Buying an MX5 Mark 3
Discussion
After someone ran into the back of my well-loved Mark 1 a few weeks ago, I now have to find a replacement - I've located a Mark 3 nearby - 2008 (58 reg). 42,000 miles.
Is there anything I should be wary about when buying a Mark 3? The faults thread for the Mark 3 suggested it has few problems but I wanted to check.
There is a big service at 60,000 miles I think...so a little while away.
This mark 3 I'm guessing is 5 years old? I'm not sure what the '58 reg' means exactly? Does anyone know?
Any advice greatly received.
Lizzy Whizzy
Is there anything I should be wary about when buying a Mark 3? The faults thread for the Mark 3 suggested it has few problems but I wanted to check.
There is a big service at 60,000 miles I think...so a little while away.
This mark 3 I'm guessing is 5 years old? I'm not sure what the '58 reg' means exactly? Does anyone know?
Any advice greatly received.
Lizzy Whizzy
'58 is just one of the two registrations for 2008, it's either 08 (early) or 58 (late).
For that year you have a choice of 1.8, 2.0, or 2.0 Sport.
The Sport has 6-speed gearbox, Bilstein suspension, and heated leather seats over the other models.
If you're looking for a special edition, you can find details of them all here:
Special Editions
Check for rust on the underside of the car as they have very little protection there, if It was buying any MX-5 this is the first thing I would address.
For that year you have a choice of 1.8, 2.0, or 2.0 Sport.
The Sport has 6-speed gearbox, Bilstein suspension, and heated leather seats over the other models.
If you're looking for a special edition, you can find details of them all here:
Special Editions
Check for rust on the underside of the car as they have very little protection there, if It was buying any MX-5 this is the first thing I would address.
Mk3's wear out drop links quite quickly.
As above, look out for rust (and get the car protected soon!). When my mate bought his car at 5 years old with only 14,000 miles on the clock it had rust on the metal upright separating the main door window and quarter one. Where the indicators sit on the wing was bubbling too.
Oh and fit 30mm lowering springs to have it sitting how it was meant to in the first place.
As above, look out for rust (and get the car protected soon!). When my mate bought his car at 5 years old with only 14,000 miles on the clock it had rust on the metal upright separating the main door window and quarter one. Where the indicators sit on the wing was bubbling too.
Oh and fit 30mm lowering springs to have it sitting how it was meant to in the first place.
I've just had the 62,500 mile service done on my Mk3 and it cost £350. I've had it for three and half years and done about 35,000 miles in it without problems. It does have a touch of rust on the window frame between the driver's window and the quarter light but nothing very obvious. The only problem I've had is the door lock mechanism becoming warn and causing the central looking to be a bit mental. I will need to get that changed soon at a cost of £250.
Otherwise, a brilliant car, very comfortable, easily capable of taking me 500 miles in a day without being too tiring.
Otherwise, a brilliant car, very comfortable, easily capable of taking me 500 miles in a day without being too tiring.
Ossiantoad said:
I've just had the 62,500 mile service done on my Mk3 and it cost £350. I've had it for three and half years and done about 35,000 miles in it without problems. It does have a touch of rust on the window frame between the driver's window and the quarter light but nothing very obvious. The only problem I've had is the door lock mechanism becoming warn and causing the central looking to be a bit mental. I will need to get that changed soon at a cost of £250.
Otherwise, a brilliant car, very comfortable, easily capable of taking me 500 miles in a day without being too tiring.
Thank you ossiantoad! I now know what to look for. Otherwise, a brilliant car, very comfortable, easily capable of taking me 500 miles in a day without being too tiring.
Does anyone have experience of AGlaze protection for bodywork surface and for interior fabric? This has been offered to me and I wondered if it was worth it. I'd also like to know the name of the rust protection for underneath the car if anyone knows it please?
Lizzywhizzy :-)
lizzywhizzy said:
Thank you ossiantoad! I now know what to look for.
Does anyone have experience of AGlaze protection for bodywork surface and for interior fabric? This has been offered to me and I wondered if it was worth it. I'd also like to know the name of the rust protection for underneath the car if anyone knows it please?
Lizzywhizzy :-)
Skip the Ablaze as its really only a way for the dealer to add margin to a deal. You'd be far wiser to get a good valeter to do a winter protection detail.Does anyone have experience of AGlaze protection for bodywork surface and for interior fabric? This has been offered to me and I wondered if it was worth it. I'd also like to know the name of the rust protection for underneath the car if anyone knows it please?
Lizzywhizzy :-)
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