Buying an MX5 - Things to look out for?

[Muncher]

I'm helping a friend a buy a new car, possibly this weekend. I've managed to talk her into getting an MX5

I've driven a couple of them (a while ago though) and am reasonably mechanically minded so will be checking it over for her.

What are the main things to look out for? Can anyone point me to a buyers guide?

I think she is looking for something 2005-2007 ish.

Edited by Muncher on Saturday 9th May 00:04

[deevlash]

check it has 4 wheels, it'll ride and handle really badly if one is missing

[Tim S]

deevlash said:

check it has 4 wheels, it'll ride and handle really badly if one is missing

If you want proper answers, try asking again not at pub-chucking-out time.

[deevlash]

Tim S said:

deevlash said:

check it has 4 wheels, it'll ride and handle really badly if one is missing

If you want proper answers, try asking again not at pub-chucking-out time.

Im stone cold sober

[Tim S]

Sorry to hear that, but yours wasn't the sort of constructive answer the OP wanted I'll wager!

No offense etc.

On we go...

[rfn]

Check the cambelt has been done if looking for ones with 50k ish (due at 54k on Mk2.5, believe the same on mk3).

Look for leather, and if a MK2.5 (2001-2005) the 1.8 ("Sport" is top spec), but if a MK3, the 1.8 or 2.0 are fine - again "Sport" is top spec. Depends what her budget is really.

My Mk2.5 cost £6.5k ish at Christmas on an 04 plate with low mileage and top of range model, so work from that basis I guess.

[hornetrider]

2005 on? So that's Mk3 and nothing much to report in the "what to look for" stakes tbh. Obviously from a handling point of view its preferable to have Eibachs and a geometry job done recently - but frankly if it's a bird she isn't going to be interested in that.

/stereotype

[The Tea Boy]

hi thought i would comment on this thread rather than start a new thread.

ok,
looking to buy an mx5 within the next 2 weeks. have circa 1.5k to spend so will be looking at the earlyish cars. hoping to find a 1.8 if poss. i know im not going to find a minter but i dont mind as long as it runs ok. what am i to loo out for / check when looking and test driving?
thanks in advance

regards
matt

[pbirkett]

http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/oct...

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/425.aspx

Amazing what a quick google can do

[BCA]

www.mx5nutz.com Register there and ask away..

[Muncher]

To finish the thread off she bought one, a very tidy example from what I've seen.

[Gizmo!]

Looks very tidy from where I'm sitting, certainly.

[Busa_Rush]

Muncher said:

To finish the thread off she bought one, a very tidy example from what I've seen.

Most certainly