Buying an MX5

[Colin Francis]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3085113a30,00.html


Spotcheck: Mazda MX-5 and Eunos Roadster
03 November 2004
By DAVE MOORE

It created a whole new market for rag tops when introduced in 1989 and it lives
on today as a thoroughly enjoyable drive, with a totally undeserved reputation
for being a "hairdresser's car".

They're cheaper in New Zealand than just about anywhere and there's always a
huge choice. However, be quick, as the MX5 market is showing signs of firming +IBM-
they're not as cheap as they once were.

Power units: They're all strong and reliable and don't ignore the early 1.6s.
They may not be quite as quick as the later more powerful 1.8s, but they're
sweeter and smoother. Based on the durable 323's units, the engines are tough
and can take plenty of punishment with little effect. The toothed rubber timing
belts need replacing every 100,000km +IBM- a longer interval than many other cars +IBM-
and maintenance is simple and cheap to do. So if there's evidence that it hasn't
been done, like fuming, noisy rattles and dirty, streaky oil, find a better
example.

Transmission: The MX5/Eunos's gearbox should be rifle-bolt quick, if it isn't
and there's a sniff of any untoward baulking and stiffness, walk away. MX5s
aren't supposed to be like that.

Chassis: Early New Zealand-new cars lacked power-assisted steering, although
most Eunos and MX5 models built after the 1993 introduction of the 1.8-litre
engine did have it. In everyday driving, the wheel should be the source of
direct communication with the road surface and its feel is delightful: there
shouldn't be any "wooliness" or excessive play. It's the same at the rear, but
don't think if there's a slight sogginess that's it's terminal, it could be
something as simple as underinflated tyres, and a used MX5 can be transformed by
simply fitting new shocks and tyres and ensuring the correct inflation levels.

Without exception those in the know rate the MX5 has one of the world's best-
driving cars, with a level of balance, poise, and sheer adjustability that
no-one without rear drive experience can possibly understand.

Outside: Mazda MX5s and Eunos Roadsters are identical save for their badgework
and the former cars' better undersealing.

The MX5/Eunos nose cone was plastic, so make sure it properly matches the body,
if it doesn't, this might indicate crash repairs. The earlier models' pop-up
lamps should work, check that they do, and that they don't shake out of
alignment on bumps +IBM- that could indicate crash damage too. The body should be
clean and blemish free, without a spot of rust. If there is any, walk. The hood
should be snug and its mechanism quick and easy to operate. The plastic rear
screens of early models suffered from cracking and yellowing, as owners seldom
followed the special unzipping procedure after the first flush of ownership, and
the resultant creasing and scratching severely compromised the rearward view.

Damaged welded plastic panes were often replaced with sewn-in items. They do the
job but can tear if inexpertly repaired when the necessarily taut hood is
re-erected +IBM- run the garden hose over it and check for leaks.

Inside: The cabin is better in dark Astrakhan cloth as leather can crack and
crease in our UV light with constant rain soakings. Make sure all warning lights
and dials work, as well as the radio/ stereo.

Overall: With resale prices honed- down hugely as the result of used imports, it
is quite possible to spend well under $10,000 on a Eunos Roadster or MX5 and get
a strong, reliable car with little to be done to it, and a lot of fun to be had.
The MX5's unique battery size and shape and its location in the rather tiny boot
make it a potential headache, as a conventional item won't serve as a
replacement. Best check that the battery on your potential buy has plenty of
spark left.

You pay: We found a 1998 1.8 six- speed for $18,000 with 66,000km, but noted
1995 to 1998 models for $13,000 and a low mileage 1991 for $9000 as well. Best
of all was a 1993 1.6 power-steer model with 88,000km for $9,500.


Colin Francis