Buying 1st MX-5
Discussion
Gents,
Sorry if this seems like a repost but I have had a search and haven't been able to find all the info I'm after.
I'm looking at getting an MX-5 to learn how to drive properly in. I don't need to use it every day as I cycle to work, so I'm looking at using it for B-roads, track days and maybe even auto-testing or similar. Basically I'm intending to love it, use it and abuse it, rather than spend hours on the motorway or posing in it!
I'm trying to work out which model to go for. I've got about £2k to 'invest' so am currently looking for a mk1 1.6 in the 115bhp guise. Is this the right spec to go for? I'm looking at the 1.6 as it is eligible for the ma5da series and a pre-95 car will not have a cat to worry about/sap power. I think i'm also biased towards a UK spec car to save on insurance, however, are there any specialist insurers out there who treat both (and include track day cover/limited milage policies) the same?
What should I beware of? I've noticed some rusty rear wheel arches and sills out there, was there any difference in rust protection between the UK and Jap spec models, or were some years galvanised and others not?
What kind of milage are the standard engines capable of in standard trim and how much will a rebuild cost (on a DIY basis)?
I think I'm basically looking for an unmodified car which I can put a roll bar on, possibly upgrade the suspension and brakes, add an induction kit and free flow exhaust and enjoy. Any advice will be greatly recieved as I want to get out and look at some!
Cheers
Sorry if this seems like a repost but I have had a search and haven't been able to find all the info I'm after.
I'm looking at getting an MX-5 to learn how to drive properly in. I don't need to use it every day as I cycle to work, so I'm looking at using it for B-roads, track days and maybe even auto-testing or similar. Basically I'm intending to love it, use it and abuse it, rather than spend hours on the motorway or posing in it!
I'm trying to work out which model to go for. I've got about £2k to 'invest' so am currently looking for a mk1 1.6 in the 115bhp guise. Is this the right spec to go for? I'm looking at the 1.6 as it is eligible for the ma5da series and a pre-95 car will not have a cat to worry about/sap power. I think i'm also biased towards a UK spec car to save on insurance, however, are there any specialist insurers out there who treat both (and include track day cover/limited milage policies) the same?
What should I beware of? I've noticed some rusty rear wheel arches and sills out there, was there any difference in rust protection between the UK and Jap spec models, or were some years galvanised and others not?
What kind of milage are the standard engines capable of in standard trim and how much will a rebuild cost (on a DIY basis)?
I think I'm basically looking for an unmodified car which I can put a roll bar on, possibly upgrade the suspension and brakes, add an induction kit and free flow exhaust and enjoy. Any advice will be greatly recieved as I want to get out and look at some!
Cheers
Given that you intend to modify brakes and suspension, that leaves bodywork, electrics and mechanicals to worry about.
Bodywork- you've already identified the sills as a potential concern. If you find a car with sill covers, ask if they can be removed to check underneath. Otherwise, just the usual s/h car checks.
Electrics- No major worries, just check everything works as it should, particularly headlights and leccy windows if fitted.
Mechanicals- Read up about short nose cranks, so you know what to look for. Obviously check oil and coolant levels and condition and for any oil leaks or blue/white smoke. Also worth checking to see when the cambelt was last changed.
Otherwise these are solid little buggers with little cause for concern.
Bodywork- you've already identified the sills as a potential concern. If you find a car with sill covers, ask if they can be removed to check underneath. Otherwise, just the usual s/h car checks.
Electrics- No major worries, just check everything works as it should, particularly headlights and leccy windows if fitted.
Mechanicals- Read up about short nose cranks, so you know what to look for. Obviously check oil and coolant levels and condition and for any oil leaks or blue/white smoke. Also worth checking to see when the cambelt was last changed.
Otherwise these are solid little buggers with little cause for concern.
Back when I had mine the specialist insurers didn't seem to care whether it was a UK car or import and the JDM examples tend to be better specced. If you do go for a UK car make sure it's not the artificially strangulate 80-something bhp example. I don't know the exact details, but I have a feeling it appeared after they first released the 1.8 in the UK (to widen the gap)?
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