Buying an MX-5

Badgerpoo

Badgerpoo

Badgerpoo

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My mum needs a new car and I reckon an mx-5 would be a good upgrade from her 1.1 metro.

Ive had a look around and there are plenty on the market. We're looking to spend £3-3.5k ideally. What kind of age/spec can I expect ot find in this price range, and what do I need to look for. I realise Eunos imports are going to be more expensive to insure, is it better to just get a UK car?
 
1994 1.8 V-Special is in that price range, spec is :

Alloys
Leather
AC
Power Steering

Jap cars will encounter an insurance premium over the UK car but will be better equiped so its your choice, check for crash damage and make sure you get one with an A1 hood, expensive item to replace.
 
There are a few MK1 special additions that have most of whats listed above, but do tend to be dearer - they are UK cars though (AFAIK).

Gleneagles
Dakar
Harvard
Merlot

Plus a couple of others that I've forgotten.

They can be quite hard to find, as they were limited editions, typically about 500-1000 of each were made.

Personally, I really like the Merlot's and the Gleneagles - might have to stretch the budget a little, but you could probably get one.
 
As said, check out the OC forum. They have a section called buying advice. Don't worry about insurance for imports as it doesn't load that much on and probably nothing if it's your mum on the policy. For 3.5k condition is more important than mileage so check the sills and engine mounts for the usual rusty bits. Jap roadsters are better spec and better condition for their age due to not using the salt on winter roads.

Hoods are easy and cheap to replace and even a new one can be had for £250 in mohair so thats pretty easy. Get one, get one..........

:D
 
Scottland said:
There are a few MK1 special additions that have most of whats listed above, but do tend to be dearer - they are UK cars though (AFAIK).
Click to expand...

Do they come with the limited slip differential?
 
I'm currently floggin the missus car off - MX-5 Mk1 1.8, 1998 with just under 50k on the clock, FSH, momo steering wheel/airbag and a cobra alarm. As a guide I'm not really prepared for less than £4k back for it as it''s in VERY nice condition.

The 1.8 is the one to have really, the 1.6 isn't nealy as good. Handling is extrodinary when you think of what it is tbh. You'll be looking at a late Mk1/early Mk2 with lots of miles, but from personal experience, I prefer the MK1. We had an '04 plate on lone from mazda last year whilst the resolved the odd issue (like conveniently forgeting about changing the timing belt and me taking it back and making them do it) and it wasn't quite as nimble. It felt good to drive but not the same as the MK1.
 
Kitchster_uk said:
The 1.8 is the one to have really, the 1.6 isn't nealy as good. Handling is extrodinary when you think of what it is tbh. You'll be looking at a late Mk1/early Mk2 with lots of miles, but from personal experience, I prefer the MK1. We had an '04 plate on lone from mazda last year whilst the resolved the odd issue (like conveniently forgeting about changing the timing belt and me taking it back and making them do it) and it wasn't quite as nimble. It felt good to drive but not the same as the MK1.
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We've covered this a number of times of the forum before. The original 1.6s were virtually as quick as the 1.8s until mazda realised this and dropped the 1.6s power output to 90bhp with a slightly different head.

Best choice would be to get a Eunos Roadster 1.6 S-special imho.
 
Vipernet said:
We've covered this a number of times of the forum before. The original 1.6s were virtually as quick as the 1.8s until mazda realised this and dropped the 1.6s power output to 90bhp with a slightly different head.

Best choice would be to get a Eunos Roadster 1.6 S-special imho.
Click to expand...

It didn't help that later 1.6 Mk1s had to have a CAT which rather stifled things :rolleyes:
 
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