Are there any NB MX-5s that don't have rusty sills?

[Tim.C]

Hi folks. In the past I've run both a Mk1 and Mk2.5 MX-5s and am very much a fan. However, my GF decided that she wanted one and as such I've looked at 10 over the last couple of days. All of them are going to need work on the sills if not now then soon. I've also spoken to people selling two others and asked for an assessment before travelling - rusty sills.

We've been looking at cars priced between £3k and £4k. Are there any cars with solid sills out there at this price point?

[Mazdamender]

They are out there,but if you find one thats a low miler,and the roadster otherwise is spot on, knock it off the asking price and get her sorted,most with the rusty sills are down to the owners not rodding out the drainage holes/tubes so once put right and you make sure they are clear you should never have a problem,my Mk 1 i mported myself some 11 years back and she is spot on, no rust, she is never garaged and is driven in all weathers, My Mk 2 as been here 6 years and she was also imported be me and she sports no rust either,and she is also never garaged and driven in all weathers.
You'll find one,if you get one and get it repaired, get it done by someone the world of Mx/roadsters all know and trust like Carl at CBS Autos in Nelson,to name one.
M-m

[rovermorris999]

They are but you need lots of patience. I've not long been through the same process with a similar budget. I eventually found this:
http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6...
Miles from where I lived but luckily a mate lived within walking distance. He had a look and I did the deal sight unseen. It was as described, totally rust-free and believe me, I've looked hard.
So perserverence is the game, be prepared to travel and look for the most recently imported car you can find. Mine had been in the country two years, been garaged since and used as a fair weather weekend car with the occasional excursion on track.
The other option is to buy one at half the price with rusty sills and arches and spend the difference on getting a proper job done.

[Tim.C]

A quick update - a 5hr round-trip today has yielded a 10AE with just 35k on the clock. Yes, ONE of the sills needs replacing (the other is almost immaculate) but I have to say that it's the about the best '5 I've driven. The Bilsteins seem to do an outstanding job. So, need to find someone close-ish to Bristol to do the work now.

[Riknos]

NA's generally have less rust than NBs due to cost cutting. They are out there you've just gotta be patient and look at more examples than you would a more common car. The first two NBs I viewed were rust free, just a shame they didn't drive as nice as the NA

[DJC]

I just sold my '99 NB, a 10AE, 32k and no rust at all. It did go for £4600 mind.