2 Months on Mazda MX5 MK3 MOT and Rusted Underbody - Repair?

[Girlagogo]

I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on whether it is worth me paying to repair rust on the underbody of my car. I’m a female owner (only mentioning this to make everyone aware, as I am not mechanically minded or able to carry out my own repairs). I have had my hard top MK 3 Sport for 6 years in which time I have had very few issues. The car has been kept outside and driven daily but rust started appearing around the wheel arches which I had “tidied up” and painted. 2 years ago it failed its MOT due to rust underneath so I spent £500 having welding done (along with tidying the whee arches)as the near rear subframe and offside rear suspension arm was excessively corroded.

The car passed following the repairs with no advisories and also passed last year but with the advisory that “all underbody panels starting to corrode.” The mechanic who did the test said that he had purposely not “tapped hard” so as not to actually create any holes! He advised that I sell it. That was nearly a year ago and due to COVID and the massive hike in the price of second hand cars I am now stuck with whether I should pay for repairs or buy another car (a Volkswagon Golf circa 110k miles at £8k). My mazda has done 115000 miles.

I would rather keep the car and not shell out 8k for another car but is it worth it? How much would it cost to fix all of the rust? How much would it be worth as it is now and would anyone even consider it with the advisory that it has and less than 2 months MOT left? Should I pay for someone to look at what needs doing prior to the MOT or just get the MOT done a month early to see what it fails on specifically? Any trusted MX-5 specialists that could do this work near the Manchester area or take a realistic look? Opinions and advice would be much appreciated

[Tyre Smoke]

Get it MOT'd and see what it fails on. Then get a quote to out it right. Bound to be cheaper than a new car and you know it's sorted then.

Or, go to a few garages and ask them what it would cost to get it through the MOT. Most will have a look for you.

Can't help with Manchester area, but surely the garage that did the arches and subframe last time are your first port of call?

[ARHarh]

I can't recommend anyone near Manchester to help out but have an ask on the north wales MX5 facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/mx5nw they have members in or around Manchester.

[Belle427]

Sadly when they start to go they won’t stop so probably a good time to get rid.
Maybe get an Mot done first to see what comes up.

[Tyre Smoke]

Not entirely true. Once they're sorted, they're fine.

[Girlagogo]

Thanks for the comments so far. My only concern with going through an MOT is that if it fails then I won't be able to drive it at all no doubt (if the corrosion were serious enough).

[Dave.]

These guys are well regarded, let them have a look and advise on cost and worthiness.

https://www.mx5specialists.com/

[ian_c_uk]

I’d also recommend Carl at mx5specialists / cbs - he’ll give you an honest opinion and help resolve.