Purchasing an MX5 NB or NC - Risky Business?

[BlueComet]

Hi everyone,

I have an opportunity to purchase another fun car now my other half/Financial Audit Committee has rubber stamped the spend.

I'm keen on either a NB or NC MX5 but I'm quite worried about the risk side. With the NB, the risk is rot - particularly the front chassis rails, filler in the sills etc. With the NC, my concern is big end bearings from the oil not being topped up enough.

For these reasons, should I avoid a private sale and look to buy from an MX5 specialist? Am I being too parinoid regarding the big end bearing issue on the NC?

On another note, I'm looking to buy sometime over the summer, but I'm willing to wait as I don't 'need' it (I cycle to work etc) If anyone knows of a well looked after car for sale then please feel free to let me know. I'm based in Southampton but would travel for the right example.

Kind regards
M

[Evoluzione]

You don't say what price range. The more you spend wisely the less likely you are to buy a stter.

http://www.duratecnc.co.uk/?p=146

http://www.duratecnc.co.uk/?page_id=633

http://www.duratecnc.co.uk/?p=52

[fido]

BlueComet said:

For these reasons, should I avoid a private sale and look to buy from an MX5 specialist? Am I being too parinoid regarding the big end bearing issue on the NC?

Regardless of whether it's a private sale /speciailist I would check the service intervals. The more oil changes the better - 5000/7500miles between them would be ideal if you're finickity.

[BlueComet]

Evoluzione said:

You don't say what price range. The more you spend wisely the less likely you are to buy a stter.

http://www.duratecnc.co.uk/?p=146

http://www.duratecnc.co.uk/?page_id=633

http://www.duratecnc.co.uk/?p=52

Thanks for the links, they're amusing to read which I didn't expect

[pewe]

Late NC models have exploding (active) bonnets which if you google should provide interesting information.
Just thought I'd mention that.

Edited by pewe on Friday 26th March 11:43