hi guys I’m looking to buy my first mx5 however I dont really have much of an idea about which I should buy / not buy. I was wondering if anyone from the Swansea / South Wales region could help me out? I. Looking at spending max 2k a little over at a push but will try and haggle ideally lower miles and no rust. idealy I want a summer car that can give me some joy plus we are looking to take a trip to South of France / italy in summer. Would like a few extras if possible like power steering and all the extras I can get free r my £££.
I was about to purchase a 2000 1.8 mk2 icon with 67k but they sold it last minute before I got a chance to view.
I’m currently looking at a few online and wondered if you guys could help me out wither online or possibly come view with me? (Expensis payed of course)
i have foud a 1.8 mk2 with 32k on the clcom owner says no rust but mot for 2011-13 says rust on seat belt mouNt. Asking 2350 which is a good prise it seems? Howeve over 4 hour drive away up in west wales
also seen a mk2 s-tv sports 1.8 with 6. Gears and heated seats 77k on clock and looks nice in photos asking 2.3k
also a mk1 which looks amazing condtion obviously been worked on however been lowered and bigger wheels looking fpr 2k with 77 on clock
have seen even a few more on eBay also but so cionfussed atm due to so much choice
Hi and welcome to the club, do not buy a car unless you have someone with you that has decent knowledge about them, particularly mx5’s. They are a fantastic car to own and to drive but there are known problems with them which you will not be aware of, you could spend 2k on one which will be a rust bucket you need someone who knows these and their problems. Also you need to decide if you want a mk 1 or a mk2 / 2.5, they are quite different cars and everyone has their own opinion. I own both a mk 2.5 and also a mk 1 Eunos Roadster and the mk 1 is the best drive and most fun imho. Don’t get too excited or you will buy the first one you view which is not good, there are loads of enthusiasts in Wales who would gladly help you to find a nice example just to make sure you don’t buy a duffer, facebook is a good way of meeting local enthusiasts over your way. Drive a few not for a couple of miles for a couple of hours at least you will find one you like there are so many out there.
A bit too far away here in SE area to be of any assistance but would point out that the mechanicals on these great cars are bullet proof. Therefore you need to concentrate on the lower body work around the rear wheel arches and rear of the sills on the mk1 in particular, and on the mk2`s as well as that area the front chassis rails can be badly corroded due to the nature of the later construction Mazda put in place to strengthen the area. You can only really see the area properly if the lower plastic engine cover is removed
So don`t be put off by high mileage when your looking but do be put off by bubbling paint work on the areas mentioned.
Very good Luck with your search, there are some very good MX5s out there and even the bad ones are good if you dont pay too much for them.
We have a meeting in the Begelly Arms, Kilgetty this Wednesday evening, why don’t you come down and have a chat, it’s always easier talking face to face. I’m based in Swansea so I’ll be leaving about 5:15 although you don’t need to go that early if you want to arrive later.
If that’s not convenient we have a meeting at the Grove golf club in Porthcawl on the first Wednesday of the month. You’re more than welcome to call down, members generally start arriving from 6:30 onwards.
Hi and thank you for the warm welcome, sadly Dave I’m working till 8 pm Wednesday however I may be able to pop to the one next month. In terms of mk1/2/2.5 Iv driven a 2 but nerver a 1 however I love the look of some of the mk1 especially in whits with brown leather interior mmm.
Where re abouts in Swansea u from Dave? I’m gower area most the time, would you be willing to help me out If im not able to attend the meeting Wednesday ?
ideally lower miles and no rust. idealy I want a summer car that can give me some joy plus we are looking to take a trip to South of France / italy in summer. Would like a few extras if possible like power steering and all the extras I can get free r my £££.
however I may be able to pop to the one next month. In terms of mk1/2/2.5 Iv driven a 2 but nerver a 1 however I love the look of some of the mk1 especially in whits with brown leather interior mmm.