After 16 years of MX5 ownership 1 X MK1 - 1 X MK3 - 1 X MK3.5 - 1 X MK4 I have gone over to the other side and bought a new Toyota GT86.
I have had many great times in my MX5’s but unfortunately I needed something a little larger and more comfortable to help my back problem. The Toyota seats are excellent, the GT86 is similar to drive to the MX5 regarding handling and rear wheel drive but more comfortable and more roomy + it has 200bhp.
So, very sad to be leaving, but will always have a soft spot for the MX5, my favourite MX5 was definitely the MK1.
Will keep an eye on the forum and posts, who knows one day I may just invest in a good MK1
Never say never Paul but you have certainly served your MX5 apprenticeship.
It would be a real coup to go1 X MK1 - 1 X MK3 - 1 X MK3.5 - 1 X MK4 - Eunos.
Don’t know much about the GT86 but heard a lot of good things and no bad. Just had a look at pictures and hope you don’t mind me suggesting that it reminds me of the Celica.
Hi Paul , amazing dedication to the mx5 hats off to you . I do love your next choice of car it is an awesome motor best of luck in the coming years regards Richy Happy driving
Sorry you’re leaving for a gt86, but on a plus note my eldest son bought a new gt86 2 years ago and he absolutely loves it…bright yellow,lovely looking car. My other car which only goes to shows etc is a 1993 Toyota Supra twin turbo and I have owned over the last 16years 5 Toyota MR2 turbos and 3 Supras. I think the mx5 is so much fun,love driving her but all my Toyotas have been very comfortable and a joy to own so I know you will have many fun days driving your gt86.
I don’t like the ND seats much. No lumbar support and so far I have not found a position that avoids me getting backache completely; a problem I did not have with a well-used NB. I might have to try some sort of accessory or get some more padding put in the seats.
Wishing you very happy motoring in your GT86, 1954 - a very good alternative to the 5’s if you’re not fussed about being convertible…
I went from a Eunos to an RF a couple of weeks ago and I’m still fiddling with my seating position in the RF. As John M says, the lack of lumbar support seems to be the problem, but I’ve got a few more steering wheel/seat permutations to try before I buy a lumbar support sausage cushion.
Anyway, hope you find your new ride much more comfortable.
I had back ache in previous car - but none in MX5 ND - over 5 hour continuous drive no problems. For me it was sitting further forward then might otherwise think.
Slide forward so that can easily floor the clutch with lower back still pushed against seat - for me this means less than half an inch free above my left knee - but not a problem.
Tilt forward so that can rest wrists on top of wheel with shoulders still pushed against seat.
Steering wheel tilted to highest position
Thigh support lowest (though can put higher if on motorway and not changing gear much - see 1)
Oddly I was disappointed with the GT86 and even more with all the Toyota dealerships I went to. Their customer service was pretty poor.
200BHP but slower than the 2.0 ND 0-60 what are they doing with the rest of the BHP? I know the car is a little heavier but even so. MPH much poorer to, SkyActive is amazing I get 55 from my 2.0 on a long run.
I’m 6’ 4’ but can comfortable sit in the ND but interestingly struggled in the GT86 to find a comfortable position.
Funny how we are all different, but variety is the spice of life
When I first took delivery of the GT86 I must admit it felt slower 0 to 60 than my ND 2ltr sport. However the GT86 now has 3000 miles on the clock and is loosening up nicely.
The GT86 comes into its best at + 5500 rpm, red line is 7500 rpm, you just have to use the revs through the gears. Driving at motorway speeds is effortless in 6th gear, just a touch of the throttle and it really pulls.
On a recent 140 mile run at varying speeds the GT86 averaged 39.5mpg which I was pleased with.
I use to average 44mpg on a run in the 2ltr ND Sport.
The GT86 weighs approx 1270kg compared to approx 1075kg for the 2ltr ND Sport.
