I’m considering getting my first MX5. It’s a mk2.5 for £2,500 with <50k miles full service history few month MOT left.
The only issue with it is the following advisory’s on the MOT-
Nearside Front Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security inner arch area (6.2.2 (d) (i))
and
Offside Front Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security inner arch area (6.2.2 (d) (i))
It’s had these as advisory’s in the most recent MOT last year, and an MOT in 2018, but none in-between,maybe a cheap repair job?
Anyway, I was hoping someone might have some advice on the matter, like potential repair costs before she fails an MOT on rust, or if I should just steer clear of it.
Having been in the position of stripping and scrapping a MoT failed Mk3 I would state that what you can see is not all the problem. There is a guarantee the rear subframe has flaky pastry hidden behind it.
The price for a car in this condition is a grave concern £600 for a ‘few months MoT’ is highly risky £2500 is outrageous.
If you want to buy it demand and I mean request nicely a fresh MoT before you part with money otherwise £600 is what a rusty non tested car is worth, which is likely what you will have in ‘a few months’.
At least that way you get 12 months before it finally fails due to the rust.
Walk off at around Mach 2.5.
Now.
Been there…done it…tip of rot box iceberg.
It will empty your wallet and give you more grief quicker than a certain Ms Price.
Front chassis rails would be £700+ I would think.
Alot will depend on what your budget is but you might find a different car in better condition for similar money if you keep searching.
Ask the seller for some photo’s or even better have a look at the area yourself. In my experience all MX5 NA, NB, NC and quite a few ND have rust - mostly rear subframe, rear wheel arch to sill junction and behind rear seatbelt mount area where the hood drain pipes leak and rust the floor out. Not seen many go on the front though unless water has been leaking through the trim screws bottom of front windscreen for a while, in which case it could be really bad inside the door post - basically scrap.
The fact it was picked up on the 2018 MOT, missed for a couple of years and then on latest may indicate a fussy MOT tester those years who likes to note everything as an advisory. They are getting more checks by the ministry now so they have to cover their backs.
As an example on costs - welding falls into two classes - MOT standard and restoration standard. For the typical rear arch to sill area on an MX5 could pay £250 - £400 per side and the repair will be a patch over the top of the hole thats continuously welded (spot welds not acceptable). It will be very visible underneath, but will pass an MOT for at least a couple of years but is really a bodge. 90% of MX5’s seem to be repaired this way.
Restoration standard involves cutting out all of the affected metal, creating repair sections to mimic the original panels and continuously ■■■■ welding all joins, dressing and painting. It will be unnoticeable to anyone a repair has been made after and could cost £800 - £1300 per side, but would add value to the vehicle for several plus years.
In both cases the car would need the interior removed from above the repair area which you could maybe do your self.
But until you get a picture of the rusted area, it is really hard to advise. If its a small area affected and the rest of the car is in amazing condition it might be worth it. It might be the MOT chap was really picky and it’s nothing to worry about.
On the other hand it could be indicative of much more rust when they start to chase it back. So get some photos and stick them on here
BTW I have to rusty NC launch editions I will not finish if anyone is looking for a project or two!
I had an NA (same structure) welded at both sills in 2009. The rust was back within 2 years although the job was at the top end for pricing. Walk away from this car.
I have just bought a 2.5 that has had the front chassis rails mentioned as advisory on previous tests, but not the most recent. I had budgeted £700 for a proper repair, but having had a very thorough look at them ( front bumper & engine undertray off ) they are pretty solid. You need a closer look, or budget for repairs in the future.
I would agree with that but the problem I found having recently had mine done was finding someone who was willing to do it. Mx5 restorer and a few others are quoting around £700 but are booked up for months in advance which is no good if you are sat with an MOT failed car on your drive. So in reality you may end up paying more than this.
I had a quote from this place, and they didn’t mention being booked up ( though I didn’t ask ) . They were £600 or £700, and seem to know their stuff :
Pay £1500 for her and invest into correct repairs in and out with treatments,at the correct prices at the correct places, which will give you a good MX.
M-m
I’ve Just Skimmed Through All the Advice & Guidance Members and Visitors Have Posted
In My Humble Opinion…They All Speak True Based on Their Experience of the MX5…Life the Universe and Everything !
So…It Boils Down to Your Personal Choice
Q: Ask Yourself ‘Why the MX5’ as Opposed To…???’
So I’d Just Sold My House to Move in With Late Dad as Full Time Carer [To Prevent Him Going Into a Home]
Had Aged Cocker Spaniel with Heart Condition & 14 Yr Old Renault Clio to PX
Went to Buy Sensible Vehicle for Dad and Cocker [2007]
But on Entering Carcraft Leeds…Saw My Girl
Did Precusory Look at the Sensible Vehicles…And The Rest is History !
Felt SO GUILTY !
But Aged Cocker Coped Fine and Dad Loved It…Roof Up Roof Down…Inspite of His Disabilities
The MX5 is a Commitment…Especially the More Mature Ones
But She’s Never Let Me Down. She’s Been to Wales & Scotland and Me and a Different Cocker Lived Out of Her for a Couple of Months Whilst Travelling…You’d Be Surprised What U Can Pack into a NB especially with the Roof Down !
I’m still going to get an MX5, just hoping to find one without an immediate history of rust, maybe one that’s been welded already, or garaged all it’s life. One’ll crop up on ebay/ autotrader that I like the look of soon enough I’m sure. Already seen a few more up in the last day or so around Nottingham where I am.
