Any tips/ advice for new MX-5 owner?
Discussion
I will be selling my mk2 Fabia vRS shortly (10 plate) in exchange for a T reg MX-5 1.6 soft top.
I've never owned a convertible or a car over two years old before.
I also just have street parking, but may investigate some garages one street away.
So, any general ownership tips?
I am bracing myself for the hairdresser jokes already...
I've never owned a convertible or a car over two years old before.
I also just have street parking, but may investigate some garages one street away.
So, any general ownership tips?
I am bracing myself for the hairdresser jokes already...
Ignore the hairdressers car rubbish, its spouted by people who either don't know about cars or people in the know who are being ironic.
Have a good look around the internet, the owners club has stacks of information and I believe MX5nuts is also a font of knowledge. When I got mine I put decent tyres on, had the wheel alignment done and cleared the drains for the hood. Beyond that there are myriad changes you can make both internally and externally to get it looking just how you want it.
Enjoy!
Have a good look around the internet, the owners club has stacks of information and I believe MX5nuts is also a font of knowledge. When I got mine I put decent tyres on, had the wheel alignment done and cleared the drains for the hood. Beyond that there are myriad changes you can make both internally and externally to get it looking just how you want it.
Enjoy!
A few helpful tips-
-regularly check and clear the soft top drain holes, these become clogged fairly quick. I keep a length of 3mm dia. steel cable in the boot to do this job.
-Get a full 4 wheel geometry alignment, and maintain your tyre pressures, makes a big difference.
-Get matching tyres all around if possible, mismatched tyres make for some unpredictable/dangerous handling on roundabouts.
-If you haven't driven RWD before be mindful of driving in wet conditions, the back will come out if you are exhuberent with the throttle.
-If gearchange feels notchy or overly stiff check the shift boots around the gear lever, these deteriorate over time and if split they don't help shift feel.
-Get car undersealed before winter
- Have roof down at all available opportunities
-regularly check and clear the soft top drain holes, these become clogged fairly quick. I keep a length of 3mm dia. steel cable in the boot to do this job.
-Get a full 4 wheel geometry alignment, and maintain your tyre pressures, makes a big difference.
-Get matching tyres all around if possible, mismatched tyres make for some unpredictable/dangerous handling on roundabouts.
-If you haven't driven RWD before be mindful of driving in wet conditions, the back will come out if you are exhuberent with the throttle.
-If gearchange feels notchy or overly stiff check the shift boots around the gear lever, these deteriorate over time and if split they don't help shift feel.
-Get car undersealed before winter
- Have roof down at all available opportunities
Thanks for all the advise so far, all taken on board.
Most notably is it my first RWD car which I am looking forward to, but will be sensible.
What do people think of keeping the car on the street, in respect of security and keeping the car in good condition?
The one I've bought is a bit of a minter, so I'd really like to keep it that way (I'll be the third owner, full service history and has been stored in garage for last 10 years.)
I'm tempted to look into renting a garage and getting disklock, but not sure if this would be too much?
Most notably is it my first RWD car which I am looking forward to, but will be sensible.
What do people think of keeping the car on the street, in respect of security and keeping the car in good condition?
The one I've bought is a bit of a minter, so I'd really like to keep it that way (I'll be the third owner, full service history and has been stored in garage for last 10 years.)
I'm tempted to look into renting a garage and getting disklock, but not sure if this would be too much?
Good luck with the MX5, it wont let you down thats for sure
Mine is for sale if anyone out there is looking for one
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4240247.htm
Mine is for sale if anyone out there is looking for one
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4240247.htm
If it's a mk2 (should be, on a T reg)...then security wise you should be ok if it has an immobiliser.
My mk2.5 lives outside all year round, parked either on street or the drive.
I had my immobiliser crap out on me a couple of years ago, and it made me realise, that unless you have the key (and a working immobiliser!), nothing's getting that engine started.
The soft top is always going to be a weak spot, but I guess it depends on your local area. Hard top would add some security,but is a pain to store when off the car, and reduces flexibility to just throw the roof down. A hardtop costs £200-400, if your roof was slashed and stereo nicked, then cost of damage/replacement would be about the same.
As long as you wash and wax (good quality stuff) regularly, keeping them outside does no harm.
My mk2.5 lives outside all year round, parked either on street or the drive.
I had my immobiliser crap out on me a couple of years ago, and it made me realise, that unless you have the key (and a working immobiliser!), nothing's getting that engine started.
The soft top is always going to be a weak spot, but I guess it depends on your local area. Hard top would add some security,but is a pain to store when off the car, and reduces flexibility to just throw the roof down. A hardtop costs £200-400, if your roof was slashed and stereo nicked, then cost of damage/replacement would be about the same.
As long as you wash and wax (good quality stuff) regularly, keeping them outside does no harm.
Jobs wise- just the usual stuff really, calipers can tend to seize up if the car doesn't do much mileage, this can be a recon or new caliper job.
find out if gearbox oil has ever been changed, this is an often overlooked service item, and can make a night and day difference to shift feel.
I really should follow my own advice and get mine undersealed...
find out if gearbox oil has ever been changed, this is an often overlooked service item, and can make a night and day difference to shift feel.
I really should follow my own advice and get mine undersealed...
"What do people think of keeping the car on the street, in respect of security and keeping the car in good condition?
The one I've bought is a bit of a minter, so I'd really like to keep it that way"
From reading all the tales of woe re rust in the sills, rear arches, bootlids and now chassis rails - my personal thought is that I wouldn't consider one for all year round use. They seem to be no better than classic MGs and Triumphs in the rust dept.
I own one but I wouldn't pick one as a daily driver kept outside.
The one I've bought is a bit of a minter, so I'd really like to keep it that way"
From reading all the tales of woe re rust in the sills, rear arches, bootlids and now chassis rails - my personal thought is that I wouldn't consider one for all year round use. They seem to be no better than classic MGs and Triumphs in the rust dept.
I own one but I wouldn't pick one as a daily driver kept outside.
Try to find out if/when the cam belt was changed and when the alignment was last done (if ever).
I've known as many people to have their hard-tops stolen as soft tops slashed so I wouldn't really consider one to be a safer option and the heater in MX5s means that you don't really need one in winter to keep it warm & cosy.
I've known as many people to have their hard-tops stolen as soft tops slashed so I wouldn't really consider one to be a safer option and the heater in MX5s means that you don't really need one in winter to keep it warm & cosy.
Yeah I've never really felt the want or need for a hard top...although you may have to refresh a few seals to get the roof totally watertight.
Personally, I wouldn't worry about using an mx5 in all weathers and keeping it outside...it's a car to be driven, not tucked away in the winter.
A bit of common sense helps, over winter hose down the arches and underside every week or two to take the salt off, make sure you do a good wax and seal prior to the crap weather. Tbh probably better to regularly use the car in colder weather to keep everything ticking over!
Personally, I wouldn't worry about using an mx5 in all weathers and keeping it outside...it's a car to be driven, not tucked away in the winter.
A bit of common sense helps, over winter hose down the arches and underside every week or two to take the salt off, make sure you do a good wax and seal prior to the crap weather. Tbh probably better to regularly use the car in colder weather to keep everything ticking over!
My thoughts to date that i could pass on to you :
1)Look after her and she'll look after you. The engines are bullet proof providing they see some TLC every now and then.
2)Get the cambelt done. I was a bit naughty and bought mine on 80k with no idea how old the belt was and run it for 3 years/15k until i recently done it...Its a non-interference engine (the valves wont get mashed by the pistons if it goes) but its still best to get it done so you know where you stand.
3)If you can be arsed a hard top is a good investment and adds saleability later on should you ever decide to sell. Most of these guys will say otherwise but its nice to put a hard top on in the depths of winter, adds a slightly more snug feel to the cabin,less road noise, increased blind spot visibility and obviously some have a heated rear screen. If your soft top has a heated screen thats a big bonus already though!
4)There is bracketry available to lock a hard top down from Rennen Metal. I have a set and combined with some security torx screws that should be enough to deter any opportunisitic scrotes trying to have it away. Again this requires some effort to install but its worth knowing about.
5)Alignment - As the others have said they are very sensitive to alignment. I can whole heartedly recommend wheels in motion based in chesham, but there is bound to be someone you can trust to get it right nearby if you scout about.
6)A decent set of matched rubber makes a huge difference - get rid of any cheap s
te ditch finders!
7)Keep the suspension in good nick, avoid cheap coilovers for normal road use if you swap them. I think generally eibach springs and KYB Shocks (AGX version if you want to control the damping) are a safe bet if you have to replace and want an improvement over stock kit.
8)Keeping her garaged is not a bad thing as long as shes used regularly. Re. the rust concerns - it will eventually catch up with you. If shes looked after it will slow it down. Its no big deal getting it sorted properly and then you'll have another 10-15 years of worry free motoring.
9)Undersealing appears to be good preventative measure but it has to be prepared and done properly. I don't think i would be just slashing on a load of waxoyl in an hour.
10)Re. cleaning etc - i use nearly exclusively Autoglym products and a shedload of good quality microfibre cloths (Costco rules). Halfords have Autoglym on 3 for 2 regularly and i've rarely used anything better to keep the old girl looking tidy. Little cheat i sometimes use if shes been recently polished properly... i apply some greased lightning on a cloth while she is still wet and then use another cloth to buff off. Its an ultra fast way of topping the paint protection up and makes the paint really shine nice. Makes it easier to remove bird ste later on as well.
Probably a load more... but thats a start. Welcome to the gang!
Steve
1)Look after her and she'll look after you. The engines are bullet proof providing they see some TLC every now and then.
2)Get the cambelt done. I was a bit naughty and bought mine on 80k with no idea how old the belt was and run it for 3 years/15k until i recently done it...Its a non-interference engine (the valves wont get mashed by the pistons if it goes) but its still best to get it done so you know where you stand.
3)If you can be arsed a hard top is a good investment and adds saleability later on should you ever decide to sell. Most of these guys will say otherwise but its nice to put a hard top on in the depths of winter, adds a slightly more snug feel to the cabin,less road noise, increased blind spot visibility and obviously some have a heated rear screen. If your soft top has a heated screen thats a big bonus already though!
4)There is bracketry available to lock a hard top down from Rennen Metal. I have a set and combined with some security torx screws that should be enough to deter any opportunisitic scrotes trying to have it away. Again this requires some effort to install but its worth knowing about.
5)Alignment - As the others have said they are very sensitive to alignment. I can whole heartedly recommend wheels in motion based in chesham, but there is bound to be someone you can trust to get it right nearby if you scout about.
6)A decent set of matched rubber makes a huge difference - get rid of any cheap s
te ditch finders!7)Keep the suspension in good nick, avoid cheap coilovers for normal road use if you swap them. I think generally eibach springs and KYB Shocks (AGX version if you want to control the damping) are a safe bet if you have to replace and want an improvement over stock kit.
8)Keeping her garaged is not a bad thing as long as shes used regularly. Re. the rust concerns - it will eventually catch up with you. If shes looked after it will slow it down. Its no big deal getting it sorted properly and then you'll have another 10-15 years of worry free motoring.
9)Undersealing appears to be good preventative measure but it has to be prepared and done properly. I don't think i would be just slashing on a load of waxoyl in an hour.
10)Re. cleaning etc - i use nearly exclusively Autoglym products and a shedload of good quality microfibre cloths (Costco rules). Halfords have Autoglym on 3 for 2 regularly and i've rarely used anything better to keep the old girl looking tidy. Little cheat i sometimes use if shes been recently polished properly... i apply some greased lightning on a cloth while she is still wet and then use another cloth to buff off. Its an ultra fast way of topping the paint protection up and makes the paint really shine nice. Makes it easier to remove bird s
te later on as well.Probably a load more... but thats a start. Welcome to the gang!
Steve
Edited by J-Tuner on Wednesday 3rd October 08:20
Mine have always been parked on my street, never had a roof slashed. My housemate left the passenger door unlocked once, and the very same night someone decided to try the door, got in, broke into the glove box (which I locked) broke the centre console lock also, and stole the ancient CD player worth all of about £10. The cost to fix the locks was more than that was worth anyway... Luckily didn't keep my sat nav in the car!
Factory immobiliser should be enough security wise.
Factory immobiliser should be enough security wise.
I wouldn't worry about the garage storage for an MX5, not sure what Chesterfield is like to be fair though.
I have always had mine in the street and often don't bother locking it (it only takes a length of wire on 2 mins or a pen knife to get in anyway). Being as common as they are they don't attract too much attention. Then again mine is anything but a minter.
As for what can go wrong, had the water pump go in mine within a few weeks and it had caused some issues with head gasket. Worth getting a full service with water pump / cam belt / fluid changes as it has been in storage so long. This will buy you piece of mind and prevent you causing more expensive issues to occur as they did with me.
I echo designforlifes and others comment on the full 4 wheel geometry alignment. Felt like I was driving a different car afterwards. Worth taking it to a specialist NOT kwik-fit. It is an involved process to get it done right, there is allot of potential for improvement on tracking, alignment, camber and allot of other area's the guy who did mine told me about. Allot of places will only make half the adjustments a good place will do. Look on the forums for the names a good places in your neck of the woods!
Don't worry to much about the rear wheel drive aspect, yes the MX5 can be a bit playful but she is also very forgiving and it over-steer is easy to correct. See if you can find some private land to have a play on the limits and get comfortable correcting.
I have always had mine in the street and often don't bother locking it (it only takes a length of wire on 2 mins or a pen knife to get in anyway). Being as common as they are they don't attract too much attention. Then again mine is anything but a minter.
As for what can go wrong, had the water pump go in mine within a few weeks and it had caused some issues with head gasket. Worth getting a full service with water pump / cam belt / fluid changes as it has been in storage so long. This will buy you piece of mind and prevent you causing more expensive issues to occur as they did with me.
I echo designforlifes and others comment on the full 4 wheel geometry alignment. Felt like I was driving a different car afterwards. Worth taking it to a specialist NOT kwik-fit. It is an involved process to get it done right, there is allot of potential for improvement on tracking, alignment, camber and allot of other area's the guy who did mine told me about. Allot of places will only make half the adjustments a good place will do. Look on the forums for the names a good places in your neck of the woods!
Don't worry to much about the rear wheel drive aspect, yes the MX5 can be a bit playful but she is also very forgiving and it over-steer is easy to correct. See if you can find some private land to have a play on the limits and get comfortable correcting.
EB89
A lot of MX5s are going to be in and around your area this w/e
If you've a few minutes and want to pop out to the Premier Inn West on Sunday morning then there'll be a mix of 1s,2s and 3s with a mix of eager enthusiasts
I'd suggest about 09.45 if you do decide to pop over
Of course, if you need a lie-in then we're eating at the West on Sat evening
Good luck with your research anyway
A lot of MX5s are going to be in and around your area this w/e
If you've a few minutes and want to pop out to the Premier Inn West on Sunday morning then there'll be a mix of 1s,2s and 3s with a mix of eager enthusiasts
I'd suggest about 09.45 if you do decide to pop over
Of course, if you need a lie-in then we're eating at the West on Sat evening
Good luck with your research anyway
Hi Mate,
Get yourself on MX5Nutz if not already. There are a load of good people up in sheffield who adore their little 5's. get over to Roddisons motorsport for a 4 wheel alignment, he knows these cars inside out and prep/races 5's, I think it's £60.
I have driven through Chesterfield today in my mk1 (work in Wingerworth), I have only had it a couple of weeks, its kept outside in central Sheffield. Mismatched cheap tyres can be interesting but will be replaced when funds allow and also a wheel alignment.
Enjoy your car, give me a wave if you see me driving through about 4pm. Also join us out on a run into the peaks over o the cat and fiddle on the 28th if you like. Will be my first run so there will be some other newbies about.
Matt
Get yourself on MX5Nutz if not already. There are a load of good people up in sheffield who adore their little 5's. get over to Roddisons motorsport for a 4 wheel alignment, he knows these cars inside out and prep/races 5's, I think it's £60.
I have driven through Chesterfield today in my mk1 (work in Wingerworth), I have only had it a couple of weeks, its kept outside in central Sheffield. Mismatched cheap tyres can be interesting but will be replaced when funds allow and also a wheel alignment.
Enjoy your car, give me a wave if you see me driving through about 4pm. Also join us out on a run into the peaks over o the cat and fiddle on the 28th if you like. Will be my first run so there will be some other newbies about.
Matt
- probably dressed, mostly, in black
I have just sold mine after 2.5 years of ownership.
Cosmetically I'd look to get some chrome hoops - really sets the car off with roof down.
Have a look into the unblocking of drains which cater for run-off water from the roof.
You may want to rub/apply vaseline to the seals between the roof and doors - just deters the water and keeps the rubber plumper. I had a Mk1 and this really helped.
Generally if you have any issues during your time just have a look online - what ever it is, it has happened before and there tends to be a plethora of info (and even user guide!).
As for the jokes, get use to them
Hope this helps.
Thanks, H
Cosmetically I'd look to get some chrome hoops - really sets the car off with roof down.
Have a look into the unblocking of drains which cater for run-off water from the roof.
You may want to rub/apply vaseline to the seals between the roof and doors - just deters the water and keeps the rubber plumper. I had a Mk1 and this really helped.
Generally if you have any issues during your time just have a look online - what ever it is, it has happened before and there tends to be a plethora of info (and even user guide!).
As for the jokes, get use to them
Hope this helps.
Thanks, H
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