looking at cheapest early mx5's...the dangers?

[Scho]

hi all,

i'm looking for a new car for the misses. i've noticed that for the same money as some eurobox i can get her the legend that is the MX5!

she is not really a car person so she's not one to be putting up with leaks/breakdowns ect.

If i buy her a £1500 car is it liable to be a shed?

Any info greatly appreciated

[MonkeyBusiness]

[quote=Scho]
If i buy her a £1500 car is it liable to be a shed?
quote]

Absolutely not. There are some bargains around at the moment.
The early cars had the short nose crank which was apparently a bit dodgy following a cambelt change.

[OnlyMX5ives]

Impossible to say but if you look at a few you may get lucky.

I recently sold a car to a trader for less than that, '91 nice tidy UK car except the paint was iffy in places close up, fine at 5 yrds.

Drove well, serviced, recent roof etc.

[Dr KT]

I bought my misses MX5 Mk1 for around that price. Very good condition, no rust underneeth, PAS and air-con.

Go for it!

[FELIX_5]

I bought a mint 1990 1.6 with 66k for £1800. As previously said, there probably hasn't been a better time to buy one!! Plenty of bargains and plenty to choose from. I would expect £1500 to get you a decent example. Try and find one thats been owned by an enthusiast, that way it should have been well looked after. Just look out for rust on the sills and rear arches on early (and some later) examples..... Good luck!

Edited by FELIX_5 on Wednesday 11th February 17:52

[anonymous-user]

Best to go for late 91 / 92 onwards models with the better crankshaft - just check for 8 slots around the outer edge of the crank pulley rather than 4.

http://www.miata.net/garage/crankshaft.html

Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 11th February 19:25

[MX-5 Lazza]

You also have to bear in mind that a 1991 car is 18 years old. They do wear very well and tend to survive mechanically but you should keep an eye out for wear & tear (bushes, suspension etc.) and of course, rust!