I am a new member, based in Devon, and yet to own a sports car of any sort, but have a relative with his second Harvard MX5 and he’s very happy with it! We currently have 2 ‘normal’ (MPV & small Jap hatch) cars, but I’ve recently been hankering after a small soft top to play with this Spring. In my mid-thirties now, I have had a long string of motorbikes before having a family, and now wake up in a cold sweat dreaming about driving a small soft top on an open road. All I know is that it’s got be reliable, no roof, pin sharp handling, cheap to buy, and cheap to run. I’ve got my list down to MX5 and MR2, but I only like the Mk1 version of both of these. Now I know you guys are going to be biased, but I think the both cars have their strong points. Having said that, an early Eunos is probably going to hold together better than a now aging MR2. Does anyone have an opinion, or experience of driving/owning small soft top sports cars that may fit the bill? I have thought also about X19s, but open to offers!
We watch hillclimbs, and I’ve also considered having an MX5 that would be fun to sprint up Wiscombe Hillclimb with. Would a cheap Eunos do this? I think I’d want one that wasn’t immaculate, because the relative of mine with the Harvard worries about every little scratch. I want a sports car to drive it, particularly round corners! Not so bothered about straight line speed, I’m more after agility, handling, feel, efficiency, and reliability.
Also, if you’re thinking of selling yours - let me know.
Finally, any opinions on low priced Eunos cars (there’s several in our area for under £1000) and what to watch out for would be VERY gratefully received.
The only reason I stopped having mk1 MR2s is because it’s near impossible to find one without rusty rear arches. I loved both of mine (I had a coupe then a T-bar) and for road driving/trackdays I’d go mk1 MR2 every time. Handling is way up there with the best, the 4AGE engine is a masterpeice (7800rpm!), totally reliable and feels more exotic to drive than an MX5 due to the mid engine thing. Also the boot is bigger and there are two of them. I love mk1 MR2s. I had a mk2 as well and it was fantastic, but felt much bigger and heavier - you have get the right model with decent tyres in the right sizes as before I sorted mine it’s handling was “interesting”.
MX5s do give you a proper folding roof (which some people like), huge choice of good condition cars to buy, easier to work on and much easier to drift (which is what I use mine for). Also the owners club for the MX5 is more freindly [:)]
As another newbie I am hoping that all the response is 100% MX5 as I have just bought one - a Mk3 2006 on a ‘55’ plate. I am very very pleased with it, it handles well, seems economical to run and is a joy to drive. We are just beginning to get involved in Club activities and very much looking forward to it.
I think you’re gonna get a very pro-MX5 response on this forum [:D]
I too had quite a few motorbikes in my past (first 8 years on the road on 2 wheels) but after a fairly nasty incident with a Volvo I decided that 4 wheels might be a little safer. Driving test done and after a few boring years driving a 1.4l polo I decided to get something a little more fun and RWD.
I have friends with mk1 and mk2 MX5s, mk2 MR2 and BMW 318 / 325 and have had a good test drive in all, if it wasn’t going to be my primary car I would have gone for the mk1 MX5, but ended going for the mk2 in the end (powersteering, ABS and comfort clinched the deal). The mk2 MR2 is a nice car, it just feels a little heavy / sluggish round the bends. The MX5 goes where you want it too, just point the front end in the general direction of an apex, apply some power and go. The MR2 seemed a bit more stubborn, it still is a lot of fun to drive it just needs to be told twice where to go and doesn’t quite have the feedback through the chassis.
The MX5 is pretty much the most fun I’ve had on 4 wheels! and I’ve had the chance to drive a good selection of cars on road and track too (including Holden V8 Supercar, Vauxhal VXR8 (great on a skid pan!), Astra VXR, Corsa VXR, Subaru Impreza, Aston Martin DB9, Lotus Elise to name a few) with the exception of the Lotus Elise (reliability??) which really is a joy to drive! none of the above handle as nicely as the MX5, ok some of the above put a massive grin on your face for other reasons but for a car that I need to use every day, can actually afford to buy and run and that isn’t going to be insurance group 20, MX5 for the win
Have you considered an Alfa Spider? A friend of mine picked up a nice example earlier this year, for not very much (around the 3K mark) and you get a lot for your money. A lot more space, automatic roof, air con etc., and good fun to drive. I know they have a bit of a reputation reliability wise, but I’ve heard it isn’t very well founded anymore. Not that I’d change my MX5 for a Spider…
I would be suspicious of a Eunos under £1000 and expect to spend at least £2000 to get a good, reliable one. MX5s have agility, handling and reliability in bucketloads, and mpg is around 30ish I think, though I’ve never worked mine out. Parts are plentiful and maintenance is pretty cheap, apart from rust repair! Recent imports don’t have the rust problems so much (rear wheelarches and sills are the problem areas).
I am a previous AA member (Alfas Anonymous) and would stay away from the Spider. Yes a gorgeous looking car, yes a sporty engine and yes, bloody expensive when they go wrong and, trust me, they always do!
Plus having dabbled into the murky depths of the AROC I have to say they are far more, how can I put it delicately, ‘elitist’ than the people your likely to meet here.
Mine was 18 months old when it cost me £1600…that was the first bill! please learn from my mistake.