Hi All,

I'm considering buying a mk1 MX-5 in the near future. What do you think of this car? Any links to learn more about it? Any weak points worth mentioning?

Basically I'm looking for a convertible that can be used as daily driver. It has to be reasonably appealing since it's for my other half to drive. I don't care if it's a roadster but the only reasonably appealing cars of that age seem to be. I can't spend more and get a newer convertible. I need the car to be relatively hassle free since we already have a Golf, an Escort and the Locost.

Is this a good idea or am I asking for trouble? How much mileage would be fine for buying and how much do you reckon is probably a bit too much for things to go right?

Cheers,

Alex

People consider them as hairdressers cars but that is not really fair. They are very reliable, galvanised body so no rust and fun to drive. Discs all around. IRS.but not that fast. MIlage prefferably under 100k though good for a lot more. Check for clutch judders and electric window mechanisms as the cables break.

I have one that i have just sold (well the guy is suposed to be sending a deposit but not seen it yet, however it was sent yesterday from Scotland!).

They are great cars, they handle well, quite nippy, quiet, comfy, very very reliable and great fun. I was only selling mine cos i want to build another car.

Try http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/ Great forum with loads of advice.

try http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/ to see what add ons you can buy, theres quite alot!

If my buyer falls through i'll sell you mine!!

[Edited on 14/7/05 by donut]

Had one of these - great car!
Here's my old one:
http://www.mx5roadsters.com/forums/vbgarage.php?do=view&id=149

Speak to the nice people on the forum at:
www.mx5roadsters.com with any questions.

Also, I strongly recommend Andrew Stott @ www.autolinkuk.co.uk to actually buy one from.

PM me if you have any other questions - spent a lot of time and money on mine so am relatively knowledgeable on the subject.

TC

nice spoiler TC

I've been driving an MGF as my daily car for the past 2 years. I'm part exchanging it tomorrow for a Corolla as I need more space

When I bought it I compared it with the MX5 and the MGF wins hands down. Mid engine and dual wishbone suspension all around makes for a great handling car although things get "interesting" in the wet

Chaps,

Thank you very much for your wise comments!

Good hints Steve, I'm not concerned about the hairdresser issue, I don't plan to use the driver side but the passenger only, my girlfriend has no experience with RWD cars but she's good at driving, I hope it works

Donut, I had just taken a look at your ad and was tempted to ask you if you still had it.. even though I'm in Spain and we use left hand drive! If your buyer fails please be sure to let me know, I may well decide to import yours if you are fine with that. It may be RHD but it will be better taken care after than most I could find here, which does count in a 10+ year old car.

Thank you Tim, your one looked really great with that body kit. May consider Andrew, thanks for the pointer, although surely the easy choice for me would be getting one here in Spain.

Andy, I'm not sure the MGF can be considered as an alternative buy. The mid engine configuration is unimportant since my girlfriend won't be pushing the limits of the car. The money I was thinking of for this car is in the region of what Donut is asking for, I don't think you can find a MGF for that? (I'd love to be wrong on this one so please correct me if I'm wrong!) Finally, spares for the MGF may become a problem in the future at least here, and also I've not heard very high of the reliability of the MGF (unlike the MX-5), although I'd love to be wrong on this one too..

Thank you!

Cheers,

Alex

[Edited on 14/7/05 by Alez]

Used an MGF daily for 2 years - must be a record.... ;^)
mk1 mx5 are great little cars, and cheap as chips now, good clean runners can be found under £2k.
other problems - HLA clatter on mk1s flush + decent oil to fix, crank pulley woodruff key wear on early 1.6s - more difficult/expensive to fix.
And an RV8 slots straight in.....
Bob C

Autolink UK are importers, so would probably be able to sort something.

Also worth keeping an eye out for LHD Miata's (American name) in the UK as they tend to be cheap.

Go for a 1992 (late '91 actually) onwards if at all possible to avoid the issue of the dreaded 'Short Nose Crank.' Don't ask unless you have to!! :s

Finally, not wishing to start a slagging match, but the MGF does not handle anywhere near as well as the '5! Trust me and 99% of motoring journos on this!

Getting spares for the MGF will not be a problem.

Reliability however, is an issue, They tend to either be lemons or be excellent. I've had 2. The first one kept going wrong (ECU) so I got rid and bought the one I have now. This has been perfect.

MGF

Ask irvined about reliabiltiy on a sub 2k car. He's had a couple of teething problems after buying one.

Thank you all!!

Why would someone in the UK want to import a Miata rather than buy a RHD MX-5? Maybe americans take their cars with them when they relocate? It's interesting to know they are cheap because here in Spain, Miatas are slightly more valued than MX-5s, obviously LHD is not an issue plus apparently they had slightly better spec (can't remember if it was a bit more bhp or extras or what).

Dreaded short nose crank? HLA clatter on mk1s flush + decent oil to fix, crank pulley woodruff key wear? Sometimes I wish my English was better, I understand no thing Anyway, I'm sure I can dig a bit in the forums and find some relevant threads on these!

Cheers,

Alex

[Edited on 14/7/05 by Alez]

Sorry - writing gibberish. HLAs are "hydraulic lash adjusters" or self adjusting tappets. These can get gummed up with old oil & stick making a worrying clattering sound on startup.
Later cars had solid tappets/lifters/cam-followers (whatever you call them!)
Crank pulley woodruff key problem IS the "short nosed crank" problem mentioned elsewhere, difficult fix.
Bob

Ah right, I now know what those lifters are! We call those "balancines" or "bits that swing" in a literal translation I think.

Thank you Bob, that's more than enough for a Google investigation on the short nosed crank feature too

Cheers,

Alex


[Edited on 14/7/05 by Alez]

Yeah, explanation of the problem found here:
http://miata.net/garage/crankshaft.html

Cheers,

Alex

quote:

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Originally posted by andyhardingPic of Andy Harding's car snipped

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Ah - the Mk1 MX-5 - great car.

Apart from my Clubbie, the only convertible I've ever owned and the only car I've owned that didn't leak!!!

Mk1 Mx5 is on the big list in my head for "some day".

Seeing as I'm a traditionalist, I would want one of the uk launch colours - blue or red or maybe white with faked elan bumpers in gold. I've seen it done before and it looked very cool indeed.
I would want it to be absolutely standard as well - especially the wheels. Those faked minilitesque wheels are fab.

Not sure what "clutch judders" is, how do I look for any, by pulling away gently?

There seems to be confusion as for telling which cars have a short nose crankshaft, the early ones are pre-127442 number, but it's not clear if this number is a VIN or an engine number?

Cheers,

Alex