Hi all. My 2002 MX5 1.8 Mk2.5 (85k miles) has just failed its MOT on a whole bunch of stuff. Listed below, not including the advisories. I’m getting a quote on the welding, but not sure if the other problems such as emissions are easily resolved.
It still runs well, but probably only worth 2.5k with an MOT. So I guess the question is: should I just give up this one?
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Do not drive until repaired (dangerous defects):
Brake pipe connection leaking on a hydraulic braking system front to rear leaking at connector (1.1.11 (b) (ii))
Repair immediately (major defects):
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis corroded & holed (5.3.6 (a) (i))
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis corroded & holed (5.3.6 (a) (i))
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced rear of sill corroded 30cm from mounting (7.1.1 (a) (i))
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced rear of sill corroded 30cm from mounting (7.1.1 (a) (i))
Nearside Rear Fuel tank leaking damp & stained (6.1.3 (b) (i))
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))
cars are a money pit. someone may look at it as simple economics and for someone the car may have sentimental value that money cant buy. Its pretty simple really. Only you have the answer to your question…
So ask yourself. Do you like the car, would you replace it with another mx5 or do you rather fix that one?
Personally I’d look for an NC (or ND if you can stretch a bit)
When I gave my NC to mx5 restorer I had their Arizona NB for a week. The ride quality and comfort of my NC could not be compared to the NB.
Ummmhhh, I’m reading front chassis rails need plating which is an expensive repair.
Very common requirement on these now, either has been done or needs doing.
Is this a job you could do yourself? If not, that alone will likely cost around £1000.
Welding in all areas mentioned will cost possibly more or as much as you guesstimate the car is worth. You may need paint too if repairs are needed on the rear sills/arches.
Not to mention maybe a new fuel tank, is that a rear subframe removal too to get at it?
Sorry it seems a bit depressing, get quotes and do the maths, is it really worth it?
There’s also the case of ‘Better the devil you know’ compared to a replacement.
Which may well be something you’ll be doing yourself as some MOT repair places will only spray on some zinc primer and leave the rest to you (as in the case of my MX-5).
How long have you had the car ? How in love with it are you ? Maybe factor in that the MK2 facelift is now becoming a lot rarer as plenty have now been taken off the road with similar corrosion issues to yours. So some in top condition are now going for a lot more than your £2.5k suggestion. You might find a better one for sensible money, but its getting harder. You might consider keeping what you’ve got and investing in it.
I decided to throw the money at my Madge rather than buy another and face the same problems later. My decision was made partly because at 63 I do not envisage wanting or getting another car, obviously I have a 2.5 NBFL thing, and I doubt I will be driving it much beyond 80. If you think you might want another car in a couple years you might not come to the same decision.
I would look for another one and sell yours for ‘spares or repair’.
I guess that once you start removing the wheel arch liners and undertrays, you will find a lot more work than you expected.
As mentioned already, its all down to how much you want to keep the MX and when fixed and all the costs are in, will you be happy with it or wish you’d looked for another one…
