Help buying my first mx5
Discussion
Hey, I need a new car and have decided to go for an mx5. This will be the first car I've bought so I don't have much experience with buying and am hoping to get some advice here.
I'm looking for a mk2 under £3000. There isn't a great deal of choice in my area so I've only found a few cars within a reasonable distance.
This is what I've found so far:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m... - ABS light a problem? Hard top a massive bonus
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... - above budget
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... - quite far away
Do any/all of these look like good choices?
I'm looking for a mk2 under £3000. There isn't a great deal of choice in my area so I've only found a few cars within a reasonable distance.
This is what I've found so far:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m... - ABS light a problem? Hard top a massive bonus
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... - above budget
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... - quite far away
Do any/all of these look like good choices?
The biggest problem with the Mk2 is rusty chassis rails. The only way you can check these is to get under the car and have a look. If you don't know what you're looking for and/or are inexperienced, then it may be worth getting an inspection done. There are plenty of MX5 buyers guides out there, including at the top of this forum, so have a google and get plenty of reading done.
As you're north of the border, you could have a look at Goodwood Sportscars You may pay a little more, but I believe they have a very good reputation.
As you're north of the border, you could have a look at Goodwood Sportscars You may pay a little more, but I believe they have a very good reputation.
Edited by VladD on Monday 16th February 22:00
with only a cursory glace I would suggest the following ( and Mark 1's are my thing, so I might be talking complete cobblers!!)
No 1, my favourite, not the most stand out colour, lack of photo's, but a hardtop and very smart interior from the looks of it ( although it looks more grey than tan to me!!)
No 2 the engine bay shot, under the expansion tank near the suspension turret there appears to be rust manifesting itself. I know that the chassis rails in this area are the problem for this car, caution advised until a proper inspection is done
No 3 wheels whilst nice looking will be a swine to keep clean!! personally I would prefer to buy from an enthusiast than a dealer but I do like the interior colours on this one
No 4 not a massive fan of colour or body kit on this one
Just my penny's worth, but make sure you have the front chassis legs inspected.... if someone isn't happy about you requesting this , ask why ? Perhaps request an MOT inspection at your cost with emphasis to the inspector re chassis legs / removal of under tray
best of luck in your search, whichever one you get you will enjoy, but remember there are loads and loads out there and it is worth travelling to find one that suits you best ( plus the drive home will never be a chore!!
No 1, my favourite, not the most stand out colour, lack of photo's, but a hardtop and very smart interior from the looks of it ( although it looks more grey than tan to me!!)
No 2 the engine bay shot, under the expansion tank near the suspension turret there appears to be rust manifesting itself. I know that the chassis rails in this area are the problem for this car, caution advised until a proper inspection is done
No 3 wheels whilst nice looking will be a swine to keep clean!! personally I would prefer to buy from an enthusiast than a dealer but I do like the interior colours on this one
No 4 not a massive fan of colour or body kit on this one
Just my penny's worth, but make sure you have the front chassis legs inspected.... if someone isn't happy about you requesting this , ask why ? Perhaps request an MOT inspection at your cost with emphasis to the inspector re chassis legs / removal of under tray
best of luck in your search, whichever one you get you will enjoy, but remember there are loads and loads out there and it is worth travelling to find one that suits you best ( plus the drive home will never be a chore!!
Edited by Mattlan on Tuesday 17th February 09:47
I wouldn't buy any MX5 with side skirts fitted. One of the main places for all MX5s to suffer rust is in the sills and it's difficult to see how clean they are with the side skirts on.
1. ABS warning light is probably just a wheel sensor but I wouldn't buy it with the warning light on. It shouldn't be a difficult or expensive fix so they should do it before sale. It's an MoT fail with the light on.
1. ABS warning light is probably just a wheel sensor but I wouldn't buy it with the warning light on. It shouldn't be a difficult or expensive fix so they should do it before sale. It's an MoT fail with the light on.
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