Hi All,
I’m considering getting myself a fun weekend car (although it would be used at any time in the week) and want something which is reliable enough so a quick drive doesn’t result in 3 hours sitting at the roadside and also has low-ish running costs.
The NC seems to tick the boxes nicely, but I live about a mile from the coast and don’t have a garage. Is this a recipe for disaster? I don’t want to step outside one morning and there is just a large pile of rust flakes where the car was.
You may find one out there that has already had the rustproof treatment done.
Even if you can’t, then there’s always someone who will do it for you.
Buy one and enjoy it👍🏻
Personally I believe these cars a little gem’s that are best used in dry weather and kept in a dry garage. However if you are serious about buying one make sure you have a good look underneath for rust. The good ones are cherished by their owners and under sealed from an early age. There are many that look good from the top but rusting below. I have a cooper red 2009 NC which is solid underneath, but it has a few paint scuffs, the paint costs a fortune. I was quoted £700 just to paint the boot lid.
I recommend the external silvery coloured cover made by Masda for the MX5 NC as it fits like a glove ,tends to stay on when wind blows and not too expensive. Wash any salt off before putting it on. I also put a cheap (from Poundland etc) dehumidifying pack in mine as keeps damp / condensation at bay.
I live 70 metres from the sea and high up. We have the views and also the weather from SW storms. Been here 23 years. bi-annual wax and rubber preservative keeps the visible bits okay.
You need to get the underneath of the car treated every year or it will get rotted away.
One of my previous cars failed as the trailer bar fixings rotted!
Since then we wriggle under and slap on a tenners worth of Waxoil/ simular and no problems the last ten years.
All cars have been daily’s.
NA’s comment about cheap de-humidifying the car is a good ruse too
Definitely have a try to buy from a club member.
The eBay car, it’s had some hammer the first 3 years of its life, 75k mileage. Also it’s first MOT carries a few advisories, maybe so with that mileage.
I’d hold out for a car coming up for sale on this forum. Now we have winter looming you may see a few being ‘let go’ by their owners. If you can wait March/April is a time to watch out for one too as owners prepare to swap/upgrade or move on for the forthcoming spring/summer motoring.
As an example, I bought all of my cars eventually from this or another forums for sale sections. I sold them on too the same way, be patient.
Look if budget allows (my opinion/choice) for a 2 litre, post 2009 car possibly (if kept outside) with the PRHT (power retractable hard top) is much better in all weathers and more secure than a soft top. Full service history or a proven history (receipts) and do scrutinise the MOT history.
Happy hunting👍
Don’t be afraid to post up cars for sale, I’ll give an opinion (even if by PM) I’m MX-5 less ATM so may even be casually looking myself, not buying well maybe next year?
Hi
I live 10 mins walk from the coast, along with thousands of other car users, my MX is ok, undersealed, cleaned and waxed regular, It lives outside to, so crack on and buy one.
