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[Debs.]

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?

[Marks DTM Calib]

Carpet in a Westfield....how do you keep it dry  

[DC]

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.

[amigov6]

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!  

Why does nobody read the post......

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-)

[Elite Pete]

Well, ive got one.

Pick it up on Saturday, nice 1995, UK spec 1.8 in a lovely Metallic Blue

Thanks for all the input lads and lasses

[amigov6]

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

[philhoward]

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?

[amigov6]

There's also MX5 City between Doncaster & Rotherham.

[Kevin Wood]

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

[amigov6]

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.

[TheBoy]

Lots of opinions.

I agree with Debs

[Kevin Wood]

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.

Indeed. Plenty of info on here:

http://www.mx5ocforum.co.uk/

Kevin

[Elite Pete]

Lots of opinions.

I agree with Debs

How can I take you serious Jamie, you drive an automatic diesel

[albitz]

maybe it should be renamed marmite mx5-either love it or hate it.

[amigov6]

maybe it should be renamed marmite mx5-either love it or hate it.

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-)