Discussion
Mannginger said:
I can't answer the rust question as I had mine from new for 3 years, no issues in that time frame.
Mine was parked outside all year round with no issues. You do (as with all MX5s) need to keep the drain holes clear, especially if you're parking under or near trees. A trumpet brush will do that easily enough. Other than that no issues and it's a cracking car in the winter. Some models had heated seats and I highly recommend these, the heater was also very effective so I tended to have the roof down all-year round without getting cold. As it got older and I drove it less with a new job the battery did pack up once as I didn't drive it for 2-3 weeks in the deep winter so maybe worth considering that if they're not going to be driving it regularly, A new battery should help there if it's a worry.
I didn't put winter-tyres on as didn't find it a major problem (quite fun in fact!) although I had a pair of snow-socks in the boot just in case I got caught out and they helped me get out of a icy / snow covered country lane in the Lakes once, so may be a cheaper approach than full winters although the full winters will be better grip generally in the winter of course.
Drain holes?Mine was parked outside all year round with no issues. You do (as with all MX5s) need to keep the drain holes clear, especially if you're parking under or near trees. A trumpet brush will do that easily enough. Other than that no issues and it's a cracking car in the winter. Some models had heated seats and I highly recommend these, the heater was also very effective so I tended to have the roof down all-year round without getting cold. As it got older and I drove it less with a new job the battery did pack up once as I didn't drive it for 2-3 weeks in the deep winter so maybe worth considering that if they're not going to be driving it regularly, A new battery should help there if it's a worry.
I didn't put winter-tyres on as didn't find it a major problem (quite fun in fact!) although I had a pair of snow-socks in the boot just in case I got caught out and they helped me get out of a icy / snow covered country lane in the Lakes once, so may be a cheaper approach than full winters although the full winters will be better grip generally in the winter of course.
Petrol Only said:
Fun to drive?
Yes but not as fun as the mk1/2 unless the factory ride height has been sorted.
Fine outside in winter. My mk1 lives outside and used all year round.
If looking at an earlier tin top. Check it does not leak.
Save some dosh and get a mk1. Better in pretty much every way (very biased)
Apart from mega rust issues?Yes but not as fun as the mk1/2 unless the factory ride height has been sorted.
Fine outside in winter. My mk1 lives outside and used all year round.
If looking at an earlier tin top. Check it does not leak.
Save some dosh and get a mk1. Better in pretty much every way (very biased)
hobobaggins said:
There's a few people on each forum that claimed to have cars rusted to nothing and the same few pics that show up, the paint is thin at best underneath and it does leave them looking a bit tatty but it's not like the old ones which fell apart or hid inner sill failures. The other thing to consider is getting it coated properly if rust is that big a worry.
Tell your friend to buy a 2 litre, lots more kit and lots of power, leather heated seats and aircon are musts for winter use (aircon demists and dries the car out so it doesn't smell like a leaky mk1). Also only the 2.0 has traction control in the UK.
So if he buys a 07/08 and pays to have it treated underneath it should last for many years? Or is it possible the undercarriage could be horrendous alreadyTell your friend to buy a 2 litre, lots more kit and lots of power, leather heated seats and aircon are musts for winter use (aircon demists and dries the car out so it doesn't smell like a leaky mk1). Also only the 2.0 has traction control in the UK.
LaurasOtherHalf said:
Love our little one;
Love Mk1's as well but there's no way I'd swap (unless it was for summer weekend use only). Subtle suspension work (eibach springs and anti roll bars on otherwise standard suspension) means it handles beautifully, best gear change of any car I've owned (see profile!) and most importantly, the perfect amount of power to have fun on the road.
Lovely induction note (the later mk3.75 like this have a tube from the air I'd to the cabin), especially as you redline it through 2nd, 3rd and 4th without it becoming unsociably fast.
That is beautiful, i want the hardtop but most of the ones for sale have soft tops grr. Im concerned about vandalism as i dont live in a very affluent area.
Love Mk1's as well but there's no way I'd swap (unless it was for summer weekend use only). Subtle suspension work (eibach springs and anti roll bars on otherwise standard suspension) means it handles beautifully, best gear change of any car I've owned (see profile!) and most importantly, the perfect amount of power to have fun on the road.
Lovely induction note (the later mk3.75 like this have a tube from the air I'd to the cabin), especially as you redline it through 2nd, 3rd and 4th without it becoming unsociably fast.
Byker28i said:
we had a mk1 for many years (almost 10), now have a MK3 we've had for 6 years - no rust on it yet and it sits outside all the time, gets used lots. 2.0 Sportstech, 6 speed box, folding hardtop, great little car. Brisk, not fast but great handling.
How old is the mk3? Did you buy it newhobobaggins said:
You'd have surface rust at most and waxoil will then protect the rest onwards. Clear cavity sealant is probably a good idea for sills etc. But seriously my point was that this is a 99% internet based problem like many things with enthusiast cars. There are bad ones out there but having viewed those pics, they'd be obvious to you just from laying on a carpet and having a peek under with no ramp.
The issue here is that the metal suspension components weren't painted properly so they get surface rust which is ugly. This is very different to the mk1 and m2 which had structural failures and having been there with those cars unless you have to tick one off or want to do a resto project, just get a mk3 and enjoy it.
I dont think he is bothered by undercarriage surface rust if its not structural and doesent effect the car you can see.The issue here is that the metal suspension components weren't painted properly so they get surface rust which is ugly. This is very different to the mk1 and m2 which had structural failures and having been there with those cars unless you have to tick one off or want to do a resto project, just get a mk3 and enjoy it.
Only thing id be concerned about is the soft top, he doesent live in the most affluent area, do soft tops still get cut these days by scum?
How much would it be to install a hard top.
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