Will I Need A Garage?

General Discussion Forums MX-5 Chat
2

Hello.

I’m currently playing with the idea of getting myself and MX5, and am trying to weigh up a few pros and cons before I start the search in earnest.

We already have 2 cars, and I don’t have a garage.  With the MX5 being a soft top, I have a few concerns regarding storage.  If/when I get one, it will probably only be used and taxed during the summer months, in winter it will just be sitting at the back of the driveway.

I was wondering how the car would cope with this.

Thanks

Ian

3

It will cope fine.  What we have had a lot of this winter is condensation in the cabin due to the extra low temps, leading to mold growing on the underside of hoods.  Cheap dehumidifiers appear to be the answer to that. Or a regular start up and airing.  It will help if you can keep it plugged into a battery conditioner to stop that going flat.  But a 5 is a weather resistant as any other car…  go for it…

4

Mine has been outside for at least the last ten years of it’s 18 year life, and it’s fine.

My other car is an Elise, at that lives outside too. No problems.

5

Thanks chaps.  Encouraging so far.  What about some sort of car cover, would that help?

Ian

6

Personally I would want my car outside exposed to the rain and the wind to dry it out again, rather than sweating under a cover.  But there are different sorts of cover, but not sure what you really gain.

7

It’s a car and it’s meant to be used outside. Even “one owner always garaged and dry use only” cars will have spent some part of their lives in the distributors compound which will most likely be next to a sea port.   

8

 

I used a half cover when it was snowing. Mine’s just a cheap one from Halfords. Did the job {#emotions_dlg.thumb}

9

My concern was triggered given the recent winter, when potentially the car could stand for 12 hours with 5 inches of snow on it, that would eventually thaw and then possibly seep into the car.  Seems that you are all pretty confident in the MX5’s ability to keep the weather out.  I’m just used to hearing stories about old MGB Roadsters filling with water!!

Again, thanks for the input.  I’m a step closer to starting the search Smile

Ian

10

Go for it, and you will probably find that you want to drive the MX-5 all year anyway Big Smile

You could  get a hardtop for it, though obviously more expensive than a cover.


 

11

 I bought a half cover (covers the hood, screen & mirrors), this helps to keep the hood dry and protects it from frost, snow and constant rain. I got it from Clasic Additions (£45), its a perfect fit and easy to put on & take off.