MX5 mk2.5 buyers guide?

rG-tom

rG-tom

rG-tom

Soldato
Joined
27 Nov 2004
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North Beds
Hey,

My girlfriend is looking at replacing her 03 plate 1.2 micra with an mx5. She has always loved them and one has come up that matches what she wants (you know what girls are like) in budget.

Problem is it's 200 miles away, so I'm having to get a friend (Tesla from these here forums) to have a gander at it for me and report back. Does anyone have any key pointers to look out for on the mx5?

It's an 05 plate with 50k on the clock, current owner is the 2nd owner from new. It's an 1.8 Icon ltd edition, which gives it heated leather, electric stuffs (mirrors/windows/remote central locking/cd player) and possibly a 6 speed gearbox with LSD?

The seller seems a genuine bloke from the corespondance we've had, and will have all the service history / mots / v5 etc there to be inspected.

Any particularily weak points / rust spots etc that should be checked?

Thanks,

Tom.
 
We have a Mk2 icon (awesome btw) I'd imagine with the 2.5 its similar things like checking the sills for rust also check that the drains for the roof aren't blocked. Check that it has a steady idle (this can be a variety of things ranging from a simple spring to injectors etc)

tbh they're pretty bomb proof and damn good fun to drive
 
Accident damage if it hasn't been garaged over the winter - very easy to get it wrong. Obvious signs are over-spray in the arches etc. Other than that, I hate you, really want another '5. :(
 
haha, although I'm sure ill be able to drive it, it won't be that often!

Thanks for the advice guys :)

Tom
 
As Aero mentioned check for rust in rear wheel arches and sills. Also check the boot for any water ingress, as this can be another symptom of blocked drain holes.

The mk2.5 MX-5s can suffer from clutch judder, but this is will not cause any lasting damage. It is more of a driver experience issue, and can be rectified for ~£350.

Check the hood for any wear and tear, there should be no issues on an 05 plate if it has been looked after.

Other than that, just look for your standard warning signs when buying a car.
 
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