Cheap Mk1 1600, what to look for?

[rovermorris999]

I'm looking at a cheap 1600 MK1 import on sunday. It's on a J plate, 150k miles, new cambelt last year, excellent body (supposedly), used daily and runs well, aircon not working, knackered driver's seat cover. All not too bad. But a very short mot and tax runs out soon too. I'm wondering why he doesn't just bung it through an mot first. He does have another toy now though so maybe that's why. Or not.
So what to look for? I'm thinking of using it just for track days at Cadwell so ultimate power and speed are not really important but I might run it on the road for a bit first to get it fettled. Does this year have a catalytic converter? Anything potentially show-stopping short of terminal rust which I'll hopefully spot?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: and yes, I have read the buyer's guide here. Just after any more advice.

Edited by rovermorris999 on Wednesday 15th September 13:57

[jameshayward]

I bought one in December last year with 260,000kms on the clock and it was a minter, was a little rough around the edges but the only issues I had were mechanical failings I had caused through abuse.

Oh and whatever you do NEVER lock your keys in the boot.

[youngsyr]

My main concern would be rust.

Pretty much anything up to and including sticking a replacement second hand engine in won't break the bank, but if the tin worm has taken hold it could be the end of the car. It's pure conjecture, but this might be why the current owner hasn't put it through an MOT.

If you've read the buyer's guide, you know where to look for it on the car and there's a sticky in this forum about how to prevent it once you've bought a car.

[rovermorris999]

It was imported in 2003 and is supposed to be very sound. But we'll see.

[MX-5 Lazza]

All MX5s have a catalyst but a J plate import doesn't need one for the MOT as long as it's been registered as a Eunos Roadster

[LukeBird]

If you're looking for a track car, my cousin is getting rid of his 1600 Mk1 soon.
I can put you in touch if you want? It has some pretty pricey mods prior to import and he has recently added a roll bar.

[covmutley]

rovermorris999 said:

It was imported in 2003 and is supposed to be very sound. But we'll see.

Mine was imported in 2002.Seemed rust free when I bought it 18 months but the sill needed welding a few months ago. They ar enearly 20 yrs old now. But mine only cost £50 to repair and if you are using it for track use would that suffice or do you want the body to be in tip top condition?

My j reg mariner blue eunos is up for sale on here (search cardiff)- not trying to advertise to you as I see you are far away, but perhaps something to consider in weighing up the potential purchase of the car you're due to see.