Mk 2/2.5 MX-5 What to Look for when buying?
Discussion
Currently putting the feelers out for replaceing the better halfs Corsa with an MX5. 
Budget is going to be under £4k therefore I'm expecting to look at some leggy examples, I'm not adverse to a few miles on the clock but what bills should I be seeing in the service history at 6 figure mileages?
What are the difference between 2's and 2.5's I can spot the interior changes but is there anything else?
And any other pointers greatfully received.
Budget is going to be under £4k therefore I'm expecting to look at some leggy examples, I'm not adverse to a few miles on the clock but what bills should I be seeing in the service history at 6 figure mileages?
What are the difference between 2's and 2.5's I can spot the interior changes but is there anything else?
And any other pointers greatfully received.
£4k is enough for a very very tidy low mileage mk2... mine was cheaper than that and its silly good, and 46k old.. well, it was, its now 48k having done one ring trip and a mazda on track car control day. 
Get it bought... go to mx5nutz.co.uk for guides/ basic questions and let us know how you get on.
Edit: mk2.5 had additional bracing, a more complicated VVT engine/management, six gears and remote central locking. It also has worse seats (higher and less supportive) and for your budget, I'd recommend the mk2. You can add additional bracing, the more basic mk2 set up is simpler (I always believe thats better), five gears is no real problem and remote central locking can be added with an aftermarket alarm at little cost. Get the tidiest one you can find and drive the wheels off it... I have, and its bloody brilliant.
Get it bought... go to mx5nutz.co.uk for guides/ basic questions and let us know how you get on.
Edit: mk2.5 had additional bracing, a more complicated VVT engine/management, six gears and remote central locking. It also has worse seats (higher and less supportive) and for your budget, I'd recommend the mk2. You can add additional bracing, the more basic mk2 set up is simpler (I always believe thats better), five gears is no real problem and remote central locking can be added with an aftermarket alarm at little cost. Get the tidiest one you can find and drive the wheels off it... I have, and its bloody brilliant.
Edited by BCA on Saturday 3rd October 14:35
Went to look at a cheap, tatty, high mileage Mk2 this morning, just because it was at a dealer very close by really.
It was just a 'do we fit an MX-5' exercise and the news was good.
All the important things were covered, Mrs likes the interior, the boots big enough for the shopping, and the roof's a doddle to drop.
So now the hunt is on for a tidy one in a good colour with as many extras as possible.
I was a little surprised at no central locking so one with an alarm that does this might be a deal clincher.
Off to register at the MX5 forum....
It was just a 'do we fit an MX-5' exercise and the news was good.
All the important things were covered, Mrs likes the interior, the boots big enough for the shopping, and the roof's a doddle to drop.
So now the hunt is on for a tidy one in a good colour with as many extras as possible.
I was a little surprised at no central locking so one with an alarm that does this might be a deal clincher.
Off to register at the MX5 forum....
I wouldnt let the lack of an alarm put you off a car though, a decent TOAD system isnt going to cost too much, and could be done pretty easily/quickly. May also help with insurance costs too...
Oh, and the most fun I have ever had on a track was yesterday, and I would have picked the Mazda every time over the TVR for it... seriously good little cars.
Oh, and the most fun I have ever had on a track was yesterday, and I would have picked the Mazda every time over the TVR for it... seriously good little cars.
Edited by BCA on Saturday 3rd October 15:29
Well looked at 3 cars today, all had there little issues and very nearly bought car 3 but it stumbled at the final money talks. 
I feel like an expert at spotting where MX-5's go rusty but just need to know a little more about engine specs and the prices of a few bits and bobs, and you never know car 3 may come back into the running.....
I feel like an expert at spotting where MX-5's go rusty but just need to know a little more about engine specs and the prices of a few bits and bobs, and you never know car 3 may come back into the running.....
Wouldn't worry about central locking, I never find I need it, its a simple reach over to open the one door.
Alarms on second hand cars always end up breaking/not working correctly/have no paperwork to support it, so I wouldn't worry. In fact as long as it has an imob I'd just stick with that and common sense (open globve box, leave nothing on show, park in well lit areas)
Good cars will sell in hours/days, tattier & overpriced ones will be sitting around a while. Plus as the summer season is finished there seem to be less for sale (imo) as everyone thinks that "they can sell em for more in summer" which can be true but there is less for sale at the mo, meaning people might be able to get away with charging more for the car (imo!)
Defo watch for rust, it can be a complete PITA unless its only isolated in one section of the car, any other faults can be used as negotiating tools.
Alarms on second hand cars always end up breaking/not working correctly/have no paperwork to support it, so I wouldn't worry. In fact as long as it has an imob I'd just stick with that and common sense (open globve box, leave nothing on show, park in well lit areas)
Good cars will sell in hours/days, tattier & overpriced ones will be sitting around a while. Plus as the summer season is finished there seem to be less for sale (imo) as everyone thinks that "they can sell em for more in summer" which can be true but there is less for sale at the mo, meaning people might be able to get away with charging more for the car (imo!)
Defo watch for rust, it can be a complete PITA unless its only isolated in one section of the car, any other faults can be used as negotiating tools.
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