#229505 - 03/08/2004 21:06
The MX5 is dead, long live the...
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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My poor MX5 (Miata) has delevoped a fatal fault, looks like the crank-shaft thrust bearing has self-destructed after 7 years and 137,000 miles. It will cost be about the same as the car is worth to fit a secondhand engine or rebuild the existing one.
So I think it is time for me to finally get a serious sports car. I've got a budget of £30,000 for a secondhand car.
The car needs to be suitably powerful. It needs to be nice and light. It needs to handle well. Ideally it will have a soft top/removable hard top. It needs to have luggage space for two people for a week away.
It also needs to be reasonably new, I'm going to probably be putting 15k miles on it a year for the next 5 years.
My short list at the moment is:
- TVR Tuscan
- Porsche Boxster
Cars I have considered but decided against:
- TVR Cerbera (probably the best looking TVR, but it has a fixed roof)
- TVR Tamora (a bit ugly, though I would probably still consider it if I hate the Tuscan when I drive it)
- TVR T350C (fixed roof)
- TVR T350T (targa panels look like an after thought)
- TVR Chimaera and Griffith (just not as good looking as the Tuscan and Cerbera)
- Noble M12 (zero luggage space)
- Elise (zero luggage space and probably a bit unlivable with for long journeys)
- Vauxhall VX220 (looks great, goes great, but has the same problems as the Elise and is a Vauxhall)
- BMW Z4 (looks great, amazing engine, but a bit "lardy-arsed" for me)
- Honda S2000 (front end just looks plain wrong)
- Honda NSX (for £30k I would end up with one that is older than I am happy with)
I haven't driven either Tuscan or Boxster yet, hoping to get some test drives in later this week.
Are there any cars (available in the UK) that meet my criteria that I have missed ?
P.S. anyone fancy helping me replace the engine in the MX5 ? Apparently I can get a second hand engine for £250 (they are cheap because they rarely break). I really don't want to scrap it if I can avoid it, I'd far rather fix it up and sell it on, even if I don't get much money for it.
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#229506 - 03/08/2004 21:23
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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old hand
Registered: 20/03/2002
Posts: 729
Loc: Palo Alto, CA
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Quote:
(they are cheap because they rarely break).
That seems counterintuitive.
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#229507 - 03/08/2004 21:30
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: trs24]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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Quote:
Quote:
(they are cheap because they rarely break).
That seems counterintuitive.
Not really. MX5 engines are very reliable. There are plenty of MX5s out there in breakers yards with trashed body work but perfectly servicable engines in them. So there is a ready supply of cheap second hand engines.
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#229508 - 03/08/2004 22:33
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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old hand
Registered: 14/04/2002
Posts: 1172
Loc: Hants, UK
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C5 Corvette? The Z06 is supposed to handle extremely well, apparently even better than the new C6. A friend just imported one with under 4,000 miles on the clock for about £25k all-in.
You could get an older Viper for that sort of money but I don't think they have a lot of luggage space.
Gareth
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#229509 - 03/08/2004 23:36
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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member
Registered: 06/04/2000
Posts: 158
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A 993 cabriolet ? Regards Mark
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#229510 - 03/08/2004 23:50
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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old hand
Registered: 15/02/2002
Posts: 1049
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BMW M3. End of discussion.
(Also, way below your budget if you get one in the previous body style, which is still one hell of a car.)
Jim
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#229511 - 04/08/2004 01:07
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/12/2000
Posts: 2665
Loc: Manteca, California
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Are Lexus SC430's available.
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#229512 - 04/08/2004 03:17
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: gbeer]
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enthusiast
Registered: 31/05/2002
Posts: 352
Loc: santa cruz,ca
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do you mind if I ask how you came to the conclusion of the fault?
is the car 5 speed or auto?
what are the symptoms?
just how much was the estimate?
I don't mean to question your knowledge of such things, just that I see a lot of good cars tossed out because the owner was misguided.
thrust bearing failure is not all that common on a motor that age. and rare overall. not unheard of, just awful rare.
as a side note: 30k lbs is a lot of pie. unless I'm out-of-date, you're talking ~50 grand usd?. couldn't you get any thing you please for that much?
Edited by lastdan (04/08/2004 03:24)
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#229513 - 04/08/2004 03:22
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: g_attrill]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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C5 Corvette? The Z06 is supposed to handle extremely well, apparently even better than the new C6.
I saw the C6 on Top Gear the other day. It clearly doesn't "handle extremely well", even though it went round their track fairly fast. The only reason it went round fast was thanks to the 400 ft lbl of torque...
If I was living in the states then I would happily own a Corvette, but I don't think it is really suited to life over here.
older Viper
I'm sure that would be very entertaining and it looks great too. The problem is the "older" bit, I ideally want a car that is only 2 years or so old.
