MX5 for under 1k

[190E Matt]

Is it possible to pick up an early 90s MX5 which is in reasonable condition?

If I decide to sell the 190E in a few months, I was considering an MX5.

Some of them in the classifieds priced at £999 look in reasonable condition, but what are they likely to be hiding?

As much as my friends take the piss out of me and question my sexual orientation for even thinking of buying an MX5, it seems to fit the criteria of what I want; lightweight; cheap to maintain; tunable; reliable (big must!)

Or is the sub 1k reserved for those with no service history and worn everything?

Thanks,

Matt.

[covmutley]

there are some bargains around and i think you can find something in reasonable condition for under 1k. Typical things to look for inlcude rusty sills/arches, tappety engines (although mine ,as many, was cured by changing to fully synthetic oil).

I bought mine 4 weeks ago. 92 1.6 eunos with 85k miles. No rust but problems with the lacquer on 3 wings, 4 month old hood, very limited service history, induction kit and stainless back box. Running lovely since oil change! Paid 950 which seems an ok price to me.

Im sure better bargains can be had but one thing to watch is the cost of going to see cars in the first place! Unless you live close to a large population, it is quite easy to end up with large fuel bills. Having said that, going to see a few will allow you to see what a good one looks like and what a bad ones looks like quite easily.

[Dorje]

There certainly cars out there that fit the bill, you just have to be quick to snap them up!

Here's something that might be of interest:

http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=2...

[speedychrissie]

a friend of mine is renowned for impulse car buys, but also for picking up bargains.
He said recently that he was thinking about getting an mx5 in the summer and asked me about them. then on friday he sent me an email to say that he had just bought one! an early 90s 1.6 import with leather interior and a fairly new roof. looks to be in good condition and mechanically seems sound.

he got it for the princely sum of £890! he is picking it up today.

make sure you know what you are looking for and it does seem that you can pick up mega bargains!

[OllieWinchester]

I paid £650 for my Mk1 with 10mths ticket, 6 mths tax and some nice goodies on it too. Cosmetically its not the best but then I think the paint on MX5's in general is a tad crap, and as its a jap one imported in 2001 the arches and everything are totally rust free. Mechanically it seems very good, had a water pump let go but other than that I get in it every day and drive it hard, and whilst its a bit rattly and squeaky it feels very solid. Feel free to pm me if you want to discuss anything else about the cheapo end of the market.

[matt uk]

If I was looking for a £1k car, I'd be focussing my efforts on the £1.5k+ ads and getting a feel for who was prepared to wait for the right buyer and who was signalling they needed a quick deal.

[OllieWinchester]

Its strange, but the prices for Mk1's do seem all over the place, not necessarily dependant on condition. Thats probably why it is so hard to get a grip on what £x will buy you. Just seems more so with these things than other types of cars.

[Emeye]

Well my MX5 only cost me £150!!!

Ok, so I paid £2k for it and then sold it 3 years later for £1850.

But can't get better than that!

[bluetone]

It's all about condition for Mk1's rather than age/mileage. There are a lot of them about of course and quite a lot of snotters too; google "MX5 buying guide" and you should find plenty of tips on the various forums etc.

[mxrossi]

I've recently become the owner of a mx5. Import, 72k, some s/history, no rusty, but paintwork a little rough in a couple of places and a new hood will be required at some point and I paid 1200.

Just hold out and see what comes up, keeping a eye on local classifieds, and the web! I brought mine from here!

[MX-5 Lazza]

Don't be fooled by advertised prices. That is only what the seller wants for the car, not what it sells for. Many of the cars you see advertised at higher prices don't get sold at all.

[cheshire_cat]

A couple of weeks ago I paid £1200 for a 1990 1.6 Eunos with 120KM on the clock. Fantastic condition inside and out, new hood, looked after. Had £200 worth of tax on it too

[J.P.W.]

Mine's an 89 Eunos, 130k miles, small amount of rust but cracking drive - the best of at least 10 MX-5's l've tried. lt had no SH but with these l'm not too bothered - they can take plenty of mileage/abuse but if they're neglected it shows and you're free to walk away! Mine's been a weekend toy but has suffered a few trackdays and a 4000KM Alpine Oddyssey back in September and has never missed a beat.

Picked it up from a dealer for £1400 in July '07 so £1k these days should bag you something similar!