MX5 Gen 4 Sitting on the edge

[R0012345]

So a 4 year dream is on my doorstep to get this iconic car. Managed to save up for this relatively pricey little masher.

Now to buy. For non-franchise car dealers and private sellers I'd need to get the car inspected by a mechanic/expert on this mark. Anybody know somebody?

And for the Gen 4, what should I look out for when buying second hand?

Richard

[SteveB68]

Need to know more info -

Year
Engine
Mileage
Model
Soft top or RF

[R0012345]

I'll buy second hand. Targeting the following spec...

Year.. Mack 4 so 2016 onwards
Engine... 2l
Mileage... 30k or less
Model ...one with Bose sound system if I can afford it
Soft top or RF likely...soft but would be good to know issues with hard top

[KTMsm]

It's a nearly new MX5 - you'd be hard pressed to find a lemon

Better spending the inspection cost elsewhere - if you really know nothing, stick to a large / specialised dealer

[R0012345]

I did just that. I know some, but there's a lot of dodgy dealers and people. So.ill go with the dealer.

[anonymous-user]

I wouldn't discount the 1.5, depending on your usage, if you can give one a try it's worth it.

The only things to look for really are accident damage or obvious signs of abuse. Apart from a few people killing gearboxes in that weird "autocross" thing they do in the US (driving round cones in a car park as far as I can see), and some track abuse I've not heard of any common issues.

The big increase in prices last year seems to have shored up residuals.

[coppice]

Save a few quid more for a suspension upgrade . I have an ND Sprt Nav 2 litre and my enjoyment was increased hugely by having the Mazda lowered springs fitted . Then save up a bit more for a remap .

[anonymous-user]

coppice said:

Save a few quid more for a suspension upgrade . I have an ND Sprt Nav 2 litre and my enjoyment was increased hugely by having the Mazda lowered springs fitted . Then save up a bit more for a remap .

Same here, I had them fitted before delivery and it wasn't a lot of money. The Eibach Pro Sport kit is the same thing I believe (the Mazda springs are certainly made by Eibach they came with the specs and details on a sheet in the box!).

[R0012345]

Well, I went after a 2.0L 2019 low mileage model on offer from a Mazda dealer for a very reasonable price. Going with an official Mazda dealer for security. Yet, the buying (attempting to) experience was disappointing. I walked away. Called them to be told these COVID19 days people just buy the car online and collect it. Seems Mazda expected me to buy it like I'd purchase a toaster online from Amazon. After convincing them I'd like to see the car, test drive it and preferred to see the books, talk finance (normal right before parting with 10+k?), I put down the 100 pounds deposit. I was excited and serious! Well, after a few more enquirers about deposit and finance and forms on the phone it was clear the expectation was I'd drive off with the car on the day. Told them they're too pushy, reply 'we've 15 others looking at the car'. So I walked away - obviously. What happened to a welcome to see the car, go through the books, talk about finance in person, long term insurance etc? Maybe I'm old fashioned? Mazda lost an opportunity, I'm still looking but now thinking private sale.

[PF62]

R0012345 said:

What happened to a welcome to see the car, go through the books, talk about finance in person, long term insurance etc?

Have you been living in a cave for the last year? Are you so utterly unaware of the COVID legal restrictions car dealers have been subject to, effectively only being able to offer a ‘click and collect’ service.

[KTMsm]

PF62 said:

R0012345 said:

What happened to a welcome to see the car, go through the books, talk about finance in person, long term insurance etc?

Have you been living in a cave for the last year? Are you so utterly unaware of the COVID legal restrictions car dealers have been subject to, effectively only being able to offer a ‘click and collect’ service.

Which I think is coming to an end on Monday

[WonkeyDonkey]

Yeah they could have easily said they can't legally have anyone in the showroom til Monday.

Obviously in no hurry to sell the car, specially if they have 15 others lined up for one car LOL

[coppice]

R0012345 said:

Well, I went after a 2.0L 2019 low mileage model on offer from a Mazda dealer for a very reasonable price. Going with an official Mazda dealer for security. Yet, the buying (attempting to) experience was disappointing. I walked away. Called them to be told these COVID19 days people just buy the car online and collect it. Seems Mazda expected me to buy it like I'd purchase a toaster online from Amazon. After convincing them I'd like to see the car, test drive it and preferred to see the books, talk finance (normal right before parting with 10+k?), I put down the 100 pounds deposit. I was excited and serious! Well, after a few more enquirers about deposit and finance and forms on the phone it was clear the expectation was I'd drive off with the car on the day. Told them they're too pushy, reply 'we've 15 others looking at the car'. So I walked away - obviously. What happened to a welcome to see the car, go through the books, talk about finance in person, long term insurance etc? Maybe I'm old fashioned? Mazda lost an opportunity, I'm still looking but now thinking private sale.

You're buying the car , not the garage. I bought mine , sight unseen from a Mazda dealer 150 miles away whose service was mediocre but the car had done 5 k miles and was mint. If it hadn't been I'd have walked . Go through the books, on 2 year old car ? Never bothered - I just ask for confirmation it has FSH .