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#229514 - 04/08/2004 03:24
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: MarkH]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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993 cabriolet
Ok, a couple of problems with 911s in general.
First thing is they are too expensive, meaning I would have to get one that is as old or older that the MX5 I am getting rid of. The second is that the convertible is ugly. I love the looks of fixed head one, but not the soft top.
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#229515 - 04/08/2004 03:26
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: gbeer]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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Are Lexus SC430's available.They are, but I am afraid I wouldn't describe them as a sports car. They look ugly and they don't have the performance or handling that I am after. We have corners over here you know 
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#229516 - 04/08/2004 03:45
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: lastdan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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do you mind if I ask how you came to the conclusion of the fault?
So far by just describing the symptoms to the UK MX5 mailing list. The techies guys there are all pretty much in agreement that it is almost certainly the thrust bearing.
is the car 5 speed or auto?
Manual, from what I have read it probably wouldn't have happened with an auto, because it doesn't put the same backwards and forwards pressure on the crank shaft.
what are the symptoms?
Started making a diesel like rattle between 3000-4000 revs a few months ago. The other day, 10 miles from home, it the noise got louder. It got progressively louder over the 10 miles.
By the time I got home I sounded like some hitting an iron radiator with a large wrench repeatedly. The sound is present with the clutch in or out and various with engine speed.
Laying under the car the sound (and associated vibration) appears to come from the lower part of the engine block.
just how much was the estimate?
One quote so far of £900, without tax. Plus the engine at £250-£350, plus the cost of transporting the car 40 miles across London.
Because it is a relatively young car but has done loads of miles (most MX5s over here manage about 5,000 a year, I have done 20,000 a year for seven years) it is worth bugger all. If I was going to sell it I would need to replace the roof and probably the rear fender as well.
I don't mean to question your knowledge of such things, just that I see a lot of good cars tossed out because the owner was misguided.
thrust bearing failure is not all that common on a motor that age. and rare overall. not unheard of, just awful rare.
That's alright, I'm planning to get someone to have a look at it before I do anything drastic with it (like scrap it).
My car is a very late Mk1 1.8, which apparently means that it has a good chance of suffering from the crank shaft thrust bearing machining problem that lots of the early Mk2 1.8 cars also had.
as a side note: 30k lbs is a lot of pie. unless I'm out-of-date, you're talking ~50 grand usd?. couldn't you get any thing you please for that much?
You need to remember that cars are much cheaper in the US than they are over here. A new Porsche Boxster for example here costs £32k, which is $64k. According to the US website it is $42k over there !
That said, yes 30k will buy me a recent second hand example of most of the cars I might want to buy. It rules out thinks like the 911 or any of the Ferraris however...
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#229517 - 04/08/2004 03:47
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: TigerJimmy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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BMW M3
No doubt one hell of an engine and a very practical car. To heavy to be described as a sport car in my mind though.
It is a car that I would consider owning, but not just now.
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#229518 - 04/08/2004 04:25
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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enthusiast
Registered: 31/05/2002
Posts: 352
Loc: santa cruz,ca
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place a wood block on the crank pulley and pry it 'in' to the motor.then, while you watch, have a friend press the clutch. if the pulley pops out more than the thickness of a finger nail then you found the problem.
I don't know the spec for your motor, but I would guess it's ~.004 inch.
testing the oil pressure would be a good idea too.
hth
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#229519 - 04/08/2004 05:38
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: lastdan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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if the pulley pops out more than the thickness of a finger nail then you found the problemThis page seems to agree with your suggestions: http://www.miata.net/solo/99miatathrustbearingfailure.htmlI'll take a look when I get home. That page keeps repeating one thing, "change your oil regularly and religiously". Ooops... ...to say that the servicing and hence oil changes have been erratic over the last couple of years would be a major understatement.
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#229520 - 04/08/2004 05:59
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 16/04/2002
Posts: 2011
Loc: Yorkshire UK
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Quote:
- TVR Cerbera (probably the best looking TVR, but it has a fixed roof)
- TVR Tamora (a bit ugly, though I would probably still consider it if I hate the Tuscan when I drive it)
- TVR T350C (fixed roof)
- TVR T350T (targa panels look like an after thought)
- TVR Chimaera and Griffith (just not as good looking as the Tuscan and Cerbera)
But are Russian cars reliable?
I think that I would add the Audi TT ragtop to that list...of course, I could put you in the way of a nice 5 year old MGF, with only 28 on the clock!
