What to you think of this?

jaffa20

http://www.templeoguecarsales.ie/viewanad.php?ad_id=544254

NCT expiry next month is a worry but i like it. Love the old audis. Currently have an A3 01 1.6 so i'm downgrading but don't mind as like the look of this car.

Probably going to view it next week. Any opinions or problems i should be thinking about? Thanks

cullen5998

Car looks a bit tired. The roof, make sure its perfect as when the winter comes you dont want drafts and leaks

jonathan11

nice looking car. Would be good for the fine weather at the moment!

I wouldn't touch it without an NCT from the garage.
If it is a one owner car with history to prove it and they throw in an NCT I'd say it would be a good buy.
Let us know how you get on...

Bodhan

A great car to drive in it's day, but get the roof checked and get the whole AA checked, if that car goes wrong it will be a money pit.
It's up around burning oil time, btw low millage for a 13 year old car?

jaffa20

It does look a bit dull but that could be the photos. Otherwise, nothing a good polish and wax won't sort out. The roof is a concern though so will check that closely. Probably will ask garage to fix anything if problems with nct.

vectra

Nice restoration project

Max Power1

jaffa20 wrote: »

http://www.templeoguecarsales.ie/viewanad.php?ad_id=544254

NCT expiry next month is a worry but i like it. Love the old audis. Currently have an A3 01 1.6 so i'm downgrading but don't mind as like the look of this car.

Probably going to view it next week. Any opinions or problems i should be thinking about? Thanks

Lovely car! I love the audis of that era.

If the NCT is less than 3 months to renewal I would be making sure the garage puts it through the test before I pay for the car though. No point in shelling out for the use of a car for a month only for it to fail the NCT!

Berty

Price non negiotable.

I'd make one attempt of an offer if the car was in good condition. If they stuck to the non negiotable thing say you will come back in Winter and if they still have it boo hoo.

ShadowHearth

Hmmm, you asked opinion, so ill try to do my best

1. I think its seriuosly OVERPRICED.
2. It looks really really tired.
3. Short NCT wouldnt push me off, i bought myself car with nct expired for more then half year, as longs as you see problems before buying, and know how much it will cost to fix.
4. Its cabrio, so get roof checked out properly. It costs a fortune to change, unless you doing it yourself, which is a good anal session. I got cabrio myself, so had some experience. 100% check roof, just be a bit of " dummy", get a hose or big bottle with water and check all seals! Some of them can hold a small amount of water, and look allright, but when you get bigger preasure they fail.
5. If you whant a convertable, there are better choices in your price range.
6. If you in to audi, maybe take your time and find the one in better condition? I wouldnt rush with that one... it doesnt look "decent".
7. Decide: do you really whant that model in cabrio? do you have where to keep it? Are you okay with extra road noise? Do you even whant cabrio?

8. If you in to audis, then maybe something like this would be better option?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1761080.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1764973.htm

9. i think old coupe body does look nicer then cabrio a4

jaffa20

ShadowHearth wrote: »

Hmmm, you asked opinion, so ill try to do my best

1. I think its seriuosly OVERPRICED.
2. It looks really really tired.
3. Short NCT wouldnt push me off, i bought myself car with nct expired for more then half year, as longs as you see problems before buying, and know how much it will cost to fix.
4. Its cabrio, so get roof checked out properly. It costs a fortune to change, unless you doing it yourself, which is a good anal session. I got cabrio myself, so had some experience. 100% check roof, just be a bit of " dummy", get a hose or big bottle with water and check all seals! Some of them can hold a small amount of water, and look allright, but when you get bigger preasure they fail.
5. If you whant a convertable, there are better choices in your price range.
6. If you in to audi, maybe take your time and find the one in better condition? I wouldnt rush with that one... it doesnt look "decent".
7. Decide: do you really whant that model in cabrio? do you have where to keep it? Are you okay with extra road noise? Do you even whant cabrio?

8. If you in to audis, then maybe something like this would be better option?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1761080.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1764973.htm

9. i think old coupe body does look nicer then cabrio a4

Thanks. They're valid points but just have a few questions.

What do you think is a good price. 2.5k is reasonable i think if car is in good shape, low milegage, cabrio with full service history. If nct pass is guaranteed then i'd be happy with 2.5k. My current 01 audi has 136k miles.



It might look tired in the photos but it's worth a viewing. There are very few audi cabrios like this out there for sale unfortunately. I like that it's 1 owner since 1997. I'm not too bothered about the age if it's in good shape.

The hood is defo a concern so will be checking that out for sure before parting with any cash.

Any suggestions of other cabrios that you think are better value for money? I am into audi but am open to suggestions all the same. I do like Saab too so that might be an alternative. Insurance is an issue though as i'm only 24 with 1ncb so the max i could afford is a 1.8 or 1.9 diesel.

Shame there is not many nice onces out there to choose from.

jonathan11

Its a very niche market and they'll find it hard to shift.
Don't rush into making a deal with them.
Bargain hard and you should be able to get a few quid off too...
If they dont want to bargain walk away and make them the same offer a week or two later....

Stoolbend

jaffa20 wrote: »

Insurance is an issue though as i'm only 24 with 1ncb so the max i could afford is a 1.8 or 1.9 diesel.

Check if you can insure a convertable first. A lot of insurance companies haave it in their assumptions that the car is not a convertable.

Michael 09

I think that's a pretty slick looking car, something different anyway which I like...

With regard to some of the points being made here:

NCT etc - obviously try to push for an NCT from the garage but if they will not do it then get a mechanic to check it (MUCH cheaper than the AA)

Price - people harping on about it being overpriced and seeing if they still have it in the winter is a load of sh1t to be honest. It is the cheapest audi cabrio online so yes chance your arm to get a couple of hundred quid off but if they don't budge then don't let your ego stop you getting the car you want!

Max Power1

Michael 09 wrote: »

I think that's a pretty slick looking car, something different anyway which I like...

With regard to some of the points being made here:

NCT etc - obviously try to push for an NCT from the garage but if they will not do it then get a mechanic to check it (MUCH cheaper than the AA)

Price - people harping on about it being overpriced and seeing if they still have it in the winter is a load of sh1t to be honest. It is the cheapest audi cabrio online so yes chance your arm to get a couple of hundred quid off but if they don't budge then don't let your ego stop you getting the car you want!

I dont agree with the NCT point, if the garage wont put it through the NCT for you then there must be something fishy going on.

I do, however, agree with the point re price. Thats a lot of car for the money, and definetly the cheapest of its kind online that ive seen. Id almost settle for 2year NCT and the listed price (or as above a couple of hundred off is possible)

Michael 09

Max Power1 wrote: »

I dont agree with the NCT point, if the garage wont put it through the NCT for you then there must be something fishy going on.QUOTE]

It might not necessarily mean that there's something fishy going on, there could be a number of reasons for a garage not putting a car through the NCT. I agree that getting a car with an NCT is ideal but IMO if a mechanic checked it then I wouldn't let it hold me back.

Glad you agree re price! I'm sick of hearing people on here saying that all dealers are going bust and that they'll take whatever they can get. Some car dealers are doing extremely well in these conditions

Max Power1

Michael 09 wrote: »

It might not necessarily mean that there's something fishy going on, there could be a number of reasons for a garage not putting a car through the NCT. I agree that getting a car with an NCT is ideal but IMO if a mechanic checked it then I wouldn't let it hold me back.

Glad you agree re price! I'm sick of hearing people on here saying that all dealers are going bust and that they'll take whatever they can get. Some car dealers are doing extremely well in these conditions

Ok -well I would be wary then, if there was no NCT. Shouldnt be an issue for the garage to do that for you, even if its only an additional peace of mind!

The price point is only seriously negotiable if you are buying a car that isnt in demand (like say a 3 litre petrol or something). On the other hand, small engined cars are selling more than in previous years and some dealers cant get enough stock in!

A convertable, in the summer, of a relatively premium brand like Audi is always going to sell if priced right.

jaffa20

barry81 wrote: »

Check if you can insure a convertable first. A lot of insurance companies haave it in their assumptions that the car is not a convertable.

I actually think this might be a problem now actually. Just applied for a quote online with my current broker and they wouldn't quote me :eek:

Is this because it's a convertible? Doesn't make any sense. Could be the age of the car too i suppose. They've quoted me on old 1.8 a4's no problems so thought it would be in a similar category as similar bhp etc.

Tried for a quote with them on a TT earlier in the year and was declined which is understandable but this isn't 180bhp car :mad:

Will give them a ring tomorrow if they are open anyway. I'm getting quotes with other insurance companies no bother but don't want to cancel my policy as that could be costly.

Thanks for all the opinions guys.

