Hi,
I have a lovely blue MX-5 1.8 Arctic which is now getting on a bit (2005) and so I am looking to buy a newer model. I know virtually nothing about these beautiful machines other than that they are the only make of car I have ever cared about, having owned two in succession in my life. #all other cars were just means of getting from ‘A’ to ‘B’!
Question: I have seen a 2014 lovely used model which is being marketed as a “25th anniversary” model and told it’s “special”. It looks to be a clean, efficient car in amazing condition with 55,000 mileage; I’ve had a brief test drive in it and I am wondering whether I should consider this a safe buy at just under £13k? Garages could tell me anything…and I would appreciate genuine experts and car lovers to point me in the right direction, please. Much appreciated.
Look underneath as well as up top. Rust affects all MX-5 models if not properly protected. Next my first look will be the paintwork especially around the front, look for stone chips, they show up well on this colour red.
Apart from that, that it drives straight, stops and steers ok much as you’d check any car.
Matching tyres tell a story, if they do maybe it’s had a caring owner, full service history etc all all plus points too.
I wouldn’t normally recommend an off-forum site, but by far the best UK group for the 25AE is this Facebook group.
I love my 25AE, but at the end of the day it’s just a bog standard NC3/Mk3.75, albeit in a very nice colour and with a few cosmetic tweaks (sills, mats, hand painted dash, rear diffuser). As such, do the same checks that you’d do on any MX-5.
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MOT check the car via gov.uk website
Shed some light on its past.
If it’s the one on autotrader (£12,490 and 52,904 miles) then it’s MOT looks clean albeit with the recent MOT saying:
Nearside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))
Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))
Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged in tread (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
Rear Inner Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
They main thing is rust, take videos and pictures of it underneath and check the MOT history.
Ultimately you are paying more because it’s limited edition, the same car in sport tech trim would likely be 2k less, and they are mechanically identical.
I love the look of the 25ae, but couldn’t justify paying 20-30% more for one.
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What is wrong with your current MX-5, as they last for years if serviced and any rust is dealt with ? If there is a long list of expensive things that need fixing ?
By all means treat yourself to a newer one, but do think about whether the newer model will actually bring you more pleasure.
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Thank you SO much for your rapid reply - I am truly appreciative of your wise words. I’m female (but trying not to be pathetic!!) and am not particularly mechanically minded, just a passionate MX-5 devotee! I’ll look out for all the points you raise; I know that rust is the main disadvantage of these smashing cars and will scrabble around underneath it as much as I can!!
Thanks again.
Hi, thank you so much for your reply - much appreciated. I will take your advice very much on board as I might be being blinded by the aforementioned lovely styling etc!!
Thanks again.
Thanks for your lovely reply. I’m loathe to let my current MX-5 go but my garage has advised I should get a newer model. I appreciate your caution though - wise words.
Hi, thanks for your reply. As far as I am aware, it’s not on Autotrader but it sounds very similar. I’ll check …
Appreciate your response and advice - many thanks.
Hmmm - pause for thought with your advice. I’ll probably have another think.
Thank you.
Would that be the same garage who has a newer model to sell to you, or did the customer agent give you some cogent reasons? If they are not an independent MX-5 independent specialist, go and vist one of those and have a chat with the owner to have a more even-handed conversation. My 2003 Sport is performing as well as ever at 40,000 miles. Apart from a small amount of rot at the rear of the sills I have never had to do anything that wasn’t in the service schedule, or that I wanted to do to improve it. The newer models have more intricate electronics which tend to generate error messages and sensor problems. As I’m knocking on a bit I think my car will do me to the point I can’t get out of it, but if I did ever feel the urge to buy another one I would go for the Mk 4/ND - much more interesting styling than the Mk3 NC, and all the benefits to fuel economy of CO2 emissions regulations… My car will do 34 mpg on a long run but averages 32. All the best for whatever you decide to do.
Thank you so much - it’s really heart warming to have received such a lot of useful help and advice from the MX-5 Community! I’ve actually gone ahead and bought the car I was seeking advice about (yesterday!), took all comments and pointers on board and tried to put them into action.
Long may we all have Happy Motoring!!
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Best car in the MX-5 range ND Hardtop too noisy and poor rear visibility Sure you will enjoy your car and do not forget to join the 25th anniversary owners club
Thank you so much for your kind reply - I feel really “looked after”! I’ll certainly look into joining your recommended owners club - although it’s hard to think of anything that could be better than THIS MX-5 owners club!!
the facebook group mentioned has a list of the 25th AE cars - they all have individual badges with the limited edition number on them. That fb gp is fantastic.