Long time forum stalker desperate to get MX5 fix!
Discussion
Hi guys,
I've been a pistonhead member for what seems like ages now, but I've always been more of a reader than a poster. A few years back I bought a 1968 MGBGT to restore with my dads help and sure enough we (with some welding help from a friend and far too much paper-round money) managed to turn the rusty, non-running shell into a not quite so rusty and mostly usable car!
I've had the MG at uni for the last two years and it's been great to have such an enjoyable, involving and different car to drive and I get a lot of admiring glances and comments which are always well received! BUT, as a running restoration I've had my fair share of problems, first off the electronics went on the blink, then the brakes cut out just before I reached a busy cross road at the top of Bristol's biggest hill, then the engine gave me £700 worth of grief and now I think the syncromesh has gone on the gearbox.
As much as I love my MG, I hate having it out in all weather, and I get really frustrated when major problems mean its off the road for long spells while I'm garageless and without many of the tools I need to look after it properly while I'm not at home.
So to cut what's already been too long a story short, I'm looking to retire the BGT to the garage under my dad's custody (temporarily!) and buy my first MX5 over the next few weeks, a car I've admired and yearned after for well over a decade now! I'm at Uni at Bristol but considering going back home to Bournemouth for a long weekend to get a few days of revision in away from the hall I tutor in before my final exam of the year on the 11th. I've spotted a couple of potential buys within close distance of home and I'm not sure I can resist going and having a look if I do go back. However, having never driven a 5 before (although I've passengered in a couple) and knowing I'd be sorely tempted to end the wait and get my hands on one, I'm wondering if I should try to restrain myself and resist the temptation of looking. On the other hand, I tell myself that if I wait the 10 days till after my exams then all the reasonably priced 5s (I'm looking sub 2k) will have gone, especially with all the good weather! Either that or they'll have been scrapped as £2000 towards some Hyundai box. (I know neither of these are true, but I'm totally irrational and looking for excuses!)
I know buying a 5 should be a painstaking process taking weeks, especially after the heartache and expense I've had in buying an MGB to fix up, but I've come close to searching for an MX5 several times over the last few years and I'm not sure I can wait any longer. I'm a 23 year old who constantly feels like its Christmas tomorrow! It's exciting, but I can't stop picturing myself driving through country lanes on warm evenings with the roof down whilst possibly listening to Matt Monro sing 'On days like these'... AHHHH! brainrush.
Steve
P.S. I know that's more of a rant than a question, but I'd love any words of wisdom or encouragement that might help me bridge the gap between now and when i can finally lower the hood on my own 5 and drive off into the sunset. I also realise I'm perhaps a little crazy to be so excited about owning a car I've never driven before, but like most of you, I'm a bit nutty about cars and the MX5's always seemed more than that little bit special to me!
I've been a pistonhead member for what seems like ages now, but I've always been more of a reader than a poster. A few years back I bought a 1968 MGBGT to restore with my dads help and sure enough we (with some welding help from a friend and far too much paper-round money) managed to turn the rusty, non-running shell into a not quite so rusty and mostly usable car!
I've had the MG at uni for the last two years and it's been great to have such an enjoyable, involving and different car to drive and I get a lot of admiring glances and comments which are always well received! BUT, as a running restoration I've had my fair share of problems, first off the electronics went on the blink, then the brakes cut out just before I reached a busy cross road at the top of Bristol's biggest hill, then the engine gave me £700 worth of grief and now I think the syncromesh has gone on the gearbox.
As much as I love my MG, I hate having it out in all weather, and I get really frustrated when major problems mean its off the road for long spells while I'm garageless and without many of the tools I need to look after it properly while I'm not at home.
So to cut what's already been too long a story short, I'm looking to retire the BGT to the garage under my dad's custody (temporarily!) and buy my first MX5 over the next few weeks, a car I've admired and yearned after for well over a decade now! I'm at Uni at Bristol but considering going back home to Bournemouth for a long weekend to get a few days of revision in away from the hall I tutor in before my final exam of the year on the 11th. I've spotted a couple of potential buys within close distance of home and I'm not sure I can resist going and having a look if I do go back. However, having never driven a 5 before (although I've passengered in a couple) and knowing I'd be sorely tempted to end the wait and get my hands on one, I'm wondering if I should try to restrain myself and resist the temptation of looking. On the other hand, I tell myself that if I wait the 10 days till after my exams then all the reasonably priced 5s (I'm looking sub 2k) will have gone, especially with all the good weather! Either that or they'll have been scrapped as £2000 towards some Hyundai box. (I know neither of these are true, but I'm totally irrational and looking for excuses!)
