So I’m still on the search for my first MX-5, and have looked at a few now, but not found “the one” yet.
There are a lot out there, and some look really good, but then you check the MOT history…
I’m looking at NCs, mostly 2.0l, and one has caught my eye. The MOT history is good up to last year, when the dreaded corrosion advisories appear:
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))
If there have been no corrosion advisories more than a year ago, is it reasonable to assume that any rust will be relatively easy to treat (and then underseal) at reasonable cost, or is there a chance that it will be too far gone? Obviously best bet is to inspect it, but my experience so far is that it’s pretty difficult to see much crawling around on the floor (i.e. without access to a lift).
You seem pretty much on the ball really, and indeed have mostly addressed your own questions.
Rust…is the “how long is that piece of string” situation.
One man’s crusty botty is a fixable challenge, another’s “walk off”.
Whatever, it’s your hard earned wedge, so if possible get it over a pit or ramp.
If the vendor says no, walk off.
I recently dismantled an MoT failure and then refurbed a broken '07 and I was amazed at the reduction in strength of the components.
The seatbelt anchorage is an easy flat (ish) plate fix just needs a good experienced welder.
The suspension component mentioned is probable the body to subframe strut as its hollow and will be all rust. Third picture
However, if that strut is rusted out the subframe is likely 75% of the way with it.
If you have the capability to approach this level of refurb the benefit is you can, with the rear sub out, see and repair and then protect the chassis and body behind the rear sub as you reassemble.
All this work can be done on the floor by the way just need two good jacks.
This sub was 3 weeks work during lockdown, five layers:- rust inhibitor, primer coats, heavy black and stone chip later… and all new bushes. The bush replacement was as much trouble as the rust, pig of a job!
