Is this MK1 worth buying/saving?
Discussion
My friend's parents are looking to sell their MX5 and I've been given first dibs. They said that they were looking for something in the region of £1500 but after informing them of the rust they are open to negotiation.
They are the first UK owners and it was imported into the UK in about 1999. They put it into storage in 2012 and it has sat there ever since. It started without trouble though.
74k miles
1.6 version
unused hood
unused exhaust
cloth interior although it is in good condition
power steering
air conditioning
original Japanese radio
They put the aftermarket alloys on several years ago. The body kit was already on the car when it was imported.
The Good
The paintwork is immaculate. It almost looks like a new car from the outside.
New hood with heated window
Original spotwelds on the arches.
The bad
Unfortunately the bodykit makes it hard to check the bottom of the rear arches on the outside so I don't know if there is any rust coming through. Checked the drainholes and they were clear.
The Ugly
Bugger. Most of the car looks pretty clean underneath both of the sills have rusted near the rear arches. Its not exactly like swiss cheese and it feels strong but it was disappointing.
How bad does this look? Apart from the rust the rest of the car is lovely and it would be a shame to scrap it. Presuming that I could get it for around £1000 would it be worth sorting out? How much would it cost to fix approximately?
They are the first UK owners and it was imported into the UK in about 1999. They put it into storage in 2012 and it has sat there ever since. It started without trouble though.
74k miles
1.6 version
unused hood
unused exhaust
cloth interior although it is in good condition
power steering
air conditioning
original Japanese radio
They put the aftermarket alloys on several years ago. The body kit was already on the car when it was imported.
The Good
The paintwork is immaculate. It almost looks like a new car from the outside.
New hood with heated window
Original spotwelds on the arches.
The bad
Unfortunately the bodykit makes it hard to check the bottom of the rear arches on the outside so I don't know if there is any rust coming through. Checked the drainholes and they were clear.
The Ugly
Bugger. Most of the car looks pretty clean underneath both of the sills have rusted near the rear arches. Its not exactly like swiss cheese and it feels strong but it was disappointing.
How bad does this look? Apart from the rust the rest of the car is lovely and it would be a shame to scrap it. Presuming that I could get it for around £1000 would it be worth sorting out? How much would it cost to fix approximately?
Welshbeef said:
You need to replace those gopping rear lights for OEM - what was the chap or chappess thinking doing that to it
Don't worry, they'll be going on day one in exchange for some Altezza-style lights. Just kidding, back to factory standard is the aim. 
They look like covers to me.you will have to remove the oversills to see the damage, if you don't like them on the car be gentle when removing as theres possibly a market for them? (also, look on the inside of the molding, sometimes theres makers lables and some can have a value)
as to the damage, you cant tell without cutting the rot off
if you expect the inner panel / sill to be rotten (the outer you can see is actually the rear wing panel that covers the sill between the door pillar and arch) and budget for extra costs then it shouldnt be a suprise?
I'd be more happy buying that car as a 'blank-canvas' to repair than one thats been previously 'repaired' as with this one you will know what the quality of workmanship is (presuming you can either watch the repair or have photographic evidence) - looks clean enough to warrant a proper repair not just mot welding
Rich.
as to the damage, you cant tell without cutting the rot off
if you expect the inner panel / sill to be rotten (the outer you can see is actually the rear wing panel that covers the sill between the door pillar and arch) and budget for extra costs then it shouldnt be a suprise?
I'd be more happy buying that car as a 'blank-canvas' to repair than one thats been previously 'repaired' as with this one you will know what the quality of workmanship is (presuming you can either watch the repair or have photographic evidence) - looks clean enough to warrant a proper repair not just mot welding
Rich.
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