MX-5 - how much rust is acceptable?
Discussion
I went to look at a 1.8 Arizona today and the car seemed great bar for a few things that I'd like your advice on.
Firstly, having done some reading both here and at mx5 OC websites, I knew that sill rust could be a problem, however, how much is acceptable? I saw a 2002 car and the amount of rust on the sills was quite alarming for a car of that age, and the story is true on most mx5s I have seen in supermarket car parks etc when I had a crafty look.
Secondly, the car I looked at seemed to have a hood that was in good condition, passed the water bottle test etc... but the underside of the hood was covered in what looked like condensation when I got in the car. Is this a normal thing to see on a cool by dry day.
Lastly, I was originally looking for a SV-T/ Sport model, but the prices of these seem to be on the high side of absurd for the amount of metal you get, so when I realised the Arizona also had the all important Torsen LSD, I started looking at these. However, how does the 5 speed box compare to the 6 speeder in the SV-T. The on paper performance figures and fuel economy seem the same for both
Thanks.
Firstly, having done some reading both here and at mx5 OC websites, I knew that sill rust could be a problem, however, how much is acceptable? I saw a 2002 car and the amount of rust on the sills was quite alarming for a car of that age, and the story is true on most mx5s I have seen in supermarket car parks etc when I had a crafty look.
Secondly, the car I looked at seemed to have a hood that was in good condition, passed the water bottle test etc... but the underside of the hood was covered in what looked like condensation when I got in the car. Is this a normal thing to see on a cool by dry day.
Lastly, I was originally looking for a SV-T/ Sport model, but the prices of these seem to be on the high side of absurd for the amount of metal you get, so when I realised the Arizona also had the all important Torsen LSD, I started looking at these. However, how does the 5 speed box compare to the 6 speeder in the SV-T. The on paper performance figures and fuel economy seem the same for both
Thanks.
Baffled Spoon said:
I went to look at a 1.8 Arizona today and the car seemed great bar for a few things that I'd like your advice on.
Firstly, having done some reading both here and at mx5 OC websites, I knew that sill rust could be a problem, however, how much is acceptable? I saw a 2002 car and the amount of rust on the sills was quite alarming for a car of that age, and the story is true on most mx5s I have seen in supermarket car parks etc when I had a crafty look.
Secondly, the car I looked at seemed to have a hood that was in good condition, passed the water bottle test etc... but the underside of the hood was covered in what looked like condensation when I got in the car. Is this a normal thing to see on a cool by dry day.
Lastly, I was originally looking for a SV-T/ Sport model, but the prices of these seem to be on the high side of absurd for the amount of metal you get, so when I realised the Arizona also had the all important Torsen LSD, I started looking at these. However, how does the 5 speed box compare to the 6 speeder in the SV-T. The on paper performance figures and fuel economy seem the same for both
Thanks.
I looked at several 2002/2003 cars before buying mine, most had visible rust on the sills. The one I bought didn't have any rust on the sills, but has got some rust underneath and in the engine bay. I think it's pretty much inevitable there will be some rust on every car you look at, it's just a case of holding out for the best possible one.Firstly, having done some reading both here and at mx5 OC websites, I knew that sill rust could be a problem, however, how much is acceptable? I saw a 2002 car and the amount of rust on the sills was quite alarming for a car of that age, and the story is true on most mx5s I have seen in supermarket car parks etc when I had a crafty look.
Secondly, the car I looked at seemed to have a hood that was in good condition, passed the water bottle test etc... but the underside of the hood was covered in what looked like condensation when I got in the car. Is this a normal thing to see on a cool by dry day.
Lastly, I was originally looking for a SV-T/ Sport model, but the prices of these seem to be on the high side of absurd for the amount of metal you get, so when I realised the Arizona also had the all important Torsen LSD, I started looking at these. However, how does the 5 speed box compare to the 6 speeder in the SV-T. The on paper performance figures and fuel economy seem the same for both
Thanks.
A lot of people rate the 5 speed box above the 6 speed box - I only test drove one Sport, and the change didn't feel as good as on the 5 speed, but that could easily have been a old gearbox oil. Think the 6 speed box has closer ratios so isn't any better on economy, but I imagine it must be a bit better for performance as all the engine performance is at the top end of the rev range.
Worth bearing in mind the Sport models also have Bilstein suspension, which I don't think the Arizona has. Definately try and test-drive both to decide which you prefer.
phil_cardiff said:
Such is my crazed logic today that if I bought a 5 again I'd buy the rustiest one I could for as cheap as possible price and then spend the money getting new sills and arches done.
At least I'd know it was perfect then!
Thats an interesting approach and with the money you'd save from going to find the 'perfect' 5 you'd probably have enough to do the sills etc...At least I'd know it was perfect then!
patmahe said:
phil_cardiff said:
Such is my crazed logic today that if I bought a 5 again I'd buy the rustiest one I could for as cheap as possible price and then spend the money getting new sills and arches done.
At least I'd know it was perfect then!
Thats an interesting approach and with the money you'd save from going to find the 'perfect' 5 you'd probably have enough to do the sills etc...At least I'd know it was perfect then!
Have the arches and sills cut and welded and maybe a whole respray. £2k tops?
So for £4k you've got a minter, pretty much.
Good shout on looking at auctions. I'll keep an eye out. Do the Bilstein dampers really transform the car? For what its worth the 5 speed box felt great but being in the city and with other cars being around I couldln't get a proper test of the Arizona so no idea on the suspension...
Also is it normal to have condensation on the inside of the hood or is that indicative of a leak?
Also is it normal to have condensation on the inside of the hood or is that indicative of a leak?
Baffled Spoon said:
Good shout on looking at auctions. I'll keep an eye out. Do the Bilstein dampers really transform the car? For what its worth the 5 speed box felt great but being in the city and with other cars being around I couldln't get a proper test of the Arizona so no idea on the suspension...
Also is it normal to have condensation on the inside of the hood or is that indicative of a leak?
I only test drove one car on Bilstein dampers, it was definately a lot firmer over bumps in the road than the standard suspension, and as mine's a daily driver I decided it wasn't what I was looking for. There are people on here who have owned both types so they can probably give a better opinion.Also is it normal to have condensation on the inside of the hood or is that indicative of a leak?
Can't say I've noticed condensation on the inside of the hood of mine, did have problems with ice on the inside of the screen with mine, and there's definately no leaks with mine, so could be normal. You sure it's condensation not mould? Can get mould if the hood's been put down lots when not dry.
Baffled Spoon said:
Also is it normal to have condensation on the inside of the hood or is that indicative of a leak?
I had this yesterday on mine - recently it has been taking ages to demist, so I assume there is either moisture getting in somewhere, or the air that's inside is moister somehow (i'm not entirely sure how misting works). Then yesterday the inside of the hood and all the bars were covered in tiny droplets, which dried off on the way to work with use of the heater, but had returned as ice when I left at 9pm.Another convertible owner at work said it might mean knackered seals, but i'm not sure if he was just guessing. I'd like to sort it if I can - scraping both sides of the windows is a pain in the arse!
You need to dry your car out properly.
Even a good hood is not really sealed in the same way a conventional car is.
Every few months I dry mine out.
Remove the rear deck carpet - under here may well be damp.
Blowers on to full cold, fresh air.
240v Electrical heater on back shelf, windows cracked open a touch. Leave to bake for a while
I will not be held responsible for anyone setting fire to their car.
drys the interior out a treat though, all the hidden moisture etc. No steamy windows on a cold morning.
Even a good hood is not really sealed in the same way a conventional car is.
Every few months I dry mine out.
Remove the rear deck carpet - under here may well be damp.
Blowers on to full cold, fresh air.
240v Electrical heater on back shelf, windows cracked open a touch. Leave to bake for a while
I will not be held responsible for anyone setting fire to their car.
drys the interior out a treat though, all the hidden moisture etc. No steamy windows on a cold morning.
Munter said:
Dift said:
I bought an immaculate low mileage mk2 1.8is in November for £2500.
I've just got it back today after putting in a new engine (knackered oil control rings).
So just shy of 4k for me too.
Oh and I love it
Not blue is it?I've just got it back today after putting in a new engine (knackered oil control rings).
So just shy of 4k for me too.
Oh and I love it
I assume there is a blue knackered mk2 1.8s out there?
Munter said:
Dift said:
I assume there is a blue knackered mk2 1.8s out there?
A few years ago now. (5 or 6) but yes there was. I would have been surprised if it was still doing the rounds but the problem sounded awfully familiar!Best of luck with the new engine.
it feels much quicker.I'll be spending the summer treating the inside of the sills
RDE said:
Baffled Spoon said:
Also is it normal to have condensation on the inside of the hood or is that indicative of a leak?
I had this yesterday on mine - recently it has been taking ages to demist, so I assume there is either moisture getting in somewhere, or the air that's inside is moister somehow (i'm not entirely sure how misting works). Then yesterday the inside of the hood and all the bars were covered in tiny droplets, which dried off on the way to work with use of the heater, but had returned as ice when I left at 9pm.Another convertible owner at work said it might mean knackered seals, but i'm not sure if he was just guessing. I'd like to sort it if I can - scraping both sides of the windows is a pain in the arse!
I think I may still be leaning more towards a Arizona though as they appear better value and I prefer the way the car looks on the 15 inch Enkei alloys. Can any owners of 5 and 6 speed cars tell me what their rpm is at 70mph on the motorway in top gear?
phil_cardiff said:
Aout 3250rpm at 70mph in 5th. I think.
Thanks Phil. That's not too bad I suppose. More than my current car, but then again my car before this one was running almost 4000rpm at 70 Apologies for all the questions, but what kind of mpg can you expect on a 70mph motorway trip? The fuel economy wiki says 35mpg. Is that right?
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