Just wanted to say hello to everyone and start to get some advice. I am currently looked to buy an MX5 after owning a Honda S2000 for a few years I have become a bit frustrated with it and am looking for a more enjoyable alternative that I can run quite happily for a bit less cash and not be scared to get the spanners out and tinker with.
I see MX5’s literally everywhere and since everyone I’ve met and spoke to seems happy with the car I thought that there isn’t really any point looking at anything else, plus everyone always seems to have the hood down smiling which is the whole point of the roadster.
I’m going to spend a few days looking through the buying guides but if anyone has any pointers on what to specificcally check up on with a potential purchase from experience I would be grateful of the info. I would be looking for an early car for under the £1500 mark because it will only be a friday commuter and weekend toy to start off with. Would it also be ok if I attended a meet near to nottingham so I can meet a few owners to speak to them?
£1500 should get you a reasonable MK1, but you may need to be a bit patient for a good tidy 1.8 if that is what you want (the alternative being a perfectly good 1.6)
The biggest issue is likely to be rust around the sills, and the rear arches, in particular the former.
Mechanically there is not much to worry about beyond the usual - service history, condition of oil/filler cap, Cambelt etc.
Parts are generally reasonably cheap, and there is quite a healthy scene of specialists/breakers, so almost anything is usually obtainable quite quickly.
Generally speaking people are more than welcome to go along to a meet or two to get a bit of advice and see if the club is for them. You might find that there are knowledgeable people who would be happy enough to see any potential cars with you, and give them a once-over.
there are some brilliant prices about for eunos models. mine has only been in the uk for 7 yrs so has no rust yet & i have never had to take a spanner to it yet except for replacement items of my choosing. good hunting
