Can I get an opinion on this '5?
Discussion
I've been idly browsing the classifieds with the intention of getting something like an MX-5 or an MR2. I wasn't planning to take the plunge for a few months, but I really like the look of this VR Ltd and I'm now wondering if I could find the funds and the space on the drive to bring those plans forward. The only thing is, it's at the other end of the country.
What do people think?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
What info would you like to know before travelling long distance to see it? Are there any particular areas you'd want to see photos of?
What do people think?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
What info would you like to know before travelling long distance to see it? Are there any particular areas you'd want to see photos of?
Yeah, that is my slight hesitation on buying an MX-5. Whatever I get will be my daily driver through the winter.
Last time I looked I couldn't find a single truly rust-free example apart from one that had been recently welded. Based on that experience I had wondered if it might be more economical to find one that needs the sills doing, negotiate a suitable price and get them done - that way, I figure, it shouldn't need any attention for a while and might actually raise the value enough to cancel out the cost of getting it done. Saw an otherwise-lovely low mileage S-Special when I was on the lookout before that had a fairly serious rust issue, but it was up for £1,200...
Anyway, I digress. That VR Ltd looks like it's ready to go.
ETA Anybody know anything about the TSW wheels? I gather '5s are quite sensitive to unsprung mass?
Last time I looked I couldn't find a single truly rust-free example apart from one that had been recently welded. Based on that experience I had wondered if it might be more economical to find one that needs the sills doing, negotiate a suitable price and get them done - that way, I figure, it shouldn't need any attention for a while and might actually raise the value enough to cancel out the cost of getting it done. Saw an otherwise-lovely low mileage S-Special when I was on the lookout before that had a fairly serious rust issue, but it was up for £1,200...
Anyway, I digress. That VR Ltd looks like it's ready to go.
ETA Anybody know anything about the TSW wheels? I gather '5s are quite sensitive to unsprung mass?
cirian75 said:
my advice having owned a 2003 NB MX-5 and abused it through winter.
Summer use only, keep it garaged, don't use in winter.
Disagree entirely. It's a car. A sub £2k car at that. Not worth "cherishing".Summer use only, keep it garaged, don't use in winter.
The VR in question - it looks a peach! To run it all year round, just make sure the underseal is still in good condition, top up where required and have fun!
I asked for more info and got an email back saying there's someone coming to see it at the weekend and they'll be in touch if it's still around after that. Presumably if it's as tidy as the ad implies it'll be gone. Am I right in thinking £1,950 is a bit of a steal for a low mileage VR Ltd in good nick? The aftermarket wheels can't rob it of too much.
The rust is an interesting one. I'm looking for a daily driver, but I work from home, so it won't actually be used every day and won't cover a huge mileage. I don't mind getting it Waxolyed somewhere, but realistically I'm not the sort of person who'll jet wash the arches after every trip out and it will have to live outside because I have a broken TVR in the garage!
Considering various other options like MR2s, E36s and even Imprezas. Also should really sell my Clio first, but this VR Ltd popped up and sounded like it might be worth a punt.
The rust is an interesting one. I'm looking for a daily driver, but I work from home, so it won't actually be used every day and won't cover a huge mileage. I don't mind getting it Waxolyed somewhere, but realistically I'm not the sort of person who'll jet wash the arches after every trip out and it will have to live outside because I have a broken TVR in the garage!
Considering various other options like MR2s, E36s and even Imprezas. Also should really sell my Clio first, but this VR Ltd popped up and sounded like it might be worth a punt.
It looks worth the money to me, just from the pictures & description. Ignore that it's a VR as the spec makes very little difference. If it was an RS it would get more interest and usually a bit more money as long as it has all the original spec but otherwise it's just an MX5/Eunos/miata. The only reason it might fetch a bit more is because someone particularly likes it rather than it actually being worth more.
MX-5 Lazza said:
It looks worth the money to me, just from the pictures & description. Ignore that it's a VR as the spec makes very little difference. If it was an RS it would get more interest and usually a bit more money as long as it has all the original spec but otherwise it's just an MX5/Eunos/miata. The only reason it might fetch a bit more is because someone particularly likes it rather than it actually being worth more.
I used to have an RS Ltd and I loved the childish antics you could get up to with the Torsen diff. I've not actually driven a mk1 1.8 with the standard diff ratio, but I'd imagine the lowered final drive helps too? I also prefer the leather seats and the Nardi wheel to the UK-spec cabin.I think my ultimate spec would be an R Ltd with the chintzy red leather.
Looks good but I'm not sure it's a "steal". About the right price I would say. I would want some close up pictures of the usual rusty bits and the interior. My v spec had those tan seats that looked ok from a distance but were dirty beyond cleaning. As was the beige roof!
I looked at a few "immaculate, rust free cars" none of them were do I ended up buying a cheaper one that is not terminally rusty.
I looked at a few "immaculate, rust free cars" none of them were do I ended up buying a cheaper one that is not terminally rusty.
drgoatboy said:
I looked at a few "immaculate, rust free cars" none of them were do I ended up buying a cheaper one that is not terminally rusty.
Indeed. My last attempt to find an MX-5 included a lot of immaculate cars, only one of which was remotely close to the description. Admittedly, though, there weren't any for sale locally through enthusiast sites like PH or Nutz, they were all Autotrader/eBay sellers.As mentioned above, I had wondered if getting a cheap car and budgeting for new sills is the way forward.
Chris71 said:
hornetrider said:
That VR looks ace. Price is very good I'd say. If it's a nice as he says the guy coming to see it will buy it.
My thoughts too. If the first buyer says no I'm not sure I want to travel 200 miles to see it!If it is as good as the pictures & description... well there are plenty of top quality, unwelded, non-rusty Mk1s going for £3.5k upwards now as these are very hard to find now so if it really is completely rust & weld free then £2k is a very good price. If it was more local I'd be tempted to go and take a look myself even though I have no space or need for another car.
MX-5 Lazza said:
If it is as good as the pictures & description... well there are plenty of top quality, unwelded, non-rusty Mk1s going for £3.5k upwards now as these are very hard to find now so if it really is completely rust & weld free then £2k is a very good price. If it was more local I'd be tempted to go and take a look myself even though I have no space or need for another car.
Yep. As it is I'm still a few months away from having the space or the funds for another car, but tempted by that one. It'd be a very long way to go if it turned out to be yet another 'rust free' rust bucket, though. Presume it will have sold by now if that's not the case. Oh well.Anyone fancy buying a Clio 172 Cup to help with my driveway space situation?
ETA The VR-Ltd is indeed sold. Think it went to the first person who saw it.
Edited by Chris71 on Friday 9th October 18:34
That did look a nice car for the price.I've had a couple of vr ltds and there is a bit of a difference between the ones without the ecu,flywheel changes. But I wouldn't right any good car out whatever the spec.I've a nice mk1 that may be up for sale soon if my parking problem doesn't improve
chasdad said:
That did look a nice car for the price.I've had a couple of vr ltds and there is a bit of a difference between the ones without the ecu,flywheel changes. But I wouldn't right any good car out whatever the spec.I've a nice mk1 that may be up for sale soon if my parking problem doesn't improve
Saw your post on Nutz, dropped you a line.
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