Mk 2 Sport or Mk 2.5 Sport - any thoughts

Buying a ‘5 and Insurance advice Buying Advice
2

Hi All, 

I’m looking for an MX-5 again, having owned and regretfully sold a 1999 1.8 Sport (mk 2 limited edition) about 5 years ago. 

I certainly want a sport model, but the question is whether to go for a mk 2.5 sport, or to spend time looking for a mk2 sport again.  I think I understand the differences, after looking through this and other websites, but could someone offer opinions on the following:

Wheels: Mk 2 has 15" and Mk 2.5 has 16". The bigger wheels look nice, but do they affect the handling (better or worse)? I guess the smaller wheels are less expensive at the tyre dealers?

Gearbox: 5 speed in the Mk 2, 6 speed in the Mk 2.5, mixed reviews of the 6 speed on here, and I don’t do much motorway driving - we have a big estate car for that. 

Seats: Mk 2.5 seats look nice, but have seen some talk about them being higher than the mk 2, which could be an issue - I’m over 6’. Any other size related issues? My mk 2 had two tone leather (Black / Blue), is this standard in the mk 2 Sport?

Looks: The body kit on the Mk 2 looks good (imho), however the mk 2.5 facelift greatly improved the look of the standard car…

Age is probably not a issue as such, as the budget will only stretch to a fairly early mk 2.5 sport. The Mk 2 seems to be a higher insurance group, I don’t know why.

The Mk 2.5 has remote locking I think?

Do all Mk2 sports have air con? I know most of the mk 2.5s don’t seem to. Not that I ever really needed it before…

I guess the mk 2 sports are less common than the mk 2.5, so there is probably a rarity associated with the mk 2 - although it will be lost on many people!

Do you generally pay a premium for the mk 2.5 (assuming equivalent mileage and condition)?

Better Stereo in the Mk2.5? Although I’m likely to fit an MP3 CD player, so this may be irrelevant.

What have I missed?

Obviously I need to actually go and look at some cars, but I’m just trying to get the pros and cons sorted before I start looking too seriously…

Any thoughts - or am I being too picky, should I go on price and condition and not get too hung up about the differences between mk2 and mk 2.5?

Any opinions much appreciated. 

Thanks

Dave

3

 Hi Dave, Ive sent you an email with some information. Let me know if you dont recieve it.

To answer a few of your questions,

The heated leather seats in the MK2.5 Sport are great but im only 5ft 8" on a warm day. Plenty of taller people drive them with no trouble though & others do a foamectomy (remove some foam to sit you lower & further back). Guess it depends if youre long in the leg or long in the torso!

I`m at Junction 11 or the M1 if you want to try one for size.

Yes they have remote locking / imobiliser / alarm & the boot is lockable with the key disabling the cabin release.

The 16 " wheels are fine but have a tendency to bubble under the paint (mine included) so need refurbing occasionaly if you like them looking new. You could change to a 15" set if preferred (most will fit over the bigger brakes) which will mean cheaper tyres as you say.

You would need to change the standard stereo to play MP3 discs or Ipod.

No aircon in most Sports but it can be retro fitted if you feel the need. I havn`t missed having it & never used it when i had my MK1 either.

Mohair hood is standard on the MK2.5 i believe as is extra bracing, bigger brakes etc & probably plenty of other stuff i can`t remember right now (blame it on age)

The 6 speed box + LSD is excellent…going through the gears on the twisty B roads is what these cars were made for IMO.

Anything else you want to know shout away & good luck with the hunt Thumbs up

4

 7 page review on the MK2.5 Sport here

http://www.carpages.co.uk/mazda/mazda_mx5_review_part_2_11_10_03.asp

5

 Couple of MK2 Sports on Ebay although youve probably spotted them already if youve been searching.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mazda-MX5-1-8-Sport-Ltd-Edition-Removable-Hardtop-/200559076473?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2eb240a479

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1999-V-Mazda-MX-5-Blue-1-8-Sport-/180601964240?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a0cb746d0

Another option to consider is a MK2 RS Roadster import. They come with a nice spec including A/C & 6 Speed box & usually rust free.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mazda-MX-5-SPECIAL-ETD-GOLD-METT-1800-PETROL-6-SPEED-/130469740925?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e609a417d

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1998-Mazda-MX-5-/180348623642?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item29fd9d9b1a

There`s probably more but i got bored Wink Anyway you get the idea…Happy hunting!

 

 

6

I’ve owned both and would choose the 2.5 over the 2, which is exactly what I did.

 

There are only 3 things that the Mk2 Sport has over the 2.5, these are:

 

Being a relatively rare badged Special Edition (if this appeals to you)

They had aircon

They had lovely leather covered door panels