Age parts replacement

[Iowa Bob]

I recently purchased a 2002 MX5 with only 15,600 miles. i could see that the original tires should be replaced. What else should be replaced?

[Gad-Westy]

Iowa Bob said:

I recently purchased a 2002 MX5 with only 15,600 miles. i could see that the original tires should be replaced. What else should be replaced?

Well I guess it depends a lot on what maintenance it's had in the past, whether it's been recently driven, how it's been stored and how it's been driven. Any records? I'll assume worst case that it's been sat still for last few years. If it's been recently used, the list might be far shorter.

Rubber parts can perish with age so might be worth checking suspension bushes, flexible brake lines, exhaust hangers, clutch line, window seals etc... Cam belt if it's not been done.

Obviously steel can rust with age although such a low mileage at least suggests the car won't have been exposed to too much salt. Never the less, it would be worth checking front chassis rails and sills and fuel lines.

Mechanically it really depends on whether it's been used or stored for years. If it's just sat there, I'd want to turn the engine over by hand first. Usually by removing plugs (might as well replace them) and squirting some oil into the bores. Again, if it's just been stood there, I'd look at replacing all of the fluids, engine oil, coolant, pas fluid, brake fluid, gearbox oil and diff oil.

Some clean petrol.