Motoring Discussion > Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive Miscellaneous
Thread Author: Manatee Replies: 57

 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
I like my tatty and unreliable MX-5 Mk2 so much though that I have decided to get a better one. Nice Mk2’s exist, but they are getting hard to find, and I don’t want a project. A bit of man maths has convinced me that, in terms of cost of ownership, a much newer car might not be much more expensive to own over the next few years.

I never really warmed to the Mk3/3.5, but the new Mk4 seems to have made a good impression. So I went to drive one yesterday.

Available engines are 1.5 129bhp, and 2.0 158bhp. The 1.5 is a bit cheaper to buy, fuel and insure and a number of reviewers have preferred it to the 2.0, despite (or sometimes because of) the addition of stiffer springs and uprated dampers on the 2.0. So, I rang up the local dealer and fixed up a drive in a 1.5 SE-L Nav convertible.

My first concern was whether I would have enough room. The Mk4 has been described as “cramped”. I have the seat and backrest in the Mk2 as far back as they will go, despite not being unusually tall. Actually I found I had a couple of adjustment steps to spare in the Mk4 so no worries on that score.

One certainly sits in it, rather than on it, and there is little spare space. But as I was in what felt to me like the right position, it didn’t feel as tight as it looked.

But next thing I did was to bang my elbow on the cupholders, which are poorly positioned between the seat backrests. They don’t fold, although they can be removed, but having discovered they were there I didn’t knock them again and they don’t interfere with gear changing, so maybe they can stay.

I had a fiddle with the “Multimedia Commander” before I set off. A BMW driver would recognise it. The knob controls the ‘music’, navigation, some internet (via phone) functions, Bluetooth connection etc in conjunction with the 7” touch screen – the touch bit doesn’t work above 6mph; some of the functions can be controlled from the steering wheel, but owners will need to master the knob which seems straightforward. Other than the screen, there is no obvious ‘radio’ panel. There is a CD slot behind the occupants just above the elbow-nudging cupholders, and a couple of USB sockets in the centre console.

Start up is keyless. Key in pocket, foot on clutch, press button. As expected, the gear lever is stubby, short throw, quick and precise. On the move, the steering didn’t, to me, feel as dead as every other electric-assist I have driven. It did feel slightly less ‘connected’ than the Mk2 that I had just driven to the dealer’s, but that could be psychological – it is certainly direct and precise.

Mazda intended this car to get back to its roots and, bells and whistles aside, getting out of a 1999 Mk2 (pretty much a Mk1 without the pop-up headlights) into the 2017 car required almost no acclimatisation at all.

It’s doddle to just drive - flexible, docile, light intuitive controls, good visibility, easy gear shifting – but in ‘pootle’ mode, in the low to mid rev range, it does not feel and isn’t in the least quick. Hardly surprising as it musters only 125Nm of torque, and that peak comes at 4,800 rpm.

It is in complete contrast to the now ubiquitous small capacity turbocharged engines. Like its ancestor, it is a proper twin cam naturally aspirated 4 cyclinder, now with direct injection. If you want spritely acceleration, you have to drive it. Peak power is at 7000rpm. At higher rpm, the throttle response is noticeably sharper than that of a turbocharged car.

It’s said to be 100Kg lighter than a Mk3/3.5. At 1050Kg including a 75Kg driver, it’s probably still a touch heavier than the Mk2 1.8. The 2.0 is heavier than the 1.5, and the RF tin targa top a bit heavier still, all reasons to stick with the 1.5 convertible – no need to paint the lily.

Ride is compliant, soft even, on standard suspension. Again, not much different to the Mk2 – perhaps a bit more roll. But it does go round corners, beautifully, and inspires confidence that it will do so – no fears about mid corner adjustments at any reasonable speed.

This is not a high performance (as in speed and acceleration) car. But it is a joy to drive, and feels wonderful on a country road with the top down. Legal speeds, and sensible acceleration, are well within its ability. I should probably try a 2.0, but it’s too easy to be seduced by power - I won’t be racing it, and while it would be a bit easier to drive quickly, that isn’t the point.

I won’t pretend I explored the handling on my half hour, public roads, test drive. I have no reason to think it will not be as good as the Mk2, tested (almost to destruction I suspect) at Castle Combe a couple of years ago. Except of course for the addition of DSC and traction control, which I happily accept as a benefit.