Edited by boxer (04/08/2004 06:02)
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#229522 - 04/08/2004 07:30
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: frog51]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 16/04/2002
Posts: 2011
Loc: Yorkshire UK
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Quote:
Oooh - that's a low blow
In truth, Blackpool cars didn't have a great reputation: Too many models put on the market too quickly, I think was a common analysis.
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#229523 - 04/08/2004 07:47
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: boxer]
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enthusiast
Registered: 18/07/2001
Posts: 299
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The Boxster has the be the sensible choice, but it's a victim of it's own success and doesn't turn heads any more (well not mine anyhow) ...
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#229524 - 04/08/2004 08:22
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 19/05/1999
Posts: 3457
Loc: Palo Alto, CA
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Pity you can't stretch just a teensy bit further - my NSX is still for sale. It's a '98, but with only 34k miles and FHSH, new yokos, just serviced/MOTed.
Already pre-fitted for an empeg too, which saves a lot of hassle (and about £1500 for the fitting I had done!)
Hugo
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#229525 - 04/08/2004 08:33
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: boxer]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 09/08/2000
Posts: 2091
Loc: Edinburgh, Scotland
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Yeah, I know - Got to say I would love a Cerbera, though (as a sensible family car) 'cos I see enough at the TVR meets. Driving in my brother's Chim makes me want one of them, but there just ain't enough seats (well, until the kids leave home in 20 year's time  ) He has had no reliability issues, but he does use it to drive to work on a regular basis, and that is definitely recommended for TVRs
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MkIIa, blue lit buttons, memory upgrade, 1Tb in Subaru Forester STi
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#229526 - 04/08/2004 09:14
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: altman]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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How much is your NSX going for ?
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#229527 - 04/08/2004 13:10
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 08/02/2002
Posts: 3411
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You do realise that if you buy Hugo's NSX that you're going to need a new .sig? 
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#229528 - 04/08/2004 13:56
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: genixia]
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old hand
Registered: 14/08/2001
Posts: 886
Loc: London, UK
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I'm localish to you and will happily help you fit another engine to your MX5.
As for what to replace it with, I'd go for a VX220 - you would be suprised how much you can stuff in there for a week away, the build quality is better than the Elise, and they can be easily tweaked to produce big power
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#229529 - 04/08/2004 15:01
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: furtive]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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I'm localish to you and will happily help you fit another engine to your MX5.I might just take you up on that offer. Not for a few weeks though, need to get a new car sorted out first. As for what to replace it with, I'd go for a VX220 - you would be suprised how much you can stuff in there for a week awayI might go and take a look at one then. I was only really joking about the Vauhall thing, I don't really care what badge the car has on it as long as it is good to drive. Unless it has lots more space than an Elise it is a non-starter though. We struggle when we go away for a couple of weeks in the MX5, there is no way we could manage in an Elise. I a couple more options have occured to me: - buy a £10-15k Subaru Imprezza Turbo wagon as the "sensible" car and an older £15-20k Elise or Griffith for sunny days - buy a £10-15k Subaru Imprezza Turbo wagon and £15k on the first years membership of P1 International (and start saving the £12.5k for next year) For anyone who does know what P1 International is, it is a car club that gives you access to the following selection of cars:
Lamborghini Murcielago
Ford GT
Aston Martin Vanquish
Ferrari 360 C. Stradale
Lamborghini Gallardo
Ferrari 575M Maranello
Bentley Arnage T
Ferrari 456M GT
Ferrari 550 Maranello
Ferrari 360 Spider
Bentley Continental GT
Aston Martin DB9 (Sept)
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Ferrari 360 Modena
Porsche 996 Turbo
Porsche 911 GT2
Bentley Arnage
Porsche 996 Turbo Cab
Mercedes SL55 AMG
Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Porsche 997 CS (Sept 04)
Noble M14 (Autumn 04)
Mercedes SL500
Aston Martin DB7
Ferrari 355 Spider
Porsche 996 C4S Cabrio
BMW M3 CSL
Maserati 4200 GT
Mercedes E55 AMG
Range Rover Vogue
Porsche 996 Carrera 2
Ferrari 355 Berlinetta
Audi RS6 Avant
BMW M5 (April 2005)
Noble M12 GTO-3R
Caterham Roadsport SV
AC Cobra
Lotus Exige S2
BMW M3 Convertible
Mitsubishi Evo MR340
For £12.5k a year (with a £2.5k joining fee in the first year) you get 6,000 miles of use. They have a points system, so if you choose to drive a Lamborghini Murcielago on summer weekends then you don't get as many days driving as if you drive the Noble on autumn weekdays. They reckon that members average 70 driving days a year. www.p1international.com
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#229530 - 04/08/2004 15:03
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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You'd be unable to put your empeg in a P1 car, though, in case it hadn't occurred to you.
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#229531 - 04/08/2004 15:06
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: wfaulk]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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Which would leave me it much the same situation as I've been for the last five years ...in tape adapter land, though if I went with P1 I might upgrade to an FM transmitter.
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#229532 - 04/08/2004 15:26
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: lastdan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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place a wood block on the crank pulley and pry it 'in' to the motor.then, while you watch, have a friend press the clutch. if the pulley pops out more than the thickness of a finger nail
I've just had a go at checking for movement of the crank pulley. I got a length of timber, put one end on the crank pulley and lightly levered it on the top of the radiator. I then got my wife to put the clutch in and out.
I couldn't detect any movement. Am I doing the right thing ?
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#229533 - 05/08/2004 05:21
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 09/08/2000
Posts: 2091
Loc: Edinburgh, Scotland
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Not that I'm biased, but definitely go with the 5 door Scooby - it is a powerful sports car, but also a nice safe family hatchback. I'm certainly happy driving my kids to nursery, then 4-wheel-drifting it round roundabouts on my way to work. I'll be jealous of your second car though - ours is a Punto (which is nice, but gets twitchy under heavy sliding - keep worrying I'll be able to roll it)
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#229534 - 05/08/2004 10:59
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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addict
Registered: 18/08/2002
Posts: 544
Loc: New Jersey
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I have a 2001 Miata SE (6 speed and some other unique stuff) and other than the lack of power of the other cars you noted i cant imagine a better handling vehicle. For $5k i am sure i can put a turbo or supercharger in and give me performance at par with a boxter (which i babysat for a friend of mine for a few weeks befor i got the Miata...very sweet ) Mine is BRG with 16" wheels...and as we all well know a ghost in the machine which wont give me peace when it comes to whine through my sound system! It seems like you have had no other issues with the car...a cheap solution would be to just put another engine in it and sit back for 10 or so more years!! Good luck on your search!
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#229535 - 05/08/2004 11:53
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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old hand
Registered: 14/08/2001
Posts: 886
Loc: London, UK
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Info on the VX220 from a new owner, cross posted from a trackday forum: Could've bought the turbo had I wanted to but the NA's a better balanced car for both road and track IMO (not that ours will see the track much, it's a road car, although I am taking it to Anglesey in September). Turbo's a bit heavier, so feels planted on the road if a little soft and it's mightily impressive through the gears, very torquey engine as you'd expect. I just found the NA to be a better handling car, the suspension's better, makes it easier to drive cross country without constantly working at it (roads are in crap condition where I live) and safer for the wife to use if she wants to. That's not to say that if you want to drive like Damon Hill you can't, it's very rewarding to drive quickly. They seem better screwed together than the Elise and as you say, it's got a much stronger engine that's pretty unstressed in standard form (140bhp). Certainly modified up to 180bhp they don't seem to suffer either. My car's only a year old but I do plan to modify it slightly to about 170bhp, which is relatively inexpensive and Vauxhall will still honour the warranty. If you wanted a challenging track car I'd say buy the turbo, but if you just want something to have fun in, buy the NA. Have a look on www.vx220.org.uk there's quite a few cheapish early VX's on there as long as you don't mind it being silver
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#229536 - 05/08/2004 13:13
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: furtive]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 09/08/2000
Posts: 2091
Loc: Edinburgh, Scotland
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actually, took VX220turbo out on Bedford autodrome and it is a very well setup car. Yes, there are the usual turbo features like lag, requiring the correct revs for manoevres, but really zippy. Would heartily recommend it. Especially after a wee bit of tuition on its sliding characteristics - bit different from my Scoob.
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MkIIa, blue lit buttons, memory upgrade, 1Tb in Subaru Forester STi
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#229537 - 08/08/2004 20:27
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: frog51]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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Went to try an take a look at a VX220 today, to see if it is anymore practical than the Elise. Made sure I picked a VX220 dealer. This was what happened:
Me: "Do you sell the VX220, I can't see any here ?"
Salesman: "Oh, we share it with our other branch. They have it this week."
Me: "You've only got one car between two dealerships ?"
Salesman: "Yes. I could phone you when it is our turn next."
Hmmm
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#229538 - 08/08/2004 20:37
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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I made a start towards buying a new car today. We went out and looked at TVRs and Porsches. The main task of the day was to make sure that both Eryl and I could reach the pedals... I had prepared myself to be disappointed by the TVR Tuscan, I know build quality reflects the cost (faster than most Ferraris for a third the price). I was still surprised however by how many little bits of trim were falling off the 2-3 years old cars we looked at. Happily we (ok, Eryl ) could reach the pedals in both the Tuscan and Boxster. The Tuscan interior feels like a very special place to be, the curves that make up the design just flow around you so well. It is huge inside as well, I hadn't realise that there was so much space. We really could take the kitchen sink with us. The Boxster interior is not so special, it feels like a "normal" car. It does however feel much, much more solid. The two year old Boxster we looked at really did look brand new still. It was surpisingly cramped inside though, with my knees touching the dash as the do in the MX5. I can see this is going to be a very difficult decision. Need to arrange some test drives this week...
