Right, now I have some weighing up to do for my pie-in-the-sky dream of owning an MX-5.
If/when I buy one I will be 21, so insurance will be a big factor. I’ve been weighing up models in terms of how much they would suit me. Cost of insurance is a big factor, so I think that the 1.6 is for me. I’d prefer a mk2 to a mk1 because I don’t want something that’s really old, I’d rather pay a bit more and have a newer car which doesn’t need as much attention. I’m put off later UK mk1s because of the detuned engine. I’m also put off mk2 1.6s because they are heavier than early mk1s, with the same power.
So basically here’s my question: what is the (typical) order of increasing insurance premiums? I’m thinking:
UK mkI 1.6 < UK mkII 1.6 < JDM mkI 1.6 < UK mkI 1.8 < UK mkII 1.8
In the long term a Mk 1 is a lot better to get,the 92>94 with the long nose crank would be your best bet,jusy before they messed about with the 1600cc,the later model 1600cc were detuned,and started to have some cut backs,as were the 1800cc also,the Mk 1 and 2’s are DIY friendly,so low cost in running but the build on the Mk 1’s is far better than the Mk 2 ,2.5 and 3’s ever was.
I have a mk1 eunos which I had just before I was 20, my first year of insurance with 1 year ncb was around £800 with a broker called premium choice fully comp, I had to do a lot of shopping around due to it being an import a lot of insurers run a mile (big names, tesco, directline etc). I am now in my 3rd year of owning the 5, just insured it with aviva, 3points, 1 non fault claim and 4 yeara ncb at £320 fully comp.
A lot of searches have thrown up the UK model cheaper than the import for me, but for some unknown reason aviva lowered there quote when I said it was an import. They also insured my twin exhaust for no extra cost.
Im with Aviva too, very good prices. I have a 1995 mk1 1.8 s with an ss exhaust, wheels insured up to £1200 and an induction kit, Iv’e gone for fully comp, 4000 per year. Im male, 26. and SDP and cummute to single place of work. This cost £700 per year. compare that to all other price of over £1200 per year. The wheels put on an extra £120 per year to the cost and they gave me the option of no cover on the wheels but i wanted the cover. I hope this helps.
watch out with the SE 1.6s. i bought my mk2 phoenix thinking it was group 11 (and in accordance with insurance listings on the net), but according to insurance companies its group 12. not a massive difference,but a difference nonetheless.
There are so many variables with insurance that to only worthwhile answer will come from actually getting quotes. Asking on a forum only gets you so much usable comparision data.