The hood merits a mention, as it’s a convertible. One central latch, it can be raised and lowered from the driving seat, and takes literally 3 seconds each way. No need for an electric tin top. Hood up, it's pleasant enough, allowing for the rearwards visibility limitation. Hood down, perfect, and not too blustery with the windows up..

Boot is good enough – it will take two carry-ons apparently, but obviously soft luggage would be better. I don’t think my Mk2 would take the cases. The fact that there is no spare wheel (the Mk2 has a pram wheel) helps with the boot size.

I loved it. Enough to leave a £500 returnable deposit for first refusal on a 2 year old 1.5 Sport Nav that is coming in as a p/x in a couple of weeks. It is in exactly the colour and trim combination I would choose – Soul Red metallic, with Sand leather - Mrs Fenlander might approve. The only other colour I would choose is a light met blue- all the others are shades of white or grey. It has 28,000 miles, reflected in the price, and I was able to check the history on the Mazda system - both services done exactly to mileage and on time, 2 new tyres fitted, no warranty work.

If the car is as good as described I should be the new owner by this time next month. If I’m really lucky I might have it in time for a week in the lakes in early September.

Pictures of a similar car here -

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201610148782450?
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Fenlander
Yep extended the seat colour to the carpets and pretty near perfect. Very nice looking car. Guy near us has an early one and he's quite tall... in truth looks a bit tight fitting on him.... and that's more like it looks... as if he's wearing it.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - legacylad
Soul Red is the best colour by far on the MX5 imho. Also looks good on the Mazda 3, and I really like the styling over the rear haunches. A mk5 that colour lives just up the road from me in Austwick, and I always glance at it when walking past.
Personally I'd always go for the larger engine... if only to get past the quarry wagons, slurry trailers, caravaners and mimsers who plague the A65 between my place, Skipton and the Lakes.
Good stuff.
I almost bought a 3 Touring in a similar colour, Melbourne Red ( not as nice as Soul Red) with cream leather last year. Nice colour combination.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
>>Personally I'd always go for the larger engine... if only to get past the quarry wagons

You have a point...although I'm not sure it would make so much difference. I used to pass those quarry wagons (loaded) in a Morris Oxford. Empty, they were faster than me...
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Hard Cheese
>>should probably try a 2.0>>

Definitely!

>>but it’s too easy to be seduced by power ->>

Come on, the 2.0 is only 158bhp though it's extra flexibility would surely make it easier to live with as well as more rewarding to drive (and probably just as economical in every day driving). I write not from direct experience of the MX5, rather experience of similar circumstances, and also what others have said of the MX5.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - rtj70
I've read reviews that say the 1.5 is the better engine because the front end is lighter.

I think you'd need to drive both and decide for yourself.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Runfer D'Hills
I was in Skipton today. Quite nice there isn't it?
MX5 sounds fun Manatee. If I was in the market for a convertible these days ( which I'm not ) it'd be right at the top of my list. I never used to like burgundy cars, but I do now, maybe it's an age thing.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - No FM2R
Out of interest, how does the performance compare to your existing one?

However, it seems you like the car very much, so seems like a pretty good choice to me.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - rtj70
When my brother moves to the States the insurance on cars was very expensive. So his first car as an MX-5 (Miarta) 1.6... he loved it. Replaced with a 5.2l V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Thinking about his cars, in about 22 years he's only had 4. Longest was the Beetle when it first came out. Now has a Tesla.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
>>Out of interest, how does the performance compare to your existing one?

On paper my old 1.8 is faster, with a bit more power and a bit less weight, but nothing I'd expect to notice - especially as I drive the 1.8 with some regard for its age and unknown history.

Having owned the 1.8 for 6 years, I'm reasonably confident that another 30bhp will make little difference to me.

The point is to enjoy driving it - and while the 2.0 will be a bit more flexible, if that was the objective I'd save up for a Fiat 124 Spider, which is the same car, looks better to my eye, but has a 1.4 turbo - similar power (140PS) but with 240 Nm at 2250, v. the Mazda's 150 @4800 (1.5) or 200 @4600 (2.0).

It's not in Caterham territory, but these are fairly light cars and fast enough if they are driven properly.

On Friday I saw an MX5, top down, in the same red colour. I was held at some lights and caught up at the next roundabout. Except I wasn't looking at an MX5, it was an F-type convertible in almost the same colour, and the MX5 was now directly ahead of it - looking just like its little brother.

