New Toy…

Discussion in 'Others' started by Johnny Grabble, Dec 21, 2019.

  1. Johnny Grabble
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    Johnny Grabble

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    After a difficult year personally, in which the (now ex-)Mrs G has left me, one of my parents died and the other was in and out of hospital with cancer surgery and treatment (mercifully now having been given the all-clear), a new chapter of my life is now beginning. So I thought it was time to cheer myself up a little. Well, if you’re going to have a mid-life crisis, you may as well do it properly. So I am.

    After much deliberation, I recently took delivery of a 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF, the one with the metal folding roof. It’s the 2 litre Sport Nav model in Soul Red, manual of course. Some obligatory photos…

    1.JPG 2.JPG 3.JPG 4.JPG 5.JPG 6.JPG 7.JPG

    I’ll give her a proper spruce up and seal the paint when the weather’s better, then I’ll get some better pics taken when the sun’s out – the winter light really doesn’t do that gorgeous paint justice.

    I decided I wasn’t in the market for a classic, I wanted something I could spend time having fun driving rather than fixing up. Having just returned this morning from a little outing from home here in Cheshire over to Buxton, Derbyshire, via the A537 and the Cat & Fiddle, I can report that this beauty really hits the spot. Even though the road these days has a 50mph average speed over a good part of it, there are still many corners where fun can be had on a cold morning when the road’s wet. Most of the way there and back, I was grinning like an idiot, not something that usually happens when I am at the wheel. This thing is fun! Fits like a glove, weighs little more than a tonne, lovely steering feel, and has the sweetest gearchange and clutch I’ve probably ever used, so you end up swapping cogs just because you can. Even though it was only 7°C, the roof had to come down for part of the journey of course, there was minimal buffeting, and I certainly didn’t get cold.

    Whilst to drive, it couldn’t be more different to my G30 530d, it shares may of the mod cons. Heated leather, sat nav, climate, decent audio (Bose rather than HK), auto lights and wipers, etc., and additionally has adaptive headlights and a (rather annoying) lane departure warning system as well, which has now been switched off. A bonus is that I can take my USB music drive out of the G30 and the Mazda can read all the content, even the playlists, so all I need to do is clone it.

    It doesn’t have the out-and-out grunt of the G30 but being a normally-aspirated engine, it has a lovely progressive power delivery as you take it up the rev range, so no turbo surprises as you tread on the loud pedal mid-corner. Plenty enough there for A- and B-road overtaking too. Completely impractical of course, with effectively no storage space in the cabin – no glovebox, no door bins, a small cubby behind my left shoulder and not much more than a coin tray in the centre console. The boot would get a weekend bag in I reckon. Refinement is in a different and very much lower league than the G30 and, no, I have no idea what the fuel consumption is. Perfect.

    Happiness is now being restored and I’m looking forward to spending a lot more time in this as the weather improves…
     
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  2. Kev2005
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    Kev2005 WARLORD Site Supporter Good Egg

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    Sorry to hear of your difficulties, hope things improve for you!

    Nice looking car, how many miles on her?

    Kev
     
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  3. Wynne71
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    Wynne71 WARLORD Site Supporter

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    A great way to cheer ones self up! I’ve always admired the look of those, especially the tin top roof version.
    Sounds like a cracking little car.
     
  4. Johnny Grabble
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    Johnny Grabble

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    Thanks, @Kev2005 . Yes, things gradually looking up. Less than 7,000 miles at present. Not for much longer though...(y)
     
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  5. a.s.uk
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    a.s.uk WARLORD

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    Great buy Johnny
    I always miss our old mx5, 2006 model
    So warm and usable in any weather with the top down.. as long as it want tipping it down... fantastic little car... fabulous handling..


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  6. Mieke
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    Mieke WARLORD Site Supporter

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    Sorry to hear the news. From what you say, Johnny, 2019 has not been that great. I hope that the New Year 2020 will be much better. (y)
    Every once in a while you have to be spontaneous and treat yourself and get some enjoyment out of life.

    I didn't recognise that as a an MX5 at first glance. I don't recall seeing one with the folding convertible roof.
    Much nicer than the rag top version in the winter months.
    The styling is reminiscent of a Ginetta - very nice. It actually looks like a targa top with removable panel.
    It makes a welcome change to most other members buying Porsche Boxsters.

    I can imagine that it's a lot of fun to drive over the A537 Cat and Fiddle.
    Maybe not as exciting as a motorcycle but good fun, none the less, and less chance of disappearing through a dry stone wall. :eek: :D

    Going back to the G30 is going to seem sedate after the MX5.

    Enjoy. :driving:
     
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  7. E39mad
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    E39mad

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    That looks like a lot of fun - congratulations on the acquisition. There's nothing like a bit of wind in the hair motoring every now and again (not that I have much hair left!!)

    My folks live a couple of mile down the road from where your shots were taken and I'm not far away outside Macclesfield.

    All the best for 2020.
     
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    Last edited: Dec 22, 2019
  8. Verbarthe
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    Verbarthe WARLORD

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    Hopefully things get better for you . That s a nice toy to have , reminds me of the Mini Marcos in shape , very smart , enjoy it .(y)
     
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  9. bbob1
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    bbob1

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    Sorry about your recent run of bad luck but that looks great. I've not driven that model but have driven the last shape which was good so I'd be surprised if this wasn't even better. We have a 1990 one in the garage which my wife refuses to sell!
     
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  10. MrMcG
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    MrMcG

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    All the best for 2020

    Car looks great enjoy it!
     
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  11. Harry
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    Harry WARLORD

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    That's unusual, interesting, and rather nice.

    Congratulations. I wish you big fun. You've earned it.
     
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  12. mystic sport
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    mystic sport

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    As others have said, I am sorry for your loss and split but sometimes a little self indulgence is just the ticket (done this myself on my than one occasion). That looks like a very nice way to bring back the smiles and bring in a new more positive year - nice one.
     
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  13. pinewood
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    pinewood

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  14. megae39fan
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    megae39fan

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    As they say, sometimes storms come along to clear your path. Hope 2020 brings you good things.

    Enjoy the MX5, always wanted to drive one as they have a reputation as being a fantastic experience and one of the best all round covertibles ever made. Enjoy it

    Current:
    E60 530D Sapphire Black
    E38 750i Individual | Oxford Green
    Volvo V70 D5
    Ford Probe 2.5 V6
    Jaguar XJ Executive


    Sent from my Samsung Note 10+ 5G using Tapatalk
     
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  15. Madmoggy
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    Madmoggy

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    Very nice, Ive often fancied something similar myself but my missus came back and took the last slot on the drive :)
    I hope 2020 is better for you, and you get loads of time to enjoy your new motor
     
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