There's just something magical about the simplicity of an early MX5. As an ownership prospect, I can't see any other car matching the sheer fun, reliability and running costs. Parts generally don't break, and even if they do, there's so many second hand parts floating about that replacement is crazy cheap (from Robert Maguire!). Anyway, on to my car.
- Mileage: I'll have to check the mileage later, but I think it's around 140,000km
- Tax: just out. You're on your own on that one!
- NCT: has one. Again, I'll have to check later. I think it's April 2014.
Condition.
I've never seen another mk1 MX5 with bodywork in as good shape. Rust free. Arches are completely clean. Engine is in great health, which may have been helped by the autobox it was running when I bought it (as they don't typically rev very high), but either way MX5 engines are very very strong. Plastic bumpers have faded a tiny bit, but overall it looks great. The soft top was replaced recently, and the back window has no clouding, and seals around the doors have no cracking. Space saver wheel and jack/wrench all in attendance. Everything works. None of this "air con needs regassing" business - it's like an arctic winter in there with the air con running.
Spec.
This is where it gets interesting. Generally speaking this is a very stock car. Any mods are using mainly Mazda parts, and not really performance orientated. It was an automatic when I bought it, so I've upgraded the following parts to bring it to manual spec: manual gearbox from a mk2, LSD, suspension (as autos sit higher). It's a 1.8 engine.
The drivers seat had a small rip in it, so I decided to swap out both seats to mk2.5 ones. They are absolutely perfect - no bolster wear, stains, or rips. It will come with the standard leather MOMO steering wheel, which is in great condition. A choice of 3 gearknobs (standard, a lightweight black nylon one, or a weighted solid brass one).
It's running on 15" mk2 Sport wheels. The indicator/side light thingies have been replaced with clear ones.
I added a cabin brace to firm up the skuttle shake a little. There's a very very tasty strut brace up front - it's a lightweight aluminium one with an integrated brake stopper (which stops the firewall flexing when you hit the brakes). I'll be taking out my nice Pioneer stereo and mini sub, but it'll come with some sort of stereo, and when I was fixing the window regulator, I noticed the speakers were upgraded to Infinity ones.
Servicing.
I've kept a history of the servicing I carried out. To be honest, I serviced it more than required, but that's just my way of taking care of cars. It got a serious refresh when I bought it 6 months ago including oil change, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs, gear shift bushing kit, fix window regulator, replace radio aeriel. I've just done another service on it just last weekend including an oil change and oil filter. Tyres have lots of meat left. I don't see this car needing any money anytime soon.
Project thread.
http://www.backroads.ie/forums/showthre ... er-mk1-MX5
Price.
€2,000. I'm not going to mess about here, or be greedy. I am absolutely sure that mk1 MX5's are going to start rising in price. It's getting harder and harder to find rust free examples. This car is in fantastic condition, and in the spec most people want. No work is needed. I could hock bits off the car to get more money, like the strut brace, cabin brace, gearknob, etc, but I really think it works well in it's current spec. Price is €2,000. I won't take a penny less. Literally. Come see the car. If you make me an offer below this, you'll be leaving without the car. Test drives not just welcomed, they are demanded! I'm based in Celbridge.
-----------------------------------------------------------
This photo was taken before the manual suspension was swapped in, so it sits about 20mm lower now.
Manual suspension fitted. Roof down night time blast. Doesn't get better.
Mk2.5 seats
MOMO steering wheel
Brass gearknob. An acquired taste, but shifts beautifully due to the extra weighting. Best gearchange this side of an S2000.
Strut brace
Brake stopper part of the brace
Cabin brace
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/ ... 19c8e7.jpg
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests