BUYING WITH CONFIDENCE
CONCOURS £8k-10k 1 THE PRICE CEILING
£10,000 seems to be the maximum that dealers can ask for even a mint early MX-5, though that figure is rarely achieved in practice, even for special editions.
2 HOW ORIGINAL IS IT?
Restos are rare and unlikely to compete with genuine originals. Mileage needs to be less than 50,000, with zero welding.
3 LOOK FOR THE MODS
Motor sport modifications obviously affect values wildly, often adversely unless thorough and documented. Originality fetches a premium.
GOOD £3k-8k 1 CHECK THE SPEC
Expect to pay extra for performance-enhancing spec, if original - especially a limited-slip differential and 1.8 engine. Power steering was another option.
2 CHECK THE HISTORY
Clutch slave cylinders are known weak points, and tappety noises need investigation. Inspect the service history.
3 WHO TO TRUST?
The large modifying scene and sometimes budget/indifferent upkeep mean that provenance matters. Buy from a specialist who can vouch for a car’s past.
USABLE £1k-3k 1 HIDDEN COSTS
The engines are reliable, but be alert to signs of poor maintenance and/or unwise modifications. Garish alloy wheels and lowered suspension can spell trouble.
2 CORROSION
Focus on the sills and around the subframe mounts. Imports need underseal, because they weren’t as well rustproofed from new.
3 HANDLE WITH CARE
Be very fussy on the test drive, remembering that even a knackered MX-5 will almost certainly handle remarkably well, but will cost you more later.
PROJECT £500-1k 1 LOOK FOR CORROSION
Many will have been sitting in the open, so expect plentiful rust, seized brakes and dodgy electrics. A basic vinyl hood with a plastic rear window costs about £350.
2 CHECK FOR ABUSE
Some will have led hard lives, involving track days and inadequate maintenance. You’re much better off starting with something cherished.
3 IS IT WORTH IT?
Runners can be found for less than £1000 but tread very carefully at this end of the market. Full-on restos need big labour and are impossible to justify financially.