1.8is - Wanted!

[Matt Cyclone]

Hi there all...

Looking for the above, Mk2 or Mk2.5 - located in or near the Southampton/Hampshire area as at the moment I have just returned from living abroad and actually don't have a car to go and view a car with!!! I lost a good one (or potentially good one) at the weekend so thought it was time to ask the collective for help

Budget is 4k to 7k (depending on condition etc) - not too fussed about toys/stero etc but must have FSH, pretty long MOT (or we can negotiate) and not a stupid number of miles... Also not too worried about the import/Uk spec, though not really requiring the toys of an import

Need to get a car ASAP so this is something that is at the top of my list - please help, infact is there is anyone in the Soton area which is willing to give me a ride and a guided tour round their Mk2 or 2.5 before I see one then there is a beer or 2 in it for you!

Thanks for the help (in advance!)

Cheers,

Matt

[MX-5 Lazza]

I can't help with regards to finding you a car but just lending a bit of advice...
Mk2 1.8iS is the top Mk2 model (ignoring specials) - the equivalent Mk2.5 is the 1.8 Sport (sometimes called 1.8 VT Sport).
Don't get this confused with the Mk2 1.8 Sport which is actually a (very) special limited edition.

I'd take mileage out of the equation and buy on quality/condition. I've never heard of any MX-5 engine going 'pop' through mileage, only though lack of service. There are even Mk1 1.6s with 200k miles on the clock that are still going strong and I've seen Mk1 1.6s that have had turbos fitted to engines with over 100k miles on the clock that have then been boosted to 250bhp and still run as sweet as a nut and others that have done 100k miles on turbo'd engines!

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Monday 23 July 14:52

[T40ORA]

Our Mk 2 has 130k with a supercharger, at over 200bhp.

[Matt Cyclone]

Thanks for that, thought it was pretty much the case having done the reading up on the marque...

the problem seems to be finding them! Not having a car to view cars has been a real bug bear, having now missed 2 (and counting it would seem!).

Any trouble spots I should be looking for, past the obvious tear & wear, rust just infront of the rear wheel arches, tracking issues etc? Spent a fair few hours reading up on the owners forum, Pistonheads etc

Cheers!

(Going to see a couple over the next few days, though the budget is being cruicified by rentals!)

[Matt Cyclone]

Well, bitten the bullit and bought one (subject to an inspection and a final test drive by me!)

02 1.8 Sport in Silver, slightly above average miles (49k) but in damn good nick with a full service history. I know then next one is the biggy but took that into account.

Got a question on tires now, but will start a new thread for that!

Thanks for the advice, here's to the rain ending soon!