MX-5 OC Forum

Ok, got my wedge burning a hole in my pocket. I've been trawling Autotrader and ebay. looking to buy around £2k to £2.5k. I prefer a 1.8l and preferably with the bigger wheels and brakes (S?). Don't like the mark 1's so much (sorry guys, I know they are great, just prefer the newer look) oh and a small point I prefer the white dials.

My problem is that reading all your helpful posts I am now scared to death of the rust issue. I'm quite calm about mileage but scared of taking the plunge in case the sills/arches are rotten. And finally, there are too many out there. it looks like I could get around an 02 plate for that kind of money but would I be better off with an older import. Given my preferences what would you recommend.

Good fun browsing, but taking the plunge is scary. Any thoughts guys?

Thanks.

 You will find a lot more rust on the Mk 2's and 2.5's than the Mk 1's regardlees what is said, has they do rot out quicker if not looked after, theer are some very clean roadsters out there you just need to take your time and don't rust into the first one that pulls on the heart strings, read,read and read again do your home work and go armed to the teeth with know how,so you know where to look and what to look for, incuding the different models and UKspec mx5's and imported Jap Roadsters.

Dandy cars FAQ's is a good place to have a nosey at for info on the different models.

Some of the best places are the owners club for sales, and check the other forums for well kept looked after roadsters.

Any questions ,just ask

M-m

Yup, as Wayne says above, look at the OC 'for sale' pages first; chances are if one of us has owned it previously it'll be shiny, any rust dealt with and sold with the usual added bling

Thanks for the advice. when you say 'roadsters' I presume you mean the Jap imports?

I know of a fully specc'd low miles Mk2 RS Roadster (so 6-speed, Torsen etc), for sale never used on UK roads, £4k. By full specc'd, it has been fitted with some serious extras.

 Just take your time and try to get one from an OC member, there is allways some for sale in STHT and many at the price you are looking for.

 UK spec or Jap spec, just as long as they have been looked after, condition is the key, but you will get a lot more for your money with a import, and will never hit the lucas immobilizer problem that the UK ones can suffer from big time, pro's and con's in them all, like I said do your home, it will pay in the end.

M-m

Well people, I got there, after going to Cardiff  today to see a green 51 plate with supposedly no rust anywhere on the car. Guy must be joking, fortunately for me I have a highly qualified vehicle estimater who has spent his life in the motor trade as a mate. The sills had been repaired (bodged) so I walked away. Then drove 102 home and went for a second viewing of an 03 plate 1.8. just around the corner from me with my friend in tow.

He approved it for me and confirmed no bodywork issues. So, the car has done 75k and has a full history and new timing belt. It was up for £2950 and I got £600 knocked off. Just drove it home in the sun obv with the top down. Redlined it a couple of times and very impressed. Glad to be back in a mazda, i've missed my RX8.

Oh, one thing, noob question, do I have an mX5 or a Roadster, and whats the difference, haha?

Pete13:

Oh, one thing, noob question, do I have an mX5 or a Roadster

There should be a badge on the back near the Number plate which should let you know unless someone as changed it?, also the Vin numbers are different. JMZ.........../UK spec, NB8 or 6C.........../Jap spec,plus other things,but they will be the easiest to find,for now.

M-m