New member in West Kent -hopefully!

Area Discussion Kent
1

I’m looking to buy a NC3 Mk3 2013 plate with 63k on the clock (after inspecting several others) from an independent garage

I’m very conscious of the possible underbody and wheel arches rust issues

I’ve seen the full main dealer history records with regular visual inspections without any mention of rust and the new and all previous MOTs are similarly clear of any mention of rust .

There is no visible evidence of rust to the body ,arches or interior of the boot

I have however NOT seen the underside of the car nor inner wheel arches

Any views appreciated on whether the clear or rust main dealer services and MOTs can be sufficiently reassuring ??

2

Welcome to the Club! :waving_hand:t2:

Does the independent garage have a set of ramps in a service area? If so, get the car raised up as part of pre-sales and have a proper look round.

The lack of mention of rust thus far on MoTs is encouraging, but not a guarantee. So further inspection would be recommended.

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3

As Wardy has said, nothing better than getting your eyes on it yourself and having a good look and poke around

4

The critical(and expensive bit) is the rear sill which is near the seatbelt mount. You can’t examine it directly as plastic bodywork is in the way. If it’s bad you can put your fingers through the sill, but it can be quite bad but not obvious.
It’s tricky. Look for more general signs of a vehicle prone to rust or has been in an unhelpful environment. Any bubbling under the rear arches or heavy rusting around the boot where the number - plate lights reside are warning signs IMHO.

5

Thanks Beryl -very helpful insights

6

Thanks -they don’t have ramps seemingly but I’ll get down on hands and knees with a torch tomorrow and poke round

7

Hi All

Following up my earlier post I am now a (delighted) owner of a 2013 63k Mk3 Venture edition after my local garage and body repair shop both reckoned the underbody and sills were in fine condition for a 13 year old model with no more than surface corrosion

Planning to keep the car for a long period of years I am persuaded to the idea of keeping it as close to that condition as I can

I have been quoted £420 for cleaning , preparation then Waxoyling taking 3 days at the garage . I read on the Forum of great things about Dinitrol but it seems to come with a significantly higher price tag (over £1k).

Any views would be welcome from Member’s experience as to whether Waxoyling and prep at £420 is still a wise investment given that much lower cost ?

8

The devil is in the detail. It’s so easy to offer this service and take shortcuts. I’d go with a solid rep off here even if you have to travel.
Waxoil needs an annual top up. Some of the more recent offering may be more resilient but they are all soft so are subject to erosion.

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9

It’s early summer. Give yourself a few months to read up before throwing money at the car…. The huge difference between the same work but with different substances doesn’t ring true for example. It’s dry and sunny so no need to hurry.

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10

Thanks for the helpful insights both Members -I’m sure it will be a recurrent theme of ownership

11

These chaps use Dinitrol and Bilt hamber products and quote £800 for the service. Had mine done there and they have a good reputation.

Also the MX5OC kent group meet at The Brookers Oast, Paddock Wood every 4th Sunday of the month. Next meet is on the 22nd June, if you are interested come along we have lots of things like car shows etc planned throughout the year.

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12

Hi John

Thanks VM for the reply -Mx5 Restorers indeed seem well regarded -though booked up until late September !