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#229539 - 09/08/2004 17:39
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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Well, after all that faffing about I have chickened out of silly car ownership for the moment. I've decided to leave it for a few months until I have more cash and take advantage of the normal convertible winter price drop.
I'm going to buy something cheaper and "sensible" in the meantime, while I get the MX5 fixed (I'll probably sell the MX5 as soon as it is fixed).
Of course, "sensible" probably means a 5-door Subaru Impreza WRX. Looks like I can get a decent one for around £12-13k. The plan is to keep this as my second car when I finally get the "silly" car.
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#229541 - 09/08/2004 17:55
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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If I were you, I'd be looking into a Shelby Cobra replica. I don't know how many of your rules that breaks, but there's something to the idea of a car simple enough that you can fix it all yourself. Anyway, it's just an idea. Here's a link for the manufacturer I like, though: Era Replica.
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Bitt Faulk
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#229542 - 09/08/2004 18:13
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andym]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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Quote:
My god if I left my car purchasing until I had more money, I'd have never bought a car. Or is it just one more Post Office job?
I know, I could just about afford it now, but with a £20k loan. If I wait six months I should be able to manage with little or no loan. I've been waiting nearly five years for this purchase, so I can survive another six months...
Quote:
The WRX is no quicker than my Clio, I'd definately get an STi if I were to consider an Impreza (which I am).
It has to be reasonably affordable to insure as a second car, meaning it might have zero no claims available (unless I can find a insurer who gives a decent price on the silly car and honours the no claims on both cars). It also has to be the 5-door version (because the whole point of having it is so it is a sensible car with a big boot).
There is no UK 5-door STi as far as I know. So if I wanted a faster 5-door Impreza it would have to be an import or a modded car. Both options would push the insurance up.
The Impreza doesn't have to be stupidly quick, I'll have my silly car in the long term for that, it is comfortably quicker (in a straight line at least) than the MX5.
Hell, at least it isn't the bog standard turbo...
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#229543 - 09/08/2004 18:16
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: wfaulk]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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Quote:
If I were you, I'd be looking into a Shelby Cobra replica. I don't know how many of your rules that breaks, but there's something to the idea of a car simple enough that you can fix it all yourself.
If I could have half a dozen cars a Cobra of some sort would probably be one of them. However they don't have the handling to meet my requirements as my main "silly" car.
A Cobra replica was the first car I really lusted after as a teenager...
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#229544 - 09/08/2004 18:33
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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While I understand your concern about the handling of the Cobra, the manufacturer I linked to has designed a new chassis and suspension that are supposed to increase handling dramatically. You might want to at least take a look.
Of course, if it's something you're concerned about, I'd never buy something that expensive without driving it or at least having some solid references.
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Bitt Faulk
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#229545 - 09/08/2004 19:46
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: wfaulk]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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I'm not even sure if the ERA is available over here, from their website it looks like just a US operation. There are literally dozens of different Cobra kits available in the UK, so of which probably have much better handling than the original Cobra road car. Even without any handling issues a Cobra doesn't meet a few of my other requirements for my "silly" car anyway. I couldn't cope with the roof for a start, I am going to be driving the car in question for 12k+ miles a year in UK weather. As I said, if I could own a whole range of cars a Cobra replica would be one of them. As it is, if and when I get a kit car it will be an Ultima GTR http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/gtr/index.html
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#229546 - 10/08/2004 06:33
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 09/08/2000
Posts: 2091
Loc: Edinburgh, Scotland
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And if you actually want a 5 door Impreza that handles well through corners, the 2001 model was the last of the light ones. The newer models all have more power, but they are significantly heavier - which is why I ended up getting a 2001. And it is slowly being modded so will have more power soon. The new ones do have much more soundproofing, if you like that kind of thing, but I am just not a fan of their cornering - on twisty UK roads they just can't cut it. Bloody good off the line though (the STi's anyway, not the standard WRX - so if you get a WRX, think about modding for performance  )
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MkIIa, blue lit buttons, memory upgrade, 1Tb in Subaru Forester STi
MkII, 240Gb in Mark Lord dock
MkII, 80Gb SSD in dock
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#229547 - 11/08/2004 02:56
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 30/04/2000
Posts: 3810
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(finally back from the honeymoon...)
I don't get why you dismiss the Honda S2000 so quickly. It's somewhat plain in its appearance, but by all accounts it's a balls-out fantastic track car, a perfectly acceptable stuck-in-traffic commuting car, and it's just a plain old reliable Honda. If I had a three-car garage, the S2000 would be on my short list.
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#229548 - 11/08/2004 04:54
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: DWallach]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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#229549 - 11/08/2004 08:54
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 19/05/1999
Posts: 3457
Loc: Palo Alto, CA
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(should really read the bbs more often!) 34k...
Hugo
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#229550 - 17/08/2004 07:27
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: altman]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 16/04/2002
Posts: 2011
Loc: Yorkshire UK
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Well, whilst you lot have been doing all that, I've ordered an automatic Renault Megane cabriolet, the one with the metal folding roof.
I've decided that it's time, after 8 years, to say goodbye to MGF driving, and the automatic makes it available to Mrs.B.
My one worry is that it has too many toys to go wrong, and a metal folding roof engineered by Mercedes or Lexus is one thing, but the same thing by Renault or Peugeot may be a different proposition.
I can't say I'm particularly bothered about wipers and lights that start automatically, or locks that unlock as you walk towards them, it's just more to go wrong.
What amazes me is that the dealerships are so ignorant of the products, once again, I enter the showroom knowing more about the car: The apathy really pisses me off.
However, on the upside, plenty of room for 2 HU's, the Empeg is well safe!
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#229551 - 22/08/2004 09:37
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: boxer]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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The engineering for those folding metal roofs is done by a handful of firms that specialise in things like that. They can and do jam even on the Merc ones.
Make sure you don't raise or lower the roof on a hill...
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#229552 - 23/08/2004 06:12
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 16/04/2002
Posts: 2011
Loc: Yorkshire UK
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Quote:
Make sure you don't raise or lower the roof on a hill..
Ta for the tip, I'm getting nervous already, Honest John in Saturday's Telegraph had a bit on the keycard not functioning.
Quote:
The engineering for those folding metal roofs is done by a handful of firms that specialise in things like that
We get Automotive News - Europe in the office, sometimes they have exploded drawings of who makes what, it's quite mind boggling.
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#229553 - 23/08/2004 08:08
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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addict
Registered: 24/07/2002
Posts: 618
Loc: South London
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Only one chioce, brand spanking new lotus exige. These things have the most awesome grip i've ever experienced! My mate had one over the weekend and showed me what it could do. Looks mean as hell as well! Much better inside than the elise, for one there's actually some padding on the seats (unlike the elise where it's a bit of fabric over the carbon fibre) and they're actually pretty comfortable - you can get it with air-con as well. Plus you got so many people looking at pointing! Clarksons review By far the coolest car i've been in for ages. No boot space though, infact it looked like less than the elise! Adrian
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#229554 - 26/08/2004 15:55
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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Well, I bought my "sensible" car:
2000 registered 5 door Impreza Turbo, 57,000 miles, £10,500
P.S. Don't worry, the gold wheels are being repainted silver as we speak !
The silly car will have to wait til next spring.
Edited by andy (26/08/2004 15:56)
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#229555 - 26/08/2004 18:00
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/01/2002
Posts: 3996
Loc: Manchester UK
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Ooh very nice! What model is it?
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Andy M
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#229556 - 26/08/2004 21:03
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andym]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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Just the standard Impreza Turbo "sportswagon", so 208bhp. I very different car to drive compared to the MX5, it is going to take some practice until I can drive it smoothly at speed I think. I am used to having the throttle nailed to the floor 80% of the time when "pressing on", that is going to have to change...
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#229557 - 27/08/2004 07:43
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 09/08/2000
Posts: 2091
Loc: Edinburgh, Scotland
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Yay!!! Top choice for practical family car!! Now join the SIDC and come play at the track days:-)
These babies do the best, controllable 4-wheel drifts!
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MkIIa, blue lit buttons, memory upgrade, 1Tb in Subaru Forester STi
MkII, 240Gb in Mark Lord dock
MkII, 80Gb SSD in dock
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#229558 - 04/09/2004 20:41
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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#229559 - 04/09/2004 23:49
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 08/02/2002
Posts: 3411
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Nice! Now install an empeg in it!
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#229560 - 05/09/2004 08:11
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: genixia]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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I do plan to, might be making a visit to Cambridge Car Audio. Need to work out where to put the amp though. Don't want it in the boot, so I guess the only place is going to be under the passenger seat, haven't looked to see how much space there is yet.
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#229561 - 05/09/2004 14:57
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/01/2002
Posts: 3996
Loc: Manchester UK
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It certainly looks in excellent condition. I seem to see more and more badly repaired ones on the road now. I suppose the really old ones are getting into the cheapo price bracket.
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Andy M
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#229562 - 05/09/2004 16:52
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andym]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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It is in extremely good nick. The seats and carpets really do look brand new (there are a few scratches on some of the interior plastic). Apart from a handful of stone chips on the bonnet there isn't a thing wrong with the exterior. There isn't even a single parking ding.
There are two problems with it so far. Slightly squeally brakes (I'll probably replace the pads with some EBC Greenstuff to fix that). And the passenger footwell fills with water when the aircon has been on for a hour, the dealer will have to fix that.
I am also having problems with the clutch squealing in 1st and 2nd, but I think that is just down to adjusting my driving to having over twice as much torque as I'm used to. I think I just need to apply a little less gas when releasing the clutch.
I managed to curb one of the wheels to day while parking, still at least I have got it out of the way, I was bound to do it sooner or later...
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#229563 - 05/09/2004 17:27
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/01/2002
Posts: 3996
Loc: Manchester UK
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Quote:
I managed to curb one of the wheels to day while parking, still at least I have got it out of the way, I was bound to do it sooner or later...
Ouch, I've managed to have mine a year without kerbing a wheel or dinging a door. It's got to the point where if it happened now I'd probably have a nervous breakdown.
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Andy M
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#229564 - 05/09/2004 19:42
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andym]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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Dinging a door is kind of out of my control. I try to park in quiet parts of car parks, but it only takes one careless idiot. I had a fit the first time I picked up a dent on the door on my MX5...
I am hopeless at avoiding kerbing my wheels. I very rarely parallel park and on the odd occasion that I do I often end up touching the kerb.
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#229565 - 05/09/2004 20:11
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/01/2002
Posts: 3996
Loc: Manchester UK
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Quote:
I try to park in quiet parts of car parks, but it only takes one careless idiot.
Why is that? You park at the opposite end of the car park, no cars around you for miles (slight exaggeration) and get back to find someone has parked right next to you? Why? I know my car is the best thing on four wheels, but seriously, they have a whole carpark to choose from and they park right next to mine.
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Andy M
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#229566 - 05/09/2004 20:21
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andym]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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Tell me about it. I nearly had a silly incident in the work car park the other week.
It was 7:30am so the car park was very empty. I drove several hundred yards past the last car and parked in a space with dozens of empty spaces to either side. I then sat in the car for 60 seconds or so, fiddling with my phone and PDA.
I then went to get out of the car and went to open the door without bothering to look first. As I did there was a screeching of brakes and squealing of tyres as a car slid to a stop a couple of inches from my half open door.
I know I should have looked before opening the door, but what idiot drives hundreds of yards down an empty car park only to park next to the driver's door of a solitary car which clearly has someone sitting in it ?
Of course, being British I closed the door, allowed him to park and then I got out and appologied for not looking. Doh !
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#229567 - 05/09/2004 23:16
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 08/02/2002
Posts: 3411
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Quote:
but what idiot...
Normally one by the name of 'Twat'.
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#229569 - 06/09/2004 07:44
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 16/04/2002
Posts: 2011
Loc: Yorkshire UK
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Saw a lovely one on the Norwich ring road, Friday, guy collecting a brand new Kia, had not quite mastered the controls leaving the forecourt and got rammed in the driver's side by a Ford Transit. 30 feet in your brand new prize possession, now that would make you sick as a parrot!
Edited by boxer (06/09/2004 12:52)
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#229570 - 06/09/2004 10:48
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 09/08/2000
Posts: 2091
Loc: Edinburgh, Scotland
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Under the driver's seat has plenty - see this gallery for a couple of pics. That's a 680 Watt amp, and it never gets very hot, even when I have a subwoofer in. Dead easy to get seats out and run cables. The space behind the dash gets pretty full - but I even managed to get my handsfree kit in as well.
_________________________
Rory
MkIIa, blue lit buttons, memory upgrade, 1Tb in Subaru Forester STi
MkII, 240Gb in Mark Lord dock
MkII, 80Gb SSD in dock
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#229571 - 06/09/2004 12:43
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: boxer]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31596
Loc: Seattle, WA
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Quote:
...guy collecting a brand new Kia, had not quite mastered the controls leaving the forecourt and got rammed in the driver's side by a Ford Transmit. 30 feet in your brand new prize possession...
Ah well, it was only a Kia. Dealership probably just handed him a new one, same thing as spilling your coke on the way out of the restaurant. Only difference is, with the Coke, they're worried about the price of the cup. 
