Buying a cheap, rusty 5?
Discussion
I really want to scratch the MX5 itch I've had for a few years but I don't really know if I'll like it as a long term proposition as it would likely stay my only car, although my girlfriend has a van for practical purposes.
From what I hear all models rust to bits. Having owned three K11 Micras I'm no stranger to rust, the difference being that my Micras have always been effectively throw away cars. When they eventually fail the MOT due to rust, get rid. I've been wondering about taking the same mindset into MX5 ownership.
Ideally I'd like to spend around a grand, which I'm assuming is going to get me an example with high mileage and plenty of rust issues. Less so with the MK1 (UK or Eunos) due to differently designed chassis rails.
Are there any major safety concerns when it comes to buying a rusty MK1 with a decent length MOT? Run it for a year and if I love it, either fork out for repair that I know has been done properly or if uneconomical, buy a good, clean example for triple the price?
From what I hear all models rust to bits. Having owned three K11 Micras I'm no stranger to rust, the difference being that my Micras have always been effectively throw away cars. When they eventually fail the MOT due to rust, get rid. I've been wondering about taking the same mindset into MX5 ownership.
Ideally I'd like to spend around a grand, which I'm assuming is going to get me an example with high mileage and plenty of rust issues. Less so with the MK1 (UK or Eunos) due to differently designed chassis rails.
Are there any major safety concerns when it comes to buying a rusty MK1 with a decent length MOT? Run it for a year and if I love it, either fork out for repair that I know has been done properly or if uneconomical, buy a good, clean example for triple the price?
Edited by fooby on Saturday 31st August 16:51
MX5s are ace, I love driving mine. Perhaps get a cheap one to check you like it then as funds allow bring it up to standard. The Mx5 Restorer did my rust and it was an excellent job.
You can console yourself that they are appreciating and thus over time the appreciation will pay for the work you had to do. Well that’s my excuse anyway!
You can console yourself that they are appreciating and thus over time the appreciation will pay for the work you had to do. Well that’s my excuse anyway!
This is nothing to do with me but £500 gets you this rough and ready one with MOT until May.
https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?456207-FS-M...
https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?456207-FS-M...
Chainsaw Rebuild said:
MX5s are ace, I love driving mine. Perhaps get a cheap one to check you like it then as funds allow bring it up to standard. The Mx5 Restorer did my rust and it was an excellent job.
You can console yourself that they are appreciating and thus over time the appreciation will pay for the work you had to do. Well that’s my excuse anyway!
The prices of sorted ones definitely makes the cost of rust repair seem more viable. Hoping to pick one up in a couple of weeks so I'll check back in and see what's available then. I've seen a couple of high mileage Eunos examples for around £1000 with pretty poor paintwork and tatty interiors but little in the way of rust from the underside pictures provided. Preferable over something that looks mint but is 90% rotten underneath like many NB's seem to be.You can console yourself that they are appreciating and thus over time the appreciation will pay for the work you had to do. Well that’s my excuse anyway!
Edited by fooby on Sunday 1st September 11:27
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