Looking for MX-5 Buying Tips!

GreenMint

GreenMint

GreenMint

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Hi all, my girlfriend has set her sights on getting an MX-5 all of a sudden (She saw the one her Dad/his gf bought and wants one now)

She's looking for probably the 1.6 model as she has no RWD experience and only drives a 1.4 Corsa right now, so doesn't want to go too much too soon, as this will probably be just a car for her for 12-15 months to get her and myself (It'd be rude not to!) some RWD experience and a convertible for her for summer.

I'm totally clueless about MX-5's, but i know there are a few owners out here who could maybe give some good advice?

I think the max budget she's like to go for would be about £3,250 (not including insurance) If anyone has any advice on what model is a better choice, common faults to watch out for, any info that you think would help make her mind up on what to go for, then it would be much appreciated!

Thanks!
 
It will have to be a MK1 for that money. It should get you a good example.

http://www.mx5ocforum.co.uk/ has a forsale section.

Unfortunatley I have a Mk2 and don't have any MK1 buying experience.

If it was be I would be tempted by an Import V-spec, you get a leather interior amoungst other extras.

I wouldn't let an import put you off, I can actually insure my import cheaper than I can the equivelent UK spec. Go fiqure. If you do need import insurance try adrain flux/aplan/aon.
 
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Tim, there are two versions of the 1.6 One version is a nasty detuned one that kicks out something like 80-90bhp. The other one is 115bhp. Guess which one I'd go for.... Don't think the extra power of the 1.8 will make a huge difference if she has no RWD experience. What will be more important is high quality tyres, caution in the wet and learning. As RWD goes they are not hard cars to drive but they will bite if the tyres are pants.
 
mattpc said:
Tim, there are two versions of the 1.6 One version is a nasty detuned one that kicks out something like 80-90bhp. The other one is 115bhp. Guess which one I'd go for.... Don't think the extra power of the 1.8 will make a huge difference if she has no RWD experience. What will be more important is high quality tyres, caution in the wet and learning. As RWD goes they are not hard cars to drive but they will bite if the tyres are pants.
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Ok, thanks for clearing that up :)

Will have a look at the 1.8's around on Auto Trader & Pistonheads then :D

Thanks!
 
no worries, will be worth searching these forums for other mx5 buying related threads as many of us have written quite a bit on the subject for people in the past. However, I just don't have time to write it all again right now!!
 
I have just bought a UK 97 Mk1 1.8is 81k for £3100 and after viewing quite a few i can say that the main things to look for in a clean example in that price range are as follows:

* No rust or corrosion on the sils in front of the rear wheels (or anywhere else for that matter).

*A good non-leaking hood. Some of the cheaper hoods don’t fit properly and can lead to leaks, a replacement hood would add at least £300 to your budget.

* Full service history (should be available for that price)

* Non-slipping clutch (apparently they commonly start to go at around 70k)

* Also the Power steering belts may want replacing at around the 70k mark

* Look at tyre wear- uneven wear may want wheel aligning which is more expensive than on a normal car (approx £100 at a good specialist).

*Also you may want to research good tyres, some tyres are notoriously difficult in the wet, and replacing all corners with good ones (goodyear F1) will cost around £200 so this should also be considered in your budget.

*Also consider that darker (coloured) models tend to be easier to sell in the future although I’m sure it wont make that much difference.

*Obviously check that the engine is in good nick.

I'm sure there are plenty more but that’s all I can think of at the mo- hope it helps :)
 
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Regarding tyres.. My MX5 has the 14" wheels and I fitted Goodyear Hydragrips. Grip is stunning and wear is acceptable. After about 6000 miles the fronts are absolutely fine and the rears have 4mm left. I will probably change them at 3mm to avoid performance dropping off. You can kit the whole car out in these for abou £150. Wet weather performance is superb as is dry. Now the rears have worn down this far it is a bit easier for the back end to step out but even then it is very controlable. The time of year that will really test your girlfriends driving is in the Winter when its icy. However, good your tyres are it will still be easy to lose the back end. Typically this will be when reapplying the power when exiting a corner. If you are used to being lead footed with an underpowered fiat punto or similar then caution is advised. These are great cars that can be used all year round without issue (contrary to what some people might tell you). However, it's essential to keep good rubber on it and be extra aware of the road conditions.
 
Chris1712 said:
Just a thought, now is definetely not the time to be buying one? A sellers market in summer for sure!
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If you cut out the overpriced dealer and ambitious seller ones then you can still get a good deal. They are still in demand during the winter as the dealers try to snap them up and private sellers price high saying that they will happily just keep it in the garage til summer.
 
TimBrad said:
How does this look at first glance:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/184702.htm
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Looks ok but have you looked at how much insurance will cost on it as it is a modified import- (cheapest import quote for me was 2x more than a uk model for me). to be honest its worth having a look if it is nearby but in my experience price usually determines condition so it may be rougher up close than it it looks in those very low res photos.
 
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