what should i look for

Discussion about MX5s, Roadsters & Miatas, not directly fitting into one of the categories below. Please keep it on topic.

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mazda gal
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Hey.  They are NOT Training wheels.
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what should i look for

Post by mazda gal » Sun Jan 18, 2015 6:06 pm

Greetings,
I am looking to purchase my first mazda mx5 what would be the main things too look out for, still unsure what year I like any help would be appreciated...thanks

4A-GE
I am quitting my job and going 5-ing
I am quitting my job and going 5-ing
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Post by 4A-GE » Sun Jan 18, 2015 6:24 pm

Brown radiator of death, crank pulley wobble on 89/90 models, shitty heater on any model, rust in the boot, carpet coming away on door side of passenger foot well, leak from cam angle sensor.

More from others sure to come.
Don't forget the usual shit you check out on a used car.

SLYDIT
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Post by SLYDIT » Sun Jan 18, 2015 9:49 pm

A top with any cracks or patches only has 12 months max left in it. a new one is around 1000 fitted. test drive lots so you can tell a rattlypos from a decent one.
RED '90 TURBO.
SCARING PRIUS DRIVERS SINCE 2002

marcellarius
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I count 5-s in my sleep
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Post by marcellarius » Mon Jan 19, 2015 6:09 pm

Questions:
* What do you want from the car?
* First gen (pop-up headlights), second gen (98-2005), third gen (2005+)
* Manual transmission or automatic?


The first gen (NA) and second gen (NB) are fairly similar. In my opinion the NB is the more refined car -- more comfortable, more boot space etc. but the NA is a great car too.

Look at the overall condition of the car, not just the odometer reading or age. Lots of these cars have been garaged their whole life and only taken out in good weather -- these are the ones you want to buy!

In my opinion, if you can drive a manual, get a manual (or at least test drive one!). The transmission in these cars is really nice and the clutch is forgiving. It really gives the car a very direct, sporty feel.

If you're after an automatic, there are fewer around but they can be a bit cheaper as there is less demand for them.

SLYDIT
Keep calm, Forum Moderator here.
Keep calm, Forum Moderator here.
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Post by SLYDIT » Mon Jan 19, 2015 6:26 pm

auto mx5 are pretty awful. the 1970's technology auto isnt exactly a feature of the car. besides an mx is a great car to learn to drive manual if you cant already.
RED '90 TURBO.
SCARING PRIUS DRIVERS SINCE 2002

4A-GE
I am quitting my job and going 5-ing
I am quitting my job and going 5-ing
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Post by 4A-GE » Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:18 pm

Don't buy one that's been sitting. Cars don't like sitting.

mazda gal
Hey. They are NOT Training wheels.
Hey.  They are NOT Training wheels.
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Post by mazda gal » Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:16 pm

Thanks all,
I have purchased a 1998 am delighted with the car look forward to going to a few events cheers mazda gal :)

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