Newbie in UK

garyjbirch · Postby **garyjbirch** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 9:00 am

Hello from Taunton, Somerset, UK.
Today I began my mid life crisis and bought a 2003 MX5 Nevada 1.8.
It's had some minor cosmetic damage causing the insurance company to declare it a Cat D total loss. This means its uneconomic to repair - which is only true if you're an insurance company being fleeced by a garage using expensive parts and rates. So cheap as chips and with a little bit of work for my father-in-law mechanic and I to do, but already loving it!
Gotta sort out some minor roof seals where it meets windows to start with, then it'll hopefully be waterproof!
Looking forward to many hours of driving fun and tinkering!

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2014 Black Magic Skoda Rapid 1.6Tdi Elegance
2003 Cerian Silver Mazda MX5 Nevada 1.8

ManiacLachy · Postby **ManiacLachy** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 9:14 am

Welcome Gary!

We're mostly an Australia based forum, but we welcome all comers so don't let that put you off. Nice car :wink:

It's interesting the different model names around the globe, I've never herad of a "Nevada" before, but in the US they have all sorts of SEs and M-editions that we didn't get here, or at least they weren't called that (to my knowledge).

speed · Postby **speed** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 10:38 am

Welcome to the obsession.

Is interesting to read how other countries classify repairable write offs.
Look forward to reading more of your posts.

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Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:14 pm

Looks a really good car. I imagine in UK the main thing is to keep the car undercover and guard against the curse of rust- not that the MX5 is especially prone. So the B or minor roads in UK would be a good fit for an MX5 - narrow and winding but probably not so much fun on the motorways. You have got the MX5 guys down in Portsmouth for spare parts and Au forumites often reckon they offer excellent pricing. Its a plus that the Father in law can help out and perhaps you can both have some fun in the car.

AndrewM · Postby **AndrewM** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 9:28 pm

This model was called the "Classic" here and was a limited run in that unique Cerrion Silver - from memory they had blue leather and a blue cloth roof...

HERE IS ONE 4 SALE IN AUST

garyjbirch · Postby **garyjbirch** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 8:04 am

Hi all.
Yep the Nevada was built/registered Jan-Mar 2003 with only 2050 built.
Mine does indeed have blue mohair roof with material interior. It's a 5 gear 1.8.

Mr Morlock you mention the rust issue. They are actually prone to rust here in UK, more than elsewhere as we tend to salt our roads much more in winter, and of course have more rain!
I've discovered a bit of rust in the usual places, but nothing too bad. There's an annoying bit on one part of the roof frame meaning a bit of seal is loose, but I've done a temporary repair until I can spend more time on it.

Good news though - it rained all last night but was dry inside this morning!

Quick question- anyone know why there are three wires from the loom to the rear heated window, when there's only two wires from the window itself?
Mine doesn't have the connecting section and I don't really want to spend £80 on one! Thought I could make my own own connectors, but 3 into 2 doesn't easily go!!!
Any help appreciated.

Cheers,
Gary

2014 Black Magic Rapid 1.6Tdi Elegance

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