New member intro / inspection assistance

[RogueTomato]

Hey everyone, new member so thought I'd say hello and get some advice as I've read numerous times else where that the community here is really good.

At the moment currently looking to buy an NA and just putting the feelers out if anyone would be willing to assist me in the pre-purchase inspection when one comes up (I'm located in the Adelaide hills near Mt Barker.) and of course I'll compensate anyone willing to help for their time and effort. I'll try to give a quick back story to answer any future questions and give an idea of my situation.

I've always wanted a second car to be able to work / learn on. I sold my dream car when I was young and when they were still cheap and planned to get one when I could afford it (AE86) I needed a ute for work and could not run both. Now that I'm older and finally looking to aquire this "2nd" car the only logical car is the MX5 and one I've fallen for.

I'm mechanically minded as most of my jobs required it, but definitely not experienced mechanically with cars. But my plan is to do all maintenance and work needed myself as that is half the fun to me, also to work on this car with and teach my soon to be born son which is something I always wanted growing up. I've spent hours watching videos and reading documents in regards to issues that can occur with mx5s and what to look for when inspecting. I've never dríven or really had a chance to inspect any mx5s so an experienced set of eyes would help as I can't afford to get stitched with a lemon from my lack of knowledge.

So why an mx5 and specifically an NA?

These are the cars I grew up with, the most fun I've ever had driving was in my underpowered AE86. Most cars from this era, have now been thrashed crashed and butchered. The MX5 is all that remains and it also represents everything I loved in my AE86 so it's a no brainier. I may settle for an NB8B if it comes to it. But the increase risk of rust in the front frame rails really put me off them. Plus, I love the older cars. I can't stand modern cars with all the unnecessary electronics ect. I love the simplicity of the older style, give me aux in and maybe power windows and at most an AC and that's all I'd need in a car.

From all I've read, can't say I'm really fussed on the year of the NA as long as it's not rust rotten as that is the biggest concern that I cannot fix. I'd prefer the long nose crank over a short, but that's only an issue if poor workmanship is involved and the long noses aren't immune either. I suppose I should mention my budget is around the 6.5k mark and I hope this isn't stupidly optimistic, to me NAs are still very common and thus the reason I want to snap one up before they become ridiculously priced like many from this era. Just saw a 95' clubman and a 90' both under 200k and both under 5k sold interstate. One current issue is I'm not able to travel interstate for vehicle inspection / purchase and return due to personal reasons, unforuntaely SA is woeful for amount and pricing of NAs overall. But basically my main goal is to obviously pick up an NA, make some friends here on the forum and locally with interests in the same hobby and hopefully help others work on their cars and learn from them ect.

I apologise for the long post but thank anyone taking the time reading it and giving any constructive feed back.

[Mr Morlock]

I reckon it works like any car i.e. look for a good condition car hopefully with known history. You can get a car checked by a mechanic and get a look at the chassis and body from underneath. There may be some local guys who might be able to point you toward a mechanic familiar with MX5. Kevgoat is a knowledgeable forum guy in SA so you might be able to send him a PM for a few comments etc.
I know a few guys who have bought MX5 ( NA's) for fun cars and all seem to be very pleased. If a beaten up and badly modded etc just dont bother. Personally I reckon an MX-5 NA is a great choice for a fun car- these things are very drivable and reliable. PS you might be able to put an NA on Club Permit ( I think SA is 30 year rule) - that means probably joining a car club and then you get to know other car guys and get the benefit of lower reg and insurance.

[KevGoat]

Someone mention my name ... ?

Welcome to the forum RogueTomato. As a second car and something to learn on I think you'd be hard pressed to find better. That's exactly how I started out when my wife convinced me to buy a very run down 1990 NA6 off a friend of ours as a project. I'd only ever done basic servicing on my old cars when I was younger and although it was pretty daunting once I had the car home, I found the abundance of "how to's" on just about every aspect of these cars on the various forum sites incredible and have done all the work on mine since. Anything that wasn't covered was helpfully answered when I posted questions. Parts are reasonably priced and available as the MX-5 uses general Mazda parts.

I'm busy all this weekend and on Monday my wife and I are heading off to Wallaroo for a week, but once back I'll message you. I'm not that far (Hackham) so just a pleasant drive up through the hills to Mt Barker, so we could easily get together. Any excuse to talk cars ...

I'm usually still checking the forum most days anyway. Another SA forum member worth talking to here is "thehillsarecalling". He's very knowledgeable about these cars.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[93_Clubman]

Welcome & Good Luck! Worth a look if not already seen: http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.p ... 18&t=18802

may settle for an NB8B if it comes to it. But the increase risk of rust in the front frame rails really put me off them.
First I've heard that about the NB8B, but I'm less familiar with the NB than the NA, however I be seeking confirmation from an NB8B expert before letting that influence me.

prefer the long nose crank over a short, but that's only an issue if poor workmanship is involved and the long noses aren't immune either.
Poor workmanship doesn't necessarily have to be involved - sometimes they just go as was the case with my 1989 NA6 in 1998. Bought in 1990 with about 3k kms from a Mazda employee & always serviced by Mazda. It went with under 100k kms & the motor never having been touched before.

should mention my budget is around the 6.5k mark and I hope this isn't stupidly optimistic... Just saw a 95 clubman and a 90 both under 200k and both under 5k sold interstate.
Of course, it depends on the kind of condition that you want - I'd suggest the chances are that a 95 NA8 Clubman with under 200k kms for under $5k is going to be RTM - similarly a 90 NA6 with under 200k kms for under $5k.

[RogueTomato]

@ Mr Morlock - Thanks for the reply. Had thought of getting a mechanic to check them over for peace of mind and more so being able to get a good look underneath to make sure it's all straight. The only specialist I know of in Adelaide, is Viva auto repairs but not a clue on their reputation. Almost had one lined up but the VIN check came back dodgy and the seller was hiding information unfortunately. Yeah it's a 30 year rule and will be looking into that further down the track after I get to know more of the community.

@ KevGoat - Thanks much appreciated. Well its good to know you've had that positive experience, that's certainly the way I hope for it to go for me. Yes all the information I've poured over has said exactly the same thing so was certainly easy to to pick the MX5.

Not problem at all, hope you both have a wonderful time in Wallaroo. I'd appreciate that mate, would be nice to meet some people from the community and make some friends with the same passion. Shoot me a message and we will line something up when we are both free. Thanks for the info.

@93_Clubman - Thanks mate much appreciated. Yes had a good look at that topic, was some very useful information there.

In regards to the NBs obviously rust isn't as big of an issue in Aus then other countries. There was a UK mechanic with the Youtube name "lights up lights down" who has some really good videos. But from my understanding mazda reinforced the front frame rails, but this then enabled water to get trapped in them and they would rust from the inside out, but don't quote me on that.

Yes I've read a fair bit on debates about the short noses. Most seem to indicate workmanship being the major cause, but very true its not the only cause. But sorry to hear about yours, that's no good at all. Would still definitely prefer a longnose, but an engine swap is something I can always do and learn from.

Sorry I'm not familiar with the acronym RTM. But I'd say they may have had some unsaid issue or something else, but pictures did look good and they sold quickly so thought they may have been alright, but yes they did seem low to me.

For me as long as the body is straight and rust free the rest I can learn to fix myself. But of course I'd want to try and get the best I could afford as I plan to keep the car indefinitely and have the challenge of racking up the kms and keeping it running . just was not sure if 6.5k was wildly optimistic or not.

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated. I'll keep hunting and can hopefully find one soon and become a more active member here.

[93_Clubman]

not familiar with the acronym RTM.
Run of the mill, which typically these days for low priced NAs is fairly tired.
just was not sure if 6.5k was wildly optimistic or not.
Depends on which model you're after. Decent NAs might be a bit of a struggle, especially as you say in SA. NB8A, easier. NB8B, also a bit of a struggle.

[bruce]

Hi,
Welcome!
Cars in UK/Europe tend to have a bit of rust as they salt/grit the roads over there in Winter. I haven't seen a heavily rusted MX5 unless it was wildly neglected (but they are getting older so expect a little bit).
As others have said I don't think you will get much of a car with your current budget. Just wait, watch and see what appears on the market.
I kind of think once NBs get a bit more age on them the demand will increase (plus fewer/dearer NAs so people would move onto the NB).
Cheers

[RogueTomato]

Run of the mill, which typically these days for low priced NAs is fairly tired.
Depends on which model you're after. Decent NAs might be a bit of a struggle, especially as you say in SA. NB8A, easier. NB8B, also a bit of a struggle.

Ah, should have gotten that one. Yes figured they'd definitely require some work just hoped I could get a clean body. Thanks for the honest feedback, will continue to hunt but I'll try to get my budget up as best as I can and go from there if I don't opt for NB8A. Yes being in SA certainly does not help. Cheers for the replies Clubman.

Hi,
Welcome!
Cars in UK/Europe tend to have a bit of rust as they salt/grit the roads over there in Winter. I haven't seen a heavily rusted MX5 unless it was wildly neglected (but they are getting older so expect a little bit).
As others have said I don't think you will get much of a car with your current budget. Just wait, watch and see what appears on the market.
I kind of think once NBs get a bit more age on them the demand will increase (plus fewer/dearer NAs so people would move onto the NB).
Cheers

Thanks Bruce, yes knew of the road salting which obviously makes things worse over there. Yeah no problem, thanks for the honest feedback. Really the MX5 (NA) more so was the last car model I still had interest in, so for that reason was trying to get one before they were excessively over priced. Other wise I'd then opt for the NBs and failing that not sure what I'd do. Will continue to look at the market and see what pops up and hopefully get the funds up in the meantime. Cheers for the response, much appreciated.

