Idiots guide to the MX5 please!!
Discussion
OK then, decided to get one of these as our 3rd car - not just yet as there are few projects that need attention, but hopefully pick one up over the winter for use on summer days and eventually venture onto the track. Gives me plenty of time to prep and research. Also, I'm keen to learn about the oily bits and work on the car myself (currently my experience runs to filling with fuel, checking tyres pressures and the dipstick - so it better be simple under the bonnet!)
So, I have loads of questions but don't even know where to begin! Instead of asking them all here, can anyone point me in the direction of an idots guide to the MX5 - I'll then be back to have a chat with you good people in more detail as I narrow down the potential options.
I've got about £2k - £3k to spend and from what I've found out I think I'd get an OK mk 1 car with the pop up headlights? Nearer £2k would be better as I could then get an overhaul service and have the option to get started with some sensible upgrades going sooner rather than later (brakes first, suspension next). Things like leather, leccy window, stereo, insurance, mpg and depreciation are not really of interest - I've got a barge and a diesel hatch - this one is all about enjoying driving again!
Three burning question though..
1. What does the MX5 cope better with - age or miles? Better to buy newer with more miles used as a daily, or an older garage queen with less on the clock? Or in this price bracket ignore both and buy on history and condition?
2. What are the know weak spots to look out for?
3. Talk to me about 1.6 vs 1.8 - but if in MX5 circles this is like the Golf GTI 8v vs 16v debate, then just tell me to drive both and make my own mind up!
I have tried to do a bit of research - but have you seen what happens when you type "MX5" into the PH search engine!!!
Cheers,
Matt
So, I have loads of questions but don't even know where to begin! Instead of asking them all here, can anyone point me in the direction of an idots guide to the MX5 - I'll then be back to have a chat with you good people in more detail as I narrow down the potential options.
I've got about £2k - £3k to spend and from what I've found out I think I'd get an OK mk 1 car with the pop up headlights? Nearer £2k would be better as I could then get an overhaul service and have the option to get started with some sensible upgrades going sooner rather than later (brakes first, suspension next). Things like leather, leccy window, stereo, insurance, mpg and depreciation are not really of interest - I've got a barge and a diesel hatch - this one is all about enjoying driving again!
Three burning question though..
1. What does the MX5 cope better with - age or miles? Better to buy newer with more miles used as a daily, or an older garage queen with less on the clock? Or in this price bracket ignore both and buy on history and condition?
2. What are the know weak spots to look out for?
3. Talk to me about 1.6 vs 1.8 - but if in MX5 circles this is like the Golf GTI 8v vs 16v debate, then just tell me to drive both and make my own mind up!
I have tried to do a bit of research - but have you seen what happens when you type "MX5" into the PH search engine!!!
Cheers,
Matt
Hi matt, first thing is that age really don't matter, the engines run forever, mines a g reg with 175,000 miles on the clock, get a rod's manual they are the best. Lazza on here seems to know loads so if you can contact him he will surely help. Secondly for that price you will get a good mk1 ( they in my opinion are the best). i paid £2300 for mine 4 years ago and had to spend hardly anything on it except for mods and cosmetics. good luck and enjoy.
For 2k you can get a reasonably good Mk1 and for 3k you can get a very good one. Mk2s are creeping into that price range now too. I'd say a Mk2 is a better car but a Mk1 is a better sportscar if that makes sense. If you are planning to change the suspension then they will both drive the same anyway.
I'd go for a Mk1 1.8 in that price range. The 1.6 was replaced by the 1.8 in '93. In '94 they launched a low-power 1.6 (88bhp) as a cheap insurance model.
While age & mileage isn't a problem with these cars you still need to be aware than an older, higher mileage car will have more wear & tear so expect the interior to be more "lived in" and things like suspension bushes to be more likely to require replacement.
Look for a car that has been well maintained. Full service history is nice but really isn't that important as long as the previous owner(s) have maintained it well - it's an easy car to service - I do mine myself so it must be!
Make sure the rear edge of the sills is intact and there isn't any rust bubbling on the rear wheel arches. These are the most likely rust areas.
When you go looking at cars, be careful. It's easy to fall in love with the first one you drive as the driving experience is great fun but there are loads of them out there so you can afford to be very choosy.
I'd go for a Mk1 1.8 in that price range. The 1.6 was replaced by the 1.8 in '93. In '94 they launched a low-power 1.6 (88bhp) as a cheap insurance model.
While age & mileage isn't a problem with these cars you still need to be aware than an older, higher mileage car will have more wear & tear so expect the interior to be more "lived in" and things like suspension bushes to be more likely to require replacement.
Look for a car that has been well maintained. Full service history is nice but really isn't that important as long as the previous owner(s) have maintained it well - it's an easy car to service - I do mine myself so it must be!
Make sure the rear edge of the sills is intact and there isn't any rust bubbling on the rear wheel arches. These are the most likely rust areas.
When you go looking at cars, be careful. It's easy to fall in love with the first one you drive as the driving experience is great fun but there are loads of them out there so you can afford to be very choosy.
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