Advice on buying Mazda MX5?

Empty_pockets

Thats what RAC insurance is for

rev_henry

My father is on his third - he's had one of each model, with other cars in between but its one of the only cars he's had more than one of. Never had a problem with them - sound cars. Be careful of Jap imports, iirc they can be ok but its a bit of a minefield.

Hammyman

JQ. wrote: »

Why?

The MX5 has a non interference engine.

And? Still doesn't mean you want to wait for it to go.

JQ.

Hammyman wrote: »

And? Still doesn't mean you want to wait for it to go.

Your post implied something bad would happen, as happens with most cars, with an MX5 it won't. No different to a gearbox or clutch failing or do you recommend replacing those at set intervals. Why spend £500 getting something replaced that doesn't need it, this is a moneysaving site after all.

JQ.

rev_henry wrote: »

Be careful of Jap imports, iirc they can be ok but its a bit of a minefield.

Not at all, the Jap cars are made in exactly the same factory and are generally of a higher specification that the UK cars so actually make a very good buy. The main reason people buy them is because they have not spent their lives on Britain's salt covered roads and so suffer far less rust issues than the UK cars. The only issue is that the mileage cannot be verified. However, as with buying any MX5 mileage is irrelevant as the car should be bought on condition.

The main reason some people steer clear is because insurance costs can be higher on the imports.

atnoble32

Make sure the rear sills are rust free, i will be paying out about £300 a side to repair. They rust from the inside out and is a common problem.

Mine is a 2003 reg (MK2.5)

highrisklowreturn

What's the insurance come out at for these?

rev_henry

highrisklowreturn wrote: »

What's the insurance come out at for these?

Pretty reasonable. I've had quotes about £800 and I'm 19. Tbh on paper they're not actually that quick - its the handling that does it.

marlot

I finally bought one as a fun car at Easter. I love it! I could have bought almost anything, but the MX-5 handling swung it for me - my final choice was between the mx-5 and honda s2000. The honda is beautifully made but insurance group 20 (old classifications) to the mx-5 group 13.

There were loads of special editions - some had some nice features. Some were ghastly.

Another useful group of owners: http://www.mx-5.com/Forum/

rodenal

I also looked at then when I bought the mr2, the Mazda holds its value better so for the money I would have been looking at a significantly older car. I prefer the handling of the mid engined car but the mx5 is a good choice too.

For 5k I think I would be buying a mk2 too, you'll get to pick one of the very best with the 6 speed box etc.

Must admit it deems odd anyone considered a s2000 along side the mazda, totally different class of car in terms of power but I can see your point r.e insurance! What did you end up with model-wise?