Hi
I have noticed a few high mileage NDs for sale… whats the worst points of buying a high mileage one? If they have FSH and clean MOTs?
Cheers
Not many if it’s been looked after.
As with all generations then condition is key and with the oldest ND’s coming up to 10 years old then the usual checks underneath for rust should feature.
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What sort of mileages are we talking about? As Ian says, underside condition would be the biggest potential issue I’d look at.
If it’s at a dealer or independent, having it up on ramps for a proper look round helps massively.
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It would be around the 60-80k mark
Perfect thank you for the reply 
Then you’re into the usual ND checks that you’d do regardless of mileage:
Check for any gearbox whine
Hood rubbing issues on the leading edge (correct gap maintained when the roof is lowered)
Window operation - listen for any noises up & down (window regulators)
During the test drive make sure there are no knocks, especially from the rear (spherical bushings)
Check the infotainment display is clear and uniform, as the panels tend to delaminate at the edges
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I wouldn’t expect the mileage is much of an issue if it has been serviced regularly. Carry out the usual checks for any used vehicle and look out for rust etc as Ian & Wardy mention.
Perhaps an ND2 might be worth considering, depending on budget of course, as I certainly needed the adjustable steering column which you don’t get on the ND1. Wireless Apple CarPlay was an added bonus but I have seen videos where this can be retro fitted without too much fuss if you are handy with a screwdriver.
Happy days
The MX5 is pretty much like any other car in that bits of it are designed to do well over 100k miles, other bits wear out and some bits dissolve if not looked after. I wouldn’t have any qualms about buying an ND with 80k on it if it’s got a good history, isn’t too crusty underneath and has either had the regulators and bushes mentioned done, or the price reflects the work you’ll want to do.
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I had a near on hour long test drive of a ‘15 @ 70k I couldn’t find anything wrong with it other than it wasn’t as visceral as my NC1. And that is what I admitted to the owner that had accompanied me. It was a lovely car but it just didn’t ‘ light my fire’.
If I hadn’t turned up in my NC1 after a 70 mile drive it would have been more likely to have been bought. The contrast was the thing that made the case. Even the notchy five speed is charming when the six speed is too smooth and just like every other car.
It was just£6500 so if I had had the room I would have bought it
It was an excellent car and sold within the next week.
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Usual checks as per any used car, plus a few ND eccentric ones, such as rear knocking sounds, windows go up and down with no issue, gearbox seems fine. Underneath seems at least ok for a car of the age/mileage you’re looking at, with no real MOT issues.
Obvious, but see/keep an eye on for sales on here. Reasonable to assume an enthusiast’s car is going to be a better bet.