About To Go Check Out An Mx5 For My Girlfriend.

[Munkyb0y]

At 3pm i'm going to have a look at a '93 1.8i 5sp soft-top MX5 that my gf wants to buy. I'll be leaving a deposit on it if it all looks good, and possibly pick it up tonight.

Has anyone got any tips on problems or common faults with these models?

Anything in particular to look for ?

This one has 148k on the clock, nice 17" mags, and i've offered 9k over the phone (hopefully bring it down a touch more).

Edited September 21, 2006 by Munkyb0y

[Jdfnq]

I used to have a 93 but it was a 1.6... i thought that the 1.8 didn't come out til a few years later

things to look for are basically the same as on any car, just pay attention to the roof (old plastic windows tend to tear or be almost non-see thru) anchors. sometimes they are wrecked and you are basically up for a replacement roof...

Other than that they are a great car (a little underpowered) awsome on the twisty bits...

Have a really small boot though....

Good luck

[ctjet]

one tip is...

dont ever let me catch YOU driving it

[Munkyb0y]

Jdfnq, the 1.8i came out in Nov '93. Will check soft top/anchors thoroughly. It's a girl's car, doesnt need power

Thanks for the tip. Do you think 148k is a bit high for those little blender motors?

ctjet, as if i'm gonna drive it, paleeeeeez.

any more tips?

[Jdfnq]

Jdfnq, the 1.8i came out in Nov '93. Will check soft top/anchors thoroughly. It's a girl's car, doesnt need power

Thanks for the tip. Do you think 148k is a bit high for those little blender motors?

ctjet, as if i'm gonna drive it, paleeeeeez.

any more tips?

nah the motors are pretty bullet proof.... the 1.6 is anyway, the 1.8 is a heavier motor and therefore the handling is not quite as good as the 1.6...

oh and the 1.6 is quicker (don't ask me why or how, just is)

but if your not driving it i wouldn't stress

148k,s is pretty good.... most of thenm at that age have over 200 on em

[Munkyb0y]

yeah i heard that about the 1.6, they reckon it was a better model.

still i'm finding it hard to even find an mx5 for under 10k, besides a few ragged '90 models.

i've been told this one is in perfect condition (yet to be seen), serviced regularly etc.

so for 9k, i think it's a bargain if all checks out ok.

[eMsta]

The 1st series is supposed to be the most fun to drive. I have driven the 98 model and that has more power and is a smoother engine. Id probably check the top to see any tears and what not. Check the bolts to see nothing has been removed before (they leave marks if they ahve been removed). Do the usual oil check, water etc. Test for black smoke - rev it to around 3500 or 4 - and keep it there, then hit the gas and let go real quick - that will show if any black smoke is coming out.

Lastly, mechanical inspection - since this is not a turbo normal mechanical inspection should be ok i think....

[Jdfnq]

yeah one in really good condition (93) should set you back about $12K or $13K

$9K is a bargain......

handling is x rated

[Munkyb0y]

Test for black smoke - rev it to around 3500 or 4 - and keep it there, then hit the gas and let go real quick - that will show if any black smoke is coming out.

3500 - 4000rpm ???

that seems pretty high to be revving in neutral. are u sure emsta?

[GTRgeoff]

Awesome handling on these. My dream is to get a cheap one imported for race and whack a soarer V8 in the front end. ctjet wouldn't ever catch me

Ignore everyone else and just enjoy a brief nip out for fun.

But the roofs are the only problem i know of.

How sweet is the new folding lid MX-5???

[GTRgeoff]

Oh yeah, agree with Emsta. I'm doing the head on one right now for a mate off a 1.8 MX-5. You can safely go to redline in neutral. Also look for blue smoke on backoff.

[Munkyb0y]

ok, so blue or black smoke, walk away ?

[ctjet]

My dream is to get a cheap one imported for race and whack a soarer V8 in the front end. ctjet wouldn't ever catch me

weight distribution 70/30 might be a problem in the MX with the mighty V8 tho... and munkeh if you see blue or black smoke come out of any car you should walk away

[Munkyb0y]

and munkeh if you see blue or black smoke come out of any car you should walk away

yes ma'am.

[ctjet]

[Beer Baron]

I think I can save you a lot of hassle. A friend of mine has one that he imported and has been used as a second car to his two skylines. It's in awesome condition with nice rims, good paint work and he replaced the soft top since he's had it. from memory it comes with a hard top too which is pretty cool. The best part is he is a mechanic and a very good one. He owns Grey Imports in annandale. The car has not been advertised yet, but i know he is keen to sell as he offered it to me. I would definately give him a ring. 9519 5150. I would have bought it to use as a second car (well 3rd car) but my GF cannot drive manual. price is very reasonable too.

[Jade]

I think I can save you a lot of hassle. A friend of mine has one that he imported and has been used as a second car to his two skylines. It's in awesome condition with nice rims, good paint work and he replaced the soft top since he's had it. from memory it comes with a hard top too which is pretty cool. The best part is he is a mechanic and a very good one. He owns Grey Imports in annandale. The car has not been advertised yet, but i know he is keen to sell as he offered it to me. I would definately give him a ring. 9519 5150. I would have bought it to use as a second car (well 3rd car) but my GF cannot drive manual. price is very reasonable too.

LOL Richard, you are so quick. I just finished sending a pm letting him know about this car also.

Cheers

Jo

[Munkyb0y]

I think I can save you a lot of hassle. A friend of mine has one that he imported and has been used as a second car to his two skylines. It's in awesome condition with nice rims, good paint work and he replaced the soft top since he's had it. from memory it comes with a hard top too which is pretty cool. The best part is he is a mechanic and a very good one. He owns Grey Imports in annandale. The car has not been advertised yet, but i know he is keen to sell as he offered it to me. I would definately give him a ring. 9519 5150. I would have bought it to use as a second car (well 3rd car) but my GF cannot drive manual. price is very reasonable too.

what year? how much? i'm about to go see this one now, but will keep in mind. thanks

EDIT: nevermind, have details in PM. cheers.

Edited September 21, 2006 by Munkyb0y

[eMsta]

3500 - 4000rpm ???

that seems pretty high to be revving in neutral. are u sure emsta?

I did that with all the r33's to test for black smoke - they all were fine . And I also have done that with my 82 civic - which sadly I must say gives out a lot of black smoke

edit - yeah if there is any blue or black smoke - say that there is another car you want to check out as well and that you will let the guy know - then just run like hell....

Edited September 21, 2006 by emsta2003

[Beer Baron]

LOL Richard, you are so quick. I just finished sending a pm letting him know about this car also.

Cheers

Jo

lol, you have to be quick to beat me Jo!