the p*ss & sound clever. MX5's were inspired by the Lotus Elan which was a pearler but fragile. I've had one mate & it was nothing but fun, still down south when i bought it so blatted from Sussex to Lincolnshire a few times with no problems. Might get another one day.
Do'nt forget to unzip the rear screen before dropping the hood or you'll crease it, otherwise enjoy. ::) Guy :y
-
Very true, AmigoV6..Mazda took an Elan and instead of the Chapman ethos of "adding lightness", they "added reliability".
Not driven one myself, but when you need bits, try mx5parts.co.uk - Val who runs it used to run a Scimitar spares business. Not a bad bloke..can't comment on his prices, though, although he was usually cheapest for Scimitar bits!
Did you see the recent "Wheeler Dealers" with a refurb on an early blue one?
-
There's also MX5 City between Doncaster & Rotherham. :y
-
Very true, AmigaV6..Mazda took an Elan and instead of the Chapman ethos of "adding lightness", they "added reliability".
Not driven one myself, but when you need bits, try mx5parts.co.uk - Val who runs it used to run a Scimitar spares business. Not a bad bloke..can't comment on his prices, though, although he was usually cheapest for Scimitar bits!
Did you see the recent "Wheeler Dealers" with a refurb on an early blue one?
Another vote for mx5parts.co.uk. Original Mazda parts at about 1/2 - 2/3rds stealer prices. Only problem with Mazda really. The main dealer parts departments make Vauxhall dealers seem very cheap. :'(
Kevin
-
Just another thought, when i had mine i had no pc so must be forums, folks breaking them etc like we have on here, help, advice etc. :y
-
Lots of opinions.
I agree with Debs :P
-
Just another thought, when i had mine i had no pc so must be forums, folks breaking them etc like we have on here, help, advice etc. :y
Indeed. Plenty of info on here:
http://www.mx5ocforum.co.uk/
Kevin
-
Lots of opinions.
I agree with Debs :P
How can I take you serious Jamie, you drive an automatic diesel :-X ;D
-
maybe it should be renamed marmite mx5-either love it or hate it. :D
-
maybe it should be renamed marmite mx5-either love it or hate it. :D
You could be right there. MX5's seem to inspire adoration or ridicule, black or white, no grey in between. Me, i love 'em retro cool drifty fun things for little money.
Pete, Give us a go for old times sake!!!!!! 8-) :y
-
car mechanics mag. are doing one as a restoration project at the moment.could be useful if your thinking of buying/maintaining one :y
-
maybe it should be renamed marmite mx5-either love it or hate it. :D
You could be right there. MX5's seem to inspire adoration or ridicule, black or white, no grey in between. Me, i love 'em retro cool drifty fun things for little money.
Pete, Give us a go for old times sake!!!!!! 8-) :y
No problem, I will probably take it to Newent ;)