Can I get an opinion on this '5?
Discussion
Well, that was quick. Sold my current car, so the hunt for a replacement is on. 
MX-5 the favourite, but also tempted by an MR2 or an E36, so going to keep an open mind until something like that VR Ltd comes up again. Still think that was a conspicuously good buy if it was as advertised.
MX-5 the favourite, but also tempted by an MR2 or an E36, so going to keep an open mind until something like that VR Ltd comes up again. Still think that was a conspicuously good buy if it was as advertised.
I know who bought that VR ... and yes it was as good as it sounded.
The Vr-Ltd models did indeed have a few tasty bits such as a factory fitted lightened flywheel, later 16-bit ECU and shorter ratio Torsen dif plus a few cosmetic bits. Its the mechanical stuff that makes Eunos models of this era a touch more interesting though: that lightened flywheel makes the 1.8 rev as freely and smoothly as a good 1.6 - and its a fair bit quicker too. There's rarity value too: only 700 VR-Ltds made in Wine Red and 800 made in dark green.
The Vr-Ltd models did indeed have a few tasty bits such as a factory fitted lightened flywheel, later 16-bit ECU and shorter ratio Torsen dif plus a few cosmetic bits. Its the mechanical stuff that makes Eunos models of this era a touch more interesting though: that lightened flywheel makes the 1.8 rev as freely and smoothly as a good 1.6 - and its a fair bit quicker too. There's rarity value too: only 700 VR-Ltds made in Wine Red and 800 made in dark green.
There don't seem to be many cars for sale on Nutz currently. With the exception of here (I'm already keeping a careful eye on the classifieds) where would people recommend looking out for an MX-5?
(Dan kindly sent me some ads from the MX5 OC magazine. Also, keeping an eye on eBay and Autotrader, but I'd prefer to go for an enthusiast's site, where they're more likely to be looked after and the owners will understand the potential issues better....)
(Dan kindly sent me some ads from the MX5 OC magazine. Also, keeping an eye on eBay and Autotrader, but I'd prefer to go for an enthusiast's site, where they're more likely to be looked after and the owners will understand the potential issues better....)
Chris71 said:
There don't seem to be many cars for sale on Nutz currently. With the exception of here (I'm already keeping a careful eye on the classifieds) where would people recommend looking out for an MX-5?
(Dan kindly sent me some ads from the MX5 OC magazine. Also, keeping an eye on eBay and Autotrader, but I'd prefer to go for an enthusiast's site, where they're more likely to be looked after and the owners will understand the potential issues better....)
Ar the risk of being accused of free advertising, take a look at my website: Goodwood Sportscars. I always have quite a few Eunos/MX5s for sale, though most are newly imported and are not necessarily the cheapest out there. No rusty ones though...(Dan kindly sent me some ads from the MX5 OC magazine. Also, keeping an eye on eBay and Autotrader, but I'd prefer to go for an enthusiast's site, where they're more likely to be looked after and the owners will understand the potential issues better....)
Sbloxxy said:
Chris71 said:
There don't seem to be many cars for sale on Nutz currently. With the exception of here (I'm already keeping a careful eye on the classifieds) where would people recommend looking out for an MX-5?
(Dan kindly sent me some ads from the MX5 OC magazine. Also, keeping an eye on eBay and Autotrader, but I'd prefer to go for an enthusiast's site, where they're more likely to be looked after and the owners will understand the potential issues better....)
Ar the risk of being accused of free advertising, take a look at my website: Goodwood Sportscars. I always have quite a few Eunos/MX5s for sale, though most are newly imported and are not necessarily the cheapest out there. No rusty ones though...(Dan kindly sent me some ads from the MX5 OC magazine. Also, keeping an eye on eBay and Autotrader, but I'd prefer to go for an enthusiast's site, where they're more likely to be looked after and the owners will understand the potential issues better....)
Did have a look on the website recently too - some lovely cars, but most of them were a bit beyond my budget.
Quick question. What would you say the going rate is for a very early JDM 1.8, 92,000 miles, genuinely rust free and in very good condition with plenty of recently refreshed mechanical bits?
Secondly, how much work would you have to put in to keep it that way if it lived outside and was driven through the winter? Would a coat of Waxoyl and the occasional blast with a pressure washer do the trick or are we talking about a more slavish routine?
Ya know... just out of curiosity.
Secondly, how much work would you have to put in to keep it that way if it lived outside and was driven through the winter? Would a coat of Waxoyl and the occasional blast with a pressure washer do the trick or are we talking about a more slavish routine?
Ya know... just out of curiosity.
You have to keep the drain channels clear. If they clog up with leaves/detritus then water will sit in the sills and find it's way out some other way - ie through the metal.
I'm not sure where values are at as it's a long time since I sold my Mk1 for 4k. I'd imagine anywhere around 3-4k privately depending on condition, spends and if it's a desireable ltd.
I'm not sure where values are at as it's a long time since I sold my Mk1 for 4k. I'd imagine anywhere around 3-4k privately depending on condition, spends and if it's a desireable ltd.
drgoatboy said:
anywhere from 2-5K depending on how clean it is. don't be shy though Chris. Share the link 
It's not publicly for sale. Does look nice, though...I think my concern is less about the value of the car, but whether I can a) afford it, and b) keep it in that condition during regular year-round use.
I work from home most days and there's a good chance I could pinch my wife's car if there was three feet of snow on the ground, but it would have to live outside and I'm not the sort of person to get the pressure washer out after every trip.
ETA At the other end of the scale, how far wrong can you go for £895?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Or this, perhaps? It's a cheap mk2 which means rust is virtually guaranteed, but it's got a slippy diff and the later engine. Could be fun if it will MOT for another year:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I think it's either a cheap mk2 1.8i S or a more expensive mk1... Hmmm.
Edited by Chris71 on Tuesday 13th October 19:49
Chris71 said:
ETA At the other end of the scale, how far wrong can you go for £895?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Are you trying to curry favour with us? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
hornetrider said:
Chris71 said:
ETA At the other end of the scale, how far wrong can you go for £895?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Are you trying to curry favour with us? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Ah ... NA AN. Sorry, I was up most of the night with a screaming baby, took a while to register.
Edited by Chris71 on Wednesday 14th October 11:11
I think you will do well if it lives outside all year and you don't have to tackle some rust at some point. These are old cars now, there is a reason so many are rusted and it's not because they are all neglected.
However day to day running is very cheap, fuel economy is reasonable, parts are plentiful and mostly cheap, and they are generally pretty robust.
Think you will struggle to find cheaper fun motoring. Your call if you spend big bucks (relatively) on a minty un welded one, but if you keep it long term and drive it year round, sooner or later rust will creep up on you! Just my opinion. Which is why I paid less money for a less tidy car and treat it as a bit of a project.
However day to day running is very cheap, fuel economy is reasonable, parts are plentiful and mostly cheap, and they are generally pretty robust.
Think you will struggle to find cheaper fun motoring. Your call if you spend big bucks (relatively) on a minty un welded one, but if you keep it long term and drive it year round, sooner or later rust will creep up on you! Just my opinion. Which is why I paid less money for a less tidy car and treat it as a bit of a project.
Chris71 said:
Or this, perhaps? It's a cheap mk2 which means rust is virtually guaranteed, but it's got a slippy diff and the later engine. Could be fun if it will MOT for another year:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I think it's either a cheap mk2 1.8i S or a more expensive mk1... Hmmm.
Starting to take that one a bit more seriously. Got a response from the seller, who says:http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I think it's either a cheap mk2 1.8i S or a more expensive mk1... Hmmm.
There is a small amount of cosmetic rust on bootlid. The sills have been done by a previous owner. Last year's MOT was passed with just a headlight bulb connector replacement. I've hardly done any work other than a service and it's never let me down.
Sounds like they have a reasonable idea what they're talking about.
Assuming the sill repair is recent and the chassis legs are okay, does that mean it's likely to be solid for a while now?
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