Hi Geoff, we agree on handling completely i was the one who said that theMK1 is one of the best handling cars in the world. I totally disagree with you when you say its the most forgiving car. I do not put the blame on the car but on the driver. In fact mazda tried to make the MK2 less tail happy just to protect the inexperienced driver and nearly lost the plot and character of the car. I like the MK1 just the way it is but it has to be driven with precision when driven hard thats why i said its a drivers car. Please dont mention MGFs or Elises because you insult me. I would like to see what other members have to say about this point view. Regards
I only find it tail happy in the wet. In the dry I find it very progressive and if I start to lose back end it comes totally under control again with neutral input. I have no driver training and am an average joe, but like everyone I like to feel that little bit of give at the back end on a hard corner. Thankfully, given my lack of skills, I DO find it a forgiving car.
G’day mate
You stuff your own argument when you say it’s not the car it’s the driver!! Why have I insulted you when I mention MG and Lotus cars?
I’ve driven all the cars mentioned and I simply report my findings as I know them. The Lotus Elise in the hands of a very competant driver is indeed a very fast car, but at the point of starting to loose grip, it suddenly lets go, no way of getting it back, the MG does the same. The 'Mk1 5 on the other hand gives you plenty of warning when it starts to lose contact, I do find the MK2 to be much the same, haven’t driven a MK 3 so no comment in that case.
Hi Spoolio, Exactly the the problem I was suffering, plenty of MK1’s around but few in good condition. I was hesitant to travel the country looking when the probability was it would be poor under first hand inspection. As for photos they are meaningless, the worst rust bucket I saw looked great in the pics, however some careful photography tavoided revealing he patched roof and all over body rot! I dont know where your based but on my long list was a newly imported balck Mk1 in south wales at SRW Car Sales - may be worth a look.
IHC
My current Mk1 cost me 2 trips to London, and I found it 4 miles away!
They are around - but don’t expect brilliant examples for poverty money.
Aha! - you’re comparing a Mk2 to a Mk1! - you know that can’t be done!!! (only joking! [;)]).
The “right” car will turn up - Mk1 or Mk2 - you’ll know it when you see it.
Edit - Very nice one here - http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/4068.aspx
I am selling a Mk1 and a Mk2, or rather selling one and keeping the one that doesn’t sell as fast! Both are in lovely condition and within your price range. PM me for details.
Hi Geoff, probably i did not express myself clearly about the handling of the MK1. I love the way it handles very much and would not have it handle any other way but a new comer to this model tends to loose it more easily than a MK2. I did myself a couple of times with fishtails and 180s but when i got used to it. Well it was another story and i would not part with this car ever because its just perfect. As regards to why i used the word insult because when one is discussing handling, surely MGFs do not come into the equation because they are rubbish. Well thats my humble opinion and i could be wrong. Take care mate. Regards RONIN