MX5 Mazda Roadstar worth buying?

[KeeFy]

Personally not a big fan of the MX5, however this year model I don't mind (2001-2003??)



My dad does quite like the MX5s too.

However, my vote goes to a Honda S2000, they really appeal to me! Sound fantastic, perform very well (two close mates had one, both done differently though. One JDM Panda spec, one in a magazine TopSecret Gold)

So if it came down to my vote (which it obviously doesn't), I say go an S2000 But I recall you saying it's too small for you?

Well, the MX5 is quite a good little car, from what I've heard they handle quite well, and can be a lot of fun through the twisties (knew a couple of people with modified ones). A fun driving car!


Or what about an RX7? =D too much?

That's a NB series. There is a mk1 and mk2 and the last of it came with a 1.8 turbo which is quite rare to get your hands on! 1999-2001-2004-2005 were the significant dates if i recall.

I think he's out for a roadster so i reckon RX7 is out. Although (post hijack) i would love to have a RX7 one day as well . Awesome engines those roatrys (not the new RX8 crap). 20B anyone?

[mongo]

Pine,

Funny you should ask this question. Mongo is a car fanatic. Mongo owns a couple of cars - one is a new MX5 hardtop convertible 2 litre - just what you have been asking about. Mongo has had about a year now to work out the likes and dislikes. Mongo even wrote to Mazda about his observations. Believe it or not Mazda called Mongo and had a very long discussion about his critique. Mongo probably still has the letter to Mazda and will post it for you. It contains most of the likes dislikes but there is more you should know. Mongo will try and give you more info over the next 48 hours. Feel free to PM me if you wish.


And to Greg who said the following:

The biggest problem with MX5's is that I'm yet to see any bloke in one not look like a **insert a synonym for rooster here**

Which sucks because I think they are a beautiful car.

Mongo is amused by your simplistic assessment. Do those rooster synonyms types also own WRXs - because this one does

[KeeFy]

Pine,

Funny you should ask this question. Mongo is a car fanatic. Mongo owns a couple of cars - one is a new MX5 hardtop convertible 2 litre - just what you have been asking about. Mongo has had about a year now to work out the likes and dislikes. Mongo even wrote to Mazda about his observations. Believe it or not Mazda called Mongo and had a very long discussion about his critique. Mongo probably still has the letter to Mazda and will post it for you. It contains most of the likes dislikes but there is more you should know. Mongo will try and give you more info over the next 48 hours. Feel free to PM me if you wish.


And to Greg who said the following:




Mongo is amused by your simplistic assessment. Do those rooster synonyms types also own WRXs - because this one does

Dislikes: Lack of grunt, too much heat coming from the firewall, a little plasticy in some places, position of the accelerator, footbrake and clutch is a little weird, brake feel not that fantastic. That's all i can remember about my dislikes. :X I used to drive a REX as well

[Pine]

ah....methinks you are thinking as I am. My bike is going very soon and we will probably need a second set of wheels....and the mx5 is a very strong contender. Same as you too about doing the breakfast run on the weekends. julie has a crook back and the cruiser hitting a bump is no fun and I really only enjoy doing a run with her anyway so like I said....the bike has had it`s day.

Old Dog exactly my feelings its only fun if Cilla my wife comes along so yes lets get our MX5's.

Keep in touch.
Regards

[Pine]

If you think the S2K is small, the NA is definitely out. The NB is about the same. NC is slightly bigger IMO. Looks like NC is the way to go? At the end of the day the NC is a fantastic car to drive and is comfortable to boot. It still handles in the top 20% of cars and is easy to drive day to day. Only qualm is i wished there was more power. Being used to a decently modded skyline, when i jumped into the NC. I felt that the car had a lot more potential with a better engine. May not be as neutral where you can "keep the pedal to the metal" round the corner kinda thing but where's the fun in a car that doesn't bite back?

Its not as though I don't fit in the S2K its just a bit tight.
if Jeremy Clarkson, of Top Gear, makes it in the MX5 then I should as well and he is a bit taller.

Have Googled today and agree that I probably will go for the NC mainly because
its bigger and faster.

As you say a little more power like Golf GTI would have been nice but overall I like the MX5
more than the Z4 BMW and the SLK Merc which are too revined.

Regards

[Pine]

/me looks at your profile picture *scratches head*

You think? LOL. Just joking.

Yea I might not be that young but there are even older and worse looking Dudes than me.

