1990 Eunos/MX5 Queries

Author
Discussion

SilverPhoenix

Original Poster:

82 posts

130 months

Wednesday 11th December 2013
quotequote all
Hi,

I'm looking for a bit of advice really. I've been offered a 1990 Eunos and although I’ve never really desired one before, I think have a definite itch that needs scratching!

I don't know much about the car at the moment, except for it was built it 1990, imported in 1998. it's red with a hard top and good soft top. It's also the 1.6 engine.

The current owners have had it for about 8 years. I do not know for sure, but, as the guy is a mechanic, I’m sure it’s been looked after.

I'd mainly be using it as a second/weekend car, maybe a bit of track action.

Am I better off looking for 1.8? Any obvious issues to look for?

Any idea what sort of price would be fair for this vehicle? I understand I’ve been pretty vague with the description.

Thanks in advance for any help/info!


rs4al

950 posts

171 months

Wednesday 11th December 2013
quotequote all
Nothing wrong with with the early 1.6, some people prefer it as it is a bit more rev happy than the 1.8 (I have a 1.8, it revs to the redline fine).

Rust is the killer on these cars, check the wheel arches and sills, they rust from the inside out, also brake calipers can seize.
Apart from that, mechanically the engines are quite robust, the cam cover gasket is prone to leaking, feel around the back of the cas for any oil and check the water pipes there as if it has been leaking it will degrade the water pipe.

Price wise, have a good dig on autotrader and ebay, that will give you an idea, I paid in May £1350 for a late 1.8 with 88k and no rust (although one of the sills is starting to bubble slightly now)

Hth

BeirutTaxi

6,632 posts

220 months

Wednesday 11th December 2013
quotequote all
^^ As above ^^

Rust.

Rust.

Rust.

Rust.

Rust.

Rust.

Mechanical second hand parts are dirt cheap because so many cars end up with ferrous oxide cancer.

Even brand new parts are cheap - I just paid £17 for each brake disc and £5 for an air filter.


Rust.

Pablo Escobar

3,114 posts

195 months

Wednesday 11th December 2013
quotequote all
I have a 1992 1.6 Eunos and I love it. It's got 150,000 km on it and the engine still loves being revved up, the suspension feels a bit tired but I plan on some new bits soon.
As mine had no history when I bought it I'm going to give it a mega service in January, but even that hasn't worked out too expensive parts wise.

Like everyone says, rust.

I was quoted £600 by a guy local to me to have sills done on mine if it needs it. My car lives in the garage and only comes out when I want to play as it's my toy car so hopefully the rust won't touch it too badly for a while.

cheddar

4,637 posts

180 months

Wednesday 11th December 2013
quotequote all
I've owned 4 MX5's from an '89 with the 1.6 donk to 2005 with the 1.8 and a couple of 1.8's in between.

The 1.6 was by far the sweetest motor, lovely little thing.

SilverPhoenix

Original Poster:

82 posts

130 months

Thursday 12th December 2013
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies guys.

I went to look at the car last night but sadly, it is an auto - which kinda ruled it out for me.

BeirutTaxi

6,632 posts

220 months

Thursday 12th December 2013
quotequote all
SilverPhoenix said:
Thanks for the replies guys.

I went to look at the car last night but sadly, it is an auto - which kinda ruled it out for me.
Wise - The manual gearbox is nice to use smile

MX-5 Lazza

7,952 posts

225 months

Thursday 12th December 2013
quotequote all
The auto is actually pretty good but yes, the manual is the one to go for if you don't need an auto.

Gilhooligan

2,219 posts

150 months

Friday 13th December 2013
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The '89 to '91 have short nose crank engines which are prone to failure.

MX-5 Lazza

7,952 posts

225 months

Friday 13th December 2013
quotequote all
The short nose crank engine itself is fine. They only usually fail if they haven't been torqued up properly after can belt servicing.

TheSundaydriver

12 posts

132 months

Sunday 22nd December 2013
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I have a 91 Eunos , no cat needed for mot, 115bhp , no rust in sills , late import , hold out for for a 91/92 is my advice.