MX5 Rust Issues
Discussion
Hi guys, i've decided the time has come for an upgrade on the old Micra, which is my first car. It's going to be an emotional one as i've discovered my passion for driving in that car and learned more than I ever thought I would in something so mundane (driving some of the most challenging roads in the country, how to heel-toe, how to wring more speed out of it than a lot of my mates believe, how to maintain it etc), and i've had some incredible experiences in it. I want to take things to the next level and go down the sports-car route and an MX5 seems like the best choice for a first one. However, i've heard quite a few horror stories about rust. How bad is this issue really in the newer editions (i'm looking to go 2016 at the VERY oldest)? I understand that you can get them undersealed etc. How effective is this? Any answers would be greatly appreciated guys as I really don't want this to put me off. I should probably add that I don't have a garage so unfortunately that's not an option, but i'd invest in a good cover.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
So NC model?
Yes, they rust.
Google "MX5 NC rust", however, the later the car, the less likely the chance of this is.
Learn about the problem areas so you can inspect when purchasing.
Undersealing works, but preparation prior to undersealing is the key.
Don't bother with a cover unless the car is immaculate and dust/dirt free prior to putting the cover on when completely dry.
Good choice of car.
Yes, they rust.
Google "MX5 NC rust", however, the later the car, the less likely the chance of this is.
Learn about the problem areas so you can inspect when purchasing.
Undersealing works, but preparation prior to undersealing is the key.
Don't bother with a cover unless the car is immaculate and dust/dirt free prior to putting the cover on when completely dry.
Good choice of car.
You may be looking at the latest ND model then at 2016 and newer.
You shouldn't have too many problems with these, especially if it's been a fine weather car.
You still have to check them underneath though.
Rust treatments are good but do need to be re applied every few years so are not miracle products.
You shouldn't have too many problems with these, especially if it's been a fine weather car.
You still have to check them underneath though.
Rust treatments are good but do need to be re applied every few years so are not miracle products.
Belle427 said:
You still have to check them underneath though.
This is the best advice. The NDs are susceptible to rust in the same way the earlier cars are so be prepared to get down on your hands and knees.Find a good one and it’ll be fine, especially if you do take steps to protect it.
The NDs are light because everything on it is thin.
Check the drains as when they block, water leaks in. Check the boot which can also leak.
Overall, they are not that bad though the disc rotors rust (cheap enough to replace) and a spray of the unprotected suspension parts with XPC or similar will help.
Check the drains as when they block, water leaks in. Check the boot which can also leak.
Overall, they are not that bad though the disc rotors rust (cheap enough to replace) and a spray of the unprotected suspension parts with XPC or similar will help.
Mazda in general seem terrible so even though I've no experience with the ND model there's nothing to suggest they've got on top of it, it's just a bit too new to be obvious.
A good inspection followed by some preventative maintenance when you get it will help. Bilt Hamber products are a good option that works.
A good inspection followed by some preventative maintenance when you get it will help. Bilt Hamber products are a good option that works.
Belle427 said:
You may be looking at the latest ND model then at 2016 and newer.
You shouldn't have too many problems with these, especially if it's been a fine weather car.
You still have to check them underneath though.
Rust treatments are good but do need to be re applied every few years so are not miracle products.
I have wondered if something like truck bed liner would be a suitable prevention treatment for all the areas that are likely to rust (in any car).You shouldn't have too many problems with these, especially if it's been a fine weather car.
You still have to check them underneath though.
Rust treatments are good but do need to be re applied every few years so are not miracle products.
RSTurboPaul said:
Belle427 said:
You may be looking at the latest ND model then at 2016 and newer.
You shouldn't have too many problems with these, especially if it's been a fine weather car.
You still have to check them underneath though.
Rust treatments are good but do need to be re applied every few years so are not miracle products.
I have wondered if something like truck bed liner would be a suitable prevention treatment for all the areas that are likely to rust (in any car).You shouldn't have too many problems with these, especially if it's been a fine weather car.
You still have to check them underneath though.
Rust treatments are good but do need to be re applied every few years so are not miracle products.
I have been lucky enough to own a lot of nice cars over the years, DB9, 911, 355 to name a few and none have cost me as much to run as my MX-5 has. Mechanically they are bullet proof so no engine or gearbox worries. They do however rust faster than anything else I have owned including old Fords and a Lancia which themselves are known to rot fast. I would love to be able to recomend an MX-5 to anyone weather you are a new driver or experienced as they can be as fun to drive as anything else on the road and is a good base to learn how a rear drive car acts when pushed. But I would only suggest buying one if you have deep pockets, know someone who can weld for mates rates or can weld yourself.
It is a real shame as there is so much than can be done with these cars. Keep it standard, forced induction, ITB, coilover options etc. You are only limited by your imigination and budget most of which, sadly, is likely to be spent on rust repairs sometime during your ownership.
It is a real shame as there is so much than can be done with these cars. Keep it standard, forced induction, ITB, coilover options etc. You are only limited by your imigination and budget most of which, sadly, is likely to be spent on rust repairs sometime during your ownership.
Whilst i agree with some of that there are a lot of cars out there that have had the repairs done properly and someone else has spent the money.
The problem is knowing how well it was done and making that decision.
They do suit owners that are able to work on their own cars and are willing to put it up on ramps every 2 years or so and top up the rust proofing, a messy job but literally half a day when you know what to do.
I suppose a garage would do it for you for a small fee but i dont think id trust them to do it properly.
The problem is knowing how well it was done and making that decision.
They do suit owners that are able to work on their own cars and are willing to put it up on ramps every 2 years or so and top up the rust proofing, a messy job but literally half a day when you know what to do.
I suppose a garage would do it for you for a small fee but i dont think id trust them to do it properly.
Had a few, NA, NB and an NC. All rust and seem to rust from the inside out…. There’s a chap in London who will properly seal all the inner box sections and I think it’s about £1k per car but he’s a long waiting list. Living near(ish) to the coast all of mine loved to rot. Fun cars and cheap to play with but they love to dissolve.
Clay1990 said:
Hi guys, i've decided the time has come for an upgrade on the old Micra, which is my first car. It's going to be an emotional one as i've discovered my passion for driving in that car and learned more than I ever thought I would in something so mundane (driving some of the most challenging roads in the country, how to heel-toe, how to wring more speed out of it than a lot of my mates believe, how to maintain it etc), and i've had some incredible experiences in it. I want to take things to the next level and go down the sports-car route and an MX5 seems like the best choice for a first one. However, i've heard quite a few horror stories about rust. How bad is this issue really in the newer editions (i'm looking to go 2016 at the VERY oldest)? I understand that you can get them undersealed etc. How effective is this? Any answers would be greatly appreciated guys as I really don't want this to put me off. I should probably add that I don't have a garage so unfortunately that's not an option, but i'd invest in a good cover.
Many thanks.
You have heard right. The second series appears to be the worst for rust. When it was introduced buyers assumed that it would be better protected than the prettier first model, but it turned out not to be. Have you thought about a Toyota MR2, second or final iteration? There is a recent thread on here (somewhere) about these. They can, of course rust but are less prone than the Mazdas. Good luck.Many thanks.
My Mk3.5 got written off earlier in the year. It wasn't too bad underneath. No worse than my Boxster or Cayenne. A few bits like engine bay braces were getting a bit tatty & it was on my list to do. But instead the wife converted it to a Cat B!
Unlike our Mk1 Eunos which was an on going nightmare. I think I spent close to 6K on rust repairs in the end before it went to MX5 heaven via a breaker.
Unlike our Mk1 Eunos which was an on going nightmare. I think I spent close to 6K on rust repairs in the end before it went to MX5 heaven via a breaker.
Thanks very much guys, some excellent answers here, very much appreciated. In answer to a couple of people, yes it would most likely be ND. That's put my mind at ease somewhat, I thought I may basically be dealing with a 70's car. Also nice to see that there seems to be something of an MX5 community which I wasn't aware of.
Clay1990 said:
Thanks very much guys, some excellent answers here, very much appreciated. In answer to a couple of people, yes it would most likely be ND. That's put my mind at ease somewhat, I thought I may basically be dealing with a 70's car. Also nice to see that there seems to be something of an MX5 community which I wasn't aware of.
Pages on FB for the ND or ND RF. Lots of sunny state Americans though.Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff