FAQ
"There seem to be an endless number of Mazda MX-5s available for small money, with €5,000 getting you a half decent model, but we picked out a 2001 with a hardtop and 102,988km for €8,995.
Some Japanese import models might be an odd specification but they are generally pretty well put together. As with most convertibles, you need to spend special attention to the hood. Danny Beardshall from carhoodsireland.ie told Motors “it costs from about €800 to replace a hood. Some of these are aftermarket hoods but these are often better quality than the one put there in the first place. An MX-5 hood will cost €1,100 to supply and fit. Electric hoods can give more trouble, especially the BMW E36 models. The manual E36 is no problem but the electric one can be difficult to fix.”
Most of Beardshall’s business comes from older models such as older VW Golfs, MGs and Mazda MX-5s. He has advice for those thinking of buying an older convertible.
“You need to budget about €1,000 or so for a replacement hood. A hood has a life of between seven and nine years. Hoods with plastic rear windscreens crack and vinyl roofs crack, too.” His top tip is not to look at the fabric of the roof, but more the frame that carried the hood: “They need to inspect that, because if it’s broken then it can be very hard to get these parts.”
"