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#229573 - 07/09/2004 02:17
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: tfabris]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/12/2000
Posts: 2665
Loc: Manteca, California
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Sorry to be contrary, but that is wishfull thinking. Ain't never gonna happen. Quote:
Ah well, it was only a Kia. Dealership probably just handed him a new one, same thing as spilling your coke on the way out of the restaurant. Only difference is, with the Coke, they're worried about the price of the cup.
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Glenn
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#229574 - 07/09/2004 03:36
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: gbeer]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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Damn you top posters.
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Bitt Faulk
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#229575 - 08/09/2004 07:00
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andym]
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addict
Registered: 24/07/2002
Posts: 618
Loc: South London
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Furthest point of the carpark everytime! Failing that, a space with only one car facing side so that I can park as close to it and as far away from the other car!
Somebody put a real deep (but small & "pointy") dent in my last car, and I'm certainly not going to give them the same opportunity this time.
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#229576 - 08/09/2004 10:15
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: sn00p]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/01/2002
Posts: 3996
Loc: Manchester UK
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I have been guilty (on several occaisions) of straddling two spaces. But that's only been when the carpark in question is really quiet.
Which reminds me, the clio's going in for a new alternator tomorrow so I wonder if it'll come back with a few scratches and some more miles on the clock?
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Cheers,
Andy M
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#229577 - 08/09/2004 10:46
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andym]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 16/04/2002
Posts: 2011
Loc: Yorkshire UK
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Quote:
Which reminds me, the clio's going in for a new alternator tomorrow so I wonder if it'll come back with a few scratches and some more miles on the clock?
Precisely why the Leeds MG dealership will never see me again, collected from them and driven straight to the office car park, where it couldn't possibly have happened, so they must have put the dent in the front wing, whilst they had it. But could I prove it?
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Politics and Ideology: Not my bag
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#229578 - 08/09/2004 11:33
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: boxer]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5916
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
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Quote:
Precisely why the Leeds MG dealership will never see me again, collected from them and driven straight to the office car park, where it couldn't possibly have happened, so they must have put the dent in the front wing, whilst they had it. But could I prove it?
Had exactly the same thing at Streatham Mazda, one week after buying my MX5 from new. I am praying that Subaru dealers are better than Mazda ones.
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#229579 - 08/09/2004 11:46
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andy]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 16/04/2002
Posts: 2011
Loc: Yorkshire UK
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Quote:
I am praying that Subaru dealers are better than Mazda ones.
They seem to have that reputation according to the polls.
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#229580 - 08/09/2004 12:25
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: boxer]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/01/2002
Posts: 3996
Loc: Manchester UK
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Well they can't be much worse than Renault dealers. Every time I take the car in I come back to find it being 'admired' by all the spotty oik mechanics. No doubt hoping they find it on their job sheet for the day. How else can you explain putting 12 miles on the clock when all it's gone in for is a cracked washer bottle? God only knows what they get up to in it.
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Cheers,
Andy M
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#229581 - 08/09/2004 12:54
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: andym]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 16/04/2002
Posts: 2011
Loc: Yorkshire UK
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Quote:
they can't be much worse than Renault dealers
Now you tell me, after I've placed an order. But having to tell the sales staff the features of the car they're meant to be selling you, is quite normal!
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Politics and Ideology: Not my bag
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#229582 - 08/09/2004 13:20
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: boxer]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 17/01/2002
Posts: 3996
Loc: Manchester UK
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When I was looking to buy my car I visited Renault Manchester, I found the salesman completely disinterested in even talking about the car and once I started talking about the price I was told book price (£15k at the time) or nothing. I said I'd only got £13k at which point he muttered something about getting a second hand one and walked off.
So I thought, sod this. I went to Motorpoint in Burnley, paid £12k for a brand new unregistered car with 7 miles on the clock. The only difference between it and a UK car is that it doesn't have a Renault alarm and immobiliser. So I got a Sigma fitted which is much better than the Renault one anyway and still saved nearly £3k. All 172s are made on the same production line, so if someone says imports are inferior they're talking out of their arse. If anything the imports are better because they have a decent security system.
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Cheers,
Andy M
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#229583 - 08/09/2004 15:21
Re: The MX5 is dead, long live the...
[Re: boxer]
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addict
Registered: 24/07/2002
Posts: 618
Loc: South London
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Quote:
Quote:
they can't be much worse than Renault dealers
Now you tell me, after I've placed an order. But having to tell the sales staff the features of the car they're meant to be selling you, is quite normal!
better not point you at the renault forums then! 
They're not really that bad, In 6 years of renault ownership (2 clios from new) I've not had any serious problems, an aerial on my old one which leaked after about 4 years and a wing mirror on my current one which made a funny "tinging metallic" sound, but was replaced under warranty.
Other than the odd random pieces of plastic that occasionally turn up in the car, nothing major!
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