Possible “inherited” NC incoming
Discussion
My FIL is 75 and has decided that the shoulder issue he’s now living with means he is going to reluctantly have to move on his 2010 NC 1.8.
So we thought we might have it off his hands. It would be our second MX5 (we had a 2005 NB 1.8 sport for 5 years until becoming parents).
It’s pretty low mileage - 40k - and in reasonable condition (I think he washes it with sandpaper). I’d love a 2.0 with LSD but beggars can’t be choosers. It’s also pretty pedestrian on the spec - boring black and cloth interior.
Since this will be a 3rd car, what do you suggest we look out for (beyond the inevitable rust - it’s parked outside and will be under our ownership)? Also any tips on the 1.8 engine - I hear it’s not as robust as the 2.0.
And, because it’s an MX5 and I’m an overgrown kid, what’s worth doing to it? Was wondering whether the BBR Super 175 conversion is worth it…?
Thanks!
Oh, and here’s a photo from when I borrowed it in the summer:
So we thought we might have it off his hands. It would be our second MX5 (we had a 2005 NB 1.8 sport for 5 years until becoming parents).
It’s pretty low mileage - 40k - and in reasonable condition (I think he washes it with sandpaper). I’d love a 2.0 with LSD but beggars can’t be choosers. It’s also pretty pedestrian on the spec - boring black and cloth interior.
Since this will be a 3rd car, what do you suggest we look out for (beyond the inevitable rust - it’s parked outside and will be under our ownership)? Also any tips on the 1.8 engine - I hear it’s not as robust as the 2.0.
And, because it’s an MX5 and I’m an overgrown kid, what’s worth doing to it? Was wondering whether the BBR Super 175 conversion is worth it…?
Thanks!
Oh, and here’s a photo from when I borrowed it in the summer:
So, did the deal on the car today, did all the paperwork online and added it to my current insurance policy. All super easy.
Have only had a quick spin with Mrs OMITN and she was straight back to enjoying it like the NB we had before children.
Brakes feel spongey, so might get them looked at (unless normal?). Otherwise my FIL had it serviced in August (it’s covered 75 miles since then). It mainly needs a good thrashing to get everything moving. Then I’ll get a cover for it (it will live on another part of the drive where it’s likely to get covered in leaves.
Photo with the family CX-5 behind it….
Have only had a quick spin with Mrs OMITN and she was straight back to enjoying it like the NB we had before children.
Brakes feel spongey, so might get them looked at (unless normal?). Otherwise my FIL had it serviced in August (it’s covered 75 miles since then). It mainly needs a good thrashing to get everything moving. Then I’ll get a cover for it (it will live on another part of the drive where it’s likely to get covered in leaves.
Photo with the family CX-5 behind it….
I'd check it out for rust first before starting to spend on it.
If its a keeper rust proofing is a must.
BBR packages don't look like bad value to be honest for NA tuning but just weigh up what you want out of it first.
Lowering springs certainly improve the look but maybe a set of meister r coilovers may be a better option if the existing dampers are worn.
What you spend on it will quickly add up so depending on your situation I'd be inclined to just leave it alone and enjoy it.
It's all about the fun of extracting the most out of it as is.
If its a keeper rust proofing is a must.
BBR packages don't look like bad value to be honest for NA tuning but just weigh up what you want out of it first.
Lowering springs certainly improve the look but maybe a set of meister r coilovers may be a better option if the existing dampers are worn.
What you spend on it will quickly add up so depending on your situation I'd be inclined to just leave it alone and enjoy it.
It's all about the fun of extracting the most out of it as is.
These are good points. It’s a third car so is more there for fun.
I’ll jack it up and have investigate the obvious spots (rear sills?) for rust. It’s only done 40k miles in its 13 years and, while it’s always been parked outside (and we live in damp north west England), my FIL hasn’t driven it much on wet/salty roads. I’m hoping it will be not too bad.
As for springs and dampers, I suspect they’ll be fine - no advisories on last MOT - and while I know they are a popular upgrade, it’s shared between me and my wife and so I don’t want to make it any firmer or more skittish.
Some more go might be worthwhile if it’s a keeper - BBR do a 175 conversion for the 1.8 engine.
I’ll jack it up and have investigate the obvious spots (rear sills?) for rust. It’s only done 40k miles in its 13 years and, while it’s always been parked outside (and we live in damp north west England), my FIL hasn’t driven it much on wet/salty roads. I’m hoping it will be not too bad.
As for springs and dampers, I suspect they’ll be fine - no advisories on last MOT - and while I know they are a popular upgrade, it’s shared between me and my wife and so I don’t want to make it any firmer or more skittish.
Some more go might be worthwhile if it’s a keeper - BBR do a 175 conversion for the 1.8 engine.
Actually one question: standing a lot (just checked it’s done 31 miles since being MOTd in August….!) seems to have allowed a general dampness (I think the drain holes are clear and have a trombone brush) and the inside of the hood has what looks like mildew.
Any tips for cleaning the inside of the hood? White vinegar or anything more specific? Keen not to damage the inside.
Any tips for cleaning the inside of the hood? White vinegar or anything more specific? Keen not to damage the inside.
OMITN said:
Actually one question: standing a lot (just checked it’s done 31 miles since being MOTd in August….!) seems to have allowed a general dampness (I think the drain holes are clear and have a trombone brush) and the inside of the hood has what looks like mildew.
Any tips for cleaning the inside of the hood? White vinegar or anything more specific? Keen not to damage the inside.
Probably just through lack of use, id try something like Autoglym interior shampoo first as it doesnt smell as bad as white vinegar.Any tips for cleaning the inside of the hood? White vinegar or anything more specific? Keen not to damage the inside.
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