Hi everyone. I’m new to the site and have joined as I’m looking to buy my first MX5. I’m looking for any advice you might be able to offer.
So I’m looking for a Mk3 with a budget of £4500. I’d prefer the hardtop auto roof.
First question is what condition car can I expect to get for my budget?
Hope you can help.
Look very hard and you’ll get a facelift (09 onward) 2.0 litre. BUT look underneath and buy the one with little or no rust.
There’s lots of cars out there for your budget.
Good, bad and unfortunately ugly.
All cars for your budget will suffer unseen rust.
Be patient, be willing to travel and view as many as reasonably possible.
Check rear arches for rust, condition of subframes front and rear.
Check footwells for evidence of water especially the passenger side (ingress from windscreen scuttle grommets)
The water entering the cabin from this area tends to run straight through a fuse box assembly !
Pose the question on the forum regarding members possibly selling one they currently own.
Service history for oil changes would be a must on my list of must haves.
Check mot history online for a better insight of a vehicles life.
One more thing , have an open mind and be willing to apply some tlc to cars at this price range.
Welcome along and happy hunting.
Thanks
Thanks, great advice. I’ll keep looking.
Run through the car’s MOT history and ignore the ones mentioning rust. Patience is the key to getting the right car. When you see a car you like, post the details on this thread so members can give you their opinions.
There all going to mention rust in one degree or another at the mentioned price range.
It will depend on how severe or in some cases I’ve seen, how the tester describes the severity of the rust.
I viewed a couple that had been harshly described by testers.
I found this one which is close to my location http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504201527888?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios-app
The driver’s seat is a bit worn, no rust on the MOT history. Assuming original paint, that is one I would look at. Would be nice to see a picture of the engine bay and rear arches.
Looks cheap enough to just buy and enjoy, needs a little tlc.
Do not look too far into no advisories on the previous Mots and do your own inspection.
I was a bit concerned at the damaged front spoiler. Any idea what one might cost to replace?
It’s actually the front bumper and grill that’s damaged not the splitter.
The bumper could probably push back into a more respectable look with a little heat applied from a hair dryer.
Ask for closer pictures of where the bumper meets the front wings to check alignment as it’s obviously had a low speed contact.
I’m going to view this tomorrow
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505142378162?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios-app
Owner sounds very genuine and gave some good advice.
Car has a new hood, is under sealed, no rust evident at last mot.
What does fully factory undersealed mean?.. one of the MOT’s shows corrosion in a key area so be sure to check this out and make sure it has not just been covered with underseal. Any pics of underneath?
No pics of underneath. I’ll get under it when I visit tomorrow.
Something concerns me about this motor. The MOT records show ‘mileage unknown’ from 2016 to 2021.
Is this a red flag or is there some other way I can check it’s genuine?
Possibly Sorn ?
Not MoT’d during these years ?
Just a guess.
My NC MoT expired 2022 as she’s Sorn and under ‘restoration’ so to speak.
So I’m guessing when I MoT her , there will be no records for 23, 24 ?
Edit… How long have they owned it ?
Ask why missing milage / Sorn etc ?
Thanks. I’ll check with the seller but suspect like you it was sorn.
