mx-5 advice

Thomas. PLease.

Thomas. PLease.

Thomas. PLease.

Soldato
Joined
5 Jul 2007
Posts
5,511
Location
London
If you've read my 190e project log you will know its for sale. Its now on ebay, so will hopefully be gone by next week, all things being well.

So I want to replace it, and I'm seriously considering an mx-5. I like the simpleness, and the fact that it is small, rwd and supposedly handles very well. I dislike the associated image, but I think I can handle that, just.

So, I'm not looking to spend a great deal, 1.5k tops really, just looking for some good advice as to what I should be looking for, and what are common issues to watch out for when buying.

Future plans for it would be to lower and improve handling, then possibly look at a supercharger kit?

I've spotted this one that is very local to me - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...u/page/1/radius/10/quicksearch/true?logcode=p

Looks quite a good one to me? It is an import, but the insurance isn't too much really. And while on the subject of insurance, and there any companies that specialise with these?

Thanks for any help, Tom.
 
One thing I would recommend from experience check that it idles smoothly and also check the rear of the sills for rust.

Can't tell if its got a grill on, so I would heck the radiator as well (grills are cheap ours was £19 from the bay of e)

Good solid cars and great fun to drive!
 
Check for rust around the rear arches and sills. I would also suggest making sure it's the higher BHP 1.6, I would rather have the 1.8. Although 1.6 probably doesn't make a huge difference if you are going to turbo/supercharge it later on.

I don't think there are any particularly expensive or difficult mechanical parts to replace, so I wouldn't be put off unless it was somthing majorly wrong with the engine or gearbox.

Also a model guide here:

http://ox.mx5oc.co.uk/guide_mx5.htm
 
Last edited:
I've had my MK2 for little over 2 years now. In that time I have had to put on 4 new tires, a new wiper blade and had it treated for a bit of corrosion underneath, that's it (bar services).

One of the big things to look for as already mentioned is rust, give it a good look over including the bootlid (I have a fair bit of rust appearing around my rear licence plate lights).

Great cars, with your plans to possibly modify it and add a supercharger I assume you plan to track it? Also it may be worth spending a little more to get one that has already been supercharged/turbo'd as it would probably be more cost effective?

With regards to insurance, I arranged mine through Adrian Flux and am paying pennies for it.

Good luck :D
 
Looks like a good example, the Viscous lsd will most likely be dead or on it's way out at that kind of mileage so working as a normal open lsd. Get yourself on mx5nutz for lots of info. Rust is the killer on rear sills n arches. There are a LOT of bargains to be had if you search around!
 
Get yourself on MX5 Nutz and have a read around.

UK and Import cars are identical asdie from options.

Import insurance will almost certainly be higher, although like all insurance it is worth checking.

The main issues are rust on the rear sills and arches, dodgy clutch slave and a broken plastic rear window.

Don't let rust repair put you off, most (including all but the most recent imports) will have had or need some done, just make sure it was done a while ago (not a bodge) or you have pics.

Aside from that the mechanics are strong and parts are plentiful.

My preference would be a recent import (<2 years) with a new hood, and all consumables done in that time, failing that a late UK 1.8 with the sills done/been garaged all it's life (hens teeth for your budget).

Failing that, buy on condition and go from there.


New mohair hood with glass HRW (fitted)- £300-600
Clutch Slave - £15
Sill repair - can be done for £100 - £150 a side although some garages will take the mick.
 
iaind said:
I thought the enuos was more prone to rust than the MX5?
Click to expand...

Well I'd say no. We've got a 1990 mk1 Eunos Roadster and owned it for the last 12 years. For its age you won't find many cars with such little rust, the paintwork has really stood up to the test of time. Runs fantastic as well and I couldn't recommend them more highly.

It's still a headturner when buffed up. :cool:
 
iaind said:
I thought the enuos was more prone to rust than the MX5?
Click to expand...

Not true, the cars are exactly the same and came off the same production line.

If anything most imports are better protected as they are usually undersealed again on arrival.
 
Alex*TLR said:
100% dont get a UK car, not worth the aggro with the rust potential. Ring your insurer, Adrian flux said same price for UK and import!
Click to expand...

That is not true at all.

Your quote may have been the same, but they are a broker and i have called many times and they are not the same.

In terms of rust, imports generally are in better condition, bodywork wise anyway, but the earlier imports that have been here 10+ years are no better.

If your not getting a rust free, recent import then imports are not worth the "aggro".

Buy on condition and if it is UK all the better.
 
Open LSD as in like a normal car....

Aproctor, in a word, no. The eunos/mita/mx5 are all essentially the same car and adrian flux treat them the same pricewise, well the "specialist" underwriter they use does anyway.

All have the exact same under coating, but get a 93 uk car and it's had 17 years of crap, get an 93 model imported in 2001 and it's only had 9 years of crap, makes sense doesn't it?

Also if your getting a eunos/miata/mx5 and go for the 1.6 (which is definitley the right decision), then make sure you get one I think post 91 (check mx5nutz) as there is a long nose and short nose crank engine, one has MAJOR woodruff(sp?) key issues and it isn't worth the risk unless it's a cheapie.

Yes ok, buy on condition, but if you go JDM you get eleccy windows/aircon and more often than not a few cheeky nice bits!

Another thing worth mentioning before I forget is that get the owner to take you up a dual carriage way and get him to cruise between 65-75 indicated, chances are you'll find around 69ish that the car will shake lots, most do unless people keep on top of the alignment, if so, don't panic, Wheels in Motion do a full fast road alignment for £90 and it'll out handle a lot of things! On the note of handling, dodgy/mis matched tyres REALLY can affect the little mazdas so worth checking them!

If you want more info just ask or get on mx5nutz (or the owners club if you more excited about cleaning your car than driving)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom