Is it worth buying a Mk2?

[MW11]

Hi all, I'm really eager to buy a Mk2 MX5 as it ticks all of the boxes for me, I'm 21 and don't have a load of money to be spending on repairs, and from what i've read, mechanically the mk2 seems to be pretty reliable. However, as I'm sure has been posted many times on this forum, the issue of rust seems very serious, and as I'm looking at ones which have done between 50k-70k miles, I'm wondering if it's worth looking elsewhere, which would be a great shame. If anybody owns or has looked at Mk2s in a similar mileage bracket would it be possible to hear your opinions? Stay clear or go for it?


Thanks, M.

[aka_kerrly]

Rust is not a mileage related issue it is very possible that a car that has spent more time sat around will rust more than one in constant use.

The tricky part with mx5 is the rust on the sills and arches is easy to spot but the rust on the chassis legs and firewall harder to spot in less you can get the car right up in the air to check the underside as well as the areas visible from in the engine bay.

Beyond rust they are cracking, a face-lift 1.8 Sport with 6 speed and lsd is a solid choice

[griffdude]

aka_kerrly said:

Rust is not a mileage related issue it is very possible that a car that has spent more time sat around will rust more than one in constant use.

The tricky part with mx5 is the rust on the sills and arches is easy to spot but the rust on the chassis legs and firewall harder to spot in less you can get the car right up in the air to check the underside as well as the areas visible from in the engine bay.

Beyond rust they are cracking, a face-lift 1.8 Sport with 6 speed and lsd is a solid choice

Yep.

[TVRees]

aka_kerrly said:

.... Beyond rust they are cracking, a face-lift 1.8 Sport with 6 speed and lsd is a solid choice

Bought just this type last year. Reg. 2001, 100k miles, runs really well and loving every minute.

Second best car choice ever, after the TVR.

[RobaBarker]

Definitely worth buying, just shop around and take your time. Sadly there are plenty of rusty ones being passed off as being in good nick!

Personally I wouldn't necessarily worry about pre/post facelift, although I know some people like the VVT system in the mk2.5s.

[yellowstreak]

I had a thread last year with some photos of a cheap Mk 2.5 I bought for a turbo project. Sadly the rust was so bad I sold it for spares.

If you could find one without rust (those must be very rare) or with evidence that its been fixed, then its a great cheap and fun car. A z3 could be an alternative.

[snotrag]

Steve (?) of Goodwood Sportscars has a nice Mk2,.5 sport for sale currently on his facebook page. As good a chance as any of getting a good one.

[RobaBarker]

snotrag said:

Steve (?) of Goodwood Sportscars has a nice Mk2,.5 sport for sale currently on his facebook page. As good a chance as any of getting a good one.

Based on personal experience, I'd look elsewhere.

[Lewis's Friend]

RobaBarker said:

Based on personal experience, I'd look elsewhere.

Sadly I would second that.

[tsp]

I have a solid mk2.5 with no rust and low miles. So they are out there.

A great fun car. I don't think you can get anything more fun for the money. I would highly recommend them. Even if you get one with rust there are a lot of specialist popping up now that car restore them.

[andrewturner]

I found a clean mk2 sport About 2 years ago for a couple of grand complete with hardtop and has been a great weekend/trackday car. I was lucky to find one which was in constant use and was well maintained (waxoiled frequently too) however they can be money pits.

Mines now sporting a Jackson racing supercharger and some decent suspension and brakes and is much more entertaining.

Find a decent one and don’t look back. Genuinely have more fun driving this than my F80 M3