MX5Ireland

Thanks for adfing me to the forum. First post so here it goes.

I may be attempting the impossible but I've freed up a maximum of €2000 to purchase a small convertible for my wedding day and to keep there after. That budget must include it being presentable and roadworthy on the day so no point in getting a 2k fixer upper. I'm also happy to put some time into finding the car and prepping it myself.

Ideally I'm looking for:

1996 or older mx5
Red colour preferably but not a deal breaker
Driving fine
Nct to drive home as I've no trailer
No major work needed but don't mind a list of niggles that I can solve over a few months
No modifications (plain ordinary original car preferred)

So given those criteria and budget limitations am I being realistic and can I ask the good folks here to help me find it given its a special request from the bride.

Welcome to the madhouse !
I'd say your budget would get you something to meet your criteria alright. It's not red but how about this in racing green ?

https://www.donedeal.ie/vintagecars-for ... 1/10130345

If you don't mind an automatic 'box then there's this:

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/s ... n/11229529

The Mk1 models seem to have gone up slightly in price in recent times and may continue to do so as they get older.
Also, there is an older thread on MX5Nutz where a couple bought an MX-5 for their wedding and also used it to travel
around Europe for their honeymoon !
Have a read:

http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=56055
Best of luck in your search !

Mark.

Thanks for the response. Yes two good looking cars there. I'd prefer the manual but wouldn't rule out a good auto tbh.

Is there weak points on these I should keep an eye out for? I'm aware they can suffer rust issues but am not sure where other than sills and arches.

Any electrical or mechanical issues I should be looking out for?

John

Hi John,

A manual conversion on an auto wouldn't be that difficult, I believe. Many have done it and Robert ("autocheck" on here) could
advise and supply all the bits needed.
The sills can rust but this usually applies to UK imports where exposure to salty roads over the years takes it's toll. Japanese
imports tend to be fine. My own was originally a Japanese import and the sills are perfect, just for example.
As for typical weaknesses, they really are pretty bomb proof cars. Early models, 1990 to early '91, had potential key-way issues
in the crankshaft nose. But it's not that common either. Electric windows need annual cleaning and lubrication to their channels.
Also, window cables are prone to snapping due to age (a common prob). The drain holes in the sills should be checked & cleared
from time to time to stop water getting trapped in the sills. Vinyl roofs are prone to shrinking around the window areas with age.
The rear calipers are prone to seizing up but that's true of most type of cars of this age. The transmission can get hot on some
cars - an easy fix though as all it needs is some oil in the turret and maybe a replacement rubber seal in the turret. A damp boot
can signify that the rear light seals need replacing. The pop-up lights don't usually give trouble.
Other than that, just do the usual checks as if you were buying any other make of car.
I've had four of these cars over the years and they have all been great.

Excellent. That's good info I need before I go looking.

I'll be getting a classic car policy to insure it hence it has to be over 20 or older to qualify. Has anyone had issues insuring a jap import Eunos model on a classic policy?

ba_barabus wrote:Excellent. That's good info I need before I go looking.

I'll be getting a classic car policy to insure it hence it has to be over 20 or older to qualify. Has anyone had issues insuring a jap import Eunos model on a classic policy?

Autoline in the North. Mine is '92 and I've it insured with them. If they ask are you part of a club, just mention this forum.
They will ask if you have another car insured/on the road and proof of same.

Excellent. Well I guess the fun starts now to find one.

All part of the craic !

Try Campion Insurance as well for classic car policy. I have my 93 Eunos insured with FBD through them at a very reasonable rate.

I have mine and the girlfreinds mx5s with autoline both are 98 mk2s just incase you get a clean later 1. Think they will do an mx5 once its over 15 years

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Just don't do what I did on the wedding day and use your brides dress to polish the car......

[url=http://s1097.photobucket.com/user/peteh4/media/Mazda%20Wed_zps9vh49ki3.jpg.html][img]http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g345/peteh4/Mazda%20Wed_zps9vh49ki3.jp

Hahaha ! That is priceless !!!

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/m ... c/11326549

Don't know the car but this looks nice! Only downside appears to be that it's an automatic!

a friend borrowed mine for his, red is def the way to go in my biased opinion

Shiney. .