My first car - 1996 VR Ltd 1.8 Combination A
Discussion
Hi, I'm Schmeeky, I'm 37, and until today I'd never actually owned a car, and seeing as this is PH, the obvious choice was a '5!
I've put up a few posts in the 'Show us your 5' thread, but that was a 'this is my prospective purchase' - now it's actually mine I thought I'd better start my own thread!
She's an import, and a special edition of 700 - there were also 700 Combination B cars in Green with the stone roof. The extras you got on a VR Ltd were Bilstein suspension, uprated antiroll bars, a revised ECU, lightened flywheel, front strut brace, special alloys, slippery diff and reduced final drive ratio, and various bits of shiny shiny inside, leather seats and a lovely Momo steering wheel, most of which I think are pretty desirable additions.
She was imported in '06, and has done about 30,000 miles since, and has obviously been well looked after; the bodywork is in great condition, with no rust in the sills or rear arches. There are bits and bobs which need attention, a few stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet, and some bubbling in the indent line along the flank, but these are pretty easily sortable. There are a few trim items which need fixing as well, but sorting these will help me get to know the car better, and TBH I'm looking forward to sorting them one by one. My aim is to get her absolutely spot on - not concourse (sp?), but with everything 'just so'.
Things that have been done recently include a new mohair hood in the correct stone colour, new radiator, and she's had a full service including new cam belt.
Anyhows, a picture!
Taken by the seller's wife, who's a pro photographer..
Talking about the seller, Steve, who runs Goodwood Sports Cars, is a member on here. When I went to see the car on Thursday, his opening line was 'I'll not tell you what's good about this one, just point out the bits that aren't quite so good'. Top bloke - Cheers Steve!
Right - the drive back! It's my first time in a RWD car, and the weather was really crappy, rivers across the road all over the place, but what a huge amount of fun! The direct route from Berwick on Tweed to Carlisle is all twisty A and B roads, and even though I was going steady and getting used to how she feels, it was just so satisfying. Instant reaction to the smallest of steering inputs, being able to feel exactly what the front wheels are up to, and the superb direct snick, snick gearchange... I did have one small slide coming out of a corner, but I'd caught and corrected it seemingly before I'd realised it was actually stepping out! That's not Jonny Big Balls talking, just the effect of a really communicative car telling you what she needs..
As soon as the rain had eased off, I stopped to take the hood down - would've been rude not to!
Love how warm you stay even on a freezing, damp day!
Anyhows, my To Do list -
I've put up a few posts in the 'Show us your 5' thread, but that was a 'this is my prospective purchase' - now it's actually mine I thought I'd better start my own thread!
She's an import, and a special edition of 700 - there were also 700 Combination B cars in Green with the stone roof. The extras you got on a VR Ltd were Bilstein suspension, uprated antiroll bars, a revised ECU, lightened flywheel, front strut brace, special alloys, slippery diff and reduced final drive ratio, and various bits of shiny shiny inside, leather seats and a lovely Momo steering wheel, most of which I think are pretty desirable additions.
She was imported in '06, and has done about 30,000 miles since, and has obviously been well looked after; the bodywork is in great condition, with no rust in the sills or rear arches. There are bits and bobs which need attention, a few stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet, and some bubbling in the indent line along the flank, but these are pretty easily sortable. There are a few trim items which need fixing as well, but sorting these will help me get to know the car better, and TBH I'm looking forward to sorting them one by one. My aim is to get her absolutely spot on - not concourse (sp?), but with everything 'just so'.
Things that have been done recently include a new mohair hood in the correct stone colour, new radiator, and she's had a full service including new cam belt.
Anyhows, a picture!
Taken by the seller's wife, who's a pro photographer..
Talking about the seller, Steve, who runs Goodwood Sports Cars, is a member on here. When I went to see the car on Thursday, his opening line was 'I'll not tell you what's good about this one, just point out the bits that aren't quite so good'. Top bloke - Cheers Steve!
Right - the drive back! It's my first time in a RWD car, and the weather was really crappy, rivers across the road all over the place, but what a huge amount of fun! The direct route from Berwick on Tweed to Carlisle is all twisty A and B roads, and even though I was going steady and getting used to how she feels, it was just so satisfying. Instant reaction to the smallest of steering inputs, being able to feel exactly what the front wheels are up to, and the superb direct snick, snick gearchange... I did have one small slide coming out of a corner, but I'd caught and corrected it seemingly before I'd realised it was actually stepping out! That's not Jonny Big Balls talking, just the effect of a really communicative car telling you what she needs..
As soon as the rain had eased off, I stopped to take the hood down - would've been rude not to!
Love how warm you stay even on a freezing, damp day!
Anyhows, my To Do list -
- Couple of paintwork issues to be sorted, and a couple of small dings
- Nose seems to be a slightly different shade to the rest of the paint - a good T-cut and polish might sort this
- Old non-working alarm and mess of wiring needs removed
- Trim - base of off-side mirror needs fixing down properly, and small bit of carpet fixed down as well
- Exhaust tip is proper rusty - might go with new stainless section from back of the cat
- Zip round rear screen needs new puller
- Plastic rear window is a little cloudy - is there any way to clean it up?
- Tyres - currently on some unknown brand, but with plenty of tread depth - will prob wait till they're worn and replace with Toyo or suchlike
- Stereo - not a priority, but the Sony unit in there is a mass of tiny buttons with no discernible purpose, i.e. it's crap, the plastic surround fell off on the way home, and the electric aerial doesn't work.
- Something chrome for the heater vents - maybe surrounds, maybe the eyeballs themselves
- A PH Smiley sticker!
Looks like a nice example you have there with an original colour hood too.
Some T-cut should help make the rear screen a little clearer.
It will have a little extra bhp than usual with it being a later 1.8 and will have had 133bhp from new.
Ive got one of these and a "B" model as well which was the normal green exterior with black interior and leather seats but has been resprayed grey.
Im hoping to make one really good example out of both of them.
Some T-cut should help make the rear screen a little clearer.
It will have a little extra bhp than usual with it being a later 1.8 and will have had 133bhp from new.
Ive got one of these and a "B" model as well which was the normal green exterior with black interior and leather seats but has been resprayed grey.
Im hoping to make one really good example out of both of them.
b4bby said:
It will have a little extra bhp than usual with it being a later 1.8 and will have had 133bhp from new.
I've just bought a combination B after having 2 '94 s-specs. It feels significantly faster. Final drive and increased bhp do make a difference.Glad Steve found a seller, I commented on his FB that the wine red looks great
Quick question to you two, do your cars have A/C? Mine doesn't but my neighbour's (also a VR B) does...
ETA: Also, re: tyres, you can get T1Rs or Rainexperts for about £30 per corner. Bare in mind it will stop it being as fun in the wet though
Edited by bicycleshorts on Tuesday 27th November 10:49
Thanks guys! I'd looked at all sorts of '5s, and then when I saw this one it just ticked all the boxes - albeit at a price slightly higher than I'd budgeted for. But I thought it better to get the right car in the first place rather than have to spend to upgrade. With this I don't think there's anything I would need to upgrade (although please don't mention superchargers! 
)
First thing I'm going to have to look at is an intermittent screech from the accessories belt, which is damn annoying. I have the day off work on Friday, hopefully I can diagnose what's out of whack, given I'm a total noob to car mechanics. I've already done a bit of research so hopefully I know what to look for!
)First thing I'm going to have to look at is an intermittent screech from the accessories belt, which is damn annoying. I have the day off work on Friday, hopefully I can diagnose what's out of whack, given I'm a total noob to car mechanics. I've already done a bit of research so hopefully I know what to look for!
Schmeeky said:
First thing I'm going to have to look at is an intermittent screech from the accessories belt, which is damn annoying. I have the day off work on Friday, hopefully I can diagnose what's out of whack, given I'm a total noob to car mechanics. I've already done a bit of research so hopefully I know what to look for!
Nice car man. I quite like the merlot mica colour. I also have an intermittent screech from the ancillaries so be sure to post up when you find out what the problem is. I hope mines is something simple like a tensioner. Some news - the cheques have gone through so payment for the car is all sorted, and I feel that makes the car really, officially mine!
Insurance is also now fully sorted - someone hadn't ticked the requisite box on the screen that linked the policy where I've been a named driver for donkey's years, and they'd rung up wanting to see my proof of NCB; cue muggins here worrying that the whole thing would go tits up... Anyhow, the Lovely Natasha ticked the box and all is well!
Next up is more bad news for my wallet - it's been taking a pounding in this last week, but now I'm adding insult to injury! Went onto Amazon, and found a couple of good books - "Mazda MX-5 (Haynes Enthusiast Guide Series)", and "Mazda MX-5 Renovation Manual". Both should teach me a lot about the history of the car and how to fix and maintain her. Both good solid purchases. Except while I was on Amazon my finger slipped and I accidentally bought a Mazda keyring to act as the puller for the rear screen zip, and a bling bling chrome tax disc holder!