[93_Clubman]

So to recap you're after an NA6 or NA8 manual with a straight & rust free body with decent paint(?) & around 200k kms in SA for up to $6.5k, until more funds are accumulated.
Never say never, however you'll need to watch the market like a hawk & be ready to respond immediately if something comes up.

[KevGoat]

Yeah SA sucks for choice and price. I probably paid $3k more for my SE than I would have from interstate, but it was exactly what I wanted (low 36k kms, books/history, velocity red, stock and immaculate) got back in trade what I'd paid for the NB8A and it was all convenient.

But, not every seller out there knows what they have and there is the occasional bargain to be had. As 93_c says, just need to ready.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[RogueTomato]

So to recap you're after an NA6 or NA8 manual with a straight & rust free body with decent paint(?) & around 200k kms in SA for up to $6.5k, until more funds are accumulated.
Never say never, however you'll need to watch the market like a hawk & be ready to respond immediately if something comes up.

More or less that's correct. There's obviously things that are a bonus.

To sum it all up as per what's in my mind. Chasing an NA with straight and rust free body, everything else can be repaired/replaced/upgraded over time the rest are bonuses. Decent paint is definitely a big bonus (hopefully not red but I'm not that picky), as is a later model series II for the increased bracing. But I'm not fussed between the 1.6 and the 1.8 but obviously want to avoid the short nose. The lower the kms and better overall condition is a bonus. Other than that a good recorded history certainly helps and much prefer stock standard. Sums up most of it I think.

I certainly won't stop looking, check seven FB groups, gumtree and car sales daily as well as the forum here. So if something comes up while I try to increase my budget, I'll try my best to jump on it.

Yeah SA sucks for choice and price. I probably paid $3k more for my SE than I would have from interstate, but it was exactly what I wanted (low 36k kms, books/history, velocity red, stock and immaculate) got back in trade what I'd paid for the NB8A and it was all convenient.

But, not every seller out there knows what they have and there is the occasional bargain to be had. As 93_c says, just need to ready.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Ha ha, unfortunately it does indeed. Well I guess if it's exactly what you wanted than it's certainly worth it in the end if you're happy! I can understand the convenience being a big help as well.

Oh definitely, I keep hoping I somehow hear of one through word of mouth before it goes to market and can nab a bargain but I won't hold my breath. Will just keep watching like a hawk.


Thanks for the responses guys, very much appreciated.

[KevGoat]

All my experiences with rust or corrosion came from my NA, but I knew this car's history and it's lack of care well prior to buying it. Under the carpet on the rear shelf due to blocked roof drains. The floor under the seats - mine was due to it being left outside for months with a badly fitted soft top and I had to have several of the captive seat bolts replaced due to that. The kick panel & ecu cover can be prone from leaking heater or aircon pipes. The boot is easy to lift the carpet and check around. Chassis rails especially if the car is or has been lowered. Under bonnet check around the brake booster for any past leakages and while on that inside around the brake pedal for the same reason - I had both of these on the NA too I've heard of some windscreen surrounds suffering rust. The rocker panels are prone due to blocked drains. Anything under the car is a matter of jacking it up and having a good look around, I've insisted on being allowed to do this before. In reality, checking out a used MX-5 is really no different to buying any (old) used car.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[bruce]

Bottom corners of windshields tend to rust/bubble. I've seen a few like that including mine.

[RogueTomato]

All my experiences with rust or corrosion came from my NA, but I knew this car's history and it's lack of care well prior to buying it.

Anything under the car is a matter of jacking it up and having a good look around, I've insisted on being allowed to do this before.

It's for exactly that reason why my only major want is for a straight and clean body. I'd much rather a high km NA that has been correctly looked after, than an NA that could even look very clean on the outside and have low kms but could easily be rotted out due to improper care. I'm fine with the challenge/learning the mechanical repairs. But rust/body/paint is definitely not my strong point. Yes I was thinking of maybe picking up a decent jack so it would make inspection a bit easier. Though I've read conflicting information about the best jack points for an mx5 to ensure no damaged is caused, but I'll read up on that again. Cheers Kev.

Bottom corners of windshields tend to rust/bubble. I've seen a few like that including mine.

Thanks bruce, I've got a huge inspection list I've point together that covers all the common rust locations. So fingers crossed I won't get caught out.

[KevGoat]

Have you seen the blue one on Gumtree in Hackham? I've seen that one around my local area quite a bit over the last few years, owned by a woman lives round the corner from me. From a distance it looks nice, might be worth a look.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk