2004 MX5 factory turbo model?

venice · Post by **venice** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:14 pm

Hello, I am new to the MX5 scene and am thinking of getting MX5.

I came across a MX5 model one day that came with a factory turbo? Has anyone owned one of them before? and how much do they are for nowadays? what do I need to watch for when getting one of them?

A Mazda dealer in Kapiti is selling one (2004 with around 72000kms) for $19995 - this is a reasonable price for a factory turbo MX5? (with this amount I am more tempted to go for a RX8 rather than a MX5)

Cheers,
Vince

dynofiend · Post by **dynofiend** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:31 pm

Those are two very different cars. My advice would first of all be to work out what you would use the car for, and how often, and then test drive both of them for a decent length of time.

The mx5 turbos are a rare beast, you wont likely find anyone on this forum with much experience of these cars. You might like to try the Miata.net pages where the cars are often known as the MSM (Mazdaspeed Miata).

soulfader · Post by **soulfader** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 9:17 am

i didn't even know factory turbo existed

poison · Post by **poison** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 4:20 pm

A test drive of both is the key, quite a few of us on this forum have
modified our MX's by turbocharging or supercharging. The factory turbo is
good but is low boost I think, anyone know? I heard it's about 5PSI. But is
still much quicker than the stock one.

The RX8 is a rocket, but be ready to pay a LOT for a rebuild at some stage,
even on the latest rotary engines, the seals still have a short life span, I
think it's around 100,000k. The only thing the RX8 and the MX5 have in
common is the brand, you are not really comparing similar types of vehicles.
I like the look of the RX8, but it's not as much fun as an MX5.

Only the Toyota Corolla can beat the MX5 for ongoing reliability, and I know
which one I'd rather have.

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Gordon Tucker · Post by **Gordon Tucker** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 7:58 pm

Although i haven't owned one myself, I do have some experience as my brother owned one from new at the same time as I had a 2001 non turbo. We did do comparisons on a few occasions. The turbo isn't a high boost turbo, so there isn't too much stress on components and should still be very reliable. From memory the turbo has around 9 kw more than standard. There wasn't that many sold new in NZ and there was only 3 colours available - Velocity red, gunmetal and silver. My brother sold last year for around the mid 20 - 30k with under 20,000 kms, so under 20k is'nt excessive. They will be sort after in the future.
A club member in Taupo has an early MX5 and also an RX8 (his second after the first was stolen) . He enjoys them both and says the RX8 is a bit like a larger MX5 with a roof and a hefty fuel appetite

Quidam · Post by **Quidam** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:32 am

Just a quick post to say Hi (first post on forum) and to mention I have purchased the Factory Turbo mentioned in this thread.

In fact they recently moved it to Wellington as it wasn't selling in Kapiti.

I don't have posession yet, will hopefully have the deal all sorted out next week.

I'm attaching a picture of my old (Red 2000 MX5 1600 5speed manual) car next to the Turbo. This was my first MX5 and have not had it long (like less than 3 months) but was amazed at how much fun it was to drive. The problem was the lack of power...

Anyway, took the Turbo for a test-drive and instantly fell in love with it. Everything I like about the MX5 is still there, but now it has a some legs as well

Cheers
Bruce

Habanero666 · Post by **Habanero666** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:40 am

Thats a awesome car right there!

I think you hit the nail on the head there Bruce.... They need that turbo

Hope the deal goes well for you.

Jim

Quidam · Post by **Quidam** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 6:08 pm

Thanks Jim

Well, not that I'm any expert or anything (far from it in fact) but from the test drive the big things I noticed were:

1) Quiet! I was not expecting this, but there was much less engine noise -I wonder if this is something to do with the turbo mechanism. My very basic understanding of turbo's is that they use the exhuast gases.

2) Forgiving. Perhaps this is both good and bad, but it felt easier to drive than my normally asperated 1600. I wonder if in some ways this means it is less of a drivers car. But whatever, it works for me

3) Steering was set up differently. ie. a smaller amount of movement seemed to be required to get the same amount of turn. in other words, slightly less effort to turn. I liked it, but that is just a subjective statement and I wonder if again this means it is slightly less a drivers car

4) Brakes -no question they felt more powerful, but this is comparing to a 2000 MX5, (NB). My understanding is that the NB had a few changes made in 2001 and maybe that included the breaking?

5) 17inch Mags -Love em!

There was other stuff, but those were the majors. Apart from finding a 6 speed a bit odd (never driven one before) I was amazed at how comfortable I felt driving the car -can't wait to really get to know/learn its handling better!

ps. couple more pictures for those who are interested

You might also notice I have a (mint) hardtop for the red MX5. Although the trade value includes the HT, I may yet decide to keep it, and simply get them to adjust the trade value.

The thing is, I've noticed that the hardtop (as much as I like it in the current weather conditions) takes some of the "fun" out of the car. I mean it takes 2 people to put it on and off, and then you have to store it somewhere -it just ends up being on the car permanently and the car no longer feels like a convertable.

Then again, I don't think I'd ever find one as clean as this (lined and with heated rear window)

Cheers
b

dynofiend · Post by **dynofiend** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 7:45 pm

Kia Ora Bruce! Great purchase youve made there mate. I recognised the plate from your old ride (mr2 was it?). I used to go to your classes in Porirua. Would still be going if I could justify the membership fees

Not sure if its of any help, but if the steering feels lighter than on your 1600, it just means it has a bit more power assistance. Most race cars (v8s etc) have power steering, so its not really an optional extra just for wussies :p

The ease of driving will come with a turbo car, they dont need 'winding up' as much as the 1600 engines do. Sure the 1600s are a more 'drivers car' in that you need to be in the right gear most of the time. But most people dont like driving around at 6-7000rpm as it just attracts the wrong sort of attention. You now have the option of going quickly, without sounding like youre really trying too

Quidam · Post by **Quidam** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:05 pm

I've been outed!

Yep, that's me. Teaching 6 classes a week at the moment (4 for Bodyworks) on top of my day-job at the Bank. BTW I won't be putting those plates on the Turbo, I have another set that has been sitting in storage (QUIDAM) -they will be going on the new car, and my LIMBER plates will be going on my second (cheap) car when I have actually purchased it lol. I was thinking maybe a 94-96 Celica (spend around the 4-5K mark). That way I can keep the k's down on the MX5.

Glad you like my new wheels and I really appreciate your comments -makes a lot of sense and I agree totally about the going fast without looking like you are trying to, made me laugh, but very true.

So the good news is I'm doing the swapover tomorrow, can't wait!!!
Cheers
b

Quidam · Post by **Quidam** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:11 pm

dynofiend wrote:Kia Ora Bruce! Great purchase youve made there mate. I recognised the plate from your old ride (mr2 was it?)

Oops -and yes, it was an MR2. Like the one before it, and the one before that lol.