Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition
Discussion
The dangers of browsing Marketplace....
I noticed this for sale a few weeks ago, thought it looked nice, near to us, saved the ad as I do with many nice looking cars.
A couple of weeks later I looked at it again in more detail. Mrs P and I have occasionally talked about getting a small sports car for fun but never done anything about it, but then using my 'man reasoning' for yet another car I suggested we go and look at it, the selling point being it was a 25th Anniversary model and earlier this year we celebrated our 25th anniversary, so it would be 'a great appropriate present to buy ourselves'. She normally just rolls her eyes at my car suggestions but this time she agreed, so we arranged to go and see the car the next day, Friday.
Current owner was a very nice lady, she'd had it ten years as her 'pride and joy' and covered around 200 miles each year on dry summer days. 18k miles on the clock, immaculate condition.
Luckily it was a sunny day so we were able to take it for a quick drive with the roof down.
It drove well but did have the TC light on, although the owner said it goes out when the car has run for a while. The MoT expired the next day but she had it booked for a new one the following Tuesday. The MoT history was perfect, no fails. Underneath looked very clean as far as I could see.
We liked it and agreed to buy it subject to it passing the MoT.
Over the weekend I checked about the TC light on the PH MX-5 forum, nothing to really put me off there.
Checked values of other cars on Autotrader as I thought it might be a bit highly priced, but was reassured to see the prices of other 25th Anniversary Editions were around the same or higher. Did an HPI check as a precaution too.
Tuesday lunchtime I got a message to say 'the little Mazda is back from passing it's MoT, are you still interested?'. Well yes!
Mrs P left work early and we went to pick the car up late that afternoon. Documents signed, money transferred.
The lady was quite upset about seeing the car go and wouldn't watch us leave with it.
So here it is:
The car looks stunning, the colour especially in the sun is amazing and goes so well with the interior and dark wheels I think. The seats look like they have never been sat in. The radio/satnav is missing the knob but hopefully I can find a replacement. The tyres are decent Yokohamas with little wear but about 5 years old so I might look at replacing them soon.
Driving it feels like a brand new car. I've never owned a 2-seater or a convertible, so this is a whole new experience. And it is just absolutely brilliant fun to drive, handles like a go-kart but still surprisingly good ride quality.
I put a new battery in it as the old one looked like it was the original, the TC lights have stayed out now that's done. It's booked in tomorrow for an oil service and a check over as it hasn't been done for a while, but otherwise it's going to be a case of enjoying it whenever we can.
I noticed this for sale a few weeks ago, thought it looked nice, near to us, saved the ad as I do with many nice looking cars.
A couple of weeks later I looked at it again in more detail. Mrs P and I have occasionally talked about getting a small sports car for fun but never done anything about it, but then using my 'man reasoning' for yet another car I suggested we go and look at it, the selling point being it was a 25th Anniversary model and earlier this year we celebrated our 25th anniversary, so it would be 'a great appropriate present to buy ourselves'. She normally just rolls her eyes at my car suggestions but this time she agreed, so we arranged to go and see the car the next day, Friday.
Current owner was a very nice lady, she'd had it ten years as her 'pride and joy' and covered around 200 miles each year on dry summer days. 18k miles on the clock, immaculate condition.
Luckily it was a sunny day so we were able to take it for a quick drive with the roof down.
It drove well but did have the TC light on, although the owner said it goes out when the car has run for a while. The MoT expired the next day but she had it booked for a new one the following Tuesday. The MoT history was perfect, no fails. Underneath looked very clean as far as I could see.
We liked it and agreed to buy it subject to it passing the MoT.
Over the weekend I checked about the TC light on the PH MX-5 forum, nothing to really put me off there.
Checked values of other cars on Autotrader as I thought it might be a bit highly priced, but was reassured to see the prices of other 25th Anniversary Editions were around the same or higher. Did an HPI check as a precaution too.
Tuesday lunchtime I got a message to say 'the little Mazda is back from passing it's MoT, are you still interested?'. Well yes!
Mrs P left work early and we went to pick the car up late that afternoon. Documents signed, money transferred.
The lady was quite upset about seeing the car go and wouldn't watch us leave with it.
So here it is:
The car looks stunning, the colour especially in the sun is amazing and goes so well with the interior and dark wheels I think. The seats look like they have never been sat in. The radio/satnav is missing the knob but hopefully I can find a replacement. The tyres are decent Yokohamas with little wear but about 5 years old so I might look at replacing them soon.
Driving it feels like a brand new car. I've never owned a 2-seater or a convertible, so this is a whole new experience. And it is just absolutely brilliant fun to drive, handles like a go-kart but still surprisingly good ride quality.
I put a new battery in it as the old one looked like it was the original, the TC lights have stayed out now that's done. It's booked in tomorrow for an oil service and a check over as it hasn't been done for a while, but otherwise it's going to be a case of enjoying it whenever we can.
What a lovely looking car and a cracking find with low mileage and good condition underneath. Enjoy!!
I was toying with an NC, preferably the Sport edition, but the lovely looking low mileage one I went and looked at was indeed lovely on top, but gosh it was crusty everywhere underneath oh and a nice puddle in the boot too. Guess there are some good ones out there that have been looked after properly.
I was toying with an NC, preferably the Sport edition, but the lovely looking low mileage one I went and looked at was indeed lovely on top, but gosh it was crusty everywhere underneath oh and a nice puddle in the boot too. Guess there are some good ones out there that have been looked after properly.
nb1_ben said:
Excellent spec, congrats! Looks really clean, please do your future self a favour and look into rust proofing the car sooner rather than later 
Welcome to MX-5 ownership 
Thanks yes, I know of the reputation for frilly underneath on these cars, it s always been in the back of my mind and maybe the reason why I ve never bought one before. Welcome to MX-5 ownership The plan is to avoid using it on wet roads if at all possible, but i will be rustproofing the underneath in the near future in any case, probably Lanoguard as it seems to have a good reputation and looks easy to apply DIY.
Edited by stevep944 on Tuesday 8th September 20:52
Car serviced today, oil and filters and new fan belt.
No issues to report which is good.
Now for polishing
It s hard to see in the above pic but the flat surfaces have dried water spots that have been polished or sealed over.
They didn t come off with washing; I ve tried clay bar, T-cut and Autoglym Resin polish with no success, although the T-cut does slightly improve things.
Any ideas folks?
No issues to report which is good.
Now for polishing
It s hard to see in the above pic but the flat surfaces have dried water spots that have been polished or sealed over.
They didn t come off with washing; I ve tried clay bar, T-cut and Autoglym Resin polish with no success, although the T-cut does slightly improve things.
Any ideas folks?
Edited by stevep944 on Wednesday 9th September 18:36
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