Hi All
I’m looking to buy a used ND1 MX-5 with the 1.5 engine. Given budget it will probably have to be a very early version with fair mileage on it. Obviously I will buy one condition/history and not mileage alone.
I know there are a couple of “common” issues on these issues and wondered if I could pick the wise brains of this forum on what to look for when checking out potential cars.
Thanks!
I’m looking to buy a used ND1 MX-5 with the 1.5 engine. Given budget it will probably have to be a very early version with fair mileage on it. Obviously I will buy one condition/history and not mileage alone.
I know there are a couple of “common” issues on these issues and wondered if I could pick the wise brains of this forum on what to look for when checking out potential cars.
- Gearbox issues. I get the impression the issue is more common on 2.0 cars and the ones that have been tracked. What should I look for when test driving? I think I’ve read somewhere about difficulty changing between 1st and 2nd gear?
- Rear Hub carrier. Apologies, I’m not mechanically minded so might have the wrong term here. I think a knocking sound can be heard at the rear when going over bumps? Is there anything visual that would imply an issue? Is there anything in an MoT that might imply an issue? Some of the cars I’ve been looking at have an advisory “Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement hub support”
- Rust. I know not common but I think early models had an issue with rust on the piece of trim in the side window(s). Are there any other common areas that would be worth checking?
Thanks!