Fair enough on the looks front, but i’d still take one for a drive… A lot of people on here say that they prefer the 2/2.5’s drive over the more-cumbersome mk3. I have a 2003 mk 2.5 Sport, and i’d say the interior is far, far from dated… Leather seats, stearing wheel, wicked sound system, heated seats, chrome everywhere you look… ?
How on earth can the Mk3 be described as more cumbersome when it has a better weight distribution, more torque and power, and weighs only marginally more? lol
As to vandals, I live in chavvie SE London, have had 3 MX-5/Roadsters in 2 years and never had a problem with roofs. Nor have I had anyone throw anything in when I park it to go into shops or similar, since I rarely put roof up unless I am leaving car for more than 30 mins. I don’t think MX-5s inspire that sort of envy/hate from kids - they are too cute and lovable!
Sorry, maybe I wasn’t clear, but I meant the shape of it; alot of people don’t see it as the “small light basic sports car” that the Mk 1/2/2.5 have a reputation for…
That’s true - it is certainly bulkier :o) When I saw pics of me against my old Mk1 I always worried I looked huge against it, but the MK3 seems better suited/scaled to my height/bulk. Although a new Ferrari California would fit me even better, I reckon…
MR2 is quick - and the dangerous on-the-limit ‘breakaway’ handling was a characteristic of the MK1 and MK2 MR2s (the popup light ones), not the MR2 Roadster (MK3 in effect). The MK1 MR2 killed/injured a lot of people, and the MK2 didn’t totally solve the problem. But the MK3 was a totally comprehensive redesign, and I’ve not heard of the same dangerous handling characteristics - but it is still mid-engined, and having the engine behind the weight pivot-point often creates issues for on-the-limit handling (Elise excluded [:P]).
My MK1 is my first RWD car, and I’ve found it incredibly predictable and forgiving on the limit. IMHO and in my limited experience of the car, the absolute limit of grip is good but not great - but when you pass it you are not punished; The car just gently pivots and allows for some immensely-satisfying throttle-steering, before gently returning to its place when you lift off. Of course if you abuse it it will spin, but I’m no pro and I’m yet to get even close to spinning.
A Mk3 will have gizmos to remove any element of risk (and possibly fun…) from the on-limit handling, and I imagine the MR2 has similar systems. The point was made above, really - if you want to learn to drive RWD, go without the gizmos. I’m learning lots about all sorts of things from my Mk1, and I actually feel safer in a car knowing that I can control it at its limits (at least to some extent!). If you want the comfort of a modern car that is fair enough - I wont pretend that the Mk1 is massively refined or comfy - but I drive my Mk1 250 miles a week at the moment through varying types of roads, and with a cushion and some decent music its a top place to be [:D]
All this said, I drove a Mk3 MX5 and didnt get along with it very well - felt like a sports saloon, not a ‘sports car’ - granted it was factory standard, though. The Mk3 MR2 is probably the more fun of the two to drive, even if its HIDEOUS to look at IMHO and the interior looks like it was lifted out of a Corolla…!
Dare I ask whether you’ve considered an MGTF? Not my favourite car to drive (famous driving position problem…), but may tick more of your boxes than it did mine.
Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy life with a roadster as much as we all do [Y]
Cheers