Shall I buy....MX5 ?

[Lordbenny]

Just seen an MX5 on the roadside near to me for sale. Dosn't look like a trader, It's a white Eunos, L reg, 64,000 miles, small nearside wing ding and a bit of rust around both off-side arches. Needs new soft top, interior is black and looks ok. Here's the interesting bit....it's up for £750 !!! with a long T & T.

I thought it would make a great winter project, the bodywork repai & paint will cost me about £300 & a new soft top £225 so I reckon I can get it bought and sorted for under £1400. Shall I do it?

[Kinky]

For sure

Go and wave £500 notes under his nose - and I guess job done

You won't regret it

K

[Munter]

Definately worth it. Depending on how it runs....

[Lordbenny]

ok, will give them a ring tomorrow!

[MX-5 Lazza]

We (PlanetMX5) bought an L-reg 1.6 for £750 that didn't have a spot of rust. It was dirty and needed servicing as the previous owner was a lazy idiot who didn't know what he had. Good ones are out there if you look - I wouldn't bother buying one with rust anywhere on it.

[Kinky]

Yesterday Lordbenny said:

ok, will give them a ring tomorrow!

And ...... ?

[FELIX_5]

Yes, yes and er...... YES!! You'll love it.........

[Lordbenny]

Kinky said:

Yesterday Lordbenny said:

ok, will give them a ring tomorrow!

And ...... ?

Firstly...his phone is turned off for Xmas! secondly I think the rust is superficial so will keep you posted!

[Lordbenny]

So, I've spoken to the guy. He seems pretty genuine, it's got 9 months MOT & he says it rus very well. He's just got a new company car & a motorbike and I reckon so he dosn't drive it, he sounds like he's in his mid 40's +. He did say that the clock reads 54,000 miles but he said it's done more than that!

I'm going to get a 'ball park' quote to sort out & respray the rust & the ding from my body work guy.

Shall I still go for it?

[Phil @ P5]

Lordbenny said:

So, I've spoken to the guy. He seems pretty genuine, it's got 9 months MOT & he says it rus very well. He's just got a new company car & a motorbike and I reckon so he dosn't drive it, he sounds like he's in his mid 40's +. He did say that the clock reads 54,000 miles but he said it's done more than that!

I'm going to get a 'ball park' quote to sort out & respray the rust & the ding from my body work guy.

Shall I still go for it?

Sounds like it's worth driving/seeing at least. You should be able to get a good feel of the overall condition in a few minutes. Just check more carefully the rust on the rear arches, the lower regions at the sill could become a MOT fail.

Edited by Phil @ P5 on Tuesday 6th January 11:08

[srdtvr]

just buy it and enjoy - why worry about the paint at that price
probably improve with a few hours with t-cut and elbow grease anyway !!

[MX-5 Lazza]

srdtvr said:

why worry about the paint at that price

Because rust can cost a few hundred 9each side) to fix if it gets through to the inner sills.
I wouldn't buy a '5 with rust on the sills as there are so may rust-free examples around that it just isn't worth the risk.

[srdtvr]

paint is one thing - rust is another - avoid sill rust for sure - cant be that bad with a reasonably long mot unless the tester was being too forgiving, even so at the price its still worth a look - less than a few weeks depreciation on todays boring new boxes!

[big_lad]

Lordbenny said:

the clock reads 54,000 miles but he said it's done more than that

Clocked motor..?

[RVVUNM]

Did you buy it then? I bought mine 3 months ago,and don't regret it one bit.