Can someone tell me about MX5s?

[mpit]

So, the other half wants her own car again, since we've moved to London and I've always fancied having an MX5 without actually having to drive it every day, seems like the perfect match, right? With Winter approaching, it seems a good time to pick one up.

Looking for something super cheap that she can bash up and not have to worry about it (She'd only been driving on the road 2-3 months before having to give her car up for the move!)

Is it as easy as just going to look for the cheapest £800 crapper? Are they fairly reliable?

What about rust, anything significant I need to look out for? Are there years/models that fare better than others in terms of rust/reliability?

What about insurance? I keep hearing people mention classic policies for MX5s, is that a thing?

Thanks

[elephantstone]

I struggled to get a non rusty Mk1 for £1700 but i did. All the mk2's i looked at under my budget of £1700 were showing signs of rust or were sheds. Basically... rust, rust, rust and MORE rust. Look at as many as you can and pick the one with the least amount of rust. Make sure it has decent tyres and pay for four wheel alignment at a specialist (not at kwik fit etc) if its going to be driven through winter... will make it more predictable.

[mpit]

Are MK3s immune from the rust problems?

Am I more likely to find a solid car by getting a cheap MK3?

[Munter]

mpit said:

Are MK3s immune from the rust problems?

Am I more likely to find a solid car by getting a cheap MK3?

No not immune.
and
Yes but you'll be paying 4 times the dodgy MK1 price.

Why not buy a MK1 with some rust in the sills and wings for dirt cheap money. Then get the body fixed somewhere good (MX5 restorer for example), if you like the car. If you don't like the car then the whole thing only cost buttons.

[Dalto123]

Munter said:

Why not buy a MK1 with some rust in the sills and wings for dirt cheap money. Then get the body fixed somewhere good (MX5 restorer for example), if you like the car. If you don't like the car then the whole thing only cost buttons.

^^ Probably the best idea. Mechanically they're fine and easy to run. Mine hasn't required any real additional maintenance over consumables in nearly 2 years/25,000 miles. It will infact be up for sale soon (and it isn't rusty)