If the prospect of owning a good Mazda MX-5 Mk1 is fading as prices rise, how about a Mk2 one instead? True, it’s not as pretty and it has an even worse reputation for rust, but as the years roll by, it seems less bland, while a wire brush and lashings of Dinitrol anti-rust proofing should keep the worst of it at bay.
If Volkswagen ever thought launching a new Volkswagen Golf was tough, launching a new MX-5 must have been harder still for Mazda’s dutiful executives, still reeling from the success of the original. Of course, it could never be a straight copy but, even so, the absence of the Mk1’s pop-up lights – a move forced on Mazda by US safety officials – was a blow. A bit like when BL was forced to replace the MG B’s traditional chrome bumpers with ugly rubber affairs.
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Still, what else were you going to buy back in 1998, especially since word was that the car possessed the same sweet, rear-drive handling, delicate steering and crisp gearchange (plus some extra kit including a heated glass rear window) that had made the Mk1 such a winner?
Twenty-one years later, these very qualities continue to attract second-hand buyers, especially now that prices for Mk2s begin from as little as £350 for runners with an MOT. In fact, they don’t really go any higher than £3500 for the best cars. In part, they’re held back by the Mk3, which kicks off at around £2250 but also by demand for clean Mk1s. You’ll easily pay £6000 for a good one of those.
Condition and not age or specification or size of engine is key to valuing a Mk2. You’re just as likely to find a tatty but late-plate 2004 1.8i Sport for a few pounds as you are an early but bright 1998 1.6 for a few thousand. Those two engines are your lot. The 140bhp 1.8 Sport had a Torsen limited-slip differential and 15in alloy wheels.
Cars dating from the facelift of 2001 are known as Mk2.5s. It was a mild affair, the biggest change being the headlights, which now had three bulb chambers. The front bumper also gained a couple of foglights, or mesh grilles if the trim level didn’t permit them. An automatic gearbox slipped onto the price list but missed the point and is rare today. The 1.8i S gained larger, 16in alloys.
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"Anti rust-proofing" ? !
"Anti rust-proofing" ? ! So theres a product that actual promotes cars rusting ? !
I think you meant either "rust proofing" or "anti rust" John.
waste of money
rotting body shell with ugly interior
The 1.8IS got 15" wheels with
The 1.8IS got 15" wheels with 195 50 15 tyres not 16" as noted.
Agreed the cars rot but in the real world say a £1,500 to £2,500 bill will get it back on the road for a good few years, you will be about that maybe a bit less to sort a MK1 with not to much rust.
As noted a very clean Mk1 is well over £4,000 but as always if you do not want to get into sorting the car, a lot to be said for buying a clean car to start with as life can be two short.
In certain cases expect £1,000 to £1,500 or so to redo a an early Mk3 as the rear arches go and the area you cannot see beneath the rear sill covers can go as well.
The 6 Speed MK3 is a better car if you do a lot of touring, the earlier cars are nicer for say a 50 to 80 mile run but get a bit noisy on the motorway if you are doing a good distance.
Due to the smal size of the cars, people with long legs or longish bodies can fit in say a MK1 but maybe not a Mk3.