MX5 newbie

[Drek]

Finally persuaded the Doris to bin the Saab 900 vert, which we both quite like, for something different. I've always hankered after an MX5 but know absolutely shag all about them beyond a mate having one once and really not looking after it, at all. I found this these this morning but I'm having difficulty understanding why the Eunos, at 5 years older, is much the same price. Do Eunos really command a bit more?

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

Thoughts and opinions on these two gratefully received!

[CaptainSlow]

Both look ok, out of the two I prefer the green one.

These are fun cars for not much money. Buy and enjoy.

[Drek]

Yeah, I quite like green but I should be able to knock a few quid off black do you reckon? Plus, it's a bit closer as well.

[CaptainSlow]

where abouts are you?

[Drek]

Very West London.

[CaptainSlow]

ok not far from me, I'll keep an eye out

[MG CHRIS]

With mx5 by on condition not price cheaper ones may look a bargin but you will have to spend money on them as the do rust. By one that has either seen as little rain as possible or one that has had welding carried out in the past. Check everywhere for rust any major signs of rust just walk away as you will be spending a lot out on welding the rest of the car is bullet proof but just make your useual check when checking over any car.

The eunos have more spec on them electric windows, pas, air con etc where the uk ones have none of these in most occasions and also tend to suffer less rust as they have spent lass time in the uk, i would stay away from the later mk1 1.6 only have 90bhp or so the early ones have 115bhp, all eunos 1.6 are 115bhp and the 1.8 are 130bhp u can afford to be picky as there are plenty around.

[Drek]

Thanks mate, any thoughts on those two beasties above?

[MG CHRIS]

Well as both are eunos then the green one i would get but you need to see both and inspect them then make up your mind.

[5paul5]

Avoid the one on Autotrader, its the later underpowered car
Just noticed its a Eunos so maybe not.

Edited by 5paul5 on Sunday 16th December 13:39

[MG CHRIS]

5paul5 said:

Avoid the one on Autotrader, its the later underpowered car

Wrong it an eunos so the 115bhp 1.6.

[5paul5]

MG CHRIS said:

5paul5 said:

Avoid the one on Autotrader, its the later underpowered car

Wrong it an eunos so the 115bhp 1.6.

Quite right.

[Drek]

Cheers chaps, I'll obviously have a poke around first before I hand over any pennies but are they reasonably priced, is that what you would expect for MX5s of that age and type? (Notwithstanding any horrors that may be lurking underneath).

[MG CHRIS]

Drek said:

Cheers chaps, I'll obviously have a poke around first before I hand over any pennies but are they reasonably priced, is that what you would expect for MX5s of that age and type? (Notwithstanding any horrors that may be lurking underneath).

About the right price for them mine was £400 but did need work for the mot welding included but i can weld so doesn't cost me anything to do so for a mot car it's around what i would pay/ sell mine at.

[Drek]

Understood. Black has just emailed me and dropped the price which now makes it even more tempting. Might go and have a skeg..

[TomV8]

I like the look of the black one (alloys aside) from pics alone

You'll find loads of info in the buyers guide and threads here, but it's not a bad idea to budget a few hundred quid to spend almost straight away - new tyres, full geo, rust treatment + underseal as well as a good service.

Good luck!

[CaptainSlow]

Any news?

[Drek]

Change of plan, going to do it after Christmas as it was just logistically too difficult with us going away. Pity, quite liked the black one, would liked to have had a closer look.

[Drek]

Right, back in the hunt again. We've decided we want a Merlot but predictably they're a bit thin on the ground at around the £1k mark. Found one on AT and although the phots aren't great, you can still see a hideous amount of rust in the sills, particularly on the driver's side:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

Another one, this time for £2k:

http://cars.trovit.co.uk/index.php/cod.frame/url.h...

Don't know why the last one is priced as it is or is that a fair wedge? I thought it might be nearer £1200. Appreciate these things are never going to be 100% rust free but as near as dammit would be good!