MK2 with 190k, run away?

[Accelebrate]

I've spotted a MK2 MX-5 with an MOT until September, tax until April, recent hood and a few other nice bits for only £800 from a local trader. The shell looks sound, although I realise thats a massive amount of mileage and I don't imagine there's much in the way of service history (I assume it'd already be mentioned if there was any).

I'd run it as a third car, I don't expect anything other than a bit of fun out of it, if I could sell it on with minimal losses after 6 months I'd be happy. If it went pop I assume I could make most of my money back from selling the hood, wheels, leather interior and so on and then scrap the rest.

Recipe for disaster? Or worth a punt for a bit of weekend fun?

[iantek]

Could it be in km if its an import? I'm a glass half full person

[Accelebrate]

I don't think it's an import, the drivers seat bolster is heavily worn and the handbrake needs attention. Otherwise it looks quite solid.

[snotrag]

The killer is rust - particularly on a Mk2.

So if it IS solid then its a good buy for £800.

Also the Mk2 hood with glass window will sell to a Mk1 owner, the Cylidner head will sell easy, leather seats, wheels if there nice... so yes, I'd say go for it. You'll get £500 minimum back in parts if it fails an MOT in september.

But you'll probably fall in love with it and want it to pass... there good at making you do that

[GC8]

Mines done 160k and its tight and fresh.

[J.P.W.]

Miles or KMs, if it's in good nick, go for it. It doesn't have to last long for you to get your money's worth. They're robust little things so why shouldn't it keep soldiering on?

[MX-5 Lazza]

Even if the engine dies you can get a replacement for £200-£300. As long as its been looked after though, miles really isn't an issue.

[Nigel Worc's]

Modern day engineering/materials is very good.

You see lots of quality cars now with 200,000 miles, even more, mostly kraut or jap in my experience.

I remember the good old days, 20/50 oil, engine rebuild every 70,000 ish !

[madmover]

Picked up my MK2 (hpi clear) 90k on the clock with hard top, chrome roll bars, (admittedly it did come with some chavvy wolfrace alloys) up rated stereo and handsfree kit and 12 months mot 3 months tax. 1.8is with the LSD and few other extras, from a secondhand car dealer with 30 days warranty for £925 took it and had the alignment done, wasnt that far out but made a massive difference and done 18k since - didnt cost me a penny! (I should say the hard top needs a re spray but for the cash you cant complain!) Best bit was 8 miles from my house and i bought it within an hour of it being advertised... Even had a new alternator and £350 service 3 months prior...

With these id look for one thats rust free more importantly, sills are often expensive along with the arches etc.. Engines can be bought for peanuts as with any of the spare parts pretty much so make sure you buy on condition not milage...