Hi,
I apologise if this is the wrong sub-forum to post this in, I had a look around and this seemed to be the most appropriate.
I currently own a mk2 MX-5 which recently failed its MOT due to a coolant leak that started halfway through the test. The mechanic also advised that they think the engine is misfiring, the rear brake calipers are sticking and they think the car will struggle to pass the emissions test (only barely passed on the last MOT). On top of that the suspension components are rusty, but this was only an advisory.
I’ve left the car with the garage as they are going to see if they can locate the source of the coolant leak - I’ve already replaced the two radiator hoses which were leaking.
My intention was to sell the car regardless of the MOT results, however obviously it’s now lost quite a bit of value. I appreciate the above information is vague regarding the issues, but I’m assuming it’s not going to be worth spending the money to fix everything to get it through the MOT so I will be looking to sell it as spares/repair.
Roughly how much could I expect to sell this for, and would breaking/selling the parts separately be worthwhile or too much effort for not a lot extra?
Thank you in advance for any help
Hi and welcome to the forum.
If you post up your location, you may well find an enthusiastic owner who’s happy to give you an unbiased view on what’s gone wrong. Coolant leak is ultimately a simple and cheap fix - unless it’s a head gasket failure. Engine misfire could be something as simple as a new set of HT leads or plugs. All MX-5 calipers sieze sooner or later - recons are available pretty cheap. All of these a bit difficult to accurately diagnose via this forum - get some knowledgeable and sympathetic hands on your car.
The most important aspect is that there’s no failure - or advisory - on structural rust (you can basically ignore the suspension components rust advisory until the other issues are sorted). It’s structural rust that kills 5’s - while you’re apparently free from that, there’s still hope. ![]()
Steve
Also - check out your front chassis rails for corrosion before you do anything else. That’s the mk2 achilles’ heel - and it’s possible that the Mot tester may have missed. Unlikely, but possible. If they’re shot, then the argument for scrapping/breaking becomes stronger. Fixable, but at a lot more expense than the other issues.
I always think I’ve got away lightly on an MOT if something doesn’t need doing brake wise.
Coolant leak and misfire together sounds ominously like cylinder head gasket to me but I’m no expert.
Surface rust on suspension isn’t at all unusual and as an advisory is to be expected.
The major weakness on the NB is the chassis rails. Needs the cover removing underneath to check properly. If these have gone then with the other problems it is probably best to scrap / break the car.
I would get the garage to drop the cover and check the chassis rails while they have it there. If these are OK then the car will have a lot more value. Lots of NBs in lovely condition but with holes in the chassis that are difficult and expensive to fix. One with good chassis rails but engine and brake problems is an ideal project for an enthusiastic home mechanic.
Value almost impossible to figure out. It’s worth what someone will pay. An eBay auction is probably the best way to go. What will increase the value is having a fully described list of the faults on the car and a list of what is good.
There you go. Two people saying the same thing. Just that H1S VRB types quicker than me.
Just a word of caution. If you decide to scrap/break the car yourself to sell off “bits”, make sure that you don’t leave yourself with an immobile heap of rusting body shell etc. that nobody wants because you will undoubtedly have to pay someone to move it, and if they fly-tip and it’s traced back to you, well…
Your car sounds rather like long term lack of maintenance may have caught up with it.
As said above, value is affected by the rust situation.
There’s plenty of Short MOT/ MOT Expired/MOT Failed MX5’s come up on eBay.
An eBay search on sold/listing ended MX5’s will give you an idea of the few hundred pounds they’re worth.
It’s worth, well scrap value (do they pay you or do you have to pay them to shift scrap cars these days?) or it could be worth more if someone wants it for spares or repair.
So many ask the same questions but we know very little about the car (overall condition) and it’s location etc.
I’m not being blunt just honest.![]()
Thank you very much for all the replies, and apologies for not replying until now - I was waiting to hear back from the garage before posting anything else.
Unfortunately the garage has advised it is the head gasket, which looks to be too expensive for me to get fixed (I believe they quoted me £500) but I will definitely check the chassis rails before trying to sell it - if there is rust I’d like to be able to tell the buyer rather than trying to hide it. I live just outside of Southampton but I’m not sure I’ll be doing anything else to fix the car since the list of faults seems to be getting longer.
I’ve only owned the car for a year and haven’t really used it much, so it may not have been maintained well by previous owners or I may have just been unlucky. It’s a shame but I guess you can’t expect every car to be fault-free.
Breaking the car seems like it will be too much hassle, so I will probably go down the eBay auction route and see what happens.
Thanks again for all the help 
I’m in Soton. PM me if you want me to pop round for a second opinion/confirmation of your worst fears/shoulder to cry on.
Steve
Thank you, I’ll bear that in mind - the car is currently still at the garage so I think I’ll just list list the car on eBay with the faults they’ve mentioned and see where it goes. One of the mechanics offered £120 but hopefully I’ll get more from an auction