I'm about to become A true PH'er

[Stuck In A Lift]

I'm off to view a MK2 MX5 today with the intention to buy, should everything be right.

Any last minute tips on what to look for would be helpful, although I have done my research.

Even the sun is shining

[Monty Zoomer]

Stuck In A Lift said:

Any last minute tips on what to look for would be helpful

A TVR

[Richair]

Like doogz says, it's all about rust! They all rust, but some more than others and you will need to get low down and dirty to find the worst of it, so take a torch and a blanket and if possible get it in the air.

Everything else is pretty standard when buying a car; mechanically they're very well built so any issues normally point to neglect. Check its had a cam belt and don't be too put off by rattlly tappets from cold; this points to either dirty oil or to not having been driven 'properly'

[Liokault]

Just rust, anything else is an easy fix.

[MGZRod]

I miss my MK2, but the rust... Brings back painful memories.

[Stuck In A Lift]

Cheers all.

I will be on the lookout for rust now, I will report back later.

It's not the first car I've looked at, so I'm not breaking the golden rule of car buying if I do buy it.

[Papa Hotel]

Check the testicles are in the glovebox to replace yours.

[YorkshirePudding]

Rust in the front chassis legs has become a problem for the Mk2/2.5 MX5 and can't really be seen without removing the front undertray.

[shoehorn]

Papa Hotel said:

Check the testicles are in the glovebox to replace yours.

[The Moose]

Have a good feel around the areas behind where the seat belts are mounted for dampness. There is a drain hole either side and if this gets blocked, if can get rather damp in there and cause rust lower down. Easy fix with a wire cost hanger with the hook cut off and straightened out (yes, I got odd looks doing that from the neighbours )

[Leptons]

Just don't look in any shop windows when you have the roof down on the way home. Or ever in fact.
It led to mine being immediately put back up for sale again.

[Globs]

Monty Zoomer said:

Stuck In A Lift said:

Any last minute tips on what to look for would be helpful

A TVR

This. MX5s are dreadfully dull uninspiring cars that bore me to tears.
At least buy something with more than 4 cylinders or some saving grace.

[The Moose]

Leptons said:

Just don't look in any shop windows when you have the roof down on the way home. Or ever in fact.
It led to mine being immediately put back up for sale again.

Fortunately, I don't care what I look like (lucky if you've ever met me!!)

[Liquid Knight]

Sorry to be a true Pistonhead you need pop up lights.

[speedtwelve]

Have a look at the Mk1 also. No worse than the Mk2 for rust, and I found them to be a tad more raw and direct compared to the Mk2. Lighter as well.

They're cheap and fun for what they are. I had as much fun on trackdays in my Mk1 1.6 S-Spec as I've had in my TVR.

[DonkeyApple]

Stuck In A Lift said:

I'm off to view a MK2 MX5 today with the intention to buy, should everything be right.

Any last minute tips on what to look for would be helpful, although I have done my research.

Even the sun is shining

Sorry, I thought you were about to start a goatee, had joined a gym and I was about to congratulate you for the promotion to the Board.

[eltax91]

Did you buy it?

[CraigyMc]

OP said:

I'm about to become A true PH'er

VBRJ?

[deltashad]

Liquid Knight said:

Sorry to be a true Pistonhead you need pop up lights.

Or maybe a totally different choice of car....

[Kinky]

Stuck In A Lift said:

Any last minute tips on what to look for

A mk1 Eunos 1.8 or a TiV.