Got the MX5 itch again..time to scratch it?

[GerryAttrick]

After selling my old MX5 a few years ago because it was a manual and my wife could not drive anything other than an auto for medical reasons (netballers knees) I have decided that its time to get another - especially with retirement looming in a couple of years when I'll need something to keep me out of the pub.

I quite fancy an early 90's NA but I'll need to get rid of my E36 BMW 325i coupe first if I am not going to raise the ire of Er Indoors...I'll make it an automatic next time so that should keep her happy. Yeah Right! Swap anyone??(Cars not wives...but then....)

Having never driven an auto MX5 I wonder if they are a bit lack lustre and I'd appreciate the views of drivers who have one. Maybe I'd be better trying for an 1800 if the 1600 is a bit gutless in auto form?

[Mr. Shine]

I don't think it would feel even remotely similar driving an automatic MX-5. If you really want to, I'd consider an NB or NC if you can spend that much, as they're less pure than the NA anyway.

[sprsta]

all the auto NAs i have driven all seem to feel alot looser like they havent been maintained as well
definitely get a 1.8 if your going auto

[Grant]

I've had an NA, NB and now an NC, all auto for medical reasons as well. I
can drive a manual and would prefer that but with the auto I can always
drive it even when the arthritis plays up!
The 1600 NA was the slowest but once moving and on a winding road, it's
still a lot of fun. The 1800 NB was faster and with a better gearbox for
holding any gear. Again a lot of fun on a windy road. My present NC has the
6 speed auto with manual over ride. I use the paddles on the steering wheel
rather than the gear lever when in manual mode as the gear lever is the
reverse manual operation to my 4WD. The steering wheel paddles prevent
confusion. It's a lot quicker and more responsive than the earlier cars so
even more fun although it's much more refined as well making it less
involving than the earlier models, especially the NA.
I suggest you try the autos and see what you think. They are great around
town for stress free driving as well.
After a manual version it will feel a bit sluggish off the line, but once up
and going, the auto will give a lot of driving pleasure that you might
otherwise miss out on.
With each increase in engine size, the performance improved and the fuel
consumption reduced.
Grant.

-----Original Message-----
From: sprsta
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 9:22 PM
To: mx5talk@mx5forum.co.nz
Subject: [MX5] Re: Got the MX5 itch again..time to scratch it?

all the auto NAs i have driven all seem to feel alot looser like they havent
been maintained as well
definitely get a 1.8 if your going auto

[Posted via external email]

[GerryAttrick]

I think I'd prefer the NA as it is really my retirement "toy" and I like the original lines a bit better than the later models. I have a BMW wagon(and an E36 coupe) and my wife drives a late late GTi so its not like its a daily driver - more for those fine sunny days when I feel like a drive around the Coromandel while she works on.

Best I try a couple of autos and see if I can live with one.. if not it will be a manual and Jan will have to stick with the GTi.

Time to start looking in earnest and to move the E 36 325i on as I need to get that out of the way first.

I might be in Whangamata on 25 April and I think there is a club drive from Tauranga on that day so I may pop in and visit

[ham]

We have both a 1600NA auto and manual. The auto I drive like a manual, on/off overdrive and hand selecting down to 2nd. It can be punted along resonably well. Others in the club expect you to hold them up but are usually pleasantly surprised. Its the wifes and she loves driving it normally. Certainly the manual is a bit quicker, especially off the line. You will need to try before you buy but if you go auto suggest the 1800 may be a bit better.

[WideOpenThrottle]

If you get an auto there are ways to drive it like a manual & it involves the left foot!