I wanted the MX5 there and then - I drove a V6 supercharged F-type convertible a couple of years ago when it came out, and it was awesome. Shattering acceleration. But not really fun. I didn't shove the accelerator into the carpet until I was urged to on a straight bit of dual carriageway, and what seemed like a couple of seconds later I was braking down from a highly illegal speed. It's a car I couldn't enjoy, once I had amazed all my friends by showing off with the acceleration and the popping noises. I mean it. No sour grapes at all:)

Of course a 2.0 MX5 is nothing like that. I'm sure it would be fine, and better on a track no doubt with its stiffer suspension and damping (partly there to help with its higher weight and slightly forward centre of gravity). But experience tells me I just normalise to what I drive, and it will not feel subjectively slow any more than my 1.8 does, although I'm sure I would occasionally wish for more power whichever I chose.

Just found this Autocar review. They seem to like the 1.5. Slightly hyperbolic "gathering force, right the way to the 7500rpm redline" - peak power is at 7000.

www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mazda/mx-5/performance
Last edited by: Manatee on Tue 15 Aug 17 at 19:44
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Hard Cheese
Surely you should drive a 2.0 thougjh?

It would answer the question - are you right about the relative merits of the 1.5 or not. If yes happy days, if no buy a 2.0. Nothing to lose.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Lygonos
Engine choice is an interesting conundrum for the MX5/124

1.5 for ability to rag it hard without going through a hedge backwards

2.0 for a good chunk more overtaking oomph but perhaps a little less 'VTEC just kicked in yo' fun around 40-60mph country road action.

1.4T for making swift but smooth progress for those wishing they were in a Healey 3000.

I think I'd be happy with either N/A motor, and having had a lot of legal speed driving fun in the 136hp Swift Sport would probably spend my own bhuna on a 1.5 ragtop, although I'd want a shot in both to see how they compared.

There's better stuff out there if fat bhp is required.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
There's not much doubt that one of these will be parked up outside. Been teasing Mrs RP about the Fiat version (I personally prefer the look of it). She's lost two stone in weight as well that should reduce any cramped feeling in the cabin (seemed fine to both of us on test drives)
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
I will probably have a go in a 2.0, but the 1.5 is a lovely engine in the old way, despite some very technical developments. To Lygonos's comment, it's not in any way 'cammy' - I won't pretend to know why, but I understand it has continuously variable valve timing so perhaps that avoids a 'step'.

The 1.5 and 2.0 are identical in design, but the 1.5 has a higher specific power output which must be mostly down to rpm; the 1.5 makes peak power at 7000, the 2.0 at 6000.

Gearing is identical, except that the 2.0 runs on 205/45/R17 tyres and the 1.5 on 195/50R16, which raises the gearing by about 2.5% overall for the 2.0.

Note that these are not fat tyres. In fact my 1999 1.8 has 195/50R15 so neither the width nor the profile has changed in 18 years. This really is just an updated execution of the old idea. I hope I can keep this next onefor a long time before I can't get in and out of it.

 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Zero
Sounds like a great way to get some motoring enjoyment and to treat yourself, pleased to see there is no attempt, via man maths or otherwise to justify it

Enjoy and have fun while you still can
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Runfer D'Hills
Absolutely, it sounds like a really nice thing to do if you are in a position to.

As I've mentioned before, the way our roads are monitored now, there seems little point in buying a properly fast car that you simply can't use to its intended potential without serious risk to your licence, so choosing one that handles well and is fun at legal speeds, is a smart move in my opinion.

I used to enjoy driving fast, undoubtedly I still would, and I was lucky enough never to have an accident while doing so, but now I just waft along in the knowledge that I'm highly unlikely to trigger a camera unless I fail to notice a speed limit change or something.

Zooming about the lanes in my son's Aygo is my fun factor now, and in that you can still feel like you are at warp speed without actually breaking the law.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
Thanks Zero.

There was a bit of man maths on stand by, but the boss shares your opinion. It's a toy, and more fun than the equivalent number of cruises if we make good use of it.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Fenlander
>>>bit of man maths on stand by, but the boss shares your opinion

I am very lucky that Mrs F shares that attitude... her response to most "projects" I float is why not. I think with both being over 60 now and full retirement a visible target has shifted thoughts somewhat.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
>> I think with both being over 60 now and full retirement a visible target has shifted thoughts somewhat.