I know buying a 5 should be a painstaking process taking weeks, especially after the heartache and expense I've had in buying an MGB to fix up, but I've come close to searching for an MX5 several times over the last few years and I'm not sure I can wait any longer. I'm a 23 year old who constantly feels like its Christmas tomorrow! It's exciting, but I can't stop picturing myself driving through country lanes on warm evenings with the roof down whilst possibly listening to Matt Monro sing 'On days like these'... AHHHH! brainrush.
Steve
P.S. I know that's more of a rant than a question, but I'd love any words of wisdom or encouragement that might help me bridge the gap between now and when i can finally lower the hood on my own 5 and drive off into the sunset. I also realise I'm perhaps a little crazy to be so excited about owning a car I've never driven before, but like most of you, I'm a bit nutty about cars and the MX5's always seemed more than that little bit special to me!
:-) actually quite reassuring to see this level of enthusiasm. I felt/ behaved much as you describe in the runup to owning my 1st 5 recently-- & I'm probably at least twice your age.
There are plenty of good 5s out there & tbh I found the search & looking at different cars ( though occasionally stressful) a part of the fun. Plus you get to learn & experience a bit along the way.
Take your time, like with women , alegedly!, you'll know when the rightone comes along.
There are plenty of good 5s out there & tbh I found the search & looking at different cars ( though occasionally stressful) a part of the fun. Plus you get to learn & experience a bit along the way.
Take your time, like with women , alegedly!, you'll know when the rightone comes along.
Steve, if you have to drive home frm Uni you must go virtually past my door, I live just off the A303 below Warminster, and I'm selling a really nice Mk1 - it's in the classifieds!
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/1066997.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/1066997.htm
Edited by pacoryan on Tuesday 2nd June 13:07
There's a very nice one here - and within your price range - and not too far
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1057713.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1057713.htm
Kinky said:
There's a very nice one here - and within your price range - and not too far
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1057713.htm
OOOH that is a nice one! http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1057713.htm
Get one. You sound a lot like me, your even the same age.
I love older cars, but there just not practical for daily use. I am completely smitten by my Mazda, which I've had for 6 months ish now, got it just before I finished Uni.
For me - it is the perfect match.
Japanese mechanics, so it works well.
Modernish engine, fuel injection etc, so it starts every day.
Electric windows and a good radio make it comfortable.
Bits are plentiful and cheap.
Waterproof, drivable on the m-way, easy to drive, etc etc.
So its like having a boring, bland, modern car.
But -
its also Old enough to have a big dose of 'character'. Its lovely having a car that people nod at and say hello to you in the petrol station because of. Lots of 'i used to have one of those' or 'looks like fun' type comments.
Its hilarious to drive - fantastic feel, and a respectable turn of speed on a winding B-road. great noise
.
great 'scene' with good clubs, regional owners groups, good community etc.
All things that make it a bit like owning an older, classic car.
2 grand is plenty. I paid £1650 for my decently specced, avg miles, no rust import 1.8 S-Special.
Since spent about another 500 or 600 quid on it since and its now an absolute cracker - the only thing about it thats not great is the paintwork, bit battle scarred, but I dont really care.
I cant see me getting rid of it really, even though i'll be looking at something much more exotic hopefully in a years time. Cant really lose any money on it either.
Worth looking at lots though, seen some right dogs. Dont settle for anything with rust IMO.
Edited by snotrag on Tuesday 2nd June 22:04
Hi Steve 
Here be some buying advice from the OC:
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/p/425/782.aspx...
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/p/326/510.aspx...
Enjoy your search! Let us know how you get on
Here be some buying advice from the OC:
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/p/425/782.aspx...
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/p/326/510.aspx...
Enjoy your search! Let us know how you get on
Kinky said:
It's been working fine for about 10 years .... up until a few weeks ago - for no obvious reason. It's BT yahoo email if anyone has any pointers 
It's the curse of BT yahoo! Mine & Mrs T's periodically does the same, BT will accept no responibility or help for it either unfortunately.Do NOT settle for one that you have even the slightest inkling of doubt about. I can see you're pretty desperate for one, but trust me, look at and drive a good few examples.
Despite these little cars having quite a cult following, it is apparent that many of them were not looked after properly, so you'll come across a few dogs in your search. Be patient, and ruthlessly picky and the right one will come up for you.
Kinky's car would be well worth a look, and I can vouch for Mark being a good guy as well. I nearly bought his car a month or so back, but I had a change of plan at the time, and a 5 was off my list. As it happens, I decided I DID really want one, so started the hunt in earnest again, looking at both Mk1's and Mk2's. In the end, I went for an early Mk2, in immaculate condition. I probably paid a wee bit of a premium considering it is an early car, but it's worth it for the condition.
My advice is be uber-picky
Despite these little cars having quite a cult following, it is apparent that many of them were not looked after properly, so you'll come across a few dogs in your search. Be patient, and ruthlessly picky and the right one will come up for you.
Kinky's car would be well worth a look, and I can vouch for Mark being a good guy as well. I nearly bought his car a month or so back, but I had a change of plan at the time, and a 5 was off my list. As it happens, I decided I DID really want one, so started the hunt in earnest again, looking at both Mk1's and Mk2's. In the end, I went for an early Mk2, in immaculate condition. I probably paid a wee bit of a premium considering it is an early car, but it's worth it for the condition.
My advice is be uber-picky
ApexJimi said:
Do NOT settle for one that you have even the slightest inkling of doubt about. I can see you're pretty desperate for one, but trust me, look at and drive a good few examples.
Despite these little cars having quite a cult following, it is apparent that many of them were not looked after properly, so you'll come across a few dogs in your search. Be patient, and ruthlessly picky and the right one will come up for you.
Kinky's car would be well worth a look, and I can vouch for Mark being a good guy as well. I nearly bought his car a month or so back, but I had a change of plan at the time, and a 5 was off my list. As it happens, I decided I DID really want one, so started the hunt in earnest again, looking at both Mk1's and Mk2's. In the end, I went for an early Mk2, in immaculate condition. I probably paid a wee bit of a premium considering it is an early car, but it's worth it for the condition.
My advice is be uber-picky
Good advice, but on the flip side if you see one thats straight and priced right - dont hesitate in picking it up. I bought the first one i found a couple of weeks back (1997 MK1 with 84k) as i just knew it was a straight one by the bodywork and the way it drove. Doesn't take a genius to see if a car has been cared for. As long as you check it over properly you will be ok.Despite these little cars having quite a cult following, it is apparent that many of them were not looked after properly, so you'll come across a few dogs in your search. Be patient, and ruthlessly picky and the right one will come up for you.
Kinky's car would be well worth a look, and I can vouch for Mark being a good guy as well. I nearly bought his car a month or so back, but I had a change of plan at the time, and a 5 was off my list. As it happens, I decided I DID really want one, so started the hunt in earnest again, looking at both Mk1's and Mk2's. In the end, I went for an early Mk2, in immaculate condition. I probably paid a wee bit of a premium considering it is an early car, but it's worth it for the condition.
My advice is be uber-picky
I'VE DONE IT! I'm so happy, I bought Kinky's gorgeous Eunos Roadster today, and even though I haven't got any time or insurance to drive it till Thursday or any time to express how ecstatic I am to have my own roadster and how greatful I am to all of you for your advice and Kinky for selling me what seems like a really lovely car I just wanted to fill you guys in and tell you all that I'm now an MX5 owner!!!
Pictures, stories of joy and more mx5 love to come on Thursday when my exams finish and I can get some insurance!
Pictures, stories of joy and more mx5 love to come on Thursday when my exams finish and I can get some insurance!
MG-FIDO said:
I'VE DONE IT! I'm so happy, I bought Kinky's gorgeous Eunos Roadster today, and even though I haven't got any time or insurance to drive it till Thursday or any time to express how ecstatic I am to have my own roadster and how greatful I am to all of you for your advice and Kinky for selling me what seems like a really lovely car I just wanted to fill you guys in and tell you all that I'm now an MX5 owner!!!
Pictures, stories of joy and more mx5 love to come on Thursday when my exams finish and I can get some insurance!
Pictures, stories of joy and more mx5 love to come on Thursday when my exams finish and I can get some insurance!
Drive safely!
Cheers,
FT
Stickers said:
Respect must also go to Kinky for such an honest and detailed listing of the car in question. 
Thanks for that
I'll be perfectly honest here - the one thing that REALLY irritates me is when I see an ad for a car, with no details. I then have to ask a million questions about the car. My intent with the ad is to try and explain as much as I can - so everyone gets a perfect idea of what the car is like. And prevents a million and 1 questions - 99% of which would be repetitive anyway.
I guess it's detailing everything that I'd like to see in an ad. Simple as that really.
So, it's gone now. And I never said good bye
But I do now have a Kinkmobile V2 - a Merc 109e
Photos to follow (when I get round to taking some).
K
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