How much to spend on a decent MX5?

[MrMagoo]

Hi chaps,

I think it's about time I got myself a weekend toy. Obviously an MX5 is the way to go for cheap(ish) thrills. Question is how much do I need to spend to get a good example? And by that I mean relatively rust free. love the look of the MK1s so that's the direction I intend to go with. If anyone comes across any finds or know of any could you link some examples?

Cheers

[snotrag]

My favourite game!

If I was buying one I'd look at this - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1995-MAZDA-MX5-LIMITED-G...

Which ticks all the boxes for me - early 1.8, import, S-special based so Torsen, braces etc etc. Looks a little cracker.

Or this - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1992-K-Mazda-MX-5-EUNOS-...

V-spec with an interior that looks tidy for once (they are usually wrecked). 1.6 but if you like the Green/Tan (I love 'em) it again looks a little beauty.


Yes, you can buy an MOT'd, usable Mk1 for £800.

But if you want a NICE one, your looking at £1800ish upwards.

Some nice ones here - owner knows his stuff and you will note he also focuses on the 93/94/95 import models.

[MrMagoo]

Great stuff snotrag cheers. The second one is lovely, the tan interior with the Nardi steering wheel appeals to me greatly. 2K is a little more then what I wanted to pay for a bit of fun ( I was thinking more of 1.5k max) but it's got me thinking for sure with Xmas coming up I think I deserve a little something

Im all ears if anyone has more I can look at

[MX-5 Lazza]

There isn't really a price that guarantees it to be rust free. I've seen rusty cars that were bought for over £3k and pristine cars go for under £1k.
Giving it a thorough inspection is the only way.

[CaptiV8ted]

My MK1 cost me £1350 and it was near mint condition, with a new roof and clutch. Plenty to choose from, just search for the best condition you can get. Engines are easy to work on, hoods aren't that tense to replace, but rust can be expensive to put right if you can't weld (who wants the hassle anyway?)

[Steffan]

MX-5 Lazza said:

There isn't really a price that guarantees it to be rust free. I've seen rusty cars that were bought for over £3k and pristine cars go for under £1k.
Giving it a thorough inspection is the only way.

Got to be good advice on every older car purchase. Even today some cars do rust and the MX5 certainly does. I would suggest the best you can afford with bodywork and absence of corrosion as primary concerns. Excellent reliable cars, the Mazda underpinnings are are pretty robust which account for the longevity. Good Luck.

[renaultgeek]

the leather seats aren't the best for holding you in, i'd go for cloth seats if possible.

[MrMagoo]

Appreciate the posts chaps. Seems I well and truely have the bug as my work productivity has dropped off significantly! been looking for examples for two days now, found a Lovely mk1 with tan interior but it got sold

I think I'm going to have to bring the budget down to 1200 max although the cheaper the better due to unexpected payments arising. (I booked a holiday )

This may increase if/when I see another mx5 I need to have.

[VladD]

I have a BRG/Tan 1.8 V-Special 2 that the wife is bugging me to get rid off, but I'm holding off advertising it for the minute. If you're ever in the Warwick area and want to pop by for a look/test drive though, drop me a PM.

[dragonheart]

Every seller is usually open to a sensible offer, and as you say with Christmas coming(not the best time of year to sell a car) you may find that money talks. If you like the green/tan example that snotrag linked for you, why not make a £1500 offer? The worst that can happen is the seller says no.