Good morning everyone. I currently have a GR86 and the finance is coming to an end in the summer. I’m sick of having a monthly payment so am looking to pick up an NC2 or NC3 in the coming weeks. I have around £10k positive equity in the ‘86 so this would be my budget.
In an ideal world I would like to pick one up with under 50k miles, PRHT roof, 6 speed manual, as rust free as possible, and a decent service history.
Budget for the car is £6 -7k which can be stretched for the right one. Reserving some money back for remedial work and putting right any MOT advisories etc. At some point I’ll likely also end up taking it to BBR or Performance Link for some fettling and a bit more poke.
What are the things I need to be looking out for? Corrosion mentioned on MOTs is of course top of my list (these things seem to eat coil springs?) but anything else? One thing I have noticed is that the PRHT ones seem to go really scabby around the rear number plate lights. Is this easily fixed, or not worth worrying about?
Thanks in advance.
9-10k should get you a very nice NC2-3. Rust is the main issue with these, so I’d take a lot of pictures of the underside to ensure it’s solid, specially the sills near the rear arches. Just make sure you go for a 2.0 Sport Tech or a special edition so you get all the upgrades.
I’d also recommend buying on condition above anything else.
I bought mine last year from https://www.pitlaneperformance.co.uk/ , they have good stock and specialize in mx5s.
Pitlane has been an open tab on my laptop for some time now, haha. Only issue is that I’m in South Wales, so committing to going to see a car of theirs is an all day affair.
This one has caught my eye: Used 2009 Mazda MX-5 I Sport Tech For Sale in Kent (U917) | Pitlane Performance
NC2, low-ish miles, decent service history (I assume) and MOT history is good too.
Lovely color, overall it looks good. 8 services for that mileage is not bad, I assume it was done every two years?
I’d ask them for the details of the service history and for pictures of the underside. Sam is a nice guy, I’m sure he’ll be able to provide that.
Have you driven one yet? I’m curious to hear how it compares to the GR86.
Have enquired about this one now.
Not driven one yet unfortunately, have sat in one though! Closest NC I can find for sale from a dealer close to me is in Bristol, so went to see it. However it was 1) being sold by someone who either had no interest in selling cars or did not think I was a serious buyer and 2) Was located at a dealership surrounded by the worst roadworks I’ve seen, so test driving would not have been useful in that situation, I think.
No worriers
Check out this guy: MAZDA MX5’s FOR SALE – Prestige Vehicle Consultants
I just bought the black RF from there. He only deals in the nicest stuff. You can tell it’s a real passion of his.
He has a few very nice NC’s.
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Someone beat me to this one. Never got a response to my query but probably because it was in the process of being reserved.
The search goes on…
I’m also looking for an NC and I’m going to view NC1 on Tuesday. Super low mileage and rust free, but I’ve been looking all over the place. I don’t know whereabouts you are, but there’s a specialist MX-5 dealer in Basingstoke, that might have something worth looking at: https://www.mortimercars.co.uk
Good luck with your search!
Hadn’t come across this place in my searches, appreciate the link! Hope your viewing goes well.
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I believe the kind of car you might be looking for comes up on the classifieds tab on the blue bar at the top of this page. GLWYP 
Hello, more than happy to provide you with the right car, we’ve had an exceptionally busy few months with 28 MX-5’s leaving us last month alone!
We do have several cars that fit your criteria.. hopefully one will be of interest. We are very particular about the cars we stock and always ensure they leave us requiring nothing!
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I bought mine from Pitlane performance and Sam was super helpful, videos of underside and arranged under sealing . Really grateful as I am in Shetland and sourcing a good example is very expensive exercise on the mainland. You naturally pay a bit of a premium but I do recommend the guy. For me rust was a primary concern as I will have a go at most mechanics but can’t weld or repair metal.
Have a good look underneath, up under the rear bumper is a classic rust spot and sills at rear arches, I’m sure many on here will give more comprehensive areas to check.
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Didn’t notice this when I posted, pleased to say mine is still going strong. Keep up the good work
Also 3.75 is nice as you get a few extra rpm
Thanks, and another vote of confidence for Pitlane. Need to make a pilgrimage I think…