I’m in the process of buying a MK3 2007 Sport. Everything seems in good condition (Sills, boot, windscreen engine bay). Drives great. Low mileage, good MOT history.
Garage/seller has offered to do some additional preventive rust treatment.
I’m a bit worried about the rust in the middle underneath (fine on sills). Can anyone reassure me that these are expected levels/ non structural? Or please let me know if it’s the opposite!
There’s also some surface rust to the brake discs and door hinge which I think is less of an issue.
Appreciate any advice, new to the space as you can probably tell!
That doesn’t look too bad there but not the best, I’d be more concerned about the sub frames and sills. With the nc1 I’d also be concerned about its service history and if it burns any oil. Can happen quite often.
Depending on budget I have a very nice nc2 I’m selling
So it’s an old car that’s going to have rust and I don’t mean to be disrespectful by saying this. (My NC is old also ….06😂)
Unless cars of this age have been maintained to a high level you can expect rust in the areas you’ve shown , subframes, rear arms, rear arches (under liners) as the guys above have pointed out.
My advice would be to view as many cars within your budget as possible, dont be too shy about getting under the cars and taking pictures to study after you’ve left the vendors.
I’d be a bit concerned about the dealer offering rust treatment to seal the deal.
It’s a big job if done correctly…..is he willing to do that would be my question.
You need to look further back under the car also. Around the rear arch lip, the lower wheel arch where it meets the sill, under the lower portion of wheel arch liners in front of the rear wheel. The rear chassis legs where the exhaust hangers are and up there at the boot floor. All favourites for catching the rust.
I appreciate you can’t always get under the car to see these parts but it’ll give you idea to investigate further if you see an amount of rust just from that one picture.
Go to the MX-5 restorer website they are based in the South, MX-5 restoration specialists. On their website are blogs (YouTube videos) of the rust repairs they have carried out, it’s an eye-opener for some of the rusty repair done. All models quite a few NC’s get through there.
That’s most important, check MOT history online before even considering a purchase. Some MOT testers mention rust as an advisory, they even mention underseal as they think it covers some evils underneath. If it’s surface rust but solid it may not even get a mention.
