wanting to buy an MX 5 & Colour preferences for MX5s

[EricW]

Hi Tony,

Being, naturally, the most unbiased people you could possibly ask about buying
an MX 5, I think we would all agree that it is a purchase you will never
regret, they are the best fun you can have with your pants on! ((We dont
recommend driving them with your pants off unless you have the hood up, it's
too easy to display your shortcomings, they are a little lower than most other
cars and people look down into them, Not only that, the black upholstery is
hell on your bare bottom on a hot day!),

Seriously though, the best advice we can give you is "Go for it", but as Gazza
said, I would go for a 1994+ 1800. They mostly have all of the electric gear,
windows, mirrors etc that you want and usually have air-con. I know you might
not think you need it, but, stopped in traffic on a hot sunny day with the lid
down, it is really nice to get some cold air flowing. The 1800s are built a
little stiffer, with additional suspension bracing, and have other technical
improvements to the engine controls etc, particularly post 95, plus they come
with bigger brakes and mag wheels.

There is no comparison between a manual and an auto. Unless you have a
specific reason for wanting an auto, like being terrified of a wife who will
only drive auto, (well, to be fair, it is HER car) the manual is a far more
satisfying drive.

As for colour, unless you can find a yellow one, go for what you like. I
personally have always thought that NA's (the early ones) look best in red,
but only if the paintwork is well maintained, as once they have faded they
look dodgy. I don't think that red suits the NB quite as well. Despite the
prejudices of some of our number, Green is the second best colour, but it can
fade too, It is not too expensive to correct though..

Very little actually goes wrong with a well maintained MX 5, we have some in
the club with 160000+ kms, still as good as new, so check it out, buy it
privately, (dealers, particularly in Auckland, will want about $3000 more than
they are worth) and enjoy. They are pretty economical, about 38 MPG on
average, you should however, use good oil and change it regularly, 5-7000km is
not too often. You should factor in a cam belt change if you cannot be sure it
has been done in the last 50,000Km

There is one hidden cost to driving an MX 5 that you should know about up
front. Eventually you will probably sell it.You then have a choice, you can
either invest more money in a newer one, or pay a shrink for grief
counselling. The cost is about the same, but the first option is more fun, It
needs budgetting for in any event because you will love that little car!

Like you, I am a little past the first flush of youth, with kids scattered to
the four corners. As something for my wife and I to enjoy together, the MX 5
is the best investment we ever made. I recommend it to you

Regards

Eric

[R LTD]

Eric
Thanks for your advice. We tried a NZ new 1994 1800 over the weekend and I
couldn't tell much difference in power from a 1992 1600cc that a neighbour
has. Your advice on build is therefore important and I noted the support bar
behind the seats. We have decided on our option preferences and this inc. a/c
and a glass rear window if possible and will keep looking until the right car
turns up. Colour is nor a big deal to us.
The emerging issue is who sits behind the wheel. My stroppy wife determined
that whilst we shared the test drive I have more high speed driving.
Have really appreciated the diversity of advice received.

Tony

[R LTD]

Eric
Thanks for your advice. We tried a NZ new 1994 1800 over the weekend and I
couldn't tell much difference in power from a 1992 1600cc that a neighbour
has. Your advice on build is therefore important and I noted the support bar
behind the seats. We have decided on our option preferences and this inc. a/c
and a glass rear window if possible and will keep looking until the right car
turns up. Colour is nor a big deal to us.
The emerging issue is who sits behind the wheel. My stroppy wife determined
that whilst we shared the test drive I have more high speed driving.
Have really appreciated the diversity of advice received.

Tony

[EricW]

Thanks for your response Tony, I am sure you will find a good car and love
it.

Just one thought, although the glass rear windows are nice, the plastic
windows are OK, so long as you look after them. You MUST unzip them and lay
them flat every time you fold the roof. We attached a large keyring to the
zipper and that makes it much easier. One good thing about the removeable
window is that you can drive with the window down.On days when the sun is very
intense, we leave the lid up and drive with the side and rear windows down,
it's not a bad way to go. The perspex window is probably also a little more
forgiving of having bags piled in the hood space on top of a folded hood.

Good luck in your search and let us know how you get on

Regards

Eric