So as predicted, the X-Trail called Tori didn't stay in my custody for very long. Nine months to be exact. Slightly long than I suspected but not quite the whole year I had intended. Early forecasts for the sale value suggested a world of oysters were within reach. There might be enough in the kitty for a fora into Porsche ownership with an early Boxster S, an 944 S2, or maybe an 968. More practical motors like Mk5 Golf GTis seemed viable too, as were a whole host of boxy 80's British exotica (thing TVR 350's or Lotus Excel turbos). The real part exchange value turned out to be somewhat less than the forecast, but still left plenty of scope for finding something more entertaining than a Japanese SUV. Rear Wheel Drive was high on the list of priorities, as was space for people and luggage, but reliability, performance, and entertaining handling were the must have items. Top of the options list was a six cylinder BMW of some sort. I wasn't to bothered whether it was a 3 or 5 series; 2.2, 2.5, 3.0 litre petrol or 2.9 litre diesel; saloon, estate, coupe, or maybe even a convertible; as long as it was in good healthy clean condition and with a decent history file to back it all up. Casual browsing over Christmas turned into serious searching in the new year which is when reality set in.
I missed out on one or two nice looking 325 coupes, urm'ed and ur'ed about a couple of tired sounding 5 series, before not quite making the budget stretch to a nice 330d saloon. I widened the net slightly, considering more front and four wheel drive options that might provide similar levels of entertainment, practicality, and hopefully reliability. Jaguar X-type's, Lexus IS200's and Alfa 156's were all looked at. I went out one afternoon with a mate to try a high spec Mercedes C320 which ticked a lot of the right boxes, but the dealer wasn't sure what he'd offer me for the X-Trail. Hungry and a little fed-up of looking in vain, we went is search of food and wifi. Flicking through Auto Trader whilst munching on a burger I spotted this electric blue MX-5 that I'd bookmarked as a 'maybe'. It wasn't to far away, so a quick call confirmed that it was still available, and we could take it out for a test if we could get there before the dealer closed for the day.
Now I'll concede that these MX-5's aren't exactly practical in a luggage and people carrying capacity, it was two cylinders short of my objective, and has a somewhat cutesie image for a man of my age and stature. In my defence, it is about as reliable as front engined/ rear wheel drive sports cars have ever been; and with only 66000 miles on the clock, a full service history, and generally in good condition; it did tick most of the necessary boxes. I'd even done my homework, having considered an MX-5 some years ago, this was the 1.8i with the variable valve timing, six speed 'box, a limited slip differential on the back axle, and 16" alloys. Even the interior spec was good, will black leather two piece heated seats, a Nardi three spoke wheel, electric windows, and a very neat dealer fit double din stereo. The only missing option was air-con which some might consider unnecessary on a convertible anyway.
On arrival at the Whitley Bay Motors yard on the Peel Retail Park just off the A1231 we only had half an hour in failing light to check out the car. A thorough prod and poke around indicated that it was an honest tidy example, a quick scan of the paperwork just confirmed this initial opinion, and so, with time running out we went for a quick run around the block. Even in just a few miles I could tell that this car was going to deliver a shed-load of smiles per mile. The steering wheel chatters with information about the road surface beneath you. The engine, though lacking on-paper figures (144bhp and 124ft/lb. of torque to shift 1100kg, not bad, but not great) picks up ok in mid range, but loves to rev to the roof. The gear change on the six speed 'box is so immediate and close to hand. And a healthy prod of the accelerator gets the back end joining in the fun in a delightfully manageable way. After only a few minutes I was turning back for the dealers, hopeful that we could strike a good deal all round.
Fast forward a few months and I'm totally taken with little Mindy (yes that is a reference to Pam Dawber). There have been several long trips and numerous little adventure. The new policy for journeys is "if it ain't raining, then the roof goes down" and I've acquired several hats and scarfs to help keep me cosy on the colder days. Although the heater deals well with even the coldest of days pretty well. Rain might stop the roof down fun, but wet weather driving provides plenty of entertainment. There was a mix of old Uniroyal Rain Sport 2's and newer 3's on the car when I bought it, but a long run on a flat tyre killed one of the older Rain Sport 2's, so a pair of fresh 3's got fitted at the back. These tyres are great in the wet and pretty good in the dry. There's some forum opinion that they are a little too soft for hard summer use, but I'm happy to trade off a little dry weather performance or tyre life span for the confidence that they give when it's raining and pouring.
The practicalities of a two seater sports car with a tiny boot have taken a little getting use too, but there is just enough space for two plus a weeks worth of luggage so it's not too bad. Although the hairdresser comments and "fat, hairy, bloke in a girls car" double-takes can get a little wearisome, it's more than made up for by the pleasure of driving such an engaging little car. Climbing into the MX-5 and having to leave the roof up can leave you feeling a little stuffy and claustrophobic, but that's more to do with how much more you can see, hear, and smell with the roof down, than any space issues with the roof in place. These factors add to the pleasure as much as the intimacy of the controls or the simplicity of the detailing....
....Skip again to mid October and nothing much has changed, except for maybe my ability to finish an article! I've had a super short hair cut (for charity, mate) and Mindy has had a new clutch and could do with a brake and bearing overhaul, but fun has been had all summer, despite the odd attempt at sabotage by the weather. Testing three other cars and having an increasing list of new metal to try has propelled me into blog based activity. Even the test drive of the all new mark 4 MX-5 has failed to wain the love I have for this little Mazda. It's not totally perfect, the seat base does sit a little high for my liking, the lack of mid range torque does make that lazy drive home a bit more taxing than necessary, and some integrated iPod connection would be nice. All these are apparently fixable (an Eaton 45 supercharger install in the case of the middle item!) so time will tell if I get around to sorting any of these issues.
So all is set for winter fun in Team Handsome Towers. I have a new frame of reference for some new test drives that will follow shortly, honest! This car continues to impress and entertain me, and I can't see that changing anytime soon. So for now, in the words of Ferris Bueller "if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up!"
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