I think I got some credit for 40 years of living modestly.

Of course it might be that she is just fed up with living modestly:) She's carousing with the WI today on a trip to Lacock Abbey and the Fox Talbot Museum, somewhere in Wiltshire. No knowing where it will end.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Ambo
I was strongly tempted by the MX-5 but got one of the then-new model MGfs instead (bad mistake, lots of things wrong with it but brand loyalty kept me in line - I'd owned other MG roadsters). From time to time I reconsidered the MX-5 but always concluded that the pedal box was too small for my size 11s.

As regards luggage, fitted sets were available latterly, consisting of two asymmetric suitcases, using up all the boot space, plus a squash bag "sausage" to go behind the seats. There was also a demountable boot-lid rack.

There are loads of MX-5s round our way and the majority I see are driven by old codgers, maybe trying to catch up on a late-life crisis and good luck to them. Arthritis now keeps me safe from further temptation.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Dog
I sat in one once, and once was enough, although I used to own an MGB Roadster in a previous life.

Neighb brooklandsclassics.co.uk/forsale.php used to specialise in MX-5's, another neighb at another property used to own a yellow TVR Chimera, we used to call it the flying banana.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
Good counsel, I decided, to try the 2.0. Better to check it out now now than to have doubts later.

I had a go in a 2.0 yesterday, and then drove the 1.5 again to compare. I did it that way round because I knew I would love the 1.5 again if it came first, and driving it after the 2.0 would show it in its 'worst' light if it was really not as good.

There is a difference - the 2.0 feels quicker right away, bound to as it can produce more of its power at lower rpm - it tops out at 6000 when the torque falls off rather than the 7000 of the 1.5. Pressing it through corners, it also feels firmer, although that does not necessarily translate into grip - the 1.5 sticks like glue, and feels better than the 2.0 in a bumpy corner.

You know that point, where you have given it some beans through the gears, when you think you should check the speedo? That seems about 10mph higher in the 2.0, on the same roads.

The brakes incidentally feel fantastic on both; helped no doubt by a very light car. The 2.0 has bigger discs, and more relevantly maybe slightly wider tyres, but they are both superb stoppers.

I really enjoyed both, and would happily have either. The 2.0 is quicker to accelerate, but I liked the corners better in the 1.5. The revvy nature of the 1.5 is fun and feels it in the intermediate gears, and it rides a bit better than the 2.0. I actually hit the limiter, by accident, very clumsy, in the 2.0, driving it subconsciously perhaps like the 1.5. That was about 6600 I think. The 1.5 will probably go close to 8000.

One conclusion from that is that I might as well have the 2.0, it can't hurt. Another is that I don't need to spend the extra dosh for the 2.0, the higher insurance group, the bigger tyres and the extra fuel, while regretting that revvy engine which, bragging rights aside, gives the 1.5 the edge.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
We tried the 2.0 litre exactly a year ago, just before the August Bank Holiday. It's been on the agenda ever since, not helped by a house sale and associated problems along the way. Mrs RP got a quote from Drive the Deal last week of £22,378 - this was for the 2.0 litre SportNAV - Soul Red with sand leather interior. To be collected from a Midlands dealer sometime in September. She thought about it for a few days and placed the order yesterday and got an extra £200.00 off. Been a journey.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
Shall we start a club?

I've been looking at the North Coast 500 for a road trip.

www.northcoast500.com/

I'd add at least one variation; I'd start with a night at the Anderson in Fortrose, and set off up the east coast via the Cromarty-Nigg ferry. It would be a good trip; we'd need to get from here to Inverness and back on top of the named route.

I am wondering whether the Soul Red and Sand might be a bit much, but I'll risk it. The 2.0 I drove yesterday was that combo, and the driver's seat bolster was grubby at 600 miles. The salesman put it down to a customer with blue jeans shedding the colour.

The only other paint colour I actually like is the 'Reflex Blue' and the only one for sale from a dealer is an Arctic special edition that will probably be gone if my 1.5 isn't up to snuff when it appears in a week or so.

 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
Oh no I'll have to remember that ! :-)
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Avant
Out of curiosity, R.P. - didn't Mrs R.P have an MX-5 when you first met her?
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
She had a 02 plated one as a second car to her A3 Quattro, She sold that privately and then went for a new one in 2010 which she chopped for the Vovlo V50, sold that for the current Clubvan. She likes her motors.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Hard Cheese

>> One conclusion from that is that I might as well have the 2.0, it can't
>> hurt. Another is that I don't need to spend the extra dosh for the 2.0,
>> the higher insurance group, the bigger tyres and the extra fuel, while regretting that revvy
>> engine which, bragging rights aside, gives the 1.5 the edge.
>>

Can't see that the insurance would be much different, likewise tyre costs, and the 2.0 might actually be more economical at the same speed over the same enthusiastically driven route as it wouldn't be working as hard.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
All the the tests that Mrs RP has pored over since the latest version has been out have concluded that the 1.5 was the better car. She drove both last summer more or less back to back and it always was the 2.0 litre for her.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Hard Cheese
Tests are relatively short blast whete testers are likely to be pleasantly suprised by the 1.5's revvy nature, though living with them day to day will be something else.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
HC, you urged me twice to try the 2.0. On reflection I decided you were right, and followed your suggestion, and I prefer the nature of the 1.5.

Now you have twice suggested that I should get the 2.0 anyway. It's another very nice car, but the performance is not in another world. Neither is a fast car, or a slow one. I would happily have either given. But it really is bragging rights v. a slightly more perfect drive, to me.

"Living with [it] day to day" won't be a problem. The 1.5 doesn't need to be thrashed to get from A to B. It is a perfectly nice pootler at 2500-3500 rpm, in the lower half of the rev range, where it can make 50-70bhp, more than enough for going to the shops in a 975Kg car. At 70mph in 6th, it is doing 2850 rpm, in 5th 3600.

Of more concern to me at the moment is whether the car I have reserved is as "mint" as described. My experience of smart salesmen dealing with what they probably perceive to be a gullible old man makes me think it might not be, in which case I will find another or buy new.
Last edited by: Manatee on Thu 24 Aug 17 at 11:56
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Hard Cheese
>> Now you have twice suggested that I should get the 2.0 anyway.

I was questioning the cost arguments, and otherwise answering RP's post.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
Mrs RP has done the needs and requirements on the 2 litre vs 1.5 litre - the 2.0 litre tipped it for her. It's going to live it's life on mainly excellent windy roads around here and occasional trips on A55/Motorway. We'll see how it goes and report back when she gets it.
Last edited by: R.P. on Thu 24 Aug 17 at 21:26
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
Good. I wouldn't try to convert anybody.

The guy who is trading in the 1.5 Sport Nav convertible has gone for an RF 1.5 Sport Nav. Strange thing, not quite a targa top because the back window disappears with the roof, but the 'flying buttresses' remain. The advantage is the quieter interior with the roof up, although I found the convertible acceptable.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
There was a conversation about one of these...she considered it for a nano second !
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
The value of this forum eh ? After reading the details of the sand colour and the risk of grubbiness - order changed with DtD - car will now have black leather interior. Delivery tail end of September
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
The dealer said it would clean easily - baby wipes are the thing apparently, not sure I'd use them. Apparently you can get jeans now that are designed to fade, and they are the problem especially when wet. Perhaps they are also the ones with the holes in the knees as well. I don't wear blue jeans unless I am decorating, gardening, or actually crawling under a car so I'm not especially worried.

When you get it, check the clearance between the folded hood and the hoops. Mazda have replaced under warranty a number of hoods that have been damaged by rubbing on the hoops.

There is a TSB about it. There was some evidence of contact on the dealer's 1.5 demonstrator, but no hood damage and I think this is probably a trivial problem unless it is discovered after damage has been done.

The hood locks down when open but I can imagine that some people may not have been latching it. You'll see what I mean when you look at it.

The salesman made a point of the fact that the hood can be raised/lowered from the inside in 3 seconds, which is true. I think there is even a Mazda promotional video showing this. Owners' club members in this thread

www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/yaf_postst87658p3_Hoop-rubbing-on-the-Mk4-ND.aspx?=

state that the manual describes opening and closing the hood from outside the car which suggests that doing it from inside is misuse. I don't read it that way, there are actually little diagrams showing you how to open and close it from inside.

You can download the Manuel. This link might work. goo.gl/4XGjCD
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - No FM2R
>>The dealer said it would clean easily - baby wipes are the thing apparently,

Absolutely, they work a treat. Though they leave a funny, almost stick, residue that one then needs to wipe off - which is easily done.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
Deed done now - switched options !
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
Still the convertible I assume?

I'm very tempted by a 2017 Arctic with 4,000 miles in the light blue. It lacks only the Bose sound system that I'm not fussed about. It will probably be gone by the time I have seen the 2 year old I have the option on...
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
Yes. Funnily enough I saw an RF today. It actually looks very nice. Put me in mind of an MGB GT. Thanks for the gen on the roof. Been passed to Mrs RP. That light blue is a fine colour for the car
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - legacylad
Talking of light blue, my first 'new' car was a VW Polo in a flat baby blue, RWX 566R.

Porsche have a similar colour, Miami Blue, which I am very taken with. Looks great on all their sporty models, 911 variants, Boxster & Cayman

Pretty 'orrible on the sitty up old folks Porsches
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
>> Talking of light blue, my first 'new' car was a VW Polo in a flat
>> baby blue, RWX 566R.

Snap. So was mine, KSF 793T. Brilliant car. Slightly underpowered...
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - legacylad
From memory it was a tiny 900cc. My Father had a bright red Passat estate RWX 567R. And the first Passat estate in the UK ( allegedly) PKY 888M in a pale metallic blue.

I drove from Bradford to Kyle of Lochalsh on Boxing Day in RWX 566R with a pal.., followed the snow plough through Glencoe and made it with minutes to spare for the last ferry to Skye. Then camped in deep snow outside the Sligachan Hotel before tackling the Cuillin the following day in full winter kit.

I was bonkers in those days!!

 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
Have you had it yet ?
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
MINI is going today. Sold to a nice man from Somerset - meeting him on the M6 (hilton Services)...not a nice day for a run out but there we are. MX5 coming from a dealer in Nottingham towards the end of next week.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Runfer D'Hills
Left yourself with a fair old walk home haven't you?
;-)
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - tyrednemotional
...you've underestimated his planning capability.........

....he's got a week to walk to Nottingham.....

;-)
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Runfer D'Hills
Bit dodgy though isn't it, sleeping rough for a week with all that money on him?
;-)
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - tyrednemotional
....certainly in Nottingham.

I suspect he might have enough to shell out on an airbnb in Burton-on-Trent or some other fleshpot on the way.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
>> MX5 coming from a dealer in Nottingham towards the end of next week.

I'll beat you to it then. Picking up the the "new" Arctic tomorrow, if spared. It's a dealer car, March registered, 4,000 miles, their salesman's car.

I was determined to sort things out on Tuesday, having discovered that the 2015 Sport Nav I had had first refusal on was not as 'mint' as billed.

My default position was to order a new SE-L Nav from DTD in Blue Reflex. I rang up about the Arctic which has been advertised for a month with 'images awaited', and was surprised it existed. It was only £300 cheaper than the discounted SE-L Nav, which I failed to improve on but it gains heated leather seats, parking sensors, and auto lights and wipers (and a bit of bearable bling).

The parking sensors, lights and wipers I don't really care about so I have traded off the newness for the leather (and £300, which has nearly paid for the insurance).

I might go to the owners' club national rally on Sunday, which is at Gaydon - entrance to the museum is free for members and it's a nice little run from here.

I don't intend to keep swapping it so I'm looking into rustproofing.

 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Haywain
I've always liked the look of MX-5s, but at 6'2" (now 6'1"), I could never fit in one. I certainly can't fit in my son's Eunos with any degree of comfort.

Does the fact that it was March-registerd affect the RFL either positively or negatively? Our new B-max (at 114g CO2) was registered in March, so the RFL remains at £30 per annum. A day later, and it would have been £140p.a.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Manatee
Hadn't thought about it Haywain...it's £135 according to all the adverts so maybe it's £5 cheaper at the moment?

I'm about 5'10". In the Mk2 I had the seat right back; in the Mk4 I can move it a notch forward.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
We both fitted into the MX5 last summer when we had a test drive. Mrs RP has been in serious training for the last few months and has shrunk. We'll be driving to Nottingham..we have a nephew in University there - he can treat us to lunch
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - bathtub tom
>>We'll be driving to Nottingham..we have a nephew in University there - he can treat us
>> to lunch

You like pasta?
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
Pot Noodle more like it.
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - Zero
>> Pot Noodle more like it.

www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=158&v=PjckqAU8IkM
 Mazda - MX-5 1.5 Convertible Test Drive - R.P.
The RP family road-show will be on 28th September, Nottingham
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