Quick Question From Someone New To Mx5's
Discussion
Thinking about picking up an NB as a first car. My dad had a red MGB when he was my age and I kind of what to experience the same lifestyle he did before settling down and starting a family.
Is it possible to own one of these cars for 5 years and not have anything break? I really don't have the money for any kind of repairs and I have no mechanical skills/tools.
If someone could give me a rough estimate for what kind of bills are likely for 5 years ownership, that would really help me start saving up a nest saving alongside buying the car itself.
Is it possible to own one of these cars for 5 years and not have anything break? I really don't have the money for any kind of repairs and I have no mechanical skills/tools.
If someone could give me a rough estimate for what kind of bills are likely for 5 years ownership, that would really help me start saving up a nest saving alongside buying the car itself.
They're a cheap car to buy. They're cheap to fix when they break and they don't break often.
However, insurance might be pricey depending on your age and location. They're not economical for a commute, 25-30mpg real world. They're not as cheap to tax as a modern hatchback that will be faster and more economical and comfortable and practical. But they are way more fun. Find one with no rust or that's had it's rust repaired. Worst NB rust is well hidden in front chassis so hard to spot without putting it on a ramp.
Treat it well and it won't devalue much.
However, insurance might be pricey depending on your age and location. They're not economical for a commute, 25-30mpg real world. They're not as cheap to tax as a modern hatchback that will be faster and more economical and comfortable and practical. But they are way more fun. Find one with no rust or that's had it's rust repaired. Worst NB rust is well hidden in front chassis so hard to spot without putting it on a ramp.
Treat it well and it won't devalue much.
I have a Navada which I have had 6 or 7 Years, Bought it because it looked good, didnt have service history, log book, any history at all!
One of the best buys I have made, added about 50000 miles, its needed Tyres, Brake pads and disks, and one sensor thats it, and its fun to drive, took the hardtop off this weekend, so roof down for the first time since October tomorrow.
One of the best buys I have made, added about 50000 miles, its needed Tyres, Brake pads and disks, and one sensor thats it, and its fun to drive, took the hardtop off this weekend, so roof down for the first time since October tomorrow.
aside from the rust they're pretty reliable.
5 years is a big ask... In 6 years mine had the following-
several new calipers/caliper rebuilds - they seize for a past time on mx5s
2 slave cylinders - a common failure
new clutch kit
usual wear and tear/service bits and pieces.
few new sensors, O2 and the like.
On the plus side, parts are cheap, even up to engines and gearboxes, there are masses of breakers around, and pattern parts.
Rust repairs is where most of your money will go over 5 years.
5 years is a big ask... In 6 years mine had the following-
several new calipers/caliper rebuilds - they seize for a past time on mx5s
2 slave cylinders - a common failure
new clutch kit
usual wear and tear/service bits and pieces.
few new sensors, O2 and the like.
On the plus side, parts are cheap, even up to engines and gearboxes, there are masses of breakers around, and pattern parts.
Rust repairs is where most of your money will go over 5 years.
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