La Ray

I want to drive something that has had the fabled "transformational alignment" and has what would be considered a strong drivetrain. Then I can make a judgement on whether an S2k is going to excite, or just sticking with my fairly decent Eunos.

tross

I thought my evaluation was clear. I didn't expect a perfect car, however there's no reason for the wheels to have been in as bad condition as they were and it looked like the rear end had taken a hit, albeit a very light one. I'm not knocking the car, it seems in excellent mechanical condition but I couldn't live with the aesthetic issues without fixing them and, to me, it's not worth 8.5k as I'd want to spend a couple of grand tarting it up. Better for me to spend 11k on a different example. YMMV.

frenchy

I wish someone had looked at mine to get their feedback whilst it was for sale, no viewers. 03 hard top up for 6495 I believe drives as good as it did when new, no stone chips (painted last year) but still not mint.
anyway I've dropped the ad because I'm looking for another S with lower miles (mines 98) to keep a long time but they are going fairly quick for me to think about and go and look

as for mx5, if you think they are good and worth keeping, stay there, my Mrs had a mk1 eunos and I got an 04 1.8 which was the worse car I've ever had, the most boring car. The only thing is they are simple and reliable but my S2 in 4 years has only needed an exhaust cat. You can keep your mx5 there is no comparison for me.

Bodyboarder1981

Here you go ...... a mint one with only 25k on it !

There are some about but even at only 25k it has a bit of bolster where , stone chips on the front bumper and the wheels I've had re furbed . ..oh also I paid 12.5 k for it 3 months ago , happily I might ad !

The ones at around 8.5k , given the market at the moment are worth that in my opinion...... just maybe not worth it in your eyes .

jayok

[OT] Nice car Bodyboarder1981!! [/OT]

Soggybottomboy

I think you're in with a chance of a passenger drive in a few members cars but I for one wouldn't be allowing you to drive mine.
It has taken 2 years searching and when finally purchased 4 years ago was very low miles.
I have spent a modest amount of money keeping the car mainly OEM, refurbished wheels and interior parts plus all fluid changes etc etc.
Even after a ride in a well cared for car you will still have to find one that meets your standards and price (as we all have) plus the prices are only going one way for the standard of car you are suggesting.
I think you need to trial a few for sale cars at Honda dealerships etc and if your MX5 is as sorted as you say then you should be able to sort the wheat from the chaff.
Good luck with your search and I hope you find the right car. It's out there.

Matt1783

OP, like you I came from a MK1 MX-5 which I had track prepped; so mechanically it was extremely well sorted.. And I think I can relate to what you're saying...

I've had my S for about 8 weeks now so not that long... But, in my opinion "Chuckability" will never be that of a '5. The S doesn't feel made for being thrown into a corner hoping to come out the other side, more like progressively fed. I haven't had it on track, but it feels like it will be a lot more rewarding when you nail an apex and pin the throttle on the way out. The '5 on the other hand you feel you can mostly plant your foot whenever you want, make the back dance a little if that's your thing, and then come out smiling sideways.

Overall I'd say I prefer driving the S2000 after having spent time in it; its way more rewarding and makes you respect it. The MX-5 allows you to feel as though you can just hoon around any corner with the throttle pinned to the carpet and it'l be okay, one way or another.

One thing I haven't been able to get right though are the bloody brakes.. My pedal in the '5 was as firm as a rock and in the S there's still just a little bit too much play right at the top of the pedal.. Hoping I don't have to bleed the ABS out, that'd be a pain.

TL;DR - these are two very different cars, both built for enthusiasts. Both offer differing experiences, if you like your '5 but want more speed, turbo it. If you want a more rewarding drive, S2000. IMO.

La Ray

So I drove the second of the two options I posted above this afternoon. Lovely chap selling it. Used to be the product manager at Honda HQ and was responsible for the 100 edition cars. He's now at Bentley and manages the Conti and Flying Spur range. His car has a fast road alignment set up from a Cheshire based specialist. It tramlined like a mutha but certainly changed direction quickly. Almost a little too flighty for my liking, needing a very firm hand to keep it on track. Cosmetically it was a little challenged, with a terrible roof, and badly clouded headlights, but it sounded great and pulled well..... until the second trip into VTEC resulted in a total cut in power and my nose almost hitting the steering wheel. Ho hum. The search continues.

Daytona-Dave

Call down the garage tomorrow, no one will let you drive their cars but you should get a pax ride or two in cars with different suspension set ups ,different diff ratios etc

AC50

....and steer clear of the supermarket in Stockport...! I know the one you mention, and got well and truly ripped off with a Civic!!

Good luck in your search :-)