|
|
Post by phil1d on Jul 22, 2021 12:35:57 GMT
Nice to meet you all, My wife and I are about to move back to Wales (Cardiff) after 11 years in the US. I currently own a 2006 MX-5/Miata which unfortunatly I can't bring with me but will be looking to buy one once we get settled. There is a really good culture built up around these cars over here and it's one of the thing I most enjoy about owning one, I am curious to see if it is similar in the UK and have a few questions: - What is the MX-5 culture like over there? Do you wave to other owners you pass like they do here, chat to other owners you see in supermarkt car parks etc or is it not like that?
- What are the opportunities to get on track and get into autosolo? Any groups you would recommend I join? I have enjoyed doing a ton of autocross (autosolo?), short course and track days and I am looking forward to hopefully being able to continue those hobbies and meet some great people.
- I have done a few mods to my current MX-5 (coilovers, roll bar) is that a common thing for people to do over there?
Looking forward to any feedback that folks can provide.
Thanks
Phil
|
|
|
|
Post by Zed. on Jul 22, 2021 13:11:27 GMT
What are the opportunities to get on track and get into autosolo? Any groups you would recommend I join? I have enjoyed doing a ton of autocross (autosolo?), short course and track days and I am looking forward to hopefully being able to continue those hobbies and meet some great people. Cardiff has Llandow circuit close by https - plenty of trackdays there over the year & over the bridge you have Castle Coombe probably more happening but I'm not into trackdays so cannot comment... www.llandow.com/ castlecombecircuit.co.uk/I have done a few mods to my current MX-5 (coilovers, roll bar) is that a common thing for people to do over there? how deeps your wallet & how wild is your imagination? Rich. |
|
|
|
Post by atlex on Jul 22, 2021 14:09:50 GMT
Fancy buying us some parts before you move back ? lol.
|
|
|
|
Post by atlex on Jul 22, 2021 14:10:27 GMT
While the UK has a decent MX5 scene there's nothing to rival the scene in the US, there's far more awesome suppliers like fm, 949/supermiata and miataroadster and and and
|
|
|
|
Post by Zed. on Jul 22, 2021 14:23:29 GMT
What are the opportunities to get on track and get into autosolo? Any groups you would recommend I join? I have enjoyed doing a ton of autocross (autosolo?), short course and track days and I am looking forward to hopefully being able to continue those hobbies and meet some great people. Cardiff has Llandow circuit close by https - plenty of trackdays there over the year & over the bridge you have Castle Coombe probably more happening but I'm not into trackdays so cannot comment... www.llandow.com/ castlecombecircuit.co.uk/I have done a few mods to my current MX-5 (coilovers, roll bar) is that a common thing for people to do over there? how deeps your wallet & how wild is your imagination? Rich. somehow I forgot to add my local racetrack, Pembrey circuit pembreycircuit.co.uk/plenty of trackdays, races . rallies / rallycross & sprints there & autosolo-esque fun through the year  Rich. |
|
|
|
Post by phil1d on Jul 22, 2021 14:34:29 GMT
Fancy buying us some parts before you move back ? lol. Haha I have though about bringing a few things back with me to do mods on my future Mx-5. Next time I come back to the US for a visit I’ll be looking to bring a load of hard tops with me from the UK. They fetch crazy prices here! |
|
|
|
Post by phil1d on Jul 22, 2021 14:35:11 GMT
Cardiff has Llandow circuit close by https - plenty of trackdays there over the year & over the bridge you have Castle Coombe probably more happening but I'm not into trackdays so cannot comment... www.llandow.com/ castlecombecircuit.co.uk/how deeps your wallet & how wild is your imagination? Rich. somehow I forgot to add my local racetrack, Pembrey circuit pembreycircuit.co.uk/plenty of trackdays, races . rallies / rallycross & sprints there & autosolo-esque fun through the year Rich. Thanks Rich. Some great info there. |
|
|
|
Post by dadbif on Jul 23, 2021 7:15:01 GMT
I am always surprised that there is no a transatlantic trade in Mk1 driving seats, our passenger seats would be perfect unworn replacements and vice versa, or am I missing something?
|
|
|
|
Post by Zed. on Jul 23, 2021 8:47:33 GMT
I am always surprised that there is no a transatlantic trade in Mk1 driving seats, our passenger seats would be perfect unworn replacements and vice versa, or am I missing something? cost vs. new replacements? Rich. |
|
|
|
Post by howardb66 on Jul 23, 2021 9:20:59 GMT
As Zed.. Says, there are some good tracks not far from Cardiff. MX5 parts are MUCH cheaper in the US, so have an investigate about what you want to bring back? Especially turbo/SC kits….. Bristol Motorclub have an MX5 specific class in their sprint series which is good entry level stuff - Normally aspirated only though bristolmc.org.uk/mx5challenge/ |
|
|
|
Post by wannabe on Jul 23, 2021 10:32:23 GMT
I am always surprised that there is no a transatlantic trade in Mk1 driving seats, our passenger seats would be perfect unworn replacements and vice versa, or am I missing something? cost vs. new replacements? Rich. Shipping costs an absolute fortune from the US - and even more so now, given the ('accidental' or deliberate) reductions in shipping capacity due to delays in ports 'because Covid' etc. Pistonheads had a thread where people were saying they've seen prices jump from about £1.5k for a container to quotes of £20k at the upper end  I do agree it would make sense, though, lol. |
|
|
|
Post by phil1d on Jul 23, 2021 11:40:05 GMT
As Zed. . Says, there are some good tracks not far from Cardiff. MX5 parts are MUCH cheaper in the US, so have an investigate about what you want to bring back? Especially turbo/SC kits….. Bristol Motorclub have an MX5 specific class in their sprint series which is good entry level stuff - Normally aspirated only though bristolmc.org.uk/mx5challenge/Thanks, the MX5 challenge sounds like something that I will definetly be interetsed in. I've seriously considered throwing a set of wheels into the shipping container but need to confirm tire sizes etc are the same accross the pond. |
|
|
|
Post by zoona on Jul 23, 2021 12:16:25 GMT
To return the favour (please note the 'u'...) You are heading to a world of fun in the UK. If you are used to the scale of the US, you should be able to reach pretty much anywhere in the UK!
Given the crazy car prices here (just moved to New Jersey) at the moment I think you will be much better off by selling your car in the US. Just watch out for rust... (Not sure where you are in the US but you will find a lot of it in the UK).
I would definitely take some stuff to the uk, you will be able to sell it or use it yourself...
|
|
|
|
Post by phil1d on Jul 23, 2021 13:12:57 GMT
It's crazy what is going on with used car prices over here at the moment, especially with Miatas. I bought my 2006 2 years ago for $5k and I see similar cars, same age, same milegae etc going for $7.5k+ now. Unfortunatly my brother in law wants to buy mine so I'm going to have to cut him a family deal  |
|
|
|
Post by atlex on Jul 23, 2021 13:15:33 GMT
I am always surprised that there is no a transatlantic trade in Mk1 driving seats, our passenger seats would be perfect unworn replacements and vice versa, or am I missing something? Europe would be the more natural market. I'm actually looking for a better version of my drivers seat for my MR2. |
|
le sigh