MX5 NB (probably) Buying Advice...
Discussion
Greetings fellow MX5ers
I had my first MX5 Mk1 a few years ago. Loved it to bits, until it started falling into bits and had to pass it on to someone who had the knowledge, and could afford to put her back together again.
Now I have a bit of cash (probably up to around £5000 or so) and having failed to persuade myself that a more “sensible” car would do, I’m on the lookout for my next MX5…
I’m thinking I might go for an NB this time, though could probably persuaded by the right NA. Even after much reading, I’m still not entirely sure what advantages an NC would offer but I guess that’s another option too. Not particularly looking for an investment, just a car that's fun to drive and relatively reliable.
Given my past experience, and the nature of MX5’s generally, rust (and avoiding it) is my major concern and this time I want to try and do it right either by getting a car that has already been fully treated (undersealed, sills etc) or paying to have this done as soon as it comes into my ownership. Any recommendations as to what I should be looking for in terms of specific treatments (could be wrong but Dinitrol seems to get a lot of praise?) and/or proof that this has been done correctly? Or if not done already, how much I should be expecting to pay for the same?
If it’s not considered sacrilegious, I’d also really like to be able to get the car fitted with SatNav and an MP3 player so any advice on whether this is likely to be practical, approximate cost and also whether some models are better suited to this than others would be much appreciated.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the skills to carry out work on a car myself, which is why I want to ensure I have the budget to pay for someone else to do things properly if/when required (albeit hopefully not TOO often).
This will be my only, day to day car and although my overall annual mileage is relatively low, I do tend to make a few longer road trips each year.
Any thoughts/advice on the above or as to what I should be looking for (model, specification etc) would be very much appreciated and of course, if anyone has or knows of a car which might fit the bill, please do feel free to get in contact. (If it makes any difference, I live on the south coast of England, though would travel – within reason – for the right car.)
With many thanks in advance for any thoughts.
I had my first MX5 Mk1 a few years ago. Loved it to bits, until it started falling into bits and had to pass it on to someone who had the knowledge, and could afford to put her back together again.
Now I have a bit of cash (probably up to around £5000 or so) and having failed to persuade myself that a more “sensible” car would do, I’m on the lookout for my next MX5…
I’m thinking I might go for an NB this time, though could probably persuaded by the right NA. Even after much reading, I’m still not entirely sure what advantages an NC would offer but I guess that’s another option too. Not particularly looking for an investment, just a car that's fun to drive and relatively reliable.
Given my past experience, and the nature of MX5’s generally, rust (and avoiding it) is my major concern and this time I want to try and do it right either by getting a car that has already been fully treated (undersealed, sills etc) or paying to have this done as soon as it comes into my ownership. Any recommendations as to what I should be looking for in terms of specific treatments (could be wrong but Dinitrol seems to get a lot of praise?) and/or proof that this has been done correctly? Or if not done already, how much I should be expecting to pay for the same?
If it’s not considered sacrilegious, I’d also really like to be able to get the car fitted with SatNav and an MP3 player so any advice on whether this is likely to be practical, approximate cost and also whether some models are better suited to this than others would be much appreciated.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the skills to carry out work on a car myself, which is why I want to ensure I have the budget to pay for someone else to do things properly if/when required (albeit hopefully not TOO often).
This will be my only, day to day car and although my overall annual mileage is relatively low, I do tend to make a few longer road trips each year.
Any thoughts/advice on the above or as to what I should be looking for (model, specification etc) would be very much appreciated and of course, if anyone has or knows of a car which might fit the bill, please do feel free to get in contact. (If it makes any difference, I live on the south coast of England, though would travel – within reason – for the right car.)
With many thanks in advance for any thoughts.
With 5G spending power, you need to look for a very low mileage NB, which was garaged and very rarely used in wet conditions.
Count with some of your budget for a professional inspection.
1.6 if you're not interested in going fast at all and 1.8 VVT NBFL 6 speed if you are looking for something a bit sportier.
Count with some of your budget for a professional inspection.
1.6 if you're not interested in going fast at all and 1.8 VVT NBFL 6 speed if you are looking for something a bit sportier.
TVRees said:
With 5G spending power, you need to look for a very low mileage NB, which was garaged and very rarely used in wet conditions.
Count with some of your budget for a professional inspection.
1.6 if you're not interested in going fast at all and 1.8 VVT NBFL 6 speed if you are looking for something a bit sportier.
Thank you so much. That's really helpful.Count with some of your budget for a professional inspection.
1.6 if you're not interested in going fast at all and 1.8 VVT NBFL 6 speed if you are looking for something a bit sportier.
Of course, I certainly don't *have* to spend my full budget, but on the other hand, I am prepared to spend a little more just for the extra peace of mind and your suggestion of paying for a professional inspection is not something I'd considered but makes a lot of sense. Still not quite sure how I'd go about that or who to approach, but will definitely look into that as an option...
Many thanks again.
MsMx5 said:
..... paying for a professional inspection is not something I'd considered but makes a lot of sense. Still not quite sure how I'd go about that or who to approach, but will definitely look into that as an option...
Get someone who can put it on a car lift. Remove the plastic undertray and check for rust on the front chassis rails. Rust occurs between two sandwiched plate sections inside the rails, so you usually can't see it directly, but there are signs. The rails will buckle or become lumpy because the rust takes up more area than the steel it replaces and the material fitted between the sections swells. You can also see between the layers anywhere there is a bolt or drain hole, and you want no signs of rust or black junk to come out if you poke between them.If the shop has an inspection camera (camera on a flexible stick, screen on the other end) you can have them stick it through the drain holes at the front end of the rails and they should be able to see plenty inside. The inner channel is shorter and thinner than the outer, so they'll be able to look for rust at the edges and it will show more obvious signs of damage.
Sills front and rear as well as rear arches are the main areas on bodywork.
It's not a lot of work for an inspection, you just need to know where to look and what for.
READ THIS
Grant Coleman said:
I don't know where in the country you live, but The MX5 Restorer in East Sussex offer a free inspection service -https://themx5restorer.co.uk/services/free-inspection/
Apologies for the slow reply - I didn't notice your comment but thank you and yes... I'd come across that offer and will definitely be making use of it if/when I get my hands on a car although not sure it's so relevant for a pre-purchase inspection (well unless I can persuade the seller to let me drive it over to them). I guess that's always an option though ;-)Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff