So, new ownership goes like this...

[MX5noob]

Drivers window keeps coming down...
Oh, just my arm resting on the centrally placed window controls. Again!

Low fuel light on, sat in service station. The search for the hidden fuel cap release!

Why is the oncoming car waving? Ah, its another MX-5, so this is a club thing!

All good! Takes to the twisties rather well too!

[MX5noob]

Must take some decent pics of my own!

[SlowcoachIII]

Welcome to the MX5 community where you'll soon start worrying about rust! (maybe) They're a great car to drive and a lot of fun and no doubt a money trap or maybe that's just me? Also, yes, any button cuff shirt usually puts the windows down but that's an added feature.

There are a couple of great threads to read if you're new to ownership too!

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by SlowcoachIII on Sunday 23 May 22:39

[MX5noob]

Thanks slowcoach! I'll have a look at those threads, cheers!

[MX5noob]

How do I figure out if I have a mk 2.5 or not?
Its a 2.0L 2005 model. What can I look at to find out?

There is water in the boot and I'd like to change the rear tail light gaskets if they are not in great shape, and Im not even sure which MX-5 I have.

I got the 2.5 number from Google, but I'd like to know for sure what I have. Cheers guys!

[TVRees]

If it's a 2.0L, then it's not a Mk 2.5 NB or NBFL. They were 1.6 or 1.8.

I suspect an NC. So Mk III.

Edited by TVRees on Monday 24th May 01:02

[Evoluzione]

It's an NC1. 2005 is rare-ish as they only made a few before we went into 2006.

Lot's of people don't know whether to wave or not, there are enthusiasts and others who just see them as normal everyday cars. Lots of disgruntled enthusiasts moaning about lack of acknowledgement taking to the internet every day!
The fuel flap release gets everybody who is a new owner.

More stuff here you should know about: http://www.duratecnc.co.uk/?p=52

[Chainsaw Rebuild]

Welcome and enjoy the car! the MX5 restorer are a great company if you need anything done i.e. rust, new roof etc. There free health check is good too.

Might well be worth having the free health check and then getting it undersealed etc.

Bot otherwise - enjoy the car! :-)

[Munter]

Given it's an early car, my main concern would be sill rust.

You need to get right underneath and look/poke at the sill "inboard" of the seam. Everything can look lovely from the side of the car.

Mine was used daily on lots of salty winter roads. So if yours has been more protected it may well be ok. But it's probably worth 5 mins rolling around on the drive to find out.

This gives a good indication where you'll find rust if it's there: https://youtu.be/p7DjZ5hvEOU?t=285

Edited by Munter on Monday 24th May 10:11

[ARHarh]

As soon as you said the window keeps coming down, I knew you were leaning on the switch. I do it all the time. Make sure the windows are up when you park it in the rain.

[MX5noob]

ARHarh said:

As soon as you said the window keeps coming down, I knew you were leaning on the switch. I do it all the time. Make sure the windows are up when you park it in the rain.

Yup! You too eh
Dont mind the quirks! Im loving ownership!!

[MX5noob]

TVRees said:

If it's a 2.0L, then it's not a Mk 2.5 NB or NBFL. They were 1.6 or 1.8.

I suspect an NC. So Mk III.

One more question if I may.
Is it safe to assume its an NC, and to look for MK III tail light gaskets, then?

What else can I check to make sure its a MK III, before I order MK III tail light gaskets?
Thanks for the help.

[Munter]

MX5noob said:

ne more question if I may.
Is it safe to assume its an NC, and to look for MK III tail light gaskets, then?

What else can I check to make sure its a MK III, before I order MK III tail light gaskets?
Thanks for the help.

It's a MK3. It's got 5 wheel nuts, and it looks like a MK3

[ARHarh]

MX5noob said:

TVRees said:

If it's a 2.0L, then it's not a Mk 2.5 NB or NBFL. They were 1.6 or 1.8.

I suspect an NC. So Mk III.

One more question if I may.
Is it safe to assume its an NC, and to look for MK III tail light gaskets, then?

What else can I check to make sure its a MK III, before I order MK III tail light gaskets?
Thanks for the help.

Does it look like this? If so wash it

That is a mk3 also known as NC

[MX5noob]

Munter said:

It's a MK3. It's got 5 wheel nuts, and it looks like a MK3

Thanks for confirming!

ARHarh said:

Does it look like this? If so wash it

NC (no comment!)

[MX5noob]

Is it normal or acceptible to say to your passenger, "if you dont behave, I'll turn your airbag off" ?
They gave the driver the power to do that for a reason. I think its to keep passengers in check

[MX5noob]

My rear lights, which I strongly suspect need new gaskets due to the small amount of water below both lights in the boot.


I found this.
https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/rear-lamp-gasket-mk35-p...
Wondering if it is what I need.
It says MK 3.5. Not MK3.
1) Is that the gasket Id need for my MK3?
2) Im sure I read the left and right one were the same. You just flip and mirror the gasket. If so, why two listings, for left and right?
3) Can anyone suggest a better place to buy, as on that website, the right hand one is out of stock.
Thanks for the help.

4) Edited to add, when changing the gasket, will I find it easy/possible to get the dead bugs out of the light housing?

Edited by MX5noob on Saturday 29th May 10:09

[TVRees]

Of course, there's always a Mazda original available from all respectable dealers.

Why not remove the cluster and try a repair with some silicone sealant?

[MX5noob]

TVRees said:

Why not remove the cluster and try a repair with some silicone sealant?

If there are leaks on both sides, im thinking its likely both gaskets have gone due to age.

Ive not had a chance to look into it further yet - is sealant by itself a viable option?
Is it not a better or preferred fix, to replace the gasket?
Apologies if Im asking what might be obvious.

[littleredrooster]

If you're going to order new tail-light gaskets, you probably may as well order new scuttle-clip gaskets at the same time. They're on the plastic trim beside the wipers - oval shaped things - and the have a foam gasket which perishes, letting water into the cabin.