Mentally I have never grown up so from where I am looking from I am still young....ha ha...

Its all in the mind life is there to be enjoyed.

Regards

[Pine]

My dad does quite like the MX5s too.

However, my vote goes to a Honda S2000, they really appeal to me! Sound fantastic, perform very well (two close mates had one, both done differently though. One JDM Panda spec, one in a magazine TopSecret Gold)

So if it came down to my vote (which it obviously doesn't), I say go an S2000 But I recall you saying it's too small for you?

Well, the MX5 is quite a good little car, from what I've heard they handle quite well, and can be a lot of fun through the twisties (knew a couple of people with modified ones). A fun driving car!


Or what about an RX7? =D too much?



Keefy
Dont get me wrong I like the Honda as well and although its a bit small I can live with it.

Funny I don't like the RX7 the sound puts me off.

Must admit a rode test by Top Gear grabbed me.
They of course love the Honda as well.

Regards

[Pine]

Pine,

Funny you should ask this question. Mongo is a car fanatic. Mongo owns a couple of cars - one is a new MX5 hardtop convertible 2 litre - just what you have been asking about. Mongo has had about a year now to work out the likes and dislikes. Mongo even wrote to Mazda about his observations. Believe it or not Mazda called Mongo and had a very long discussion about his critique. Mongo probably still has the letter to Mazda and will post it for you. It contains most of the likes dislikes but there is more you should know. Mongo will try and give you more info over the next 48 hours. Feel free to PM me if you wish.


And to Greg who said the following:




Mongo is amused by your simplistic assessment. Do those rooster synonyms types also own WRXs - because this one does

Thanks Mongo will love to see your letter to Mazda.

I have been consulting for 12 years which pays good money but it is erratic so if I buy a new vechile then the cash must be in hand.

So normally I control my car or bike fanatism until its time for another.

Selling the Busa is a big decision as I love the bike but its time to ease back.

So buying a little Roadster in the Busa place is a big decision and the replacement has to be special and must excite me.

So if Mongo likes the MX5 I will as well. (How about a picture of your MX5)

Lets keep in touch.

Regards

[Rattus79]

Pine,

Funny you should ask this question. Mongo is a car fanatic. Mongo owns a couple of cars - one is a new MX5 hardtop convertible 2 litre - just what you have been asking about. Mongo has had about a year now to work out the likes and dislikes. Mongo even wrote to Mazda about his observations. Believe it or not Mazda called Mongo and had a very long discussion about his critique. Mongo probably still has the letter to Mazda and will post it for you. It contains most of the likes dislikes but there is more you should know. Mongo will try and give you more info over the next 48 hours. Feel free to PM me if you wish.


And to Greg who said the following:




Mongo is amused by your simplistic assessment. Do those rooster synonyms types also own WRXs - because this one does

No Mongo, they own Skylines.

[terry.langham]

Would have to be one heck of a car to come close to the feeling you get on a bike. I have tried a few (after selling my Z1000 and ZX6R), but nothing I have been in cut it, so now I drive a N/A diesel 80series Landcruiser and rely on big hills and bogholes for my excitement.

Must say, an S2K came very close but a bit impractical with two small kids.

[KeeFy]

Would have to be one heck of a car to come close to the feeling you get on a bike. I have tried a few (after selling my Z1000 and ZX6R), but nothing I have been in cut it, so now I drive a N/A diesel 80series Landcruiser and rely on big hills and bogholes for my excitement.

Must say, an S2K came very close but a bit impractical with two small kids.

Ariel Atom or a Canterham should come close if you want direct comparisons. But i agree.. not many road cars beats a bike. Also cornering hard in a bike is so different from doing so in a car! So i'd say apples and oranges.

[Bennymiata]

I've had 3 MX-5's (all bought new) starting with an NA (pop-up headlights) in 1993, then an NB8A in 99, then in 2002, I bought an SP (the rare, high powered turbo model) which I still own and covet greatly.

They are fantastic cars!
In fact, I traded in a Porsche Turbo for my first MX-5!

I've done lots of road driving as well as racing in my MX-5's, and they are great fun.
Power is not really important in an MX-5, as they are just so responsive and fun to drive.
Other cars may beat you on the straight, but they will fall back under brakes or around corners (unless you get a turbocharged one, then they won't see where you even came from)!
I've driven a few Honds S2000's as well, and they are also great to drive, but you have to rev the beejeesus out of them to get any fun, and they are very impractical with tiny boots and virtually no glovebox etc.
At least with the MX-5, you can fit a lot into the boot, in fact, my wife and I use it for our supermarket shopping and we've even gone away for 10 days in it and managed to fit everything we needed into the boot.

