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Sept 15, 2015 16:02:44 GMT
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 The Mazda MX-5, originally designed in the '80's with British roadster ancestry in mind, for that wind in your hair/bugs in your teeth style of driving, and widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers cars of all time. So, tell me about them, show me yours. What modifications can be done to them, what can you buy in the way of upgrades. Also, give me some tech spec, i'd like to know the wheelbase, track width, body length and width, height, weight, power, so on and so fourth, specifically of the first generation. What are they like to own, drive, and live with? And what should i look out for when i'm shopping for one? |
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andyborris
Posted a lot
Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose.
Posts: 2,165
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Sept 15, 2015 17:03:03 GMT
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What are they like to own, drive, and live with? And what should i look out for when i'm shopping for one? I brought one just like the middle car in the picture on a whim and because it's just like my old A/H Sprite, but all grown up (comfort, more speed and a hood that doesn't leak, nor needs a degree in tent making to put up!), I fell in love with it. So I brought a better one (the first was pretty cheap), which leads nicely onto what to look for! And that's RUST and RUST, rear sills on the inside, rear arches, front chassis legs under all the plastic are the main spots. Newly imported JDM cars seem to much better in this respect, but probably won't stay that way on our wonderful salt laden roads! I'm just back from my hols, drove the MX5 to the South of France and back, without fault and where it was ideal for the sunny weather! Prices seem to be rising for MK1's too, and I recommend trying one soon. I personally prefer the MK2, it's not trying too hard to be a famous 60's plastic sports car... Hope this helps! |
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g40jon
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,569
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Sept 16, 2015 9:26:25 GMT
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I bought a mk1 mx5 to do up and sell on for a small profit about 4 years ago. I still have it! Kinda tells you all you need to know. If you like driving, you will like the mx5. I liked driving mine so much I ended up selling my polo g40 (supercharged little bunndle of fun for those not in the know). My little mazda is coming up for 200k! starts without fail, still goes prettyy well too. There are so many variations of mx5s out there, you could write a book (I'm sure someone already has) My advice is buy the most rust free example you can find. There are a lot of doggy, and badly patched up mk1s out there now, so it is better to find one that hasn't had the sills 'repaired' as more often than not they have been badly patched up, and not really repaired!  Mk2s are actually worse for rusting, as they rot out the front chassis legs and most people don't find out until the rot is terminal. Even the very latest versions still suffer with rust, which is a bit shocking really! Try and find a car with a limited slip diff, it makes the car! Avoid late mk1s with the 90bhp 1.6 and also watch out for early cars with short nose cranks, as these can fail. If you plan to turbo, buy the 1.8. If you like revvy na, buy the 1.6 115bhp mk1. Being a mk1 owner I am of course biased. The only reasons to buy a mk2 would be; 1: you don't have enough money to buy a good mk1 2: You found a really cheap mk2, they are still a good car, I just can't stand the froggy front lights and the characterless interior that wouldn't look out of place in an early noughties hyundai. 3: You bought a mk1, but want to swap the good mk2 bits like the torsen diff found on mk2 sport models and more powerful engines etc. Mazda got it right with the mk1 and have since been getting it less and less right, all are still good though. Mine is looking a bit rough at the mo (early uk 1.6 115bhp with mk2 torsen lsd) Great fun on the twisty back roads of north oxfordshire!  |
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Last Edit: Sept 16, 2015 9:44:16 GMT by g40jon
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lewis
Part of things
Posts: 82
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Sept 16, 2015 9:59:36 GMT
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Lots of fun for such little cash, simple to work on, parts are plentiful and cheap. My car is a 92 J import:  |
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