MX-5 OC Forum

Hey all im a new member to this foroum!

Im 19 and hoping to get my first mx5 in august, Once i find the right one! :D

Looking for a mk1 mx5 eunos, anything i should look out for in the engine? struggling to find anything below 100k mileage thats a good deal, should this worry me?

Or are these engines bullet proof? like most jap engines.

greetings Kez        

100K is not a lot for a Mk1. engines are as you say virtually bulletproof & some really good prices can be paid.

i presume you dont want to spend too much cos you are saving for the robbers who insure you.

look for rust in cills & wings. if the owner allows it, pour a bucket of water on the hood to look for leaks.  

if a 5 looks good, sounds & feels right when driving, it usually is good enough to seriously consider.

good luck with the search.

As said before the na is pretty bullet proof and as the engine bay is pretty spacious things are relatively easy to work on.

Cill rust is your biggest enemy and if you can see it, it's bad as it comes from the inside out and they are a structural element. If you can't see it it's either on it's way through or has been patched recently in some form of cheap manner. Any car that has had the cills replaced so there is no rust will have the owner making you aware of it as it's not the cheapest job to get done!

The other way to avoid rust is to go for a recent import as they haven't had as much time for the tin worms to get in as older uk cars.

Don't be put off though as they are fantastic cars and you'll love every minute of owning one!

Thanks for your replies :)

I will take all these things in to account while looking.

Iv always wanted one but only just been able insure one :( even now its going to cost roughly £1600.

Il more than likely keep it for a few years once i get one, love them. wont leave it lol

G'day mate Welcome to the forum--

Just signed in for the first of many visits? Please pop your location in your profile, and the year and model of your MX5[when you get it!] in your sig. This helps enormously when we try to answer questions.....

Forum Technical Index

Hi Kez and welcome

as said, engines are excellent
just the bodywork to keep an eye on

imported Eunos tend to have better bodywork but you may suffer extra on insurance
shame as i really like the extras that can come with the unofficial imports

Yeah I am keeping my eye out for the right one!

Just trying to get my insurance down a little, its not cheap!