With my MK2 MX-5 needing £350 to get through the MOT this year including welding, I have wondered if selling it and upgrading to a theoretically much less rusty Mk3, might be a good idea… however one thing bugs me. The Mk1 and Mk2 seem to represent the rawer more classic MX-5 and the new Mk4 is both lighter, smaller and more dynamic than its predecessor. So where does that leave the Mk3? I think the arrival of the Mk4 has made it look a bit frumpy, whereas previously I thought It look pert. The Mk3 has a lot in its favour, being stiffer, grippy and faster (though not by much) than its forebears, but is at as fun as an older Mk1 or Mk2? Indeed, is the Mk3 destined to become the equivalent of the Golf Mk3/4 GTI which are looked back on less than favourably since the superb Mk5 arrived?
So I really cant decide whether I would regret moving from a Mk2 to a Mk3, or enjoy it, or perhaps just keep my Mk2 for a bit and wait a couple of years until the Mk4 drops in price? Any Mk3 owners here care to give an opinion on the car’s merit would be welcome, particularly if you made the change from a Mk1 or 2.
My history, Mk1 1.6 Eunos, Mk1 1.8 Merlot, Mk3 2.0 ZSport. Biggest disappointment was the 1.8, just didn’t have that terrier feel of the Eunos. Smoother yes but just not so much fun.
Yes I’m tempted by the Mk4 but I’m waiting for the prices to drop. Having the ZSport makes waiting easy. At nine years old it has today sailed through the MOT with no advisories. There are early Mk3s out there for similar prices to late Mk2s. Haven’t seen any reports of serious rust issues even on the early ones that are 11 years old now. Compare that with the number of spotless, immaculate MK2s with rusted out chassis rails.
Three years on from purchase I’ve never regretted buying a Mk3 for one single day. First drive it felt like an MX-5. Everything is different but the spirit is there.
I do understand exactly where you are coming from with your question and I hope none of the Mk3 owners take offence, I certainly don’t. You won’t forget your previous MX-5s and will remember them fondly but you will always love the one you are driving at the time.
Like Steve I drove both new cars extensively at product launch and went home in my 07 2.0 sport PRHT thinking there was nothing wrong with it. I’ve had it 2 years and prior to that a Lotus Elan turbo for 11 years. No regrets , perfectly civilised in town traffic but goes like the clappers when the road opens up. I’ve done the usual sensible modes, 25mm Eibachs, full geo etc . I think early mk3s are now a real bargain .
I love my NC 3 that much I had to go out and get another MX5, a 25 year old 1,6 Eunos which I also love because it is just so back in time old school driving and handles a treat, the NC 3 2,0 Sport Venture nav is more refined and I can drop the power roof in 10 seconds and the car handles just as well as the Eunos so they are both very good cars but different.
When I purchased my MK1 I had been looking for a MK2 but after 6 months and thousands of miles and lots of rust gave up when I found my very sound Eunos.
I personally would not buy a MK 4 because it just looks wrong to me and I cannot put my finger on it as to why.
I also wave at every single MX5 I see no matter what MK
Mk4 arrival makes the Mk3 frumpy.? I don’t think so. It’s the version that looks the most like the Mk1 so how could it ever be seen that way or destined to be the equivalent of a mk3/4 golf?
In time I doubt any of the versions will ever be looked back as anything other than classics. There’s no TR7’s here!
I’ve met people who have been unsure about moving up to a mk3 from a mk2. They loved their previous car so we’re understandably concerned about making a mistake. They all seem to have no regrets
I’m an ND owner and I absolutely love driving her. I previously owned a Mk 3 NC ZSPORT now owned by my good friend ‘Roadie’ who posted above.
I can honestly say that I still look back with great memories of the NC. She was a truly amazing drive. I couldn’t honestly say there is much to choose in terms of driving dynamics between an NC and an ND. But I’ve never owned or driven an NA or NB so I can’t comment on them.
The NC is certainly the bigger car, with more room inside the cockpit and more storage, bigger boot etc. The ND is just more up to date and sharper in terms of design, in my opinion. But you couldn’t go wrong with an NC.
I understand the OP’s concerns, however I really like my Mk3 - ticks all the boxes, it’s a great drive & always fun; the harder I push it, the better it seems to get.
It attracts a lot of admiring glances & complimentary comments at the traffic lights, petrol station etc too. Personally I considered the 1.8 SE & the 2.0 Sportech, went for the Sportech which for me, after over 4 years’ ownership, has proved to be exactly the right choice. I also love the optional folding hard-top which, on the rare occasions when it’s up, turns the car into a very capable - & special-feeling - motorway car for long trips.
Hi Steve1969 I have owned a Mk1 G Reg, A W Reg 1.8 Mk2. and 52 Reg 1.8 2.5, All amazing cars in their own right. Last September I suddenly decided I wanted a Mk3, Crazy because the first time I saw one I hated just about everything about it. Well Iam now the very happy Mk3 Owner surprise surprise I Love it. Its a 2006 2.0Ltr with option pack 84k on the clock. I did 2 things a day after I drove it Home, remove the foot rest, Adjusted the Clutch Pedal Travel. Result For me Perfect. Go buy one, But make sure you check it out or Take someone with you who can. Buy the right one and you wont regret it. Good Luck with your search
After owning several mk1’s, all Eunos, an opportunity arose to buy a mk3. It’s a 1.8 roadster with option pack 2007 model. At first, I was very disappointed! However, having put a few thousand miles on it including a recent trip to the circuite historique, I absolutely love it! Tyre pressures were the reason for it skipping about a bit ( easily sorted ) and now it’s great to drive I’m not a speed merchant but do like to drive, it’s got a great luggage capacity in the boot and is perfect for two when touring! My wife enjoys sharing the driving now but did not like the mk1’s, so we can both “share” the experience. From thinking that I’d made a mistake, I now know I’ve made the right decision, lovely car IMO. Bought a hardtop too which looks great and is practical in winter! Plus, I was always under the car with the mk1’s, now it’s just routine stuff which suits me fine nowadays.
What a great response and I think I need to clarify a couple of things as I wouldn’t want to cause offence to Mk3 owners. Re the comment about the NC being the equivalent of Mk3/4 Golf GTI. This is probably unfair on the MX5, because the NC MX-5 is a far better sports car than the mk3/4 Golf GTI ever was a hot hatch…I guess I was just wondering if out of all four generations, the NC is the least well regarded, taking into account that all MX-5 generations have generally been praised, although I do recall EVO Magazine placing an early NC last in their car of the year feature in 2005 or 6. The “frumpy” comment is perhaps harsh…I guess what I was saying here is that whilst previously I felt the NC looked very smart indeed, the arrival of the ND has dated it a little bit.
Anyway, I’ve always thought a 2.0 Sport in Black would make a smart looking, smart driving car and I am pleased that gen 3 owners are all so positive as this bodes well, should I make the switch!
we own a 1.8 Mk3 Icon, lovely car to drive but I’ve never driver a Mk1 or 2 to compare. I love the looks of the Mk4 but won’t be able to justify the cost until they are 7 or 8 years old.
Meanwhile really love driving the Mk3, doesn’t seem to do the same mpg with me driving as the wife though suspect that may not be the cars fault…
I have had my Mk3 for 18 months now & love it to bits in almost every way (do you feel a but coming up here?) especially now that I have a completely bonkers exhaust system. It has more room & equipment plus it’s a bit faster & doen’t need 7000rpm all the time to make it fly but I have never achieved that “jimba ita” feel about it.
Prior to that I had a 1.6 G reg eunos for 11 years & even with the rattle bang crash ride it was in my opinion the complete fun practical sports car (other possibly more fun cars are also more impractible). none or your driver aids such as ABS etc. just seat of the pants motoring.
I sold my beloved bike to put the money towards an MX5.
I could have bought a Mk1 or Mk2 with the money i got from the bike, but had reservations.
I love the MK1, but did i really want to start messing with 25 year old cars, and I certainly have no time for welding etc.
Plus I preferred the look of the MK3 over the MK2.
So, I came in to this family two years ago with a 2005 MK3.
It’s filled the gap of my beloved bike wonderfully, it’s a joy to own, It’s great to drive, and i almost get wood when i clean her. (did I say that out loud ???)