There are MX-5 clubs all over the world, and they are a very friendly bunch and happy to help out, so I would find out about your local MX-5 club and contact them and arrange to go to one of their events, where you can see all the models in one place and I'm sure the owners would be happy to take you for a ride so you can see and feel what they are really like.
They're easy to drive, yet they are very tough cars.
I used to teach people how to drive on a race-track, and have driven many types of cars, but the MX-5's were one of the few cars you could thrash aroud a track all day long, and all they needed was petrol, where many other cars had all sorts of problems even just doing a few laps before their power steering pumps overheated, hell, I even had an MG drop a wheel on me once, and a BMW M3's fancy automated manual box try and select numerous gears all at once.

Mx-5's are cheap to run, cheap to insure and you can get parts forthem very easily too. both OEM and aftermarket, and there are so many things you can do to them to personalise them just for you.

If you buy one, and find out it doesn't suit you, they are also easy to sell afterwards as they have a great, and deservedly so, reputation.

Here's a poor shot of my car.

IMAG0010.jpg

[KeeFy]

I've had 3 MX-5's (all bought new) starting with an NA (pop-up headlights) in 1993, then an NB8A in 99, then in 2002, I bought an SP (the rare, high powered turbo model) which I still own and covet greatly.

They are fantastic cars!
In fact, I traded in a Porsche Turbo for my first MX-5!

I've done lots of road driving as well as racing in my MX-5's, and they are great fun.
Power is not really important in an MX-5, as they are just so responsive and fun to drive.
Other cars may beat you on the straight, but they will fall back under brakes or around corners (unless you get a turbocharged one, then they won't see where you even came from)!
I've driven a few Honds S2000's as well, and they are also great to drive, but you have to rev the beejeesus out of them to get any fun, and they are very impractical with tiny boots and virtually no glovebox etc.
At least with the MX-5, you can fit a lot into the boot, in fact, my wife and I use it for our supermarket shopping and we've even gone away for 10 days in it and managed to fit everything we needed into the boot.

There are MX-5 clubs all over the world, and they are a very friendly bunch and happy to help out, so I would find out about your local MX-5 club and contact them and arrange to go to one of their events, where you can see all the models in one place and I'm sure the owners would be happy to take you for a ride so you can see and feel what they are really like.
They're easy to drive, yet they are very tough cars.
I used to teach people how to drive on a race-track, and have driven many types of cars, but the MX-5's were one of the few cars you could thrash aroud a track all day long, and all they needed was petrol, where many other cars had all sorts of problems even just doing a few laps before their power steering pumps overheated, hell, I even had an MG drop a wheel on me once, and a BMW M3's fancy automated manual box try and select numerous gears all at once.

Mx-5's are cheap to run, cheap to insure and you can get parts forthem very easily too. both OEM and aftermarket, and there are so many things you can do to them to personalise them just for you.

If you buy one, and find out it doesn't suit you, they are also easy to sell afterwards as they have a great, and deservedly so, reputation.

Here's a poor shot of my car.

IMAG0010.jpg

I expected more out of a photographer than that kinda shot! Does the car no justice LoL. I've always wanted to try out the 1.8t but it's just so rare! I like the NA for the gokart feel when driving the car. Great writeup on the MX-5 and i have to agree. They are phenomenal cars that works as both a daily and some trackwork. The boot of the NC is so big i could fit a 20 men bbq food and drinks and extras!

I agree that it does have a lot more creature comforts vs the S2K. I drove my friend's S2K and ... well as a daily driver... i'm constantly wanting to rev the hell out of it just for it to move. Low end torque is like driving a 1.3 liter pickup that's fully loaded. LoL. Thus the need for some supercharging. I've read a lot of good stuff about supercharging the s2k and have yet to experience one as well. Makes it's a daily driver i guess? I don't know. Just part of my "have owned and driven that" kinda thing. I might go back to a MX-5 one day as well if i can pick up a turbo version.

BTW... I'm no better!

[mongo]

Pine,

Just a few very quick images taken in less than 10minutes today just to give you an idea of what Mongo-2 looks like. Also threw one in of Mongo-1.

mazda4.jpg

One of the best things about this particular car is the colour. Mongo would not have purchased it unless it was this colour. No end of comments from most people who see it about how much they just love the colour . After all, it is a fun car that deserves a fun colour. Black is for people with no imagination and certainly, not for this body shaped car.

mazda1.jpg

I have attached the letter to Mazda – you will note it is fairly direct – Mongo does not mince words when he feels strongly about something. In addition to those items , Mongo also mentioned (during his discussions with Madza) that the clutch pedal travel distance is longer than one would expect in this sort of car. That is, do not design the clutch for women in high heels – get serious and design it for real drivers. Also mentioned that the flow through air is always hot. When Mongo examined this he noted that the flow through air is the same air for the engine intake and therefore is channelled through the engine bay. This, Mongo thinks is another design flaw and the air will always be hot in those circumstances. The notchy gearbox was largely fixed by Mongo replacing the existing oil with a much better oil – Castrol “Syntrans” or “Syntrax” (cannot remember which but also used it to cure the same problem in the WRX)

mazda2.jpg

mazda3.jpg

mazda5.jpg

The most important thing is size. If your Avatar is accurate, you look to be about 6 foot plus and of normal weight for your height. Mongo is a petite creature and just manages. Strongly suggest you sit in one and get in and out of it with the roof up (not folded down). This will reveal a lot about its suitability for you. The extract of the Mazda letter is below. Mongo has removed the text under " factory technical support" as it may be inappropriate to reproduce here. Suffice it to say that Mongo was very very disappointed and unimpressed :

1. Foot rest / clutch pedal operation.

The foot rest can and does interfere with the operation of the clutch pedal. In my view, the foot rest is unnecessarily larger (wider) than it needs to be particularly given the limited space in and around the pedal area. It should be remembered that the "foot rest" does not have to be and is not intended to be a "foot pad"; particularly where it has the potential to interfere with the safety and enjoyment of driving the vehicle. It is very concerning when it appears that Mazda is placing higher priority on fancy pedal design over and above driving pleasure and safety. I take a size 6 shoe and have this problem. Friends who have driven the vehicle with a larger and more average shoe size have also encountered this problem. In my respectful view, a smaller foot rest would be more than adequate and would overcome this entire problem at very little to no cost to Mazda. I regard this as a minor fix which will result in major improvement.

2. Gearbox

(a) operation
Gears, 1, 2 and 3 (particularly 2 and 3) at very notchy and even difficult to engage until the vehicle has driven approximately 6 kilometres. I assume that this occurs until the gearbox is a little more "run in" or because the gearbox oil needs to reach a higher operating temperature (from cold). Until the gearbox reaches this operating plane, it is awkward and even dissatisfying to drive the vehicle. All other gears operate smoothly from cold to full operating temperature. It is difficult to assume that Mazda's engineers intend the vehicle to operate in this manner. If it does not improve significantly after an additional period of running in, I can only assume that my gearbox is defective or has a design flaw.

(b) ratios
The present ratios are a little too tall for the torque characteristics of this engine. A reduction in the ratio of at least the first 3 gears would greatly improve the driving experience with this vehicle. The present ratios detract from the full drivability of the vehicle giving it an underpowered and disappointing characteristic.

3. Power

Whilst that the vehicle handles extremely well and the engine has some pleasing characteristics about it, it is a little underpowered and disappointing given the nature and potential of the overall vehicle. Whilst I feel the vehicle could better reach its potential with a mild turbo, there is no doubt in my mind that noticeable and perhaps adequate gains in this area could be achieved by adopting more appropriate gear ratios (see item "2" above).

4. Fuel intake system

As you know, the fuel cap and intake are located on a horizontal plane. The design characteristics of the petrol cap (which is tethered) and intake nozzle give rise to some difficulties when putting fuel in the vehicle. It is awkward (and certainly less than comfortable or ideal) to try and position a browser nozzle where you have a tethered cap within a limited space. This also creates a greater possibility of scratching the vehicle's paintwork around the open petrol hatch. I have also noticed that the design of the intake often leads to the browser pump switching off presumably because it encounters fuel backup or resistance at or immediately below the fuel intake point. These are design issues about which I can add very little. One immediate improvement might be to lengthen or do away with the tether to the petrol cap but there are clearly other matters which may require your attention.

5. Running - in instructions

These are virtually non-existent in the manual. A mere statement to avoid excessive engine revs is quite meaningless and does not properly set out how to correctly run in the engine. That information alone will not properly run in an engine and as such, may lead to unnecessary damage being caused. The correct method is well known and would cost Mazda nothing to ensure it is printed in the manual.

6. Spare tyre

Whilst noting the limited available space for a spare tyre, the fact that the vehicle does not have one is a major feature flaw. It was the major feature which almost led me not to purchase the vehicle and I still have concerns about it. Whilst these features may be considered fine in Europe with its closer knit towns, it is certainly not the case in Australia with its expensive unpopulated areas. The repair kit provided is equally undesirable if it leads to the destruction of otherwise good and often expensive tyres. Perhaps some thought should be given to a design which will incorporate a spare tyre.

7. Factory technical support

(see Mongo's note above - very very disappointed and unimpressed)

[fess67]

I have an RX8 and I can recommend it for a fun drive. Looks great on the road and corners very well. Have to drive it hard on the revs to do anything and I have to admit it really is in desparate need of a turbo. Despite that, I always ge look in my car and everyone under 80 wants to race me......of course I do not oblige but it is fun to know they have a need to beat me

Advantage of the RX8, it really is an honest 4 seater, and I mean 4 full sized adults fit easily.

Looking for a fun drive, RX8. Looking for fast and fun, stick with the bikes.

PS. drive in iracing.com have a blast driving in a simulated environment. MX5 is there as well as the Falcon V8. Several V8 drivers use it as a practice tool as it is pretty accurate.

[OwenS]

MX5 is great fun but JESUS MATE! You've got a BUSA!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpQP4v_Z0nQ Nuff said.

[KeeFy]

Mongo... i pretty much feel the same way.
I always thought it's the nozzel when it cuts off. I've experienced it in all my cars and always thought it's just part and parcel of a crappy Western Australian fuel pump nozzle. Now that you've mentioned it.. it does occur more on the MX-5... i think?

A few points i don't really agree to:
The gearbox thingy, maybe i'm used to notchy gearboxes i guess. It wasn't hard to put it in like an abused GC8 or skyline.
Running in instructions - i feel it's quite comon knowledge on how to run in a car's engine. First new car onwers may not know.. so that's a good point?
Gear Ratios - Actually i felt a drop in the final drive would have been better rather than the first 3 gears. Or a turbo

[mongo]

..The gearbox thingy, maybe i'm used to notchy gearboxes i guess. It wasn't hard to put it in like an abused GC8 or skyline.
Running in instructions - i feel it's quite comon knowledge on how to run in a car's engine. First new car onwers may not know.. so that's a good point?
Gear Ratios - Actually i felt a drop in the final drive would have been better rather than the first 3 gears. Or a turbo

The gearbox thingy – believe Mongo when he says that when this sort throw 6 speed box is working as silky as Mongo’s is now, it is a delight (and quicker to use) to use and could never go back to the tractor-like box of before.

Running in correctly is not common knowledge (especially to hairdressers and high heel wearers). Only good car enthusiasts would know so there is a point in Mazda printing it and it would cost them nothing to do so.

Not sure Mongo agrees with you re the first 3 gears but agrees with you about the final drive ratio.

Additionally, it seems turbos are not the go with these as much as superchargers are . About $3000 bolt on from the US when it runs out of warranty in a couple of years time.

[Pine]

Would have to be one heck of a car to come close to the feeling you get on a bike. I have tried a few (after selling my Z1000 and ZX6R), but nothing I have been in cut it, so now I drive a N/A diesel 80series Landcruiser and rely on big hills and bogholes for my excitement.

Must say, an S2K came very close but a bit impractical with two small kids.

Hi Terry
You are right a bike is better than sex but it is time to sell the Hayabusa really I drive like a maniac.

I have various hobbies that helps including going off road with my Cherokee Jeep which I bought new (See photo taken at Sani Pass)

Funny my modified Golf 4 is also great fun although its not that fast it has a willing little engine and gives a lot of unsuspecting cars a bloody nose.

I intend to have the MX5 tuned as well.

The problem with known performance bikes or cars is that no one takes them on.

Also here in South Africa we still drag one another at robots.

My kids are grown up so Cilla and I can use 2 seater

Keep Well

[Pine]

Hi Keefy
The MX5 is simply stunning in red and one of my favourite colours!
I would never have sold it.

Regards