To fix or not to fix the MX5 - moved over from GG

[Hitch78]

Hi guys - posted this on the GG pages but someone suggested I try some more specialist help:


Need a bit of advice.

I bought a 1996 1.8 MX5 in late 07 with a view to developing it for track use. Didn't get round to doing the work as I was working away for most of 08 and I'm now emigrating. I was planning on MOTing it and selling before I go but she's just failed on sills and rear brakes.

I chose the car for its suitability for track work - no power steering, no abs, good strong low mileage car (60k in 13 years!) and a tight gearchange and I wasn't bothered about a bit of panel fade and the odd cut or bruise. Obviously these things now matter a lot. I'm kicking myself for being so short sighted!

Not sure what to do now. Options seem to be to pay for the work to be done and then sell or to throw it on ebay as an MOT failure and see what I get.

Not sure what I'd get either way but has anyone been in a similar position? I sit worth shelling out the cash or should I just cut my losses?


ETA - I've been quoted £400 to fix the sills by a good bodyshop I've used on my main motors before, and they do a very good job. Anyone know of anywhere I might be able to get it done for less at in the west mids?

Ta.

[maz8062]

How much did you pay for the car? That figure plus the £400 odd to get it through it's MOT should give you a much better idea in terms of cost effectiveness. Without the MOT and the work needed you'll probably get no more than £500 - if that

[OnlyMX5ives]

£400 sounds almost double what I'd expect to pay.

[Hitch78]

OnlyMX5ives said:

£400 sounds almost double what I'd expect to pay.

And where might you expect to pay half might I add?

Any suggestions as to where I can get it done for less much appreciated.

[OnlyMX5ives]

Any welder ought not to charge over £100 unless your sills are horrific.

And surely no painter could charge over £100 to fill and re stone chip the sills.

Ask your nearest small dealer, who does his repairs.

[Phil @ P5]

A chap near me did a sill and painted for £80.00. Time will tell if it's any good, but got throught the MOT.