I was looking for @ NC1 back in 2013 and did see some pretty tatty examples before I found the car for me.
4 years on & still more than happy with my 2006 2.0 ltr Option pack in Galaxy Grey … she’s a keeper for sure.
I ended up paying more than expected but knew the car was right & I’m sure saved money in the long term.
In hind sight a sport model with A/C & leather seats would have been nice but it’s the overall quality of the car that’s important.
Best of luck with your search
Thanks to all for their wisdom and advice. Had another couple of viewings again today and found one with only a bit of surface rust on the underside and one small blister on an arch. Yes, as someone guessed, I’m way up in Scotland and I have to expect that most cars I view will have some evidence of rust, unless I take to heading south. My Budget is flexible, but I wanted to spend as little as possible, but get value for money (Something about being a Scot!). Anyway the rest of the car checked out well - a very clean and tidy 2006, 2 litre roadster option pack, and a deposit was left. Looking forward to picking it up later this week.
The surface rust will be rubbed down, treated and a thick coat of underseal, together with some cavity spraying will be the first order of business.
Thanks again.
Tam
Here is how to do it
http://www.mazdamenders.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2094
Not a fan of underseal. Prefer to rub rusty metal down then treat with Aquasteel and check every year.
They are out there but you have to keep looking. I found my 2006 (soft top, heated leather and climate) last year and it is effectively rust free. Just the odd bit of light surface rust on some suspension components and nothing like some of the photos I’ve seen on this site of newer cars which are covered in surface rust underneath. It’s low mileage (40k) with service history and shows every sign of having been a garaged second car. I’ve blasted Waxoyl in the cavities and the whole underneath of the car when I’ve had it up on ramps, so hopefully it’s good for a while.
That said, I certainly get the impression these cars are not as rust resistant as most modern mainstream cars, including other Japanese manufacturers.
To be honest, I’d just walk if I saw a car with rust bubbling wheel arches - rust is always FAR worse than it looks on the surface.
JS
You may have seen my thread already but if not:
https://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/yaf_postst104719_An-afternoon-of-rust-treatment-on-my-MK3-2006.aspx
[quote=Galaxy Grey Man]
I was looking for @ NC1 back in 2013 and did see some pretty tatty examples before I found the car for me.
4 years on & still more than happy with my 2006 2.0 ltr Option pack in Galaxy Grey … she’s a keeper for sure.
I ended up paying more than expected but knew the car was right & I’m sure saved money in the long term.
In hind sight a sport model with A/C & leather seats would have been nice but it’s the overall quality of the car that’s important.
Best of luck with your search
i second this i too when looking was looking for all the bells and whistles , I ended up with my Nc 2006 1.8 in Galaxy grey it is a stunning car been well look after by previous first owner , I am going to look for a set of leather seats that will finish my beloved 5 off regards Richy
Happy to say my Mk3 Launch Edition is as rust free as a very rust free thing.
Very nice, always fancied one of those.
Thank you, DonT. She’s turned 50k Miles this year and is as clean underneath as on top.
Apparently, I’ve too much time on my hands/analy-retentive/sad/OCD etc etc…