Would you hate me if..

[miata_adam]

I would only get another Volkswagen if its on a lease. After 9.5 years of ownership where I was constantly replacing parts since year 5 due to failures, I am glad I am getting back into a Japanese car.

The service costs were astronomical, even with a reputable 3rd party service agent I was being charged at least 300 for a minor. (Towards the end, I just did it myself)

Parts were expensive. My air conditioning radiator fan stopped working 2 years ago and VW wanted 700 plus install for it. Ended up buying the part oversea and installed it myself for 400. Still plenty for just a fan.

[Danny]

Make sure the Haldex awd system works. My wife had one and it would have diff lock up when doing tight slow manoeuvres like shopping centre parking. VW denies there's a problem, and it's a lottery as to which fail.

Nobody seems to have come up with a proper fix. She (and I) ended up despising the car. Got rid of it for an Audi S4, which is a longitudinal engine/awd that has worked properly so far.

[speed]

I should have been clearer. Not considering an R or R32. I like building stuff and miss my Mk4 Gti.
May go as late as a Mk5 but am currently thinking a Mk3/4 with a 2.8 vR6.
The basic difference between a 2.8 and a 3.2 is 1mm bigger bore.

Saying that it's a massive project, engine, drivetrain and full diagnostics.

I love R32's. That sound! I personally find the lighter FWD GTI to be more dynamic and have better handling when pushed.
Go grab one Speed! Just watch out for that DSG...

That sound, comes from the fact that it is a VR engine. It's not a V6, it's a VR6.
Kinda like a cross between an inline six and a v6. There is one head. Is also a 15 degree V.

Read about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VR6_engine

I would love to get another, more practical car like the R32 (but mine would idealy be a Gen 4 Subaru Liberty GT Spec-B ) However, I don't want it at the expense of my MX-5.

I guess its for you to decide if you'll get more out of it than you do your MX-5? I like the idea of the R32, small car with a big engine plus 4wd - lots of speed and lots of grip. But I beleive it comes with a few sacrifices, like a lot of weight affecting the handling, and a big hit to fuel ecconomy (if that's something you think about). Have you dríven one? I haven't, so I'm just speaking on hearsay.

If you are actually concerned about being thought of as some kind of traitor by the forums, then forget that. There are several members who still contribute that no-longer have one, or sold up and re-bought. I think your inputs would still be welcome by most.

This is my problem, I don't want to do it at the expense of my MX-5 but the reality is space is an issue.
Kinda have a few too many cars sitting as it is and must get rid of some, definitely before purchasing anything else.

We have a Mk5 R32 that my wife uses as her daily. There is a lot packed into them and that stuff adds up weight wise.
Yes, compared to a MX-5, it is super heavy, with very different handling but compared to equivalent vehicles, still may be a little heavy, yet more solid.
We get 450km per tank with spirited driving. I'm cool with that. Actually, we call Friday "S" mode day. It's the one day of the week that we flick the gearshift for some further appreciation. Is also a great cure if someone gives you the shits. (Keeping the speed limit and road rules in mind)

When you come visit Nevyn72 next, pop by and you can take it for a spin.

I think you would be doing well to fit a turbo under the bonnet of a R32.

Y worry about a turbo when you can buy a off the shelf 420hp supercharger kit and fit it in a day

My MX-5 is supercharged and I did that just so I could experience it. Would really prefer turbo. You can buy quality off the shelf cast manifold for $200 delivered!

After 9.5 years of ownership where I was constantly replacing parts since year 5 due to failures, I am glad I am getting back into a Japanese car.
The service costs were astronomical, even with a reputable 3rd party service agent I was being charged at least 300 for a minor. (Towards the end, I just did it myself)
Parts were expensive. My air conditioning radiator fan stopped working 2 years ago and VW wanted 700 plus install for it. Ended up buying the part oversea and installed it myself for 400. Still plenty for just a fan.

Sorry to hear that. We've had 4 golfs and a A4 with no major issues at all. Mind you, I did all the servicing and we treat our cars well.
For the R32, we use Volks Muller and find them very reasonable with servicing.

[speed]

I think you would be doing well to fit a turbo under the bonnet of a R32.

More than one turbo in this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpvOv0XtUrk

Thank you sir!

Wanted to post a vid but my home pc is not cooperating. Will try later.

[speed]

Inspiration but would never go this nuts.
https://youtu.be/qL4iByZLMuM

[speed]

Before I shun myself further, after all this is a MX-5 forum!, this is what I'd be giving up.

[The American]

What you need to do, is hide the car from yourself for a year, buy the VDub, and then when you realise what you've done, you can just sell the VW and remind yourself where the mx5 is hiding to you can pick it up. Much easier and cheaper than trying to find another well sorted good one.

[speed]

What you need to do, is hide the car from yourself for a year, buy the VDub, and then when you realise what you've done, you can just sell the VW and remind yourself where the mx5 is hiding to you can pick it up. Much easier and cheaper than trying to find another well sorted good one.

You're probably right.

[Lokiel]

... yeah, looking at those photos, you're going to regret selling it and miss it (also, I doubt it's going to depreciate at all if you care about that at all).

[rjastra2]

Parts were expensive. My air conditioning radiator fan stopped working 2 years ago and VW wanted 700 plus install for it. Ended up buying the part oversea and installed it myself for 400. Still plenty for just a fan.

Are performance Japanese cars any cheaper to service or get parts for at 9yrs old. I thnk you seem to forget but VW has 15Km/yr servicing. So 300 for a minor could be 300 in a year. Cheap!

Subaru WRX... cheapest is 600/yr up to 1000/yr - 6monthly servicing.
MX5 is roughly $300 per service.. but they have 10K/12mth intervals. So if you do average kms (14K+) then you are stung

[speed]

Guess it is never easy when you can't compare apples with apples.
Personally I'm cool with the cost of parts and I believe they represent good value for money.

Thank you everyone for your input. Apologies for not replying to you all individually.

My new plan is to sell off at least 3 other cars and keep the MX for at least another year. In that time I will finish my current build thread and potentially start and finish another (quick install).

Less projects will equal less stress and enable me to get more done on the house.

During the tuffer times, I will endeavour to drive the MX more so that I can enjoy and appreciate her more.

Could always buy a suped up VW later

[Nevyn72]

My new plan is to sell off at least 3 other cars and keep the MX for at least another year.

Good!

You really do need to move on some of the other cars mate, that driveway of yours is a bit crowded, just not the Valiant.....
PS> I think the missus would appreciate a bit more being done on the house too.

[speed]

My new plan is to sell off at least 3 other cars and keep the MX for at least another year.

Good!

You really do need to move on some of the other cars mate, that driveway of yours is a bit crowded, just not the Valiant.....
PS> I think the missus would appreciate a bit more being done on the house too.

Thanks mate. You're right on both accounts. Bout time I grew up and pulled my finger out. Really appreciate your honesty.

[Magpie]

I hate everybody equally, does that count?

[Rocky]

I hate any bloke with more than two cars, and I hate him even more if he has a wife that is OK with that.