High miles MX5 - potential purchase

[GravelBen]

Idly contemplating buying this as a cheap toy. 205k km (127k miles) on the clock but it appears to have been looked after well, at $3.7k ono its the cheapest tidy-looking MX5 I've seen.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Mazd...

ad said:

This much loved MX5 is in good original condition - regularly serviced, softtop replaced 2 years ago, tyres and battery near new, interior in excellent condition, new brake pads and reconditioned clutch. Paintwork is showing its age and a fresh coat of paint would enhance.

Are there any common issues with MX5's at high miles? Rust isn't such an issue over here (NZ) as our roads get covered with grit rather than salt, but any mechanical things to be aware of?

Its 4-5 hrs away so I might try and find a closer one to test-drive first and see if I like it as I've never driven one, heard good things though.

[Raffles]

Not that many miles for a 18 year old car. Looks good, defo the best colour!

[Munter]

Clutch Slave cylinder and rear calipers appear to be 2 weak points. See if they have been replaced.

But really theres not much other than the usual things on any car. The drivetrain stands up to high miles well. It's already got a new hood.

[pmanson]

Our K plate Mk1 is on 168k and just sailed through the MOT with no problems

[GravelBen]

Out of interest (and not that it matters a whole lot) what sort of real-world fuel consumption should I expect from an early 1.6 manual MX5? Mostly open-road driving and playing, not much round-town stuff.

[lord summerisle]

depending on how heavy your right foot is - but between maybe 25-35mpg (11-8 l/100km)

for max economy keep the revs below 4k.... keep em above 4k for max smiles per mile

[J.P.W.]

Mine's the same year and mileage and feels lovely and fresh - which is presumably down to proper maintenance. If the price is right I see no reason not to go for it.

[pete]

Our '94 1.8 has done 120k, and similarly gets through the MOT without a problem. The exception last time was a cracked front spring, but that wasn't particularly expensive to replace.

The only other areas for attention have been needing a new roof (and rain rail); some minor rust on the rear arches, which is easy to cure if you keep on top of it; and a new rocker cover gasket. If I was being critical, it needs new dampers, but for a car of this age and mileage it is a marvel

Pete

[heebeegeetee]

The first MX5 i ever drove was a friends 1.6 which had 110k miles at the time. It staggered me, not only for its condition (there wasn't even any wear on the drivers seat) but for the way it drove. It was fantastic.

Finding an early 1.6 which hasn't been messed around with is difficult in the UK imo. If yours is in good condition, and it has good history, i'd buy it.

It should be on its second roof though by now, and be cautious if the suspension has been replaced. If it hasn't, you may need to do it, but i would urge you to keep it as close to stock as possible. Don't go stiffening it up.

I reckon the early 1.6 was possibly the best version for driving pleasure, feedback etc.

[GravelBen]

Thanks for the advice.

Current owners have had it for 6 or 7 years and are selling it to free up garage space for a Z3. According to ad its been regularly serviced, new soft-top 2 years ago, near-new tyres and battery, new brake pads and a reconditioned clutch. Only negative they mention is some fading paintwork but you expect that on a 19 year old red car.

The price is right so I think I'll go for it



(which means you might be seeing a bit more of me in here from now on)

[GravelBen]

Another stupid question, from the info I found here:

http://www.english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/mazda/eunos_...

The JDM MX5 (well Eunos roadster) seems to come with an LSD as standard (though some websites record it as an option), from a bit of other research it seems it was a viscous LSD on the 1600's which was then changed to a torsen for the 1800s. Based on other 5's with similar mileage, is the viscous LSD likely to still do anything noticable or will it be worn enough to just act as an open diff, and would a diff oil change be enough to restore its limited-slippy action if it is tired?

I guess its not a big deal at 120bhp but still interested to know.

Edited by GravelBen on Thursday 21st February 03:26

[MX-5 Lazza]

Chances are that the LSD will now be acting as an open diff. I don't think changing the oil will fix it but someone with more experience of these things will answer that one for you.

At least you know that if they are swapping it for a Z3 it won't have been thrashed A Z3 is NOT an upgrade from an MX-5 unless you want a comfortable but uninspiring soft-top cruiser.

Use the "fading red paint" as an argument to knock the price down saying it will need a bit of a respray. A bit of love and attention with the right products will bring even badly faded paint back to almost new condition

[skinny]

in terms of suspension, i'd rather it had been replaced (with a *decent* upgrade) than left alone - the car was designed to suit a mass market - imo for 'enthusiastic' drivers, something a little more performance orientated is very welcome.

buy on condition rather than miles, if it's been looked after it will serve you a very long time.

[heebeegeetee]

skinny said:

in terms of suspension, i'd rather it had been replaced (with a *decent* upgrade) than left alone - the car was designed to suit a mass market - imo for 'enthusiastic' drivers, something a little more performance orientated is very welcome.

buy on condition rather than miles, if it's been looked after it will serve you a very long time.

Be very, very careful with 'upgrades'. The MX5 is a great car, and thus far easier to spoil than improve. The MX5 was the result of a fine group of engineers from around the world who really knew what they were doing, getting together and putting their all into the project. The result literally re-wrote the rule book.The chances of the man in the street doing better is practically none. Plus, the aftermarket is awash with junk, much of it from well respected brands.

I for one would never touch anything with the word 'koni' on it.

[GravelBen]

Well I got it! Paint a bit tatty in places but interior is mint and its an excellent drive

Have done getting on for 600km in it so far and the only time I've driven it with the top up was the 2min to work this morning because I was late and didn't have to time to bike/walk/put the top down. :0

Wonderfully balanced chassis, great gearchange etc you know all about them so I don't need to tell you. Only complaint is that the headlights are crap, is that normal or do I just need to adjust them?

[lord summerisle]

check the contacts on the back havent corroded, if they are ok - replace the bulbs for the high output ones.

I dont find a problem with mine - other than them crudding up with the winter sludge

[MX-5 Lazza]

And make sure they are clean. People always forget to clean pop-up headlights when they wash the car...

[franv8]

Drive it in the sunshine - that solves the headlight issue!

Seriously though - congrats - you'll love it!

[GravelBen]

Well I've started down the slippery slope of upgrading, ordered a few bits for it today...

• Semi-sealed beam headlight upgrade.(very common here with so many JDM cars, standard crap lights are sealed units)
• Windblocker to go behind the seats and reduce buffeting on windy days.
• Front and rear lower suspension braces

Once it all arrives I can start messing round fitting things

Edited by GravelBen on Monday 10th March 01:15

[GravelBen]

Fitted the new lights, the difference is like night and day! If anyone is considering upgrading the crap sealed-beam units to semi-sealed H4 replacements then go for it, its worth every cent. Simple job to change them too, I reckon even my mum could do it.

Also fitted the wind deflector which mounts on the 3 upholstery plugs behind the seats and calms the cabin down nicely at *cough* speed.

Suspension braces to go on when I find the time...