Looking to buy an MX5 - High mileage ok??

[hamzamian]

Hi,

I've just rather reluctantly sold my Porsche 944 as I needed something cheaper to run.. I'm currently considering an MX5 since everyone seems to rave on about them and don't appear to be too costly to run.

The wife will only considering purchasing a Mk3 (i think its a Mk3 anyway( unfortunately and my budget is quite stretched as I can't really add any money from the proceeds of the sale of the 944, looking at about an absolute maximum of £3,000. So what are the chances of finding a Mk3 MX5 in that budget that won't subsequently cripple me with repair costs.

I've seen one for sale for £2,990 which has 140k miles on the clock but only 2 owners from new and a complete Mazda service history including all the original invoices. From the pictures at least it seems to be in good condition including the interior. Its a 1999 S plate 1.8iS and comes with a hardtop, LSD and leather seats.

So what do you think? is it likely to cost me an arm a leg subsequently in repair bills or should I be relatively safe and its worth going to take a look at? If I do go to take a look anything in particular I need to look out for? Its a UK car.

Thanks
Hamza

[hamzamian]

Hi,

aah yep, its a Mk2. Just looked at some pictures.

Thanks for the input and the price valuation on them. I've found another couple of cars that are at the same price but with around 95k miles but minus the hard top and LSD (though one does have air con).

I'd love to find a Mk2 closer to the £2,000 mark though, at the moment the cheapest Mk2 cars I can find are all about £3,000. If anyone knows of any please let me know

[hamzamian]

I can believe that the 944 costs similar money to run for normal wear and tear items as they are pretty much all just VAG parts....

The problem comes when something fails or needs to be replaced. A cambelt change on the 944 is easily is excess of £1000 for example and replacing the two rear discs and handbrake shoes cost me £500....

I'm hoping the MX5 is a little more palattable for costs such as those.

I'm looking at Mk2 cars simply as the Mrs doesn't like the shape of the Mk1... I know this restricts my choice a lot and effectively means I have to spend the entire £3k budget with nothing left over at all on the car really. Though I have seen a couple for sale around the £2,500 mark but they've always been sold by the time I got to them!