ShadowHearth

jaffa20 wrote: »

I actually think this might be a problem now actually. Just applied for a quote online with my current broker and they wouldn't quote me :eek:

Is this because it's a convertible? Doesn't make any sense. Could be the age of the car too i suppose. They've quoted me on old 1.8 a4's no problems so thought it would be in a similar category as similar bhp etc.

Tried for a quote with them on a TT earlier in the year and was declined which is understandable but this isn't 180bhp car :mad:

Will give them a ring tomorrow if they are open anyway. I'm getting quotes with other insurance companies no bother but don't want to cancel my policy as that could be costly.

Thanks for all the opinions guys.

welcome to ireland+cabrio+insurance=fail...

When i was checking for mx5, i thought it wount be a problem at all, i was 23 with 2 ncbs, i had reasonable qoutes for 200sx, mr2 turbo etc...

then i called my insurance company to find out, that i have to be 30 years old for mazda mx5... I was shocked! It newer killed my spirit . I just bought mx5, then called to update my policy. got insured for 6eu extra per month... :rolleyes: where did 30 years old restriction gone?

same was when i bought skyline: " you have to be 30 years old" . So i was like: " i know what i need to do now, just buy the damn thing and call you to update policy..."

jaffa20

ShadowHearth wrote: »

welcome to ireland+cabrio+insurance=fail...

When i was checking for mx5, i thought it wount be a problem at all, i was 23 with 2 ncbs, i had reasonable qoutes for 200sx, mr2 turbo etc...

then i called my insurance company to find out, that i have to be 30 years old for mazda mx5... I was shocked! It newer killed my spirit . I just bought mx5, then called to update my policy. got insured for 6eu extra per month... :rolleyes: where did 30 years old restriction gone?

same was when i bought skyline: " you have to be 30 years old" . So i was like: " i know what i need to do now, just buy the damn thing and call you to update policy..."

Jesus, i don't know if i'd have your courage to just go out and buy it. Would be worried about how much extra i'd have to pay then after them not quoting me before i bought it. Getting ok quotes from 123.ie though. Shock that britton insurance wont quote me on a 97 audi cabri but will quote me on a rx8. lol

ShadowHearth

jaffa20 wrote: »

Jesus, i don't know if i'd have your courage to just go out and buy it. Would be worried about how much extra i'd have to pay then after them not quoting me before i bought it. Getting ok quotes from 123.ie though. Shock that britton insurance wont quote me on a 97 audi cabri but will quote me on a rx8. lol

well i am with quin-direct, i know theres alot of sh*t storm around it, but one of not many companies, who do insure something more then "avarage Joe bucket chair". do this: go have a look at car, if you like it, then take cars reg number. tell him, that you will call in tommorow. then call insurance company and say that you bought car, they will ask reg number. I bet 90% that they will qoute you.

Now you ask about alternative, but i didnt understood what exactly you are after, a classic audi or a cabrio.

jaffa20

ShadowHearth wrote: »

well i am with quin-direct, i know theres alot of sh*t storm around it, but one of not many companies, who do insure something more then "avarage Joe bucket chair". do this: go have a look at car, if you like it, then take cars reg number. tell him, that you will call in tommorow. then call insurance company and say that you bought car, they will ask reg number. I bet 90% that they will qoute you.

Now you ask about alternative, but i didnt understood what exactly you are after, a classic audi or a cabrio.

Yeah, i was going to ring them tomorrow before going to see it to see if they will quote me or should i just wait till i see it and then if i like it say i bought it? I'm getting quotes from nobody but 123.ie online. They quoted me 1,400 which is ok considering my age. Wonder how much of a penalty i would incur by cancelling my policy with insure.ie.

I like the audi cabriolet and the saab ones too but dunno if i'd to mechanically minded to go for a classic audi and would probably find it harder to get insurance on one as i'm under 25.

dr.fuzzenstein

I'd push for the dealer to put it through the NCT. Otherwise ask for money off, but I'd be very reluctant to buy an old(ish) car without NCT.
There might not even be something fishy going on, but if you buy the car without, you might suddenly be stuck with massive bill for engine or suspension overhaul that would cost you as much as the car in the first place.
So, push for NCT or guarantee thereof so you can return the car if it turns out to be a lemon, I wouldn't even bother trying to buy it as it is without NCT. I'm not saying it will go wrong if you take the gamble, but it can quickly become scary and expensive if it does.
Had an old Merc once, did NCT and was told needed complete suspension refurb, that along with some due work on the body and engine simply made it a completely unviable project since it would have cost way more than the car was ever going to be worth (and I mean WAAAAYYYY more)
It wasn't a car, it was a car shaped hole in the ground you threw money into.
When it comes to car, be paranoid.
The cheapest insurance around I found was http://www.nononsense.ie/

ShadowHearth

jaffa20 wrote: »

Yeah, i was going to ring them tomorrow before going to see it to see if they will quote me or should i just wait till i see it and then if i like it say i bought it? I'm getting quotes from nobody but 123.ie online. They quoted me 1,400 which is ok considering my age. Wonder how much of a penalty i would incur by cancelling my policy with insure.ie.

