RE: Shed Of the Week: Mazda MX-5 Mk2
Discussion
Rust really is not that big a problem with MX5s. Yes, they do have rust in specific places, but given the number of MK1's still on the road you have to accept it is not that bad. They are fine as long as you clean the drain holes and don't just let them sit in salt all winter.
Also, why is there always in the first few posts saying "I had one and it didn't handle well" or "Was dangerous in anything but dry". They don't handle rubbish tyres well and need the tracking correct, but thats the nature of a light RWD car with properly adjustable suspension. It's not a FWD white good with the cheapest torsion beam.
As long as it is not currently rotted it seems like its worth a try, especially if you have a friendly local specialist. With a car like the MX5, just because a general garage, or even a dealership, can not fix it does not mean that a specialist doesn't have a work around.
Also, why is there always in the first few posts saying "I had one and it didn't handle well" or "Was dangerous in anything but dry". They don't handle rubbish tyres well and need the tracking correct, but thats the nature of a light RWD car with properly adjustable suspension. It's not a FWD white good with the cheapest torsion beam.
As long as it is not currently rotted it seems like its worth a try, especially if you have a friendly local specialist. With a car like the MX5, just because a general garage, or even a dealership, can not fix it does not mean that a specialist doesn't have a work around.
t photos can ruin an ad. I would never buy another Mk2 or Mk2.5 MX5. I had one that was well looked after, but the front chassis rails pretty much disintegrated during my ownership, despite looking after it properly. Car had to be scrapped as a result as it just wasn't economical to fix.
I put all the good bits on a mk1 (better hood, hard top, etc).
The Mk1 is lighter and better made overall, handles better and has the classic styling. Avoid the Mk2, or go for a Mk3 if you want something newer.
Cheers,
Drew.
I put all the good bits on a mk1 (better hood, hard top, etc).
The Mk1 is lighter and better made overall, handles better and has the classic styling. Avoid the Mk2, or go for a Mk3 if you want something newer.
Cheers,
Drew.
Edited by drewwa on Friday 13th November 13:42
If you add no rust protection, yes. If you souse everything in sight with Waxoyl twice a year, no. Either way it will take a LONG time to rot out, by which time some other bits may have decided to dissolve.
I want one of these, need to find a good one. I lookd at one for a mate, it was lovely on top but underneath it was a horror. I didn't even know about the front chassis rails at the time, I just saw the whole bloody lot looked as if it had been in the sea.
I want one of these, need to find a good one. I lookd at one for a mate, it was lovely on top but underneath it was a horror. I didn't even know about the front chassis rails at the time, I just saw the whole bloody lot looked as if it had been in the sea.
We had a mk2 1.8 with LSD at 2 yrs old and kept it for a year. It never gave any problems, and was a delight to drive. Running on Michelin Primacys, it was so progressive at the limit that you would have had to be a complete idiot to get into trouble with it. When you did reach the limit, it let go so gently you would have had to be asleep, or a total muppet to get into trouble. You also weren't going that fast, which helped.
I'd love another, and have looked at a couple half-heartedly over the past few years, but they all seem to be as rotten as pears. I also suspect significant investment in the rolling chassis would be needed to get the handling to where it should be, which is the whole point of the car.
When my welding skills improve, I might look at one as a project, potentially.
I'd love another, and have looked at a couple half-heartedly over the past few years, but they all seem to be as rotten as pears. I also suspect significant investment in the rolling chassis would be needed to get the handling to where it should be, which is the whole point of the car.
When my welding skills improve, I might look at one as a project, potentially.
Varn said:
kellyt said:
I could't stand it. It had literally no torque and I had to stir the gears constantly to get anywhere.
You mean you had to drive it? Reading all of your post it I'm stumped as to why you'd bought an involving car in the first place...
Limpet said:
I'd love another, and have looked at a couple half-heartedly over the past few years, but they all seem to be as rotten as pears. I also suspect significant investment in the rolling chassis would be needed to get the handling to where it should be, which is the whole point of the car.
Probably true. The difference between a 2yo kept for a year and a £1k shed can be huge. The cost to remedy may sting a little, too.[quote]When my welding skills improve, I might look at one as a project, potentially.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff