1.8 test drive - growling engine

Buying a ‘5 and Insurance advice Buying Advice
2

I recently test drove an MX5, 1.8 Mk3, 2011, approx. 40k on clock, so low mileage. For the first mile or so the engine seemed to be “growling” for want of a better word - after a while this seemed to ease off (or I got used to it). Is this a usual thing for this car? This is the first one I’ve driven so no benchmark as yet to compare.

My current car (& the wife’s car) - both Toyotas - are relatively small engine & relatively modern, so are uniformly smooth to drive.

3

Go and test drive another similar car.

4

Even a standard MX-5 will probably have a slightly raspier exhaust than a Toyota saloon/hatch.  But it’s possible that the one you drove has been “improved” by a previous owner with an aftermarket exhaust.

As suggested, test drive one or two more.  And watch our for other “improvements”. 

5

Sounds like the catalytic converter warming cycle; they all do it. More noticeable if a sportier backbox is fitted.