I like the audi cabriolet and the saab ones too but dunno if i'd to mechanically minded to go for a classic audi and would probably find it harder to get insurance on one as i'm under 25.

there wount be any pennalty, you will just losse the time you had with time. If you just renewed policy with them, then i wouldnt see any problems to leave, thought if you are near then end of it, then better stay until you get that extra ncb... the only thing that will happen outside that - you will get refund.

I did same thing when i bought clk200, axa told me to fudge off, even when i said, that i bought a car and that i got a qoute from quin-direct... so i just left them with 1 month in in the new policy and jumped on quin-direct wagon...

97 is not a clasic audi m8, the ones that i linked you - are. you cant go wrong with audi coupe if you got a sweat spot for audi. i would even suggest audi v8, but tis easyer to meet satan in ireland then one of those...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_V8

If you whant to get a proper cabrio then ( wait wait, here it comes) go for mx5 ( YES, what else you all expected lol ) .

for 2.5k you can get a sweat mk1. If you are able to live with 2 seater then its a perfect car. I used mx5 as daily driver for 6 months ( it was the only car in the house after misses crashed clk200) and i havent seen any trouble. Mx5 are like mini hairdresser tanks, they are just bullet proof, and even if something goes bad, there are websites like these: http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/index.php where you can get ANYTHING for your little car.

If you dont fancy little mazda, or think its a wee bit gay ( yeah....) then saab cabrio would be lovely aswell. to be honest i love saabs, and a 4 seat cabrio saab should be a good buy, specially in your budget range.

jaffa20

Insurance was only renewed in march so not too worried about ncb loss just as long as they'll refund me.

Yeah, i actually like the mx5 too but probably not as much as audi or saab. They are a little small but could cope with a 2 door as rarely have anyone in the back. Maybe i'll have a look at all 3 of them and have a few test drives before making up my mind. Going to look at this audi tomorrow anyway. Will see what he says about nct but think he has it priced to sell as is but i don't think i could buy it without some guarantee of nct at least. Not worth the risk especially if i go to the hassle of cancelling my insurance.

Will let you all know how it goes.;)

ShadowHearth

jaffa20 wrote: »

Insurance was only renewed in march so not too worried about ncb loss just as long as they'll refund me.

Yeah, i actually like the mx5 too but probably not as much as audi or saab. They are a little small but could cope with a 2 door as rarely have anyone in the back. Maybe i'll have a look at all 3 of them and have a few test drives before making up my mind. Going to look at this audi tomorrow anyway. Will see what he says about nct but think he has it priced to sell as is but i don't think i could buy it without some guarantee of nct at least. Not worth the risk especially if i go to the hassle of cancelling my insurance.

Will let you all know how it goes.;)

keep us psoted m8, looking forward on update with your situation.

dr.fuzzenstein

jaffa20 wrote: »

Insurance was only renewed in march so not too worried about ncb loss just as long as they'll refund me.

Yeah, i actually like the mx5 too but probably not as much as audi or saab. They are a little small but could cope with a 2 door as rarely have anyone in the back. Maybe i'll have a look at all 3 of them and have a few test drives before making up my mind. Going to look at this audi tomorrow anyway. Will see what he says about nct but think he has it priced to sell as is but i don't think i could buy it without some guarantee of nct at least. Not worth the risk especially if i go to the hassle of cancelling my insurance.

Will let you all know how it goes.;)

We have an MX5 ourselves and it's a great little car, bought it with 40k miles, now approaching 100k miles, been serviced on the button and except the (3rd party) alarm (for which I cannot blame Mazda) nothing, but nothing has gone wrong with it. And since it's a 1.6 it doesn't cost the earth to run and it's light and agile enough to be fun and fast.
It may verge on the girlie side, but it's so good that it's ok, as long as it's not this:

Anan1

My gut is telling me that's not a one owner car. It also looks a bit tatty - that's a fairly big dent in the bonnet and it's got a bad case of dandruff. Go take a look by all means, but I think you'll be disappointed.

Max Power1

jaffa20 wrote: »

Jesus, i don't know if i'd have your courage to just go out and buy it. Would be worried about how much extra i'd have to pay then after them not quoting me before i bought it. Getting ok quotes from 123.ie though. Shock that britton insurance wont quote me on a 97 audi cabri but will quote me on a rx8. lol

Was that the online system?

It just seems to be random. I love the fact that they quoted me €1500 for a Jag XK8 and wont quote me on a toyota carina! Sometimes best to ring them.

ShadowHearth

Max Power1 wrote: »

Was that the online system?

It just seems to be random. I love the fact that they quoted me €1500 for a Jag XK8 and wont quote me on a toyota carina! Sometimes best to ring them.

I wouldn't see anything wrong with that. Xk8 wouldn't be very popular with young drivers. Not many of them on the road, and not many accsidents. So insurance are cheap as hell on them. Same thing with 740 4.4 v8, I got a qoute on it for less then 1k eu, I was paying 1.3k for 1.8 Mazda mx5...

At one stage in Ireland, you couldn't even insure convertable... ( I was told )

let's wait for op to be back now and see what he will say about that Audi. Somehow I have a feeling he will come back empty handed.

jaffa20

Ok guys, so went to the the audi earlier and was dissapointed. It was smokey, rattely engine. Seats were stained from obvious previous roof leak so had to leave. Guy selling it was even offering 3 month warranty but even with that, i wasn't impressed as engine kept cutting out and could see the money pit before.

So, i went researching mx5 and came across this.

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201020198092979

Took it for a short test drive today and was lovely. Thought i wouldn't fit in it at all but was lovely ride. I don't really care about the stereotype because i think it a lovely car for the price being asked.

What do you think? Tempted just to go for it and sell the audi a3 privately. Insurance is only 40 quid extra so that's a bonus but they won't cover any damage to the hood.

Michael 09

Looks nice... would be fantastic if we get some nice weather back...

Pity about being disappointed with the Audi, hate when that happens

Max Power1

Michael 09 wrote: »

Pity about being disappointed with the Audi, hate when that happens

+1 that could have been a great buy if it was well maintained by the prev owner

ShadowHearth

jaffa20 wrote: »

Ok guys, so went to the the audi earlier and was dissapointed. It was smokey, rattely engine. Seats were stained from obvious previous roof leak so had to leave. Guy selling it was even offering 3 month warranty but even with that, i wasn't impressed as engine kept cutting out and could see the money pit before.

So, i went researching mx5 and came across this.

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201020198092979

Took it for a short test drive today and was lovely. Thought i wouldn't fit in it at all but was lovely ride. I don't really care about the stereotype because i think it a lovely car for the price being asked.

What do you think? Tempted just to go for it and sell the audi a3 privately. Insurance is only 40 quid extra so that's a bonus but they won't cover any damage to the hood.

deep inside i knew it m8, but hey. you need to get it checked yourself

that mx5 is really nice m8. its 5.5k thought... For 5,5k you can find one with leather seats and all the bits m8. Dont be too hasty. Maybe even lovely one with racing green paintjob and tan leather interior!

I am a huge bastord aswell m8, but i didnt found problems with mx5 size m8. Its even more annoying to geting into skyline then mx5... dont ask me why... i dont get it myself

jaffa20

Max Power1 wrote: »

Was that the online system?

It just seems to be random. I love the fact that they quoted me €1500 for a Jag XK8 and wont quote me on a toyota carina! Sometimes best to ring them.

Yeah, that was the online system. Was quoted 1,600 on an rx8 with 4,000euro excess. I lol'd when they wouldn't cover me on an mx5 or audi cabriolet with the online system.

It's a shame the audi was a let down but i do like the look of this mx5 and i think it's priced well at 5,500euro.

Gonna take it for another test drive tomorrow and put a deposit down if i'm happy. Good to leave it a day and not rush into anything.

Must get the A3 sorted for selling now.

ShadowHearth

i came across this aswell in mx5ireland club

http://srigley.powweb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3418&sid=3a80706bc4609ef36bebf0404b76eec8

the fella who sells it is really sound, he sells, repairs mx5. Gets parts etc. supercharging aswell. that one is really with nice spec, thought dont know how much vrt will be...

Max Power1

Grand, I hope the MX5 works out better than the audi for you. Im not a fan of mazda's, but have heard nothing but postives re the mx5. Good Luck!

ShadowHearth

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1318737

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/MX-5/1.8-V-SP/200840190225174/advert?channel=CARS


Actually they went up in price... and dont even have idea why... Sure its summer but hmmm.....

I think i got lucky with my "10th anniversery edtion" last year :cool:

jaffa20

ShadowHearth wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1318737

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/MX-5/1.8-V-SP/200840190225174/advert?channel=CARS


Actually they went up in price... and dont even have idea why... Sure its summer but hmmm.....

I think i got lucky with my "10th anniversery edtion" last year :cool:

Both really nice too. Love the mx5 in black but they navy blue one today was nice too. Shame it had no leather though. Maybe i could have them fitted at some stage if i find any for sale.

Tbh, the one i saw today was in really good shape. Suprised it was priced so lowly considering the mileage and had new nct. Guys selling it seemed sound too. Don't know if i could afford the insurance on a 1.8. I'd be happy enough enough with the 1.6 as it's nippy enough. Moreso than the a3 in any case.:)

ShadowHearth

jaffa20 wrote: »

Both really nice too. Love the mx5 in black but they navy blue one today was nice too. Shame it had no leather though. Maybe i could have them fitted at some stage if i find any for sale.

Tbh, the one i saw today was in really good shape. Suprised it was priced so lowly considering the mileage and had new nct. Guys selling it seemed sound too. Don't know if i could afford the insurance on a 1.8. I'd be happy enough enough with the 1.6 as it's nippy enough. Moreso than the a3 in any case.:)

wount be much difference m8. there is a hude debate on 1.6 or 1.8... some say its easyer to turbo a 1.6 and that its higher reving engine, but ather love that extra power from factory of 1.8...

As long as you happy bud
. just take your time, dont rush.

voteforpedro

jaffa20 wrote: »

http://www.templeoguecarsales.ie/viewanad.php?ad_id=544254

NCT expiry next month is a worry but i like it. Love the old audis. Currently have an A3 01 1.6 so i'm downgrading but don't mind as like the look of this car.

Probably going to view it next week. Any opinions or problems i should be thinking about? Thanks

my cousin is selling her 00 one atm. very similar to the above if your interested pm me

jaffa20

So, i'm the proud owner of an MX-5 now Parted with 5,500euro today for it and i'm still on a high after driving it. Handling is lovely and had the hood down all day. I may have looked like a twat but i didn't care cos i was loving it.

Of to get a blond wig and a pair of sissors now:D

...

Of topic, what do you think i should be lucky to get for my audi a3. See below link. Have an offer of 3,100. Kind of disapointing but i want to get rid asap.

dr.fuzzenstein

ShadowHearth wrote: »

wount be much difference m8. there is a hude debate on 1.6 or 1.8... some say its easyer to turbo a 1.6 and that its higher reving engine, but ather love that extra power from factory of 1.8...

As long as you happy bud
. just take your time, dont rush.

Well, the 1.8 had it's stroke lengthened, not sure about bore.
Subsequently it's a bit lazier.
The 1.6 engine is really nice, DOHC, 16 valve, fuel injected, electronic ignition pack and a complete doddle to work on, I do all my own servicing, but the rear brake pads are a 2 man job.
One thing about the MX5:
If you detect a misfire after starting the car up, driving it for at least 10 minutes, leaving it stand and re-starting it:
Change the ignition pack!
They tend to go at 60k miles, if you leave it for any length of time the unburned fuel will destroy the catalytic converter and you're looking at a hell of a bill.
It also has a problem with low idle when warm (not to be confused with the above) and that is a quick and easy adjustment.
Other than that it's great and even I (6ft3) have enough room in it.
And there's only one website for parts:
http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/
and there's tons and tons of MX5 enthusiasts websites out there, here's two:
http://www.miata.com/
and
http://www.mx5ireland.com/forum/index.php
Also, consider the winter, get a hardtop. Don't have one meself (saving for one), but I'mm keeping the baby in the garage. I cou;d never understand how the Irish keep a couple of hundreds worth of rubbish in their gagarge while a couple of grands worth of car rots in the drive.
But no worries, MX5's hardly rust and the roof is waterproof, just make sure the drainage channels are clear.:D

jaffa20

Cool, thanks for the info dr.fuzzenstein. Lots of advise to work off there.:)