F.A.Q. |
If you have a question, an answer, or both, please mail us at info@mx5ireland.com.
What's the difference between a convertible and a roadster? Does it make any difference?
A convertible is a car that has a removable roof. Roadsters were cars made to never have a roof- the hood is there mainly for convenience. This can have a big impact on how the car drives. Convertibles are cars that basically have had their roof cut off- not always a good idea, as most roofs are structurally part of the car. Roadsters, on the other hand, are designed and built without a roof- so handling and structural integrity are not compromised. Roadsters are relatively rare- from the classic MGB and the AC Cobra, to the modern equivalents of the MX-5 and the BMW Z3 / Z4.
What's this “Eunos” stuff all about?
Mazda did a similar thing to Toyota when Lexus was launched. The “Eunos” brand was supposed to be Mazda's “luxury” brand. They dropped “Eunos” after a few years. Eunos is the name for the Japanese MX-5. The MX-5 name is used in Europe, and the MX-5 is called Miata in the States.
Are imports harder to find parts for? Are they more difficult to service?
No. There are differences between them, but none that make any difference! The rear end is slightly different between UK/Irish spec MX-5s, and Eunos/Miata, where the number plate goes. Miatas are all left hand drive. That's about it! Eunos models will almost always have higher specifications, though, with electric windows, power steering, ABS and the like. The UK/Irish spec models tended to not have these options, to keep prices low, and they were added to the extras list.
The local garage/mechanic/bloke down the pub says that they are difficult to get parts for, and they are more expensive! Is this true?
Nope! Garages like to use these excuses to charge more. All MX-5s come out of just two factories in japan. We had a word with Mazda themselves about this, and they are on our side! They ask us to report any Mazda garage using this excuse. Mazda garages might ask for a chassis number, this is to check specification. If you do ever need a chassis number from an Irish car so you can get parts, give us a shout, we might even have the part number you need!
Is there much difference between the 1.6 and 1.8 models?
Apart from engine size, the main difference is when you go for insurance- the insurance companies have an extra loading for the 1.8. If you're after more power, get a 1.6 and fit either a turbo or supercharger. If money is no object, go for the 1.8.
What's the difference between the early models and the later models?
The early cars ('89 to '94) had more power, 116BHP compared to 89BHP in the 1.6 version. These are known as Mk1 (or “NA”) models. All of these models have pop-up headlamps.
'98 to '00 models were restyled (the pop-up headlamps went) and had less powerful engines. These are known as Mk2 (or “NB”) models.
In 2000, they slightly restyled the MX-5. Known as Mk2.5 models.
Apart from engine power, the body styling is the main difference. Most of us prefer the early Mk1 models, but it's a personal choice!
Everybody says the MX-5 is a “hairdresser's car”. Is this true?
If it is, it's a hairdresser's car that can out-corner a Porsche GT3, and was so superior to the BMW Z3 that they brought out the Z4………. Enough said!
So what's so great about the MX-5? It's not that fast and it's not that powerful!
The handling is where the MX-5 stands out, head and shoulders over almost any other car out there. The car's dynamics and suspension make it able to eat corners for breakfast. That's what makes the car so much fun! Yes, there are more powerful sports cars out there, but none that can handle Irish roads as well as the MX-5!
How can the handling be that good, when compared to modern cars?
Mazda got it right first time- the suspension is a fully adjustable double wishbone type. That, coupled with it's light weight, and excellent engine, make it hold it's own against today's “sports” cars.
Insurance is the hardest thing to get at a reasonable rate, but prices are coming down. Check out the “Insurance” section for more details on how to get a reasonable insurance quote.
Apart from that, costs are actually on the cheap side. For a sports car, running costs such as fuel consumption and servicing are low. Expect around 30 to 40 miles per gallon, and a minor service (oil, filters & spark-plugs) is going to cost about €40, if you do it yourself (very easy job!)
You will find that you spend money on decent tyres, but this is well worth it!
Second-hand, no. You can get an early Mk1 in good condition for less than a second hand fiesta. There are some very cheap ones rattling about, but you get what you pay for! Go for a good condition car, you'll save the money in the long run.
Will I only be able to use it during the summer?
Some people do garage their MX-5 during the winter, but the vast majority of people don't. For a lot of owners, it's their main car, the daily driver. It's very easy to live with, on a daily basis. For people who have two cars, the MX-5 is usually the car of choice, where the other car is used for ferrying stuff about (kids/dogs/shopping!)
The hood on the MX-5 is superior to the vast majority of soft-tops out there- it doesn't leak! You can quite happily drive through driving rain without getting wet.
Are there any weak points on the MX-5?
There are a few that pop up after about 8-10 years: the window mechanism will usually require an overhaul (cheap, but fiddly to fix), and the waterpump may need changing after about 100,000 miles (€35 for a new one). The hood will require replacing after a similar period, but you can DIY it for less than €300. Hood replacement is a fiddly job, but get the guys in the club to give you a hand!
Apart from that, the MX-5 engine is very reliable, and will easily last over 180,000 miles if maintained properly.
I'm thinking of buying an MX-5, what should I look out for?
Turn up to the next club run and get a look at ours! We're a vain lot, and love showing off our cars! That way, you'll be able to see first hand what to look out for. If you're after an early car, you'll need to look for signs that the car was cared for well. Most MX-5 owners are enthusiasts, and take very good care of their “baby”. There are, however, some cars out there that have been abused. Take a good look at the bodywork and interior, if these look neglected, then chances are that everything else will have been neglected as well.
Are they hard to get through the NCT?
Engine, suspension & brakes wise, the MX-5 is the same as any other car when trying to get it through the NCT. There are some silly things that the NCT people seem to have problems with, if it's an import: the side reflectors need to be a different colour (you can tape them over instead), and number plates always cause problems if they're anything but the absolute standard size. Nothing that's difficult to fix. We haven't heard of any other silly problems arising from NCT that are unique to the MX-5. For more info see the NCT section in tech talk.
What are the “extras” I should be looking for when buying an MX-5?
If you're looking at a Eunos, it should have everything already- electric windows, power steering & airconditioning.
If you're looking at an Irish/UK car, then it might not have any of the above!
“Specials” were limited edition models brought out by Mazda. Things to look out for here are tan leather seats, and wooden steering wheels, and almost always in BRG (British Racing Green, or Irish Racing Green, if you prefer!)
There are some particular Mk1 specials to look out for, though-
S-Limited – black/red leather interior, BBS gold alloy wheels, suspension braces
S-Special – BBS silver alloys, suspension braces
BBR turbo – The only “official” turbo model ever produced. Rare & Numbered.
Mk2 and Mk2.5 “specials” are usually just different colours and higher specification than normal models.
A limited-slip differential is always nice to have, but you'll have no way of knowing if the car has been fitted with one or not. A lot of MX-5s were fitted with them.
Glass rear windscreens are relatively rare on early cars, If the one you're looking at has one fitted, check that it also has a defroster switch fitted as well, otherwise you lose the main advantage of having a glass screen!
Roll bars- be careful with roll bars, most are not actually roll bars- A proper roll bar is fixed to the floor of the car and has at least two braces fixed to the rear parcel shelf. If not, it's a “Style bar”. Style bars do nothing except add to the car's looks, they are no help in a crash.
Where's the best place to look for a second hand MX-5?
All the usual places, buy and sell, look on the web, in the car trader magazines, or contact the owner's club. Have a good look around before buying, there are usually quite a few MX-5s for sale out there.
There will usually be more for sale after the summer, heading into winter, and this can drop the price a bit.
Where can I get more information on the MX-5?
Check the main owner's club websites- they are a goldmine of information. Visit our Yahoo group or try the American site, www.miata.net and the UK site, www.MX5OC.co.uk
I want to buy extra bits and pieces for my MX-5, where can I get them?
Because the MX-5 is such an enthusiasts' car, there are a huge number of places out there selling bits and pieces for the MX-5, and only for the MX-5. Check out the links section!
Aren't soft tops easier to steal, though? What about security?
The hood is easy to cut with a knife, but then again, a car window is easy to break with a brick! Security is the same for a soft-top as for non-roadster. Most MX-5 owners fit a good immobiliser as well as an alarm. Some of us have experienced theft attempts, but with a decent security system, it will be only that- an attempt. Actual thefts are rare.
Lanny settings are a set of specifications for the wheel alignment as defined by a guy called Lanny Chambers. For more information see the section in Tech Talk.
Unfortunately the answer to this seems to be to move to Belgium. If this option is out of the question, you could do worse than to try AA insurance on 01-6179950 as they have recently been giving good quotes. The main thing to remember is to shop around, and don't be afraid to tackle an insurance company with a cheaper quote, they may try to match it or throw in extra benefits.