My currect TD holder advertises an insurance company who quoted me a silly amount, so that has to come straight off! 
It gets worse as well - made the mistake of looking at MX5 Parts.com to see how much a new accessory drive belt would be, and ended up buying a set of shiny rings to go round my heater vents - and a new exhaust! My poor wallet doesn't know what's hit it! Thing is, MX5 Parts have a sale that's ending at midnight tonight, so the man-maths I did on the back of a rizla paper shows I'm actually saving money... The reason for the exhaust is that the tip is a little rusty, and when I stopped by at Halfords to look at stuff the exhaust tips they had were truly horrible. The new exhaust will give a few extra ponies and a couple of torques, and apparently sounds right, without being either loud or lairy, so methinks it's actually really worth the upgrade!
Anyhows, am going to stop being a magpie on internet sites - tomorrow sees the start of some proper work to sort out the squealing drive belt, tidy a few things up, and generally have a good poke about while it's light to find out what other jobs are there to be done!
Insurance is also now fully sorted - someone hadn't ticked the requisite box on the screen that linked the policy where I've been a named driver for donkey's years, and they'd rung up wanting to see my proof of NCB; cue muggins here worrying that the whole thing would go tits up... Anyhow, the Lovely Natasha ticked the box and all is well!
Next up is more bad news for my wallet - it's been taking a pounding in this last week, but now I'm adding insult to injury! Went onto Amazon, and found a couple of good books - "Mazda MX-5 (Haynes Enthusiast Guide Series)", and "Mazda MX-5 Renovation Manual". Both should teach me a lot about the history of the car and how to fix and maintain her. Both good solid purchases. Except while I was on Amazon my finger slipped and I accidentally bought a Mazda keyring to act as the puller for the rear screen zip, and a bling bling chrome tax disc holder!
My currect TD holder advertises an insurance company who quoted me a silly amount, so that has to come straight off! It gets worse as well - made the mistake of looking at MX5 Parts.com to see how much a new accessory drive belt would be, and ended up buying a set of shiny rings to go round my heater vents - and a new exhaust! My poor wallet doesn't know what's hit it! Thing is, MX5 Parts have a sale that's ending at midnight tonight, so the man-maths I did on the back of a rizla paper shows I'm actually saving money... The reason for the exhaust is that the tip is a little rusty, and when I stopped by at Halfords to look at stuff the exhaust tips they had were truly horrible. The new exhaust will give a few extra ponies and a couple of torques, and apparently sounds right, without being either loud or lairy, so methinks it's actually really worth the upgrade!
Anyhows, am going to stop being a magpie on internet sites - tomorrow sees the start of some proper work to sort out the squealing drive belt, tidy a few things up, and generally have a good poke about while it's light to find out what other jobs are there to be done!
My To Do list -
Couple of paintwork issues to be sorted, and a couple of small dings - booked in for next week
Nose seems to be a slightly different shade to the rest of the paint - a good T-cut and polish might sort this - Different shade because of different materials - not a lot to be done about this..
Old non-working alarm and mess of wiring needs removed
Trim - base of off-side mirror needs fixing down properly, and small bit of carpet fixed down as well
Exhaust tip is proper rusty - might go with new stainless section from back of the cat - New Stainless exhaust from cat back ordered
Zip round rear screen needs new puller - Mazda keyring ordered - just hope it fits the zip! If not my key doesn't have a key-ring anyway!
Plastic rear window is a little cloudy - is there any way to clean it up?
Tyres - currently on some unknown brand, but with plenty of tread depth - will prob wait till they're worn and replace with Toyo or suchlike
Stereo - not a priority, but the Sony unit in there is a mass of tiny buttons with no discernible purpose, i.e. it's crap, the plastic surround fell off on the way home, and the electric aerial doesn't work.
Something chrome for the heater vents - maybe surrounds, maybe the eyeballs themselves - Shiny surrounds ordered
A PH Smiley sticker! - Measured up and ordered!
Screeching drive belts - Been to local Mazda dealer, will order after I've been for a drive!
Couple of paintwork issues to be sorted, and a couple of small dings - booked in for next week
Nose seems to be a slightly different shade to the rest of the paint - a good T-cut and polish might sort this - Different shade because of different materials - not a lot to be done about this..
Old non-working alarm and mess of wiring needs removed
Trim - base of off-side mirror needs fixing down properly, and small bit of carpet fixed down as well
Exhaust tip is proper rusty - might go with new stainless section from back of the cat - New Stainless exhaust from cat back ordered
Zip round rear screen needs new puller - Mazda keyring ordered - just hope it fits the zip! If not my key doesn't have a key-ring anyway!
Plastic rear window is a little cloudy - is there any way to clean it up?
Tyres - currently on some unknown brand, but with plenty of tread depth - will prob wait till they're worn and replace with Toyo or suchlike
Stereo - not a priority, but the Sony unit in there is a mass of tiny buttons with no discernible purpose, i.e. it's crap, the plastic surround fell off on the way home, and the electric aerial doesn't work.
Something chrome for the heater vents - maybe surrounds, maybe the eyeballs themselves - Shiny surrounds ordered
A PH Smiley sticker! - Measured up and ordered!
Screeching drive belts - Been to local Mazda dealer, will order after I've been for a drive!
Schmeeky said:
My To Do list -
Couple of paintwork issues to be sorted, and a couple of small dings - booked in for next week
Nose seems to be a slightly different shade to the rest of the paint - a good T-cut and polish might sort this - Different shade because of different materials - not a lot to be done about this..
Old non-working alarm and mess of wiring needs removed
Trim - base of off-side mirror needs fixing down properly, and small bit of carpet fixed down as well
Exhaust tip is proper rusty - might go with new stainless section from back of the cat - New Stainless exhaust from cat back ordered
Zip round rear screen needs new puller - Mazda keyring ordered - just hope it fits the zip! If not my key doesn't have a key-ring anyway!
Plastic rear window is a little cloudy - is there any way to clean it up?
Tyres - currently on some unknown brand, but with plenty of tread depth - will prob wait till they're worn and replace with Toyo or suchlike
Stereo - not a priority, but the Sony unit in there is a mass of tiny buttons with no discernible purpose, i.e. it's crap, the plastic surround fell off on the way home, and the electric aerial doesn't work.
Something chrome for the heater vents - maybe surrounds, maybe the eyeballs themselves - Shiny surrounds ordered
A PH Smiley sticker! - Measured up and ordered!
Screeching drive belts - Been to local Mazda dealer, will order after I've been for a drive!
Surely the screeching belt should be sorted / covered by the dealer you bought it from...?Couple of paintwork issues to be sorted, and a couple of small dings - booked in for next week
Nose seems to be a slightly different shade to the rest of the paint - a good T-cut and polish might sort this - Different shade because of different materials - not a lot to be done about this..
Old non-working alarm and mess of wiring needs removed
Trim - base of off-side mirror needs fixing down properly, and small bit of carpet fixed down as well
Exhaust tip is proper rusty - might go with new stainless section from back of the cat - New Stainless exhaust from cat back ordered
Zip round rear screen needs new puller - Mazda keyring ordered - just hope it fits the zip! If not my key doesn't have a key-ring anyway!
Plastic rear window is a little cloudy - is there any way to clean it up?
Tyres - currently on some unknown brand, but with plenty of tread depth - will prob wait till they're worn and replace with Toyo or suchlike
Stereo - not a priority, but the Sony unit in there is a mass of tiny buttons with no discernible purpose, i.e. it's crap, the plastic surround fell off on the way home, and the electric aerial doesn't work.
Something chrome for the heater vents - maybe surrounds, maybe the eyeballs themselves - Shiny surrounds ordered
A PH Smiley sticker! - Measured up and ordered!
Screeching drive belts - Been to local Mazda dealer, will order after I've been for a drive!
Aye, but I can get the parts for less than it'd cost in petrol to go over to where he's based, and in the process learn something about fixing it - win/win! I want to do as much of the remedial work as possible myself, and as this is a fairly straightforward one it seems a good place to start.
I want to do as much of the remedial work as possible myself, and as this is a fairly straightforward one it seems a good place to start. Small progress report - she went into the paint shop this morning, she should be back by the end of the week, hopefully a bit sooner!
And as I arrived back home, a delivery van pulled up outside with this for me -
Really looking to forward to fitting this, can't wait to hear the improved exhaust note!
Stainless steel system from the cat back, obtained from MX5Parts.com for a very reasonable £206. Quick delivery as well. Well chuffed!
And as I arrived back home, a delivery van pulled up outside with this for me -
Really looking to forward to fitting this, can't wait to hear the improved exhaust note!
Stainless steel system from the cat back, obtained from MX5Parts.com for a very reasonable £206. Quick delivery as well. Well chuffed!
Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff