Looking for some advice, I’m looking to buy my first MX-5 and I thought I had found one, I was going to look at it tomorrow.
The pictures of the car look great, the service history is good and it’s the spec that I want and I think the price is ok at £4700. However the seller has given me the reg number and I think I’m put off by the MOT history. Am I right to avoid it or should I go and look anyway?
For reference it’s 2010 20th anniversary.
Subframe rust is a norm (as well as other chassis components) ,however it does depend on severity and how easy it would be to rectify….correctly.
Brake pipe renewal…. Ask seller to rectify to seal any form of deal ?
If it’s not too far away from you no harm in looking.
Take pics of underneath the car if possible and check the rear arch to sill location for rust.
Post taken pics for further advice on forum.
As above really, slight surface corrosion is pretty much standard on all cars, I agree that brake pipes should be asked to be replaced as a deal sealer, also the wheel being slightly distorted that probably says its a bent rim so id be bartering abit of money off to replace said wheel and tyre, if they refuse to do brake pipes to sweeten the deal but will drop the price close to 4k then it might be worth it, if not id be tempted to walk away.
Also of note that is not a current up to date mot certificate, does it have a current ticket or not?
If the answer is in the negative I’d definitely be walking away without a good chunk off the asking price or completely but that choice is your’s.
Ok thanks.
The latest MOT reports 3x of the wheels are slightly distorted, I will sleep on it but I think I will keep looking, probably enough red flags
That being the case, it sounds like it would be a can of worms, doesn’t sound like its been too well cared for if 3x wheels are bent, I’d be questioning what else is wrong or been overlooked maintenance wise.
My advice would be to look for a nicer example, you’ll save yourself money and headaches in the long run and actually enjoy the journey of owning an MX-5 rather than regret it.
Hope you find a better example soon.
What exactly are you after spec wise?
looking for mk3 1.8 or 2.0, with good service history and ideally without any mention of rust on the MOT.
Colour wise pretty open, budget max 5k I think that’s a good amount
That should be doable, hopefully you will find a nice low mileage well cared for mx.
Good luck
I would go on overall condition, as service history and a good maintenance record are more important than mileage alone, although it’s always possible to find a good low mileage one of course. Long periods of careful, diligent ownership would be ideal. There are loads out there, so you should be able to find a decent one. Good luck.
Thanks for your help, will keep looking
I would always be in doubt if the the sellers hides the reg number in an advert, you had to ask. That in itself flagged up past MOT concerns. Nothing like seeing the car in front of you, of course you need to ask questions first, which you have done, so make your mind up whether you take it further.
Personally it would put me off, I wouldn’t want to start off buying a car that needs work unless my mind is set and budget set on doing so. If that’s you too then move on.
Yeah I’ve been put off, it’s at dealer and in hindsight it’s probably over priced considering the stuff that needs doing.
I’m in South Yorkshire so if anyone sees anything of interest for sale let me know.
Right on your doorstep if you fancy a modded NC. Don’t worry about the seller being honest, he is, I’ve bought from him and many will vouch for him on here too. In Sheffield…..
Thank you for looking I think my preference would be a standard car
MickAP’s advice is spot on. I bought my 2014 Sport Tech Recaro in 2017 from Paul Roddison very similar modifications to the car Paul Roddison is offering, don’t be put off by the sensible modifications already done to the car they just enhance the car’s over all pleasure to drive.
Cheers
Keith
That’s a 2 year old MOT, what do the later ones say?
Any paperwork to show that the work has been done or has it been done by a different tester?
This is an example of not taking MOT history as gospel with regards vehicle condition. One tester thought that rust on the subframe was worth mentioning, and covered himself by saying that the brake pipes were covered in grease, preventing a proper inspection. Another tester didn’t feel the need to mention it. Or the advisories have been dealt with.
A proper inspection is the only sure fire way to know the actual condition of the car.
Yes lesson learnt, the search continues
This one looks interesting, in that it has a very good service history and is currently owned by the bosses daughter! Unfortunately, because it is advertised with a personal plate (doesn’t come with the car) you can’t see the MoT history. You’d need to contact the dealer to get the plate it will come with for that. However, on the face of it, it looks like a well cared for example and one to consider perhaps.
