Anything to look for on a 140,000 mile engine?

[Flooble]

Hi guys

I've swallowed what I can from the buying guides and off to look at a 2007 Mk3 2.0 today. I hear this is the "weaker" version of the 2 litre, but given that the missus is likely to park it in a tree fairly quickly I'm not looking to spend more than about £3.5K on her summer fun machine (and am getting the 2 litre to obtain stability control, slightly reducing the probability of a car-tree intersect).

The only one I've found nearby with electric hood (she's short, no, really short) is pushing 140,000 miles. Which from the sounds of it isn't a problem if maintained, but is utterly unknown territory for me. Don't think I have ever drive a car past 100,000 before ... let alone bought one!

Any extra suggestions of things to check would be appreciated!

Thanks

[tr7v8]

According to my MX5 specialist they are bullet proof. However they do NOT tolerate being run low on oil & the bearings die in protest. He's had a couple of people who thinking because it's Jap they don't need to check the oil & some use oil. An engine swap isn't cheap or quick!
Otherwise it's all standard stuff, some of the bits are significantly more expensive than a Mk1 or 2 though.
To add mine is a Mk3.5 hardtop & I love it. They are very sensitive to tyres & geo though.

Edited by tr7v8 on Sunday 2nd April 10:29

[Flooble]

Thanks - that's reassuring. Looks to have been well maintained so hoping that's a good sign.

[tr7v8]

Oh & the other thing the 6 speeder has a reputation for being notchy. They all do it, mine was better after an oil change but it's still not great from 1st to 2nd especially when cold.

[Flooble]

Cheers, wish me luck :-)

[Shaw Tarse]

Check for rust.

[Flooble]

LOL, that message resonates throughout the buying guides!

[Flooble]

On my drive

[VladD]

Flooble said:

On my drive

Congratulations. Pictures please.

[Flooble]

Hope this works



Pretty tidy - paint bubble on the front wing and the sort of scratches you expect with age. Still pulls like a train!

[VladD]

Flooble said:

Hope this works



Pretty tidy - paint bubble on the front wing and the sort of scratches you expect with age. Still pulls like a train!

Very nice.

[tr7v8]

Flooble said:

Hope this works



Pretty tidy - paint bubble on the front wing and the sort of scratches you expect with age. Still pulls like a train!

Lovely & same colour as mine, Copper Red Mica, I still think it is the best!

[Perseverant]

As long as the car has been maintained, high miles aren't a problem. My wife's MX5 (2.5) had around 70k when we bought it and was sold about 100k later! A newer one came up locally with only 38k, with a better hood, tyres, body and so on, so bought that instead. The usual rust to fix and monitor, which seems to be de rigeur with these. I agree with the comment about the 6 speed box when cold, but I don't really mind. Going back to oil consumption, neither car used or uses any between changes - quite remarkable compared to my XK Jaguar!