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Mazda MX5... your thoughts.

Pva_Glue

By Pva_Glue,
in General Automotive Discussion

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DaiOni Experienced

DaiOni

Posted
Posted

put it this way - I drive a third generation rx7 - considered by many to be the best all-round handling rwd jap car of all time.

best handling car I've ever owned/driven? 1990 roadster/mx5

I had a basic jap model and here's a few things it had over the base oz model - bilstein shocks, std lsd, 10 extra kW

deifinitely worth getting an import (if the insurance doesn't set it off too much).

my mx5 cost me A$3.5k (in japan)

these cars are looooooooooooots of fun - just don't expect miracles in a straight line

predator Grand Master

predator

Posted
Posted
put it this way - I drive a third generation rx7 - considered by many to be the best all-round handling rwd jap car of all time.  

mr2.... ? :(

I've been looking at a few of the mx5 on the lists.. they look very dated nowdays though (the inside mainly).. even f.ugly in a way

There are a few crazy 'off-the-shelf' conversion packages for them.. would be interesting to pursue considering you could bring in the car for so little.. not sure whether they suit 89 mx5 though??

JimX Grand Master

JimX

Posted
Posted

Non turbo MX5's are pretty gutless. I have a friend with a turbo fitted to his and it's still not blindingly fast, though for what it is, it's not too bad. Other shortcomings are it has no back seat and a small boot, which doesn't make it very practical if it's your only car.

If you don't need a back seat or a boot, then try to find a turbo version. I think going to an NA MX5 from a mildly modded Skyline would be pretty annoying in the power stakes, regardless of how much better the handling was.

mxfly Veteran

mxfly

Posted
Posted

I have a blown 99 model MX5 and it's awesome fun, even though my S15 is quicker. They really go around corners like it's on rails, you can push it and push it and it never bites back. The NA MX5's are bloody woeful in terms of power delivery, but put a turbo or s/c into the package and it's a completely different car. When looking for a 1st generation MX5 (89-97), make sure to find one with a 1.8L engine in it. At least they have a bit more power than the earlier 1.6L ones.

Pva_Glue Grand Master

Pva_Glue

Posted
  • Author
Posted

ok no one answered my questions properly...

is it even RWD???

What speed does it come as? 5sp 6sp?

Turbo from STOCK??? or after market? visa versa on Super charger...

what 1.8L makes at the wheel?

so I gather MX5 1st gen are made between 89~97...

so 2nd Gen is 97~now?

if so how much difference is there? as modification and performace...

after maket parts? are they as expensive as skylines?

Insurance? how are they? especially turbo ones...

cheers

JOe

GTS20X Enthusiast

GTS20X

Posted
Posted

Yes they are RWD, up to 2000 5 speed only then 6 speed(we did get a 10th anniversary edition in 99 and i think it was an option from 98 os)

The early models were 1.6l but ours were non-power steer so they actually feel quicker than the 1.8l as they had pwr str.

They are all factory NA but there was a limited run of about 50 that Mazda Australia turbocharged, but the new model due out late this early next will have a turbo option.

There doesn't seem to be much difference from what i've seen (i work at a Mazda Delearship) between ours and the imports but Mazda Australia doesn't support imports so you can be stuffed if you need something thats different.

Carlos

T0nyGTSt Grand Master

T0nyGTSt

Posted
Posted
Originally posted by GTS20X

There doesn't seem to be much difference from what i've seen (i work at a Mazda Delearship) between ours and the imports but  Mazda Australia doesn't support imports so you can be stuffed if you need something thats different.

This is kinda strange as Nissan Australia do supply parts for the RB25DET which was NEVER sold here.

IMO with the help of the MX5 clubs, parts and support would be absolutely no problem.

Buying a 1989 MX5 would be a much safer bet than say a 1989 R32 GTR.

T.

GTS20X Enthusiast

GTS20X

Posted
Posted

The big problem with the parts is that we only have the listings for Australian models (which sometimes have UK listings as well) and needing a VIN no which we can't decode the Jap VIN no's.

The early Australian deliveried MX-5's are getting quite cheap now (around $10,000) and since the price drop on the current model they're all dropped in price used.

dAVE Grand Master

dAVE

Posted
Posted

boss from my last job had a 90 mx5 (aus delivered). She uses it for track racing and loves it.

In its current form its 325rwhp! I think she put in a 2.0 l jap engine in it. Also has supercharger and motec engine management. I went for a few rides in it and it was crazy!

i think an 89 import would definately be a worthwhile as a project car.

ps - if u see a mx5 around melb with plates OUR005 and dodgy 2 tone silver and red... dont race it.. it will hand you your ass on a plate :D

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