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New Toy (not a bike)

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 1:50 pm
by Al
Finally found a replacement for my MR2 that was written off last year, I picked up an 04 Silver MR2 Roadster this morning, pity all the bits i kept off the other one are a different colour but I could not find a blue one any where near me. Hopefully I can find a good painter!!


Al.

P.S. Anybody want a cheap MGf for the summer :)

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 3:51 pm
by Twinspark
Any reason you've gone for an MR2?

I looked at them, but found them so hopelessly impractical for holidaying, that I ruled them out.

What's the details on the MGF? (I'm sick of looking at rotten MX5s... mine is rusting, seemingly along with just about every other Mk1 / Mk2 out there).

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 4:55 pm
by Al
Twinspark, I have had 2 mgf`s and now 2 mr2`s both mk3 roadsters, as you say mx5`s have issues(Reg might be along soon to disagree)and I found it bland and slower than the mg to drive. The mg`s have the head gasket issue and the early mr2`s have oil control ring problems that lead to the pre cats failing and being sucked into the engine due to the use of exhaust gases for emission control so you take your pick and hope for the best!
I prefer driving the MG but my wife has never really taken to it thats why we tried the mr2 and it was ok until somebody ran into me while I was stopped. The mr2 is not very practical but if you use vacuum storage bags and fit a rack you can carry a fair bit, our 36 kilo golden retriever just fits as well, not so good when he`s wet tho`
I have gone for a facelift mr2 (03 onwards)this time as the oil ring problem has been sorted but the pre cats still need to come out. The mg head gasket problem is fixed by fitting the freelander triple shim gasket, mine has had this done and I have had no problems in 30,000 miles.
If you are interested in the car PM me a phone number, be easier to chat. + I am in south devon!

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 5:00 pm
by Twinspark
To be honest, I still have worries about MGF gaskets - and my mechanic hates them with a passion!

I'm seriously considering a BMW Z3 at the moment - if I can stretch to a facelift 2.0 rather than 1.8 16v.

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 5:06 pm
by slparry
the 2.0l straight 6 is smoother than warm butter :)

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 5:15 pm
by Twinspark
Didn't realise it was a 6 in those... right, I need to find one!

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 5:18 pm
by bikemad99
MX5s are like Honda bikes. Boring,in that they rarely breakdown & just do what it says on the tin. Go on the owners club web page if you are looking for a good one,there are always some for sale that have been well looked after. I have a mate selling a MK2.5,let me know if you are interested. Don`t bother with the sarcasm,It has all been said. :lol:

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 5:18 pm
by Al
I considerd a z3 but they have lots of electronic sensors etc and not easy too look after yourself and can be pricey to run and for a lively drive I was told the larger engine (is it 2.9) was the one to get but a bit thirsty, and the steering wheel seemed to big!!.

Al.

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 5:18 pm
by slparry
I'm assuming it's a 6 Steve? ..... do confirm first tho' :) I've had several 2.0l six cylinder BMW's from E28's, E34's and E46 .. and the current E46 is the bigger (3.0l) version of same engine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Z3_(E36/4)

"Outside of North America, the 1.9 L 4-cylinder was replaced with a 2.0 L straight-6 in 1999, with 148 hp (110 kW)."

With you saying it's a facelift one then it sounds like it's the 6

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 5:28 pm
by Twinspark
bikemad99 wrote:MX5s are like Honda bikes. Boring,in that they rarely breakdown & just do what it says on the tin. Go on the owners club web page if you are looking for a good one,there are always some for sale that have been well looked after. I have a mate selling a MK2.5,let me know if you are interested. Don`t bother with the sarcasm,It has all been said. :lol:
Apologies to the OP for hijacking his new toy thread...

I've had my MX5 for over 2 years. Totally rust free when I bought it.

12k miles and 2 years later, and there's rot bubbling through. I have one high maintenance car already (the old Alfa) - so I don't need another that'll rust. And that's the issue even cars which look nice now will be rot boxes in a couple of years - Mk2s are even worse than Mk1s as they rot in hidden places!

I'm a member of the club - but everyone on there thinks their car is worth twice what it's actually worth.

Re: New Toy (not a bike)

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 5:33 pm
by slparry
Al wrote:Finally found a replacement for my MR2 that was written off last year, I picked up an 04 Silver MR2 Roadster this morning, pity all the bits i kept off the other one are a different colour but I could not find a blue one any where near me. Hopefully I can find a good painter!!


Al.

P.S. Anybody want a cheap MGf for the summer :)
So where's the pictures Al :)

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 8:08 pm
by Al
Need nice sunny skies to take nice pictures, not a lot of those down this way today, I`ll take some and TRY to figure out how to put some up in the week.
No apologies needed twinspark, be interesting to see how long a car thread will continue on a bike forum. :)

Al.

Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 9:09 am
by Twinspark
I've come to the conclusion that every Mk1 / Mk2 MX5 out there is rusty. Even those advertised as 'mint / perfect' etc.

Most seem to have 'a few bubbles', whilst Mk2s seem to have rotting chassis rails.

Can't really afford a 6 pot Z3 as a toy - especially the consumable wear on track days.

So... I suspect the answer is to spend a bit on my MX5. £1500 will get me a repaint new mohair roof and a stainless exhaust. Which will make it pretty much perfect.

Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 9:18 pm
by Al
Taken some pics, dont know if this will work.[/img]Image
Image

Al.[/img]

Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 12:17 am
by boxerscott
Not familiar with these, are they special and collectable?