Thoughts on this Niseko Edition?

[gregd]

My son has put a small holding deposit down on this car ahead of a viewing. Any thoughts on how it looks and potential VFM at this price.. plus what he should look out for / ask about other than the usual (hood / rust / electrics etc)?

https://www.instagram.com/p/DcD120fgJgJ/?utm_sourc...

https://www.paddocklane.co.uk/used/cars/mazda/mx-5...

I've never had an MX5 so can't help him too much.. It's going to mainly be a short daily runner to the station and back for him and he's after something fun and under £5k ideally so this doesn't look a bad buy to me if it's a clean one.

[nb1_ben]

Looks like a decent spec, the 2.0 is the better engine to have. To me the rear discs look like they need doing. They are good cars, but the trouble is that as with all MX5s, their downfall is rust. Particularly this generation of mk3s are beginning to really rust - I lost my 2007 mk3 to the rust gods in January. Have a google for common mk3 rust areas and use that as a guide on where to look. Judging by the MOT history I'm going to assume it's pretty corroded. The rear of the sills (under the plastic skirts), rear arches, and rear subframe are particularly prone. I'd advise phoning your local MX5 specialist and asking what their rates are for repairs and consider this in your negotiations. Good luck

[gregd]

Many thanks Ben, much appreciated!

[Johnnybee]

If you haven't already get the reg plate and do an MOT history check. As already mentioned they rust for fun

[gregd]

Thanks JB, will do

[skeeterm5]

Lovely colour.

I would want to see evidence of how the structural suspension rust was fixed. And I would also want to get it up on a ramp. Given the MoT failure for rust on the suspension I would bet good money that the sills are likely shot and possibly the chassis rails too.

[MattsCar]

As above, my concern is this...

Car failed on 15th of June with suspension mounting point corrosion as a Fail and both subframes as an advisory, which had been noted on previous MOT's back to 2024.

Car then passes on 23rd of June, with no advisories, leading one to assume the suspension mounting point welding being taken care of and also the subframes.

Call me a cynic, but I find it very hard to believe that there are many welding/ resto places that could book you in within the week and also complete the work within a week.

Basically, what I am saying is that check the work has been done or have they just gone to a more lenient MOT tester? If so, walk away.

[miniman]

Nice looking car, lovely colour inside and out. Given the other stock the dealer has, it would be strange for them to retail something properly sketchy.