Thinking about an MX5, tips and advice please
Discussion
Sold my TT a few weeks ago to get a cheaper car and put some cash into savings.
I have a 2001 325i now, which is getting on my nerves as it has a few niggly problems
Anyway MX5`s, how much do I need to spend to get a decent one, the less the better budget is between £2k and £3k
What are they like on fuel, and driving what are like for driving around town?
Are there any problem areas?
Thanks in advance
I have a 2001 325i now, which is getting on my nerves as it has a few niggly problems
Anyway MX5`s, how much do I need to spend to get a decent one, the less the better budget is between £2k and £3k
What are they like on fuel, and driving what are like for driving around town?
Are there any problem areas?
Thanks in advance
Might get a better response in the MX5 section of the forum 
Mostly they're very reliable and easy to run (incredibly simple to work on), most common problem areas are HT leads and seizing rear brake calipers but they're easy enough to replace. I hear cars in the UK can get rusty rear arches as well but as its not a problem where I am I can't speak from experience.
Fuel-wise they're ok but not amazing - very few people get more than 35mpg, however you can drive quite enthusiastically without it getting too much worse. Worst I've had was 15mpg, but that was on track which is a bit different.
Mostly they're very reliable and easy to run (incredibly simple to work on), most common problem areas are HT leads and seizing rear brake calipers but they're easy enough to replace. I hear cars in the UK can get rusty rear arches as well but as its not a problem where I am I can't speak from experience.
Fuel-wise they're ok but not amazing - very few people get more than 35mpg, however you can drive quite enthusiastically without it getting too much worse. Worst I've had was 15mpg, but that was on track which is a bit different.
Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 27th January 10:37
You could get a lovely Mk 1 for that budget. You should check all the usual stuff - when were the consumables last changed, service history, old MOTS etc. Try and look at the sills as rust is easy to miss here. Does the clutch pedal hold its pressure and gears engage cleanly? Expect slave cyclinder if not. Make sure cambelt has been changed at correct interval etc. etc. Check whether the wheel wobbles at 60-65mph...
From MX5OC, things that are most likely to go wrong:
Alignment out of whack.
Perished shift boots
Rattling HLAs
Rust in front of the rear wheel arches and rear of sills
Dodgy HT leads
Wing mirrors rusting through and falling off
Leaky clutch slave cylinder
Squeaking clutch
Sticking rear brake calipers
Weak handbrake
Ticking EVAP purge valve
CAS 'O' ring leaking
Wear on the bolsters on leather seats,
Electric window cables snapping,
Door lock spring falling off,
damp boot
miss fire (needed new leads)
suspension bushes knackered
LWSC causing engine death
Cam cover gasket leaking
A few useful links and references:
http://www.mx5-3rdgenerationlimited.com/mx5limited... (limited edition buying guide)
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/336.aspx
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
From MX5OC, things that are most likely to go wrong:
Alignment out of whack.
Perished shift boots
Rattling HLAs
Rust in front of the rear wheel arches and rear of sills
Dodgy HT leads
Wing mirrors rusting through and falling off
Leaky clutch slave cylinder
Squeaking clutch
Sticking rear brake calipers
Weak handbrake
Ticking EVAP purge valve
CAS 'O' ring leaking
Wear on the bolsters on leather seats,
Electric window cables snapping,
Door lock spring falling off,
damp boot
miss fire (needed new leads)
suspension bushes knackered
LWSC causing engine death
Cam cover gasket leaking
A few useful links and references:
http://www.mx5-3rdgenerationlimited.com/mx5limited... (limited edition buying guide)
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/336.aspx
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
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