Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[oldboy]

I often read in the motoring press that the mx5 is the modern Lotus Elan, however having owned both of these cars ( series 2 Elan and a mk2.5 mx5) I have very strong feelings on the subject but wonder about the general consensus. Any comments?

[alanb]

As there is a sad lack of any affordable modern sports car I think the MX5 could be said to be the replacement for MG, Sunbeam, Triumph, and Lotus.
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old tourer


Morris 8 two seater

[peter scott]

The Elan was certainly pretty and lovely to drive but was not without reliabilty issues.

The MX5 definitely shares something of the Elan's appearance and doesn't share the issues and is nice to drive but somehow doesn't have the same level of excitement because the Elan's performance was exceptional at the time but the MX5 is not when compared with the general performance of many cars today.

The MX5 knocks spots off the MGs, Sunbeams and Triumphs of the 1960s and so did the Elan.

Peter
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http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Ellis]

I remember reading years ago that Mazda bought one if not two Lotus Elans and used them as styling icons when the MX5was being designed.

I know quite a few MX5 owners and they all speak highly of them and the now retired owners of the former motor museum here use one every day.

I think that says it all.
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Starting Handle Expert

1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
1962 Land Rover Series 2a 88"
2002 BMW M3 E46 Cabriolet

[Ashley]

I had a low mileage 07 2litre MX5 a few years ago and I liked it. It was comfortable, economical, cheap to run and a lot easier to drive than a Lotus Elan. They were very difficult to change gear with because of the rubber UJs in the drive shafts.

The issue I had with the MX5 is that the steering it too direct for fast driving and they’re terribly cramped, especially in the passenger seat, so make sure you can live with it before you buy. Otherwise they’re lovely open top cruisers and cheaper than any of the alternatives. Limited luggage space too and even less space in the metal topped later car.

[lowdrag]

SWMBO has had a yearning for an MX5 for a few years, so I tested one. I loved the retro feel of it, the close comparison with the Elan (but without the mechanical and electrical nightmares) and the overall sense of being "at one" with the machine.

The trouble is that then you start to research for problems with the cars on the internet and there seems to be one huge, glaring problem. They rust before your very eyes. One cannot say the Elan did that! And it seems that Mazda aren't very helpful either:-

https://www.whatcar.com/news/mazda-mx-5-rust-problem/

Nevertheless, an early MX5, rare due to the rust problems, is now very collectible.

[Rick]

Erindoors has had two MX5s, both Mk1s, the first a UK spec car, the second an imported Eunos.

The first one went rusty in the sills and at the base of the screen, the second though remained rot-free. From what I've read, the Mk2s rot wayyy worse than the Mk1s.

I'd happily own another sometime, the weak points include the aforementioned rust issues at the back end of the sills (keep those drain pipes clear), and both our cars suffered with window lift cables snapping - so keep them lubricated. Excellent fun cars. There's rumour that a neighbour might be selling their little-used Mk1 so I must chase that up.


RJ
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[BigJohn]

I'd love an MX5 but I'm 6'5".

[Ashley]

[BigJohn]

[lowdrag]

[BigJohn]

I bet that's a hoot in the rain up here in the North West! I also have a 36" inside leg and size 12 feet. If you could get me in, you would need an Orthopaedic Surgeon and an angle grinder to get me out of an E Type........

[Ray White]

[BigJohn]

[kevin2306]

I had an early Mk1 1.6 a few years back. it was a jap import, very low miles, rust free and a superb car.
I have driven an Elan and my opinion is the Eunos is the better car, albeit without the pedigree (or cost)

Kevin