Hi all, looking to pickup an NC 2l model. Found one that failed an MOT for structural affecting corrosion on rear suspension mounting components and inner mounting component 6 years ago. It’s passed all subsequent MOT’s with no mention of corrosion. Then the most recent one has an advisory for heavily undersealed. No mention of it before the most recent test. My assumption is the corrosion was sorted and it’s been under sealed recently, or does this scream red flags? Seller says it was undersealed last year to protect it by the tprevious owner. New to all things MX-5 so any advice appreciated. Thanks.
Presume it’s a 2 litre, at first read I thought NC2. So what year NC is it. If NC1 then it could be 20 years old now. I’d proceed with much caution if it’s already had remedial work carried out for corrosion, the latest underseal job could be hiding lots of grot.
Walk away
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Alot of things will affect the response to your question. Primarily your budget and your intentions for the car.
For example if your budget allows for a 2.0l 3.5 onwards then that should immediately help you with a greater selection of rust free or at least well cared for vehicles, bearing in mind the early NCs are 20years old now.
From my own recent search earlier NCs had a much smaller pool of rust free mots, in my view its then about understanding which bits were flagged and what remedials were done and by whom. For example, was it a rusty coil on suspension which was ultimately changed when suspension upgraded or lowered. Was it a component that can be reasonably easily switched out for new components, was this done, who by is it well documented?. If its been rust treated and undersealed, who did the work, is their photographic evidence it was properly stripped down and treated before being sealed. Alternatively be prepared to wait for a rarer car with clear mots.
Finally what are your intentions for the car, is it a forever car for shows etc. Or is it for all weathers and commutes etc. Might change your priorities on condition etc. For example in my view going after a beautiful low mileage garage queen to then smash it up and down the m25 in salt and hail commuting everyday and dinging doors at the supermarket seems a quick way to lose all the premium you just paid in condition etc.
ultimately buy the best your budget allows. If you can afford to wait for the right car then be patient and most of all be prepared to travel for the right car
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Nice summary, Andy, and I think it will serve the question asked very well indeed 
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