Mazda MX5 (eunos roadster / Miata)- which one should I buy?
Right,
I live in the UK so it's an MX5 to me, I've had my heart set on a Mazda MX5 for a while now and will finally have the money to buy (and insure) a 2nd hand one towards the end of this year and wanted some advice on which one people out there recommend.
I'd prefer to buy a UK spec MX5 rather than go for the import (insurance).
I was looking at around a 98-2001 1.8i as I figure the 1.6 will be 'a bit' gutless. Kinda looking for the new style ones as I'm not overly keen on the pop-up headlights on the old style.
What are the main differences between the 1.8i and the 1.8i S, I've heard that the 6-speed gearbox in the S is a little too close together and easy to change into the wrong grear, is this true or was I misinformed by an idiot who can't drive.
Any other things to look out for on a 2nd hand one, things to avoid etc..
Thanks in advance people
~®
Hi there,
Well for starters, I am a four-time Miata owner (in the US though). I have owned two 1999 models; one was a 5spd and the other a 6 spd.
Now first things first... there is no 1998 Miata. At least not in the us. The 1997 models were the last of the first generation (pop up headlights). Then the 1999 models were released way early in 1998; marking the start of the 2nd generation. All Miatas from 1999 on have the 1.8; if you see a Miata without the popup headlights, it WILL have a 1.8, not a 1.6. (Again, this is in the US... I assume its the same in UK).
The six-speed is an absolute pleasure to drive. I sorely miss it. You were informed by an idiot. The gear RATIOS are closer together; the physical shifting distances are NOT. in the six speed miata, the shift lever naturally rests in neutral between 3 and 4. a little pressure is required to get to the 1-2 gate or the 5-6 gate. Even more pressure is required to get to the reverse gate. Further, Once you're moving along onthe road, the reverse gate actually locks out so you canNOT accidentally engage reverse when trying to get sixth. It's a very easy shift.
The only thing to look out for (besides the obvious things you should look for on every used car) applies to the 1999 miatas only. Many of them suffer from what is known as the #4 Thrust bearing issue. My miata had this issue, and suffered complete engine failure at 3,200 miles. Of course it was replaced under warranty. If you find a 99 with a lot of miles on it, and it hasn't had the problem pop up, you can be assured it won't. It's a problem that shows up pretty quickly. If you're still concerned, have a mechanic check the play in the crankshaft bolt and see if it's in spec. That's how most cases are diagnosed.
Other than that... a 6-speed won't disappoint; be sure to check the car thoroughly for abuse or other anomalies; get Carfax if you have that over there; take it for a drive and see how it feels. A Miata should last easily 200,000 km or more and they have very limber engines. They LOVE to rev high. You'll notice that on the highway, even in 6th gear, you'll be at 3500 to 4000 rpm. That's NORMAL... the Miata LOVES it. Don't let it scare you!
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