Does this sound an alright deal?

[Baked_bean]

Hey guys,
I'm going to look at an mx5 tomorrow. I've looked at a few buying guides but any other pearls of wisdom? Also does 1k sound good for a '90 mx5 with 90k on the clock and new battery, new tyres and brake bads? The paintwork needs abit of tlc apparently.
Thanks guys
ps sorry if this post is a mess, posted from my phone...

[The Tea Boy]

cant really add much, but there are alot of cars on the market and just buy on condition.

I bought my car for £900 with 80k on the clock, it needs some attention to paint but you would find it difficult to find a problem with the engine and thats what i personally am more bothered about!

Matt

[patmahe]

Just give it a good once over looking at all the obvious stuff as per the buying guides. If after doing this you find yourself in any doubt, walk away.

[DanGT]

Do a history check (cost from £5 to about £20) get a years MOT. And ask whey they spent all the money and are now getting shot of it? If it is new tyers check that the suspention rubers etc are good. Dose it drive ok.

[Baked_bean]

Cheers for the advice, apparently the reason for the sale is that they have got a great Dane and need something bigger to lug it about in. Ill try my best to be vigilant, im bit of a car buying beginner though.

[BertB]

Just to repeat what has been said, it is all about the condition.

Check for rusting, rear arches esp.
Check the clutch for wear, high gear at lowish speed and put your foot down.
Check the hood condition, any rips, window split.

Good luck, hope you find the one for you.

[mikey P 500]

i would check for the following in this order
rust (if the sills have been patch repaired i would look for another example)
then roof has this been replaced as the first one will be well past it by now.
then has it had a clutch if not will need one by 100k most likely.
then has it had its cambelt changed when it should have been
the above repairs could cost another £900 so check the above and if need be spend more to get a better example.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Remember though, this is a £1k car so it can be excused a few problems as long as there is nothing terminal and the cost of repairs isn't high. I'm afraid it'll be a case of buyer beware. You need to make a note of all the problems you can spot, guess the repair costs and then decide if it's still worth it.

Also remember, a car that doesn't appear to have a problem isn't as good as buying one where you know there is a problem and can repair it for the same cost because if you have it repaired you know that that particular part is no longer a problem. If you know what I mean

[NeoVR]

As above.. the main thing to look for is rust of the sills and rear arches and the softtop as these are the two most expensive things to put right.

new clutch is 250quid, cambelt around 150quid (although its a non-interference engine, so if it goes its not a big cost)
If your even slightly adventurous.. the MX5 is a doddle to work on yourself with basic tools!

[Baked_bean]

hey guys, cheers for all the advice. Went and had a look and its all pretty good, there is minor rust on the rear arch but none on the sills etc. The only thing I forgot to check was the clutch, I'm taking my stepdad up with me (hes a mechanic) over the next few days and if he gives it the ok i'll hand over the money. Also the guy said hes willing to part with it for £800
i'm excited at the prospect of mx5 ownership.

[Gizmo!]

Baked_bean said:

hey guys, cheers for all the advice. Went and had a look and its all pretty good, there is minor rust on the rear arch but none on the sills etc. The only thing I forgot to check was the clutch, I'm taking my stepdad up with me (hes a mechanic) over the next few days and if he gives it the ok i'll hand over the money. Also the guy said hes willing to part with it for £800
i'm excited at the prospect of mx5 ownership.

For £800 you really can't go too far wrong.

[The Tea Boy]

update????