Woohoo! Got a (small) wodge of cash to spend, help me!
Discussion
Today, is a good day. Came home to find I've got £1500 on my way (Compo from a criminal injuries case, got attacked 2 year ago).
I've been looking for an MX5 for a while, but the problem was all my cash was tied up in my current car, but I couldnt sell that first because I used it everday.
So now, I have a (small) wedge. Plan then - Keep current car while I find a bargain, buy said bargain which might need some odd jobs doing.
Then sell current car, and then have 2 grand odd to put in bank/tart new Roadster up.
What can I expect for my £1500? Anyone know of any up for sale in the next few weeks?
I'm happy to take on something that is not perfect, naturally. I'd like good bodywork, and good basic mechanics, other stuff not so important.
My only issue is, as my only car, and doing a few motorway miles here and there, I'd fancy a 1800cc... bit optimistic or not?
I've been looking for an MX5 for a while, but the problem was all my cash was tied up in my current car, but I couldnt sell that first because I used it everday.
So now, I have a (small) wedge. Plan then - Keep current car while I find a bargain, buy said bargain which might need some odd jobs doing.
Then sell current car, and then have 2 grand odd to put in bank/tart new Roadster up.
What can I expect for my £1500? Anyone know of any up for sale in the next few weeks?
I'm happy to take on something that is not perfect, naturally. I'd like good bodywork, and good basic mechanics, other stuff not so important.
My only issue is, as my only car, and doing a few motorway miles here and there, I'd fancy a 1800cc... bit optimistic or not?
Edited by snotrag on Wednesday 1st October 16:51
I've been looking this evening, few that take my eye. It seems that if I can add about £200 it opens up a lot more of the nicer editions rather than plain 1.6I's. Emailed one of the traders on PH about a car, which has unfortunately sold, but he's told me of one he's got in that is a pretty desirable spec. Not telling who or what though!
If you can get to Solihull, get in touch with & then take a visit to see what Mark aka OnlyMX5ives has got.
Even if he has nothing to suit you, he is full of advice on what to look for/and not! And was really helpful to me when I went to see him about buying a car from him (even tho I didn't buy one from him
) and has continued to be so with my current problem with her 
Even if he has nothing to suit you, he is full of advice on what to look for/and not! And was really helpful to me when I went to see him about buying a car from him (even tho I didn't buy one from him
) and has continued to be so with my current problem with her Edited by ali_kat on Wednesday 1st October 21:54
Thats a bit of a long winded way to go about it...!
I reckon I can stick another couple of hundred in out of my last wage, I think that should be enough seeing as I am in no huge hurry.
Theres a lot of nice Eunos 1600 special editions about, but for the same money I think I'd rather a UK model 1.8 (Especially with me being young, RE Insurance). I've had a short go in both, and I DO think I ought to go for a 1.8 unfortunately.
I reckon I can stick another couple of hundred in out of my last wage, I think that should be enough seeing as I am in no huge hurry.
Theres a lot of nice Eunos 1600 special editions about, but for the same money I think I'd rather a UK model 1.8 (Especially with me being young, RE Insurance). I've had a short go in both, and I DO think I ought to go for a 1.8 unfortunately.
Think you're sort of right about the import thing - my view (as a 1.6 Eunos owner)
Negatives - High insurance (no physical reason exists mind !!)
- Not as powerful, or perhaps as drivable (1.8's more torquey?) day to day
- Buzzy on motorways/dual carrieageways (short gearing)
Positives - More toys (pointless AC, although it is good when it works) - electric windows, power steering (I like this, the rack has a good quick ratio, others may prefer non assisted for feel tho), slightly revvier (I am told) than the 1.8
Neutral - depsite rumours of Jap cars being more susceptible to rot, I think this may not be the case. (Anyone know different?)
1.8 likely to suit you more, I bet they're a bit better on gas too. (sadly important these days)
Negatives - High insurance (no physical reason exists mind !!)
- Not as powerful, or perhaps as drivable (1.8's more torquey?) day to day
- Buzzy on motorways/dual carrieageways (short gearing)
Positives - More toys (pointless AC, although it is good when it works) - electric windows, power steering (I like this, the rack has a good quick ratio, others may prefer non assisted for feel tho), slightly revvier (I am told) than the 1.8
Neutral - depsite rumours of Jap cars being more susceptible to rot, I think this may not be the case. (Anyone know different?)
1.8 likely to suit you more, I bet they're a bit better on gas too. (sadly important these days)
Bit far, unfortunately, I'm in Yorkshire. Plenty about though at least.
Been to a local specialist today to have a sit in a few, was good to see lots of colours/options all together.
Its actually a while since I last sat in one, so was good to do, and has confirmed that I am 100% wanting one. I find it amazing how a car that costs so little could have such an effect on me, you really do feel amazing once your sat down in one, despite the size the car feels really solid and substantial I thought - good 'thunk' on the doors, well made dash etc.
Also decided that I really like white ones, they had a lovely clean one in, looks far nicer than in the photos. The other thing I've decided is that I'm less keen on the tan interior, looks great in pictures but it seems the black withstands abuse much better, and is actually very 'snug' feeling, not too dark at all.
Being a dealer they were all rather expensive, and I'm looking for a cheaper private sale as usual, but it certainly wasnt a waste of a few hours. They had an RS-ltd in pride of place which was delightful.
The search begins...
Been to a local specialist today to have a sit in a few, was good to see lots of colours/options all together.
Its actually a while since I last sat in one, so was good to do, and has confirmed that I am 100% wanting one. I find it amazing how a car that costs so little could have such an effect on me, you really do feel amazing once your sat down in one, despite the size the car feels really solid and substantial I thought - good 'thunk' on the doors, well made dash etc.
Also decided that I really like white ones, they had a lovely clean one in, looks far nicer than in the photos. The other thing I've decided is that I'm less keen on the tan interior, looks great in pictures but it seems the black withstands abuse much better, and is actually very 'snug' feeling, not too dark at all.
Being a dealer they were all rather expensive, and I'm looking for a cheaper private sale as usual, but it certainly wasnt a waste of a few hours. They had an RS-ltd in pride of place which was delightful.
The search begins...
Edited by snotrag on Thursday 2nd October 17:38
A couple here you may have missed.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/732673.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/718208.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/732673.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/718208.htm
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/adve...
Just fired off a mail to the owner of that one... Gonna ring up tonight and hopefully go see it. What model do we think it might be? S-special?
Just fired off a mail to the owner of that one... Gonna ring up tonight and hopefully go see it. What model do we think it might be? S-special?
Lol. Yeah I got that. I've been doing LOTS of research 
so I'm usually pretty hot on whats what, but this one doesnt seem to match any of the specs I can find. Not that it really matters like. I hope to God its not really rusty 
from experience I have a different idea of what 'VGC' stands for!
so I'm usually pretty hot on whats what, but this one doesnt seem to match any of the specs I can find. Not that it really matters like. I hope to God its not really rusty from experience I have a different idea of what 'VGC' stands for!Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff