Is £1200 a realistic proposition?
Discussion
I'm potentially looking at an MX5 later this year, to run as an additional "fun car" alongside my daily boring 1.4 Civic.
I'm looking at an early Mk1, G or H plate 1.6, and I'm not looking to spend much more than a grand if possible. There seem to be quite a few around at that price, seemingly with good history and reasonable miles on, but at that end of the market, are they all sheds?
I'm not particularly fussed about getting a minter, it's a fun toy I'm after - something to get greasy under on the drive at weekends, service myself, tinker with and upgrade.... But is a 1990 car for £1200 going to be unreliable and break all the time?
I'm looking at an early Mk1, G or H plate 1.6, and I'm not looking to spend much more than a grand if possible. There seem to be quite a few around at that price, seemingly with good history and reasonable miles on, but at that end of the market, are they all sheds?
I'm not particularly fussed about getting a minter, it's a fun toy I'm after - something to get greasy under on the drive at weekends, service myself, tinker with and upgrade.... But is a 1990 car for £1200 going to be unreliable and break all the time?
Your running a little late, but you may be lucky. The prices usually firm up each year starting in April (never really happened last year though) and I have noticed a change over the past 2 weeks. You may still catch the odd bargain, but you really should be looking to catch them this month I would think. For £1200, you may be lucky enough to catch an early 1.8 import which is what I would go for. It would be a bit rough on the outside, but mileage should be reasonable (upto 150k Kms). Alternatively, a smarter, older 1.6. Don't go for a younger, UK 1.6 - they had the crappy 90 bhp engine. BTW, my Brother in Law has a tatty 1991 1.6 J-Limited in Sunburst Yellow for sale. Needs a new Clutch - he wants well under £1k (he'll take a grand even if he gets the clutch done) - if that helps give you an indication.
jazzybee said:
Your running a little late, but you may be lucky. The prices usually firm up each year starting in April (never really happened last year though) and I have noticed a change over the past 2 weeks. You may still catch the odd bargain, but you really should be looking to catch them this month I would think. For £1200, you may be lucky enough to catch an early 1.8 import which is what I would go for. It would be a bit rough on the outside, but mileage should be reasonable (upto 150k Kms). Alternatively, a smarter, older 1.6. Don't go for a younger, UK 1.6 - they had the crappy 90 bhp engine. BTW, my Brother in Law has a tatty 1991 1.6 J-Limited in Sunburst Yellow for sale. Needs a new Clutch - he wants well under £1k (he'll take a grand even if he gets the clutch done) - if that helps give you an indication.
I'm not too worried about this summer - it's definitely a "later this year" proposition. I'm getting a better contract at work this September, which should see me better off and able to have something to play with - anything MX5 before October/November time is a pipe dream really, but the sun coming out and seeing a few about on the roads has sparked my interest.I shall definitely steer clear of the UK 1.6, and go for the 115bhp version instead - but I think a 1.6 would be fine, I'm not fussed about getting the 1.8 really. Am I barking up the wrong tree in thinking the 1.6 engine takes better to being turbod or supercharged later down the line?
I got my '94 1.8 Gleneagles for £1100 - it's got 110,000 miles but a full book of stamps, and passed its MOT with only an advisory for low brake pads. It's got a bit of rust round the rear sills (where else) but it's only cosmetic, and should be reasonably easy to sort when I can be bothered - I'm having too much fun driving it at the moment though!
For £1200 I'm sure you'll be able to get something more than decent - if you're not in a hurry, September/October will be the perfect time as the people who bought theirs as a 'Summer car' (nancy boys) will be selling on, so hopefully there'll be a few more to choose from then. Don't know if you'll be able to get a hardtop in budget, but you really don't need it, do you?
For £1200 I'm sure you'll be able to get something more than decent - if you're not in a hurry, September/October will be the perfect time as the people who bought theirs as a 'Summer car' (nancy boys) will be selling on, so hopefully there'll be a few more to choose from then. Don't know if you'll be able to get a hardtop in budget, but you really don't need it, do you?
I've had three MX5s of my own now and have driven a few others. The 1.6 engine is sweet and smooth-spinning. The 1.8 is a little more course but has more low-end torque that I prefer - performance wise, I don't think there is that much in it. The brakes on the 1.8 are better as well, an important point if you are thinking of more power, or even driving on fast roads. I've not gone down the FI route as I feel there is enough power to have fun on the streets without risking my license. Its not 'FAST' but fast enough to have a lot of fun.
I bought my s ltd two years ago in may at £2,900. Its a 1993. Its an import and I have spent over £2k but they were necessary things. I have to fix my aerial today and at some point treat the tiny rust on the drivers sill. I have to prise off the plates and rub down the rust lightly with wire brush and hammerite it until I have the full respray which will cost me £400 as I know someone in the club who sells mx5s and knows a good body shop.
i don't regret buying mine even though I have had many problems with it, I persevere cause its so much fun to have and drive.
i don't regret buying mine even though I have had many problems with it, I persevere cause its so much fun to have and drive.
trace1967 said:
I bought my s ltd two years ago in may at £2,900. Its a 1993. Its an import and I have spent over £2k but they were necessary things. I have to fix my aerial today and at some point treat the tiny rust on the drivers sill. I have to prise off the plates and rub down the rust lightly with wire brush and hammerite it until I have the full respray which will cost me £400 as I know someone in the club who sells mx5s and knows a good body shop.
i don't regret buying mine even though I have had many problems with it, I persevere cause its so much fun to have and drive.
£400 for a full respray? Please do tell more! I would go for that this weekend if they to a semi decent job. Its the one thing my car needs more than anything else.i don't regret buying mine even though I have had many problems with it, I persevere cause its so much fun to have and drive.
Yup, I'm in the cheapies club too, just.
I got a 94 1.8 S special import, 80k miles, no rust, but dirty and scratched, but no rust, nice spec, some nice odd bits and pieces and good shocks/engine/gearbox etc, for £1650.
that was in November - prices DO fluctuate depending on the weather!
I got a 94 1.8 S special import, 80k miles, no rust, but dirty and scratched, but no rust, nice spec, some nice odd bits and pieces and good shocks/engine/gearbox etc, for £1650.
that was in November - prices DO fluctuate depending on the weather!
Had my shed for 3 months now. 93 1.6 with 83k miles. New hood, style bar, induction kit and stainless back box. Rust in boot due to lack of battery vents but arches and sills solid (for now). 3 of the wings have bad peeling laquer which i will attempt to repair myself this summer before considering a touch up respray in ayear of 2. Paid £950 so